The latest announcement from Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) regarding the reevaluation of pot edibles has sent the industry into a panic. As early as next year, particular types of cannabis-infused confectionery products could be stripped from dispensary store shelves.  

Based on a recent report from the Seattle Times, the WSLCB publicly declared last week that it plans to “reevaluate” every single cannabis edible product. The WSLCB rule on cannabis edibles is aimed at reducing the appeal of pot products for young children.

WSLCB rule on cannabis edibles forbids products that may appeal to children

Despite the fact that recreational cannabis was legalized in Washington back in 2012, there are strict rules pertaining to products that might be “especially appealing to children.”

Spokesman Brian Smith has revealed that the board was on the receiving end of complaints as a result of the cannabis edibles reevaluation. The presentation states that “all production” of fruit chews, hard candies, colorful chocolates, jellies, tarts and “gummy type products should cease as they will not qualify.”

Any company that is currently selling these types of edible cannabis products will be permitted to keep doing so until April 3 of next year. Should the supplier run out of stock before the cut-off date, they must stop selling the cannabis edibles immediately. Producers will have an opportunity to resubmit their edibles products to the WSLCB from the first of January.

Alternative cannabis products will be reviewed individually. Meanwhile, suppliers of baked goods, tinctures and drinks won’t be affected by the WSLCB rules on cannabis edibles. Decorated cannabis edibles, such as cookies and chocolates topped with sprinkles or frosting, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Suppliers of cannabis edibles in Washington are panicked by the announcement

It goes without saying that the WSLCB new rules on cannabis edibles have sent suppliers into panic mode. A number of edibles producers and dispensary store owners got in touch with The Seattle Times in regards to the situation, which they say they were not warned about.

For example, the owner of Fremont-based weed retail store Oz, Bob Ramstad, described the circumstances as “shocking” because the agency had put a ban on products after they had formerly been approved.  

“Their interpretation of ‘exceedingly attractive to children’ is ridiculous,” he said.

Another store owner says that safety is “a number one priority.” Logan Bowers is the proud owner of Hashtag Cannabis, which boasts locations in both Fremont and Redmond. “But I’m concerned that whole categories of products are being tossed out categorically. I don’t see how a chew is inherently more enticing to a child than a cookie. Children love cookies,” Bowers added.

Although the candies included on the WSLCB new rules on cannabis comprise a small portion of the state’s overall weed market, the board says that edibles constitute nine percent of all the bud and bud-based products sold in Washington. Sure, this might seem like an insignificant fraction of the market, but they can generate a great deal of revenue for the people making and selling them.