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Exactly How Much Pot Is in That Brownie?

Ryan Kang
/
AP photo

HPPR listeners in eastern Colorado have probably noticed the explosion in popularity of pot-infused edibles. Marijuana-laced gummy bears, brownies, lollipops and pastries are all the rage in the Centennial State. But npr.org recently asked a burning question: Just how potent are these ganja-laced goodies? The answer? No one really knows. Studies have found some edible marijuana products to contain lower THC amounts than advertised. While other studies have found some of these treats are actually more potent than their labels say.

Last week scientists presented a new way to test these pot edibles. They freeze-dry the product with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, then mix it with diatomaceous earth and pulverize it all together in a high-tech blender.

This helps to separate the ingredients, and prevents sticky substances like gummy worms from gumming up the high-tech lab equipment.