What the Puck?!

Have you stopped in your local dispensary lately and noticed many of your favorite edibles have changed? Well, there is a reason for that! Starting October 1st all edibles must follow new regulations with the new universal symbol either stamped, marked, or otherwise imprinted onto the product. These regulation changes came about as a result of a few highly publicized news stories concerning unintentional over-consumption of unmarked edibles.

One of the most publicized incidents involved New York Times columnist, Maureen Dowd. Ms. Dowd was enjoying Colorful Colorado while visiting to research her upcoming article on our state’s emerging industry. She opted for a hands-on account to report about the legal cannabis scene. However, she missed out on some rather pertinent information her budtender should have shared with her during this greenhorn cannabis consumer shopping experience. Ms. Dowd expresses in her article, Don’t Harsh Our Mellow, Dude that she is not an experienced consumer and basically had a little too much of a good thing. Which we all know, isn’t a good thing at all. She is rather vague in explaining how much of the bar she chomped down, but is quite descriptive of the intense, paranoid high she experienced from overindulging in the chocolate. This article received a lot of national attention and prompted discussion on edibles and consumer safety.

It was shortly after the New York Times article that some other news stories became prominent in the media.  Catalyst discussions emerged after there was a reported increase in children being hospitalized after getting ahold of their parents’ edible stash. The Marijuana Enforcement Division worked to draft up new regulations aimed to address this pressing issue of consumer safety. Fast forwarding through the timely process of drafting and implementing regulation on this constantly evolving industry, October 1 is fast approaching. These updates have been making waves to say the least.

Practically every edible company in the state has been preparing for this regulatory change, many companies spending thousands of dollars to meet the new compliance standards. It has proved to be an easier transition for some companies and products, and not so much for other. Some companies have been forced to eliminate their best selling products because there is no way to meet these new standards. It is unfortunate to see some of our favorite gummies and other edibles disappear, but most of these companies are bringing new and exciting products to the scene!

An employee favorite at Smokey’s has always been the Highly Edible Gummy line by CannaPunch. Budtenders and customers alike were bummed to hear that the Cherry Watermelon Hearts weren’t available anymore. Then went the Gummy Bears, and lastly their Peach Rings and Watermelon Rings. CannaPunch recently launched their Puck Gummy Product Line!

The new line of Puck Gummies will soon have the universal symbol making it a completely compliant edible option. As a consumer, you should be seeing these in the stores very soon! Budtender feedback on this newly shaped edible gummy is that you get a lot more gummy in your dose, which makes it less tempting to overindulge. Our favorite new flavor and product recommendation for this edible is the Golden Strawberry, definitely a unique and delicious flavor!

When it comes to edibles, get educated! Each candy is a maximum of 10mg. Every edible is different, read your packaging, if you’re uncertain on dosing call the dispensary you purchased from to ask! The recommended starter dose is between 5mg-10mg. Don’t forget what we always say at Smokey’s 420 House “Start Slow and Low!” There are so many tasty edibles out there, stop in and talk to one of our budtenders to pick out the right edible for you.

For anyone curious here is the article link from the New York Times
“Don’t Harsh Our Mellow, Dude” by Maureen Dowd
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html?_r=1