The rules and regulations for the packaging and labeling of a product become much more important when the product is under review. For example, drugs, herbs, chemicals, etc. need special approvals from regulatory bodies or the government.
Since the cannabis industry is heavily regulated, it becomes mandatory to follow the state-wise laws of packaging and labeling of Marijuana/Cannabis and its derived products, be it oil, tinctures, concentrate, creams, or even dried strains.
Label designing is an art. It sums up the whole story of a product from recipe to precautions and usage guide in a few words. This not only helps the regulatory authority to skim and clear the product from custom checks, but it also helps average buyers in stores to see whether the product is their cup of tea or not. As a result, this makes the shopping experience more stress-free.
When it comes to packaging and labeling of Cannabis products, location dictates a lot of what can be done with wrapping and tagging. The statements on each label may vary state-wise, but mostly a few key points, precautions, and regulations remain the same.
Cannabis is an unregulated yet the most thriving market. Hence, the states have made their autonomous rules and regulations for packing and labeling it. This makes it necessary for the sellers to follow the rules state-wise and set records of hassle-free trade. As a result, credibility is also established.
The packaging and labeling laws for Cannabis are beneficial for both buyers and sellers. For a seller, it is important to follow the rules to avoid any penalties upon non-compliance. Whereas, for a buyer, it is vital that they know the product in hand is coming from an authentic seller who is well aware of the repercussions of not following the regulations. This maintains the legitimacy of the product.
These are the few of many cannabis packaging and labeling factors that are considered important:
· Strain information (Indica, Sativa or Hybrid)
· Dates (cultivation, testing, expiry, etc.)
· Necessary Warnings
· Child-proof packaging
· Tamper-proof packaging
· Re-sealable packaging
· The minimum amount or net weight of the package
· The license, batch, serial number of the cultivation facility
· Chemical info (THC, CBD potency)
· Mandatory Universal logo/symbol
· Optional "Not Safe for Kids" logo
· Dimensions and color of the logo
· Other additive or contaminants info on the label
Oklahoma Cannabis packaging Laws and labeling requirements.
The Oklahoma state follows the state-wise laws and regulations for the supply of Marijuana and derived products. The packaging and labeling are done in accordance with the predefined guidelines.
The Oklahoma state's caregivers and dispensaries also make sure that the product is being dispensed to a qualifying patient only. The patients and caregivers are required to show a valid prescription from a medical practitioner who has prescribed Marijuana in any form.
Universal Symbol
A logo is not only a brand’s identity but a first impression created through visuals. It makes the package stand out and speak for it without uttering a single word.
If we talk about package identification, the icon or logo is the first indicator to separate a Cannabis package from others. In order to indicate that a package contains Marijuana, Oklahoma State's Cannabis Labeling requirements directs all the sellers to stick the universal symbol to label the packages or containers.
In Oklahoma, all packages and individually packaged product units, including but not limited to those from bulk packaging, must contain the Oklahoma Uniform Symbol (or universal symbol) in clear and plain sight. The universal symbol must be printed no smaller than ½ inch x ½ inch (recommended .06" x .085") in size and be red in color with black text.
Pixelated, distorted, and stretched logo images are strictly prohibited to use.
Oklahoma's Cannabis labeling and packaging Laws
Oklahoma is known as the wild west of weed. Low license fees, no license caps, inexpensive labor, and land costs make it easier for everyone to enter the Cannabis industry. After the 2018 farm hill, most of the people in Oklahoma possess a patient card that allows them to purchase Cannabis products.
The Cannabis labeling and packaging guidelines for Oklahoma are:
• The packaging shouldn't be made in such a way that it looks attractive to minors.
• The packaging should only depict general information like the company name and product information.
• False advertising, like medical claims and curative properties, is prohibited.
• Packages must refrain from infringing or violating any federal trademark regulation or law.
Important Information: The label must contain the following:
• Chemical profile (Terpenoid, THC, CBD potency)
• Government warning statements for labeling, such as :
o This product has been tested for contaminants.
o Keep out of reach of children.
o Women should not use marijuana or medical marijuana products during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
Child Resistant Packaging Guidelines
• The design should be difficult for children below the age of five to open.
• Keep the packaging opaque so that the product is not allowed to be seen without opening the package.
• It should be easy for normal adults to use.
Make it re-sealable to make the packages child-resistant and ideal for multiple openings if it contains multiple servings.
Marijuana Labeling Essentials
• Labels, packages, and containers shall not be attractive to minors and shall not contain any content that reasonably appears to target children, including toys, cartoon characters, and similar images. Packages should be designed to minimize appeal to children and shall not depict images other than the business name logo of the medical marijuana producer and image of the product.
• No medical marijuana or medical marijuana products shall be intentionally or knowingly packaged or labeled to cause reasonable patient confusion as to whether the medical marijuana or medical marijuana product is a trademarked product.
• Packages and labels shall not contain any false or misleading statements.
• No medical marijuana or medical marijuana products shall be packaged or labeled in a manner that violates any federal trademark law or regulation.
• Packages and labels shall not make any claims or statements that medical marijuana or medical marijuana products provide health or physical benefits to the patient.
Special Recommendations
• Display information clearly and legibly.
• Ensure all required labeling is displayed on the outer layer of packaging.
• Use English and at least 6-point font.
• Small packaging that makes it challenging to fit required information on the outer layer may use an information panel to include some of the required information. Examples include: hangtags, peel back labels, and inserts.