Edibles sold through Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) licensed dispensaries can now contain packages up to 100 milligrams of THC and 10 milligrams of THC per serving, commission officials recently announced. The previous limits were 50 milligrams and 5 milligrams, respectively.

The increased amounts means that consumers need to know their limits, OLCC advised in a news release.

“Cannabis consumers in Oregon shopping for THC-infused edibles will soon find some products available for purchase that are more potent than previously allowed,” the release states. “Consumers should take notice of the increased amount of THC per serving in these products so they can choose a product that gives them a desired effect without unwanted side effects.”

The change aligns more closely with potency allowances in most other states where commercial sales of adult-use cannabis products are legal. Under the OLCC rules, edibles containing lower THC amounts remain available by licensed retailers.

In an effort to promote consumer safety, solid edibles that exceed 55 milligrams of THC in the package must now be scored to help determine serving sizes, such as a chocolate bar having 10 notched squares.

To date, OLCC officials have approved labels for 30 products containing 100-milligram edibles, including chocolate bars, cookies, cereal bars and gummies.

“With increased THC potency comes an increased effect from using these products so consumers should be more aware of potential side effects, especially in the event of overconsumption,” the OLCC release states. “Since THC products became more readily available in Oregon, calls to the Oregon Poison Control (OPC) have increased.”

In 2019, 34% of the 386 calls to OPC pertaining to cannabis exposure were due to edible consumption. More than half of the calls related to those under the age of 21 were also due to edible consumption, according to OLCC.