Massachusetts Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Laws and Requirements

The laws of packaging and labeling determine the fate of the product when it is sitting in the grocery store among so many similar products waiting for their potential buyers. The laws of packaging and labeling enable a buyer to quickly identify the product, get essential information available on the label, and decide whether it should be added to the cart or not. The more the laws are innovative, the more convenience and information is provided to the potential buyer. This makes the shopping experience more stress-free.

The booming Cannabis industry has taken full advantage of the policies of packing and labeling of Cannabis products. The laws focused on conveying essential information to the customer by printing it on the label of each derived Cannabis product.

Every state has its autonomous Cannabis laws and regulations, from harvesting to selling Cannabis-based products and even transporting the Cannabis products across the state lines. With that said, an important factor cannot be missed, i.e., knowing the universal Cannabis packaging and labeling laws.

Yes, it’s true! The slightest negligence or non-compliance to Cannabis packaging Laws and labeling requirements can land the seller into great trouble. And in this particular case, trouble means license cancellation, a hefty fine, or even jail.

How do I know if the cannabis products in my state are following all the packaging regulations?

 The Cannabis packaging and labeling laws are important for both buyers and sellers. For a seller, it is important to follow the state-wise Cannabis packaging and labeling laws in order to avoid any legal punishments upon non-compliance. Whereas, for a buyer, it is important 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.

Unfortunately, Cannabis is still illegal federally. So unless you live in a state where Cannabis programs are legal, growing Cannabis and selling the derived products could mean jail. This interprets that Cannabis selling is still a critical matter because it contains psychoactive components, and this is why each state has made its own laws regarding Cannabis products.

Although there are some universal regulations related to Cannabis and its derived products that each state follows, we will shed some light on both the unique and common state-wise Cannabis packaging and labeling laws. However, the main purpose of this article is to educate people about Massachusetts Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Laws and Requirements.

These are the following crucial factors around which State-by-state guidelines on cannabis and cannabis products mainly revolves and may vary:

• The minimum amount or net weight of the package
• The license, batch, serial number of the cultivation facility
• Chemical info (THC, CBD potency)
• Strain info (Indica, Sativa or Hybrid)
• Dates (cultivation, testing, expiry etc.)
• Necessary Warnings
• Child-proof packaging
• Tamper-proof packaging
• Re-sealable packaging
• Mandatory Universal logo/symbol
• Optional “Not Safe for Kids” logo
• Dimensions and color of the logo
• Other additive or contaminants info on the label

Massachusetts Cannabis packaging Laws and labeling requirements.

The Massachusetts state follows strict compliance to the state laws and regulations for the dispensing of Marijuana and derived products. The Massachusetts state’s caregivers and dispensaries also make sure that the product is being dispensed to a qualifying patient only. In fact, not only patients but Massachusetts caregivers are also liable to display a qualifying entitlement to buy cannabis products.

Universal Symbol

If we talk about package identification, the icon or logo is the first indicator to separate a Cannabis packed package from the regular ones. In order to indicate that a consignment holds Marijuana, Massachusetts State’s Cannabis Labeling requirements directs all the sellers to follow allowed symbols to label the packages or containers. 

As per law, the container may not have any depiction of the product, cartoon characters, or images – except the establishment’s logo.

The universal symbol is mandatory to slap on each Cannabis parcel. It features a red triangle crowned over a black colored text that says ‘Contains THC,’ stamped with a black Marijuana leaf in the center. The other symbol is optional though equally important that says “Not Safe for Kids” and is enclosed in a red octagon.

The color and size of the symbol are very important to avoid confusion and reflect that full compliance is followed in labeling. When used on the marketing layer, both the universal and optional symbols/ icons must be reproduced in black and red.

• Black (CMYK color scheme): 0, 0, 0, 100
• Red (CMYK color scheme): 0, 95, 100, 0
• Red (Pantone color scheme): PMS 485

Massachusetts State’s Cannabis labeling requirements also follow a predefined size for both the logos. Both the symbols may appear no smaller than half an inch by half an inch.

Packing and labeling logo size: 0.5″ x 0.5″

Edible Marijuana Product logo size: At least 25 percent of the servings’ height and width, but not less than 0.25″ x 0.25″

It is not acceptable in Marijuana Legalization Act to use a logo that is recreated, distorted, pixelated, and stretched. In order to follow full compliance, you are also required not to change the color of the icon or use it on a dark background.

Massachusetts’ Cannabis labeling requirements

The Label – Excluding Marijuana Infused Products (MIPS)

The label affixed to the Cannabis product should be readable and almost impossible to remove. The label must also contain the information mentioned below:

• The name of the registered qualifying patient.
• The registration number and name of the registered marijuana dispensary (RMD) that has produced the product. Supplementary information like phone numbers, addresses, and the website link is also useful.
• Quantity of usable Cannabis in the package
• Packaging date
• Sequential serial number, batch number, and barcode – which can be used for identifying the batch and manufacturing
• THC level and Cannabinoid profile
• A statement that the product has been tested for contamination with no adverse findings (105 CMR 725.105(C)(2))
• Additional statement requirement:  This product has not been approved or analyzed by the FDA. Current studies have limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not operate machinery or drive when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”

The Label – Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs)

• The RMD is required to affix a label to MIPs with print size no less than 1/16 inch and the minimum requirements along with the following:
• The registered qualifying patient’s name
• The name and registration number of the RMD that produced the MIP, mailing address, website, and telephone number.
• The name of the product
• Quantity of usable Cannabis per dose in the product
• List of ingredients, including regulated THC levels
• A batch number, sequential serial number, and barcode
• Directions for use
• A statement that the product has been tested for contamination with no adverse findings (105 CMR 725.105(C)(2)) with a warning mentioning if there are nuts or other known allergens within the product
• Additional statement requirement:  This product has not been approved or analyzed by the FDA. Current studies have limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not operate machinery or drive when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”

Massachusetts’ Cannabis packaging requirements

As per law, Marijuana shall be packaged in plain, opaque, tamper-proof, and child-proof containers without depictions of the product, cartoons, or images other than the RMD’s logo. Edible Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs) shall not bear a reasonable resemblance to any product available for consumption as a commercially available candy.

Final Thoughts

Consume Marijuana responsibly and follow all the jurisdictions and laws issued by the state to avoid any unwanted circumstances while you enjoy the benefits of the MIPs products. Remember that rules are always made for our convenience, and the whole effort is destroyed if one sets a bad example.