What You Need To Know About Cannabis Labelling and Packaging

There are a lot of regulations, guidelines and policies in place when it comes to cannabis labelling and packaging — and rightly so. We need them to make sure we are doing the right thing when it comes to being safe with our cannabis products, for example, edibles. Now, edibles across the country are regulated for their shape, size, colour, contents, labelling, and child-proof packages. Requirements vary by your location, but the most important cannabis packaging and labelling rules are to include details on the contents, risks, and package products in tamperproof and child-resistant packaging. Purchasing cannabis isn’t like going out and buying a pair of shoes. There is much to know when it comes to your health and risk factors. Here are some other resources to consider when it comes to packaging and labelling you might want to know.

Label Requirments

When it comes to looking at the labelling and packaging of your cannabis products, there should be a brand logo that will inform the customers about the company, and the statement of identity will tell them about the product they are purchasing. The label should clearly mention that the product within the packaging is a cannabis product and establish its identity whether it’s CBD oil, cannabis-infused cream, gummies, or anything else.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

Weight and Contents

It’s important to note the contents of your products by looking at the front of them. It should display the net weight of the product. The label must also mention the quantity of pharmacologically active ingredients in milligrams per serving per package. The net weight should be displayed on the lower 30% of the front panel, parallel to the package’s base.

Ingredients and Important Dates

If you are purchasing an ingestible or topical product, be sure to check for the complete ingredient list on the cannabis label or displayed on the packaging. The order of the ingredients will go from heaviest to lightest. Ensure that they are listed using their common name. Cannabis products specifically need to have a terpenes profile and a list of pharmacologically active ingredients like THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA on the label.

Manufacturing date, expiration date, best by date, date of cultivation, and other dates that might apply to your cannabis product should be printed on the products and it is a good idea to look them over if you are not familiar with the product.

Warnings and Disclaimers

Any warnings or disclaimers on a product do vary by where you are living, but for the most part, these are the kind of labels you should look out for:

  • This product is a Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • For Medical Use Only or for use only by a qualifying patient
  • Marijuana has an intoxicating effect and is addictive
  • Using cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be harmful
  • Keep product out of reach of children and pets
Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

Fake Labelling and Copycat Labels

All cannabis products are required to display the cannabinoid content on the label. A batch code or lot number should be located next to the THC or CBD content. Fake cannabis labels often don’t contain this information.

Copycat packaging that capitalizes off the brand recognition of similar non-cannabis products, often including blatant copyright/trademark infringement. This problem is especially concerning because it may increase the risk for accidental consumption, especially by children.

  • Sour Patch Kids – Stoner Patch Dummies
  • Starburst – Cannaburst
  • KitKat- Keefkat

These are three examples of products that are closely similar and by creatively playing on the product names it allows cannabis to resemble similar candy products, which even remotely similar is a hazard.

Child Safety

Loose cannabis flower is often packaged in plastic containers with childproof lids. These are hard to open without applying significant force. Some products are simply packaged in cardboard boxes yet have plastic inserts inside that are significantly difficult to open. Every product should be packaged safely to keep it fresh while also making it too difficult for children to access. Again, for your safety, your packaging must also be tamper-proof.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

Various legal requirements come with selling cannabis. Not only do you need to be cautious with your purchases you should also make sure you keep up with cannabis labelling laws and know that your products are trusted and safe to consume.

Footnote(s)