Cannabis products must be appropriately labeled to comply with state and federal regulations. This is to ensure that consumers know what they are purchasing and help prevent illegal activity.
These products are subject to different and more stringent rules than other consumables, so companies need to be up-to-date on the latest regulations.
States where cannabis is legal have unique regulations for labeling. Companies must be aware of the specific requirements in each state where their products will be sold.
In this article, we'll outline some of the general requirements for cannabis labels and touch on state-specific requirements.
General Cannabis Label Requirements
Any cannabis company seeking to comply with state and local regulations must adhere to specific label requirements. Cannabis labels must contain the following:
- The identity of the product
- The net weight or volume of the product
- The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- A list of all ingredients in descending order of predominance
- The THC and CBD content
- Any warnings required by the state
- The universal symbol for cannabis products
In addition to these general requirements, cannabis companies must also adhere to specific packaging and labeling requirements set forth by their state. For example, some states require cannabis products to be sold in child-resistant packaging, while others may have different requirements for edibles.
When working with a cannabis label printer, it is essential to be aware of all state and local regulations to ensure compliance. Cannabis label printers should have experience printing labels for cannabis products and be familiar with all relevant laws, but you are ultimately responsible for your product labels.
Cannabis Label Requirements by State
As mentioned earlier, each state has its own regulations for cannabis labeling. Below we have outlined the specific requirements for some of the more popular states where cannabis is legal.
California
In California, all cannabis products must be labeled in accordance with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).
Some of the specific requirements for California cannabis labels include:
- All labels must be printed in English
- Labels must be printed on a white background
- The type size for all text on the label must be at least 6pt font or about 1/16 of an inch
- All required information must be listed in a horizontal format
- The label must include the statement "Warning: Contains Cannabis, Keep Out of Reach of Children and Animals."
- Edibles must be labeled with the following statement: "This product contains cannabis, it is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug."
- Cannabis products not packaged in child-resistant packaging must include the following statement: "For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children."
Colorado
In Colorado, all cannabis products must be labeled in agreement with the Colorado Retail Marijuana Code.
Some of the specific requirements for Colorado cannabis labels include:
- All labels must be printed in English
- The label must include the statement, "This product may be unlawful outside Colorado."
- Edibles must be labeled with the following statement: "This product contains cannabis, it is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug."
- Cannabis products that are not packaged in child-resistant packaging must include the following statement: "For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children."
Washington
In Washington, all cannabis products must be labeled in line with the Washington Administrative Code 314-55-155. Some of the specific requirements for Washington cannabis labels include:
- All labels must be printed in English
- Labels must be printed on a white background
- The type size for all text on the label must be at least 6pt font or 1/16 of an inch
- All required information must be listed in a horizontal format.
- The label must include the statement "Warning: This product contains cannabis, it is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug."
- Cannabis products not packaged in child-resistant packaging must include the following statement: "For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children."
These are just a few examples of the many state-specific cannabis label requirements. Cannabis companies must be sure to consult their state regulations to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Cannabis companies must be aware of a few key things to stay compliant when printing labels for cannabis products. Cannabis labels must include certain information, such as the name and address of the manufacturer, the THC content, and any health warnings required by state law.
In addition, cannabis labels must be printed on materials approved for food contact by the FDA, and they must be designed to prevent tampering or adulteration. Cannabis and label printing companies can work together to ensure that all of these requirements are met and that the labels on cannabis products are compliant with all relevant laws.
