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In the past years, being in the cannabis packaging industry, we’ve seen more changes for marijuana packaging requirements in different states in the US and Canada.
This post is intended to list some “Universal symbols” applied in the packaging, which most cannabis brands should consider when designing their packaging.
These symbols ensure that customers are informed about what they are purchasing and helps to prevent unintended use.
We will list the existing cannabis “universal symbol” in this post and the universal symbol download link. Also, some required statements need to apply to the packaging.
All the information in this post is general information only, not constitute legal advice. The information provided below would be subject to change if there is any update.
Now let’s dive right in.
1 Alaska
The following statements should be applied on your packaging:
(A) “Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive;”
(B) “Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence;”
(C) “There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana”
(D) “For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children;” and
(E) “Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding;”
2 Arizona
The following statement should be applied on your packaging:
“ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES’ WARNING:
Marijuana use can be addictive and can impair an individual’s ability to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
Marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and can lead to an increased risk for cancer, tachycardia, hypertension, heart attack, and lung infection. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”;
– Arizona Medical Marijuana Compliant
– Arizona State Compliance Label
3 California
Universal Symbol:
California Cannabis Universal Symbol
(The symbol must be black and no smaller than 0.5” x 0.5”)
California Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://cannabis.ca.gov/general-resources
Each of the following statements should be applied to your packaging:
(A) “SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.”
(B) “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS” in bold print.
(C) “FOR MEDICAL USE ONLY.”
(D) “IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING, CONSULT A PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO USE.”
(E) “THE INTOXICATING EFFECTS OF THIS PRODUCT MAY BE DELAYED BY UP TO TWO HOURS.”
(F) “THIS PRODUCT MAY IMPAIR THE ABILITY TO DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY, PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION.”
4 Colorado
Universal Symbol:
Colorado Cannabis Universal Symbol
(The Universal Symbol must be at least 1/2” x 1/2” on the packaging/labeling)
Colorado Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
For Medical Marijuana Infused-Product by a Medical Marijuana-Infused Products Manufacturer
The following statement should be applied on your packaging:
“There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product.”
“This product contains marijuana and its potency was tested with an allowable plus or minus 15% variance pursuant to 12-43.3- 202(2.5)(a)(I)(E), C.R.S.” iii. “This product was produced without regulatory oversight for health, safety, or efficacy.”
“There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of this product for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.”
5 Maryland
The clear warning should be applied on your packaging:
(a) The contents may be lawfully consumed only by a qualifying patient named on an attached label;
(b) It is illegal for any person to possess or consume the contents of the package other than the qualifying patient; and
(c) It is illegal to transfer the package or contents to any person other than a transfer by a caregiver to a qualifying patient;
6 Maine & Massachusetts
Universal Symbol:
Cannabis Universal Symbol Of Maine & Massachusettes
(The symbol must appear on the front or most predominantly displayed area of the marketing layer. It may appear no smaller than half an inch by half an inch.)
Maine’s Optional “Not Safe For Kids” Icon/Label.
Massachusetts Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/resources/universal-symbol
This statement should be applied on your packaging, including capitalization:
“This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks.
Do not drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product.
KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”
7 Michigan
Universal Symbol:
Michigan Cannabis Universal Symbol
Quick Fact:
Most of the United States spells marijuana. But if you live in the state of Michigan, you may have noticed some official documents spelling it like “marihuana.”
When Michigan began passing laws related to cannabis, they continued using the “marihuana” spelling since it was technically the official spelling used by the United States government.
And since every previous marijuana law used the “h” spelling, the state simply continued to do so as well.
While official documents and licenses contain the “H” spelling, cannabis businesses aren’t required to do so and are free to use both.
Univeral Symbol Download Link:
https://www.michigan.gov/mra/0,9306,7-386-82631-485382–,00.html
8 Minnesota
A notice with the statement, including capitalization:
“This product has not been analyzed or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when under the influence of this product.
KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.”;
and a notice with the statement: “This medical cannabis is for therapeutic use only. Diversion of this product is unlawful and may result in the revocation of the patient’s registration.”
9 Nevada
Universal Symbol:
Nevada Weed Universal Symbol
Nevada Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://ccb.nv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Nevada-Universal-Cannabis-Symbol.pdf
– General:
Contains the following warnings:
(a) “Warning: This product may have intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health.”
(b) “There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.”
(c) “Should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.”
