Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) meet on Wednesday night due to concerns from Stakeholders, and the public regarding infused edible candy. In response, Staff reevaluated all approved marijuana infused candy products to ensure the products align with current and new rules prohibiting products that are especially appealing to children.
The unexpected decision dealt a major blow to the state’s infused-product businesses. Most companies were blindsided losing entire product lines in a single night, this is devastating to a small business. The new regulations take effect Jan 1st,2019 the LCB is hosting a webinar on Oct. 16th, 2018 to answer questions about the regulations. Click here to sign up for the webinar
Reevaluation Findings:
They found that they have approved some products that would meet the definition of especially appealing to children.
- Candy – hard candy ( of any style, shape or size ) and tarts.
- Fruit chews, jellies and all gummy type products.
Criteria that will be used when evaluation if a candy product is especially appealing to children:
- Appearance
- Similarity to commercially available products that are marketed towards and are especially appealing to children
- Color
Allowable infused products:
- Beverages
- Baked Goods
- Capsules
- Chips and Crackers
- Sauces and Spices
- Tinctures
Allowable infused products with limitations on appearance:
- Chocolate
- Cookies
- Caramels
- Mints
Examples of limitations:
- Chocolate in its original color and not coated, dipped, sprayed or painted with any type of color.
- Chocolate in the shape of a bar or ball. No shape or design that is especially appealing to children.
- Caramel and fruit caramels. No color, shape or design that is especially appealing to children.
- Cookies that do not contain sprinkles or frosting.
- Mints that have no color (white or white with small color fleck to represent the flavor only).
What happens to existing Products?
- All production of hard candy (of any style, shape or size), tarts, fruit chews, colorful chocolates, jellies and any gummy type products should cease as they will not qualify.
- Licensees are permitted to sell through their product(s) until existing inventory is depleted or until April 3, 2019; whichever comes first.