Edibles Under Attack

Edibles and other cannabis infused products have recently come under scrutiny on the federal level. A new bill, which recently passed in the Senate, and has moved to the House for approval takes specific aim at those who produce edibles and cannabis infused products.

The bill, named the "Saving Kids from Dangerous Drugs Act," would carry twice the criminal penalties of regular federal cannabis crimes, for those who violate it. The bottom line behind the bill is the attempted prevention of marketing Medical Marijuana edible products as candy or sweets. The bill would prevent producers from combining cannabis with a candy product such as hard candies or ice cream, and forbid any packaging materials from resembling a candy product. More broadly, the act disallows any modifications of the "controlled substance" through food coloring or flavoring.

If passed, this bill would put a serious dent in the edibles portion of the multi-billion dollar Medical Marijuana industry. Supporters of this act state that Medical Marijuana, if allowed, should be as a medication or a pain relief alternative, not as a recreational sweet. Supporters believe the promotion of Medical Marijuana as such is another example of individuals hiding behind the claim of "medical necessity."