(d) “For use only by the person named on the label of the dispensed product. Keep out of the reach of children.”
(e) “Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.”
– Labeling requirements for usable marijuana sold at retail; accompanying materials
A warning that states: “This product may have intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.”
The statement: “This product may be unlawful outside of the State of Nevada.”
– Labeling requirements for edible marijuana products or marijuana-infused products sold at retail; accompanying materials.
A warning that states: “Caution: When eaten or swallowed, the intoxicating effects of this drug may be delayed by 2 or more hours.”
A warning that states: “This product may have intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.”
A statement that: “This product may be unlawful outside of the State of Nevada.”
– Medical Marijuana Dispensary
(a) “There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.”
(b) “This product contains or is infused with marijuana or active compounds of marijuana.”
(c) “Should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.”
(d) “For use only by the person named on the label of the dispensed product. Keep out of the reach of children.”
(e) “Products containing marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.”
(f) “Caution: When eaten or swallowed, the intoxicating effects of this drug may be delayed by 2 or more hours.”
10 New Jersey
Contain the following statement prominently displayed, and in boldface type:
“This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
11 New York
Language stating:
(i) “Medical marihuana products must be kept in the original container in which they were dispensed and removed from the original container only when ready for use by the certified patient”;
(ii) “Keep secured at all times”;
(iii) “May not be resold or transferred to another person”;
(iv) “This product might impair the ability to drive”;
(v) “KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN (unless medical marihuana product is being given to the child under a practitioner’s care”); and
(vi) “This product is for medicinal use only. Women should not consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding except on the advice of the certifying practitioner, and in the case of breastfeeding mothers, including the infant’s pediatrician.”
12 Oklahoma
Oklahoma Uniform Symbol:
Oklahoma Cannabis Universal Symbol
(The universal symbol must be printed no smaller than ½ inch x ½ inch (recommended .6” x 0.85”) in size and be red in color with black text.)
DO NOT change the color, font or language of the symbol. RED COLOR: CMYK – 0/100/85/6 | RGB – 223/24/49
The texts “CONTAINS THC NOT SAFE FOR KIDS OR PETS” should be in black, not any other colors.
The whole symbol should be with a white background.
Oklahoma Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/omma/docs/19385omma_-_labeling_and_packaging_guidelines_0.pdf
The following government warning statements for labeling and packaging:
(i)“This product has been tested for contaminants.”
(ii)“Women should not use marijuana or medical marijuana products during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.”
(iii) “Keep out of reach of children.”
13 Oregon
Universal Symbol:
Oregon Cannabis Universal Symbol
(The symbol must be at least . 48 inches wide by . 35 inches high.)
Oregon Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/marijuana/pages/symbol.aspx
For usable marijuana for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
For usable marijuana for use by a patient, warnings that state:
(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
For cannabinoid topicals for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “DO NOT EAT” in bold, capital letters.(16) For cannabinoid topicals for use by a patient, warnings that state:(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “DO NOT EAT” in bold, capital letters.
For cannabinoid edibles for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
(c) “BE CAUTIOUS” in bold, capital letters, followed by “Cannabinoid edibles can take up to 2 hours or more to take effect.”
For cannabinoid edibles for use by a patient warnings that state:
(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
(c) “BE CAUTIOUS” in bold, capital letters, followed by “Cannabinoid edibles can take up to 2 hours or more to take effect.”
For cannabinoid concentrates and extracts for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
(c) “DO NOT EAT” in bold, capital letters.
For cannabinoid concentrates and extracts for use by a patient, warnings that state:
(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
(c) “DO NOT EAT” in bold, capital letters.
For cannabinoid tinctures for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
For cannabinoid tinctures for use by a patient, warnings that state:
(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
For cannabinoid products for sale to a consumer, warnings that state:
(a) “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
For cannabinoid products for use by a patient, warnings that state:
(a) “For use by OMMP patients only. Keep out of reach of children.”
(b) “It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.”
14 Washington
Universal Symbol:
Washington Cannabis Universal Symbol
Washington Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
https://lcb.wa.gov/laws/labeling-resources
Containing the following warnings:
(a) “Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health”;
(b) “There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product”;
(c) “Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding”;
(d) “For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children”;
(e) “Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug”;
15 Canada
Universal Symbol:
Cannada Cannabis Universal Symbol For Packaging
Canada Cannabis Symbol Download Link:
Resources: Leafly.com Marijuana Authority Websites of different states
