Since recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado on Jan.1, the demand for food items infused with marijuana's THC chemical known as edibles has skyrocketed, the USA Today reported.
Until now, pot brownies were the most common form of edibles, but now, candies, cookies, chocolate, granola bars and even spaghetti sauce are being infused with THC and customers are buying it all up, according to USA Today.
Retailers are practically spraying and infusing every type of edible possible with pot, and marijuana extracts are also being sold so customers can add their own while cooking, USA Today reported.
"You name it, it's being made," Julie Postlethwait of Colorado's Division of Marijuana Enforcement, said, according to USA Today.
Some retailers have seen a 40 percent increase in sales and say it may be linked to anti-smoking campaigns. First timers who want to experience the high marijuana gives but may not want to smoke it turn to edibles instead, USA Today reported.
"The smell is a big one," Coit Stevenson, 28, of Denver, who prefers smoking pot but says he enjoys the edibles, USA Today reported. Stevenson added edibles are great option for first-time users.
Dixie Elixirs and Edibles, a Denver-based company specializing in weed-infused edibles, said their sales jumped from 10 percent to 50 since Jan. 1, according to USA Today.
Joe Hodas, the company's chief marketing officer said business has grown so quickly they are moving into a 27,000-square-foot factory and warehouse to meet demand, USA Today reported. Hodas company makes THC infused mints, candies and even marijuana-infused sodas.
"People want an alternative to smoking," Hodas added, "While one person enjoys a soda, another might enjoy chocolates."
