Regulatory Laws Regarding Cannabis Packaging
There are various laws available in the United States to regulate the packaging of cannabis. As such, packaging cannabis requires a proper understanding of the laws and regulations in each state.
The purpose of these laws is to protect the public from any form of harm. Going against these laws can attract some penalties ranging from the payment of fines to the revocation of a business license.
This article will discuss the regulatory laws guiding the custom cannabis packaging. It will cover the various reasons for these regulations.
Common Regulatory Laws on Cannabis Packaging in Different States
Most of the states that approve the use of cannabis for recreational purposes have various laws regarding cannabis packaging. The laws in these states share some similarities concerning the following:
#1. Packaging Design
Some states in the US require that a plain design be used for custom cannabis packaging. These states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Plainness in this context refers to the use of a single color in designing the product’s container.
Also, these states do not allow elaborate designs or the use of bright colors. An elaborate design could be a hidden feature, stamp-like graphics, or any kind of print apart from the approved label.
#2. Safety for Children
Most of the laws regarding cannabis packaging emphasize the safety of children. These regulatory laws make it clear that the custom cannabis packaging must be child resistant.
This means that if a child comes in contact with the product, opening the package should prove difficult. In many cases using a lid that is difficult to pry off is an effective means of ensuring that the packaging is child resistant.
#3. Appeal to Children
In many states, it is against the law to design a package for cannabis in a manner that appeals to children. This has to do with the inclusion of images portraying cartoon characters, toys, or any other visuals that are associated with children. Essentially, this helps manage their level of curiosity whenever they come across a cannabis package.
#4. Similarity to the Packaging for Food Items
According to the regulations in various states, it is illegal for cannabis to be packaged in such a way that it shares semblance with food items. Examples of these food items are snacks, candy, and beverages. This regulation prevents cases where an individual ingests cannabis without their knowledge.
#5. List of All Ingredients
Different legislations require that the list of all the ingredients in a cannabis product be present on its container or package. Furthermore, they recommend that the list be in bold format. The sole purpose of this law is to protect individuals who might be allergic to certain substances.
#6. Warnings
Several warnings should be on a custom cannabis packaging. Typically, the warning informs users regarding the content of the product. Also, this is to provide awareness concerning the individuals who can use the drug.
For example, people under the age of 21, including pregnant women are not allowed to use cannabis. Also, cannabis meant for vaping or smoking should specify the effect on health.
Additionally, if it is in the form of edible there should be a notice informing users that there could be a delayed effect of the product.
#7. Evidence of Tampering
In several states a custom cannabis packaging should be tamper evident. This means that a custom cannabis packaging should be designed in such a way that buyers can detect if anybody has tampered with the product. Making the product tamper evident could mean putting a plastic seal across the lid which comes off permanently once a person opens the jar or vial.
#8. Level of Cannabidiol (CBD) or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Present
Regulatory laws stipulate that the packaging of a cannabis product should display the level of CBD or THC present. This information can help users to understand how influenced they could be after taking the drug.
#9. License
Before an individual or an organization engage in the act of cannabis packaging, they would have to get a license from the appropriate quarters. Failure to do this can attract some penalties. Being eligible for this license requires that an individual or organization meet some demands. For instance, they will have to show that their packaging system is child-resistant and tamper-evident.
Reason for Regulatory Laws on the Cannabis Packaging
There are different reasons for the regulations regarding cannabis packaging. Some of them are:
- Protection of children from curiously getting their hands on a cannabis product.
- Prevention of ingestion by mistake.
- Reducing the rate of allergic reactions.
- Awareness of how much intoxication can occur from the use of a product.
- Eliminating cases of poisoning as a result of tampering.
Bottom Line
Packaging cannabis involves understanding the regulations concerning the process.
As such, it is important to hire a company that knows what it takes to package your product without going against any regulation.