Pot Industry Recommends Less THC In Edibles Than State Did

DENVER (CBS4) – There's a new campaign to try to prevent overdosing on marijuana edibles.

Earlier this year CBS4 Investigator Rick Sallinger reported on how many dispensaries suggested far greater than the recommended dosage for edibles, and now it seems the marijuana industry is doing something about it.

The state had recommended 10 milligrams of THC per dose. Now a new campaign is going with even less, especially for those new to pot edibles.

Representatives from Colorado's marijuana industry gathered on Wednesday to unveil a new campaign. It's called "First Time 5" -- as in take just 5 milligrams of THC in marijuana edibles for beginners.

"There are times when some people may use too much of an edible during their first experience," Steve Fox with the Council for Responsible Cannabis Regulation said.

For example, Levy Thamba, the Wyoming college student who ate a marijuana cookie and then jumped off a hotel balcony to his death.

Many marijuana edibles were sold in 100 mg packages. CBS4 found so-called "budtenders" recommending sizeable amounts.

"For me, personally, like, to feel like pretty high, like 50 (milligrams)," one budtender said.

Now edibles are coming in smaller doses. One organization is passing out cards that warn to start with one serving and then wait because it can take up 2 hours to feel the effect.

Sallinger asked why the campaigns for edible consumption didn't start much sooner?

"It's possible the wheels of cannabis move extremely slow, Rick, and certainly working alongside regulators and industry veterans and advertising agencies, these things take time," Matt Aiken with Sweet Leaf Dispensaries said.

"Obviously there were some issues that kind of pushed it along and sped up the track, but the fact is, it's here now and we are willing educate and take the steps necessary to educate our consumer," Tripp Keber with Dixie Brand Edibles said.

The goal is to get signs in as many dispensaries as possible and educate those behind the counter to recommend that amount as well.

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