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Packaging Regulations

The packaging requirements for marijuana in California are as follows:

  • The packaging must be child-resistant.
  • The packaging must be tamper-evident.
  • The packaging must be resealable (if more than one serving).
  • The packaging must be opaque (if an edible cannabis product).
  • The packaging must include the following information:
    • The name of the product.
    • The name of the manufacturer.
    • The amount of THC in the product.
    • The amount of CBD in the product.
    • The date the product was packaged.
    • A warning that marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive.
    • A warning that marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence.
    • A warning that there are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana.
    • A warning that marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
    • A warning that marijuana is for use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
    • The universal symbol for cannabis.

The packaging must also include a unique identifier that can be used to track the product from the point of manufacture to the point of sale.

In addition to the above requirements, there are also specific packaging requirements for edible marijuana products. Edible marijuana products must be packaged in child-resistant containers that are opaque and resealable. The containers must also be labeled with the following information:

  • The name of the product.
  • The name of the manufacturer.
  • The amount of THC in the product.
  • The amount of CBD in the product.
  • The date the product was packaged.
  • A warning that edible marijuana products may contain more THC than other forms of marijuana and that they can be more potent.
  • A warning that edible marijuana products can take up to 2 hours to take effect and that they can have long-lasting effects.
  • A warning that edible marijuana products should not be consumed by people who are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications.
  • A warning that edible marijuana products should not be consumed by people who are not familiar with the effects of marijuana.
  • A warning that edible marijuana products should be consumed slowly and in small doses.

What cannot be on a label

Consumers use the information on labels to decide what products they buy and use. That’s why it’s important that labels do not include anything that is false or misleading. Do not:

  • Use the name of a California county, unless 100% of the cannabis was grown there
  • Use designs attractive to children, including:
    • Cartoons
    • Images popularly used to advertise to children
    • Imitations of candy labeling
    • The words “candy,” “candies” or anything similar
  • Make unproven health claims
  • Use the words “organic” or “OCal” unless you are registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture or California Department of Public Health
  • Market the cannabis good as an alcoholic beverage
  • Include a picture of the product (edibles)

The labeling requirements for marijuana in California are enforced by the California Department of Public Health.


Shipping Regulations

– It’s Federally illegal to transport cannabis products across state lines, excluding hemp-derived CBD products
– Importing certain materials such as vape batteries and cartridges may be considered Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems or ENDS under the PACT ACT, and thus may be challenging to ship.
– Intra-state transportation of cannabis products requires that businesses be registered with the state.
– Cannabis must be transported only inside of a vehicle or trailer – cannot be shipped on a plane, even within the state, as federal law supersedes state law

Extra Notes

Label must read medical use only if for medical patients
– No cartoons, no resemblance to candy
– Prop 65 warning
– Must display state- Specific warning regarding dangers of smoking and consuming cannabis & cannabis products. A business wishing to provide a safe harbor warning must meet all applicable requirements of the Article 6 Clear and Reasonable Warnings regulations.
– Must have allergen warning

*This document is intended to serve as a guide and should not be construed