California is one of the most tightly regulated legal cannabis markets in the nation. You have to align with strict guidelines laid down by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and other state agencies to ensure your products are compliant and ready for retail sale.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the major California cannabis package requirements and those for labeling and messaging. It’s your must-read piece to keep your business in line with California law.
Cannabis product classification in CA
According to the DCC, your products are either non-manufactured or manufactured, depending on how they are made and what type of ingredients they contain. Non-manufactured products are:
- Flower
- Pre-rolls without non-cannabis ingredients
- Seeds
- Plants
On the other hand, manufactured products include:
- Edibles (cookies, gummies, mints, and beverages)
- Concentrates (wax, shatter, tinctures, vape carts, and tablets)
- Topical products (creams, balms, etc.)
Each classification comes with its own set of labeling and packaging requirements.
California cannabis packaging requirements that apply to all product categories
Regardless of the specific type of your products, your packaging must be child-resistant (CR), so it is significantly difficult for children to open it. A tamper-evident feature is also a must.
Another requirement in the Golden State is that your package must be resealable if the product offers multiple servings to guarantee safety and maintain quality. If your brand is synonymous with edibles, you are also required to adopt opaque designs. Edible products should not be visible from the outside.
General labeling requirements
In California, cannabis packaging and labeling must be divided into two panels. A primary panel is the most visible part of the label (often at the front). It includes key information like the product name or identifier, net weight/volume, and the universal symbol for cannabis.
The second panel is informational. It can and should cover additional details like manufacturer information, the license number, cannabinoid content, and warnings.
All California cannabis packages must display the universal symbol, which you can download via the DCC’s website. This symbol has specific size requirements and is necessary to alert consumers that your items are made of/with cannabis. You have little wiggle room when it comes to adopting various designs of the universal symbol or changing its size.
For non-manufactured products
California cannabis package requirements for non-manufactured products encompass the mandatory information on both the primary and informational panels. The former must show the product identifier (for example, “Cannabis Flower” or “Cannabis Pre-Roll”), the net weight in both metric and US customary units, and the universal symbol. The latter must display the UID number issued by the state’s hemp tracking system, as well as the licensee’s exact name and contact information (legal name or DBA).
The informational part must also include the date of cannabis packaging in California in month/day/year format, the government warning statement, and extra details on cannabinoids. THC and CBD percentages are required, and any other cannabinoids above 5% must be listed.
For manufactured products
According to cannabis packaging requirements in California and those for labeling, you are obliged to include the product name (like “Cannabis Brownie” or “Marijuana Tincture”), the universal symbol, the net weight/volume, and the words “Cannabis-infused” for food or drink on your primary panel.
On the informational side, you are expected to state the manufacturer’s name and contact details in the same way as on the license, the UID track-and-trace number, the batch or lot number, and the date of manufacture and packaging. Add an expiration or use-by date if needed, list all ingredients, and stay crystal-clear about food allergens with a “Contains [allergen]” statement.
For edibles, you must go into detail when it comes to nutrition facts (fat, carbohydrates, sodium, and sugar per serving). Add CRV recycling info if your container falls under California’s beverage container rules. Provide any important instructions (like “KEEP REFRIGERATED”) and put “FOR MEDICAL USE ONLY” if the ingredients or compounds of your goods are beyond adult-use limits.
Every California cannabis package must include a government warning using highly visible letters and precise information on the total THC and CBD content. The total is calculated for all product servings. You must also specify it for each individual serving.
The don’ts of your labels
Avoid adding any kind of made-up or fallacious claims, unproven health benefits, and incorrect product information. It’s also prohibited to resort to marketing tricks to capture the attention of children.
Inappropriate county claims and messaging associated with “Organic” are not recommended. There are specific cases when they can be used, and you can’t take advantage of these claims for marketing purposes only. More restrictions apply to alcoholic beverage references (unless you are licensed for that) and photos of edible goods.
Proposition 65 and Assembly Bill 1894
New cannabis packaging requirements in California are still being developed and imposed to regulate the Golden State market. Proposition 65 and AB 1894 are only a few of the examples.
The former requires a warning on each cannabis product, as hemp smoke and THC are listed as reproductive toxins, and smoke has been recognized as a carcinogen since 2009. The latter adds new rules for cartridges and integrated vaporizers. Packaging and ads must clearly mention proper hazardous waste disposal, and you can’t label these products as “disposable,” “trash-ready,” or suitable for recycling.
If you have vapes that don’t comply with this new bill, update their packaging as soon as possible. For the first violation, the DCC will likely focus on educating businesses before moving to stricter action.
Steer clear of violations with MYLARMEN
Staying compliant with California’s cannabis packaging laws, from precise labeling to CR design, shows your commitment to state-wide legal practices and product quality. Follow the new guidelines under AB 1894, ensure tamper-evident packaging, and add labels that correspond to the nature of your goods.
MYLARMEN is happy to provide further guidance to help you build consumer trust and avoid costly penalties. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, our team can walk you through the regulations in CA and other states.