State Concerned Over Use Of Marijuana Edibles

DENVER (CBS4) – On Wednesday state leaders will meet to discuss how much marijuana is "too much."

Earlier this month a young man in Denver died when he jumped to his death after eating an entire marijuana cookie.

CBS4 recently found that some dispensary workers are suggesting customers use far more than the recommended serving.

When people smoke marijuana the effect can be felt immediately, but with marijuana edibles it may take much longer so people can consume too much.

Dixie Elixirs, one of the largest producers of marijuana infused products, marks its products with the amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. However the state designated serving size is in tiny print.

Joe Hodas is chief marketing officer for Dixie and says they are trying to get word to their sellers and users about the appropriate levels to use.

"Our responsibly for educating our consumers, educating budtenders, making sure we are involved in the safety regulation of the industry. That never ends," said Hodas.

Ten milligrams of THC is what the state says a single serving of an edible should contain. However when CBS4 visited dispensaries with a hidden camera recently, those behind the counter frequently suggested taking much more.

At one dispensary when purchasing a 100 mg THC Incredible Chocolate Bar the budtender behind the counter suggested eating half of it. But Bob Eshino, one of the owners of Incredibles Chocolates, says that can be way too much.

"You don't go into a liquor store and buy a bottle of booze and come out and drink the entire bottle. That's what you do when you buy a full bar and eat a full bar," said Eschino.

He is suggesting a color coding system like ski runs. Green circles with small amounts for novices, blue for more experienced, and black diamonds for those with high tolerance.

"This is your recommended dose from the state, so start with that dose and see what it does to you," said Eschino.

At a meeting on Tuesday, marijuana edible producers had concerns that might not be workable. They will sit down with state, medical and legal representatives to discuss new regulations that are needed.

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