Cannabis, in all of its forms, is a narcotic and hence a toxic risk for youngsters. Cannabis edibles available in cannabis stores, which are meals, sweets, or chocolate that have been infused with cannabis oil, have become a popular alternative to smoking cannabis in Canada, and they may pose an even larger danger. These commercially accessible sweets are frequently packed in bright, colourful wrappers that resemble any other candy or food packaging to a youngster. If a kid finds such a package, they may mistake it for regular sweets or chocolate. If they consume it, they may experience sleepiness, difficulty breathing, motor impairment, tremors, an increased heart rate, sadness, and anxiety. Children must be treated in intensive care units in some situations. To avoid all of this from happening, Canada has set rules upon the packaging of cannabis to make it more child friendly. Here, down below, are some details about this situation.

History of Cannabis Regulations

On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act and its accompanying regulations went into effect. The updated Cannabis Regulations went into effect on October 17, 2019, establishing a legal framework for edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and cannabis topicals. These rules are still in power today, as they do serve various purposes. Several Cannabis Regulations modifications and amendments were made in 2022, including SOR/2022-145, SOR/2022-169, and SOR/2022-197. Although they have no direct impact on labelling, you should be aware of them as a producer or consumer, whichever one you are. Health Canada proposes additional adjustments to the Cannabis Regulations, the Industrial Hemp Regulations, and the Cannabis Tracking System Order in the Forward Regulatory Plan: 2022-2024.

Packaging Rules and Concerns

To assist suppliers and consumers in better understanding and adhering to Cannabis Packaging Regulations, Health Canada has prepared a Packaging and labelling guidance for cannabis products. Cannabis Packaging Regulations require that all cannabis products be sold in tamper-proof and child-resistant packaging. Graphics, colour, and other visual features are restricted to make cannabis less appealing or alluring to young people. This was one of the government’s most often stated key health and safety goals. In addition to the cannabis emblem, specific information on the obligatory warning and potency must be clearly written.

As previously stated, each package must include a standardised cannabis emblem that alerts the user that the items contained in the package are indeed cannabis infused substances. This is a commonly known fact amongst the cannabis community, but what exactly is this symbol and what does it look like? To answer this question, it’s a stop sign with a cannabis leaf and the initials “THC” on it. It is important to note that this symbol is required on all cannabis packaging. “Keep out of reach of children,” “Do not use if pregnant or nursing,” and “Cannabis smoking is dangerous” will also be included on the box, as these are important warnings that must be stated for any user

Each packaging should include one of the six authorised and suggested health warnings (provided by the government of Canada) in a prominent location. These warnings must have a yellow background. “Regular cannabis usage can increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia,” “Cannabis can be addictive,” and “Adolescents are at high risk of cannabis hazards” are a few examples of the mandatory warnings that should be on any cannabis packaging.

Aside from the brand name, producers may include one extra marketing or branding feature. However, even this concession is subject to conditions. If the manufacturer chooses to use a logo, it must be no larger than the typical cannabis sign. When using a slogan, the wording cannot be larger than the health warning warnings. It should also only be one colour. Metallic or fluorescent colours, as well as glossy embossing, texture, coatings, foil, peel-away labels, cut-outs, and packaging inserts, are not permitted. A series of Cannabis Regulations annexes supply all the specifics, such as the minimum size of the standardised logos, positioning of the relevant information, and a list of health warnings, to the manufacturers.

Medical Marijuana Packaging

In general, medical marijuana is packed flat, with broad layers that provide manufacturers greater area to include information about dose and ingredients, in addition to the mandatory texts regarding caution and cautions. Following these guidelines not only earns a company a reputation for being honest and open, but it also protects your customers from experiencing any negative effects of marijuana after consumption. Medical marijuana must be packaged in a childproof manner, as well. It should be tough for children to open while being simple for adults to operate.

Is Marijuana Packaging Safe?

To answer this frequently asked question, the packaging of marijuana is bound to be safe because of all the regulations the government has set upon this aspect of this industry. Not only have the regulations made the packaging of marijuana more distinct with the various warnings and symbols, they have also made the packaging less eye-catching for children with the use of many design restrictions. With that being said, as a consumer, you must still be careful with where you store this drug. You must approach this with caution and place your marijuana in a spot that is out of reach of those who should not take it, especially children.

The legalisation of cannabis has made the drug more accessible to everyone, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, those who are not of legal age should not be intaking this kind of substance, especially children. The government of Canada has taken this into account and enforced various regulations on suppliers that make the packaging of this drug more child-friendly. These regulations include standardised symbols, mandatory warning statements and restrictions on the labelling, design and branding of the packaging itself. By placing these rules upon suppliers and their business, the packaging of marijuana has become more safe for not only children, but for everyone.