Colorado deaths stoke worries about pot edibles

Two recent deaths have stoked concerns about Colorado’s recreational marijuana industry and the effects of pot edibles that can be exponentially more potent than a joint.

Authorities have not formally linked the shooting death of 44-year-old Kristine Kirk to consumption of marijuana candy by her husband.

However, in the case of 19-year-old Wyoming college student Levy Thamba Pongi, an autopsy report listed marijuana intoxication as a significant contributing factor in his death when he fell from a hotel balcony.

Twenty-six people have reported poisonings from marijuana edibles this year in Colorado. Six were children.

Supporters of the pot law and some experts say the issues can be largely addressed through better regulations.

The deaths occurred as Colorado lawmakers are scrambling to create safety regulations for the largely unmonitored marijuana snacks.