http://www.eptrail.com/estes-park-columnists/ci_31320267/new-rules-implemented-make-marijuana-less-appealing-children

New rules implemented to make marijuana less appealing to children

From Colorado Department of Revenue

For the Trail-Gazette

POSTED: 09/25/2017 11:18:00 AM MDT

Effective Oct. 1, Colorado will prohibit marijuana edibles in the shape of a human, animal or fruit, and will establish new potency labeling requirements.

"These regulations reflect extensive stakeholder input focused on public safety and legislative intent. Marijuana products in shape and branding should not be enticing to children and we want consumers to be educated about the potency of the products they are buying, these rules ensure that to be the case," said Mike Hartman, executive director for the Colorado Department of Revenue. "This is an important step in maximizing the State's public health and safety by keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors and raising consumer awareness."

Edibles in the shape of human, animal or fruit:

Beginning Oct. 1, edible marijuana-infused products in the shape of a human, animal or fruit are strictly prohibited, including shapes that resemble or contain characteristics of a realistic or fictional human, animal, or fruit, including artistic, caricature, or cartoon renderings.

• As of Oct. 1, medical marijuana centers and retail marijuana stores may only purchase or sell compliant edible products.

• Marijuana infused product manufacturers may only sell or transfer compliant edible products to other marijuana businesses or establishments as of Oct. 1.

• Edible marijuana products that are geometric shapes and simply fruit flavored are not considered fruit and are permissible.

• Any marijuana business or establishment with non-compliant edible products after Oct. 1 must follow rules for proper waste disposal procedures.

Potency labeling:

Potency for medical and retail marijuana, concentrate, and product must be labeled either in a font size that is at least two font sizes larger than the surrounding label text and also not less than 10 point font, bold, and enclosed within an outlined shape such as a circle or square; or highlighted with a bright color such as yellow.

Retail marijuana specific rules:

• As of Oct. 1, retail marijuana stores may only sell or purchase compliant marijuana, concentrate or product. Any product that was transferred to and accepted by a store prior to Oct. 1 may reflect previous potency labeling requirements.

• As of Oct. 1, marijuana infused product manufacturers and cultivations may only produce, package, label, sell or transfer compliant marijuana, concentrate or product to another marijuana business.

Medical marijuana specific rules:

• As of Oct. 1, medical marijuana centers may only sell or purchase compliant marijuana, concentrate or product. Any product that was transferred to and accepted by a center prior to Oct. 1 may reflect previous potency labeling requirements.

• Current rules require potency testing for medical marijuana flower and trim. As proficiency testing requirements for medical concentrate or medical marijuana infused products have not been established, labels do not need to reflect potency or other statements that would result in inaccurate labeling. However, if medical marijuana concentrate or infused products refer to potency information, relevant labeling requirements apply.

These rules were promulgated in response to statutory mandates established in the 2016 legislative session, and were introduced in 2016 rulemaking in collaboration with stakeholder working groups and the Marijuana Enforcement Division.

For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division website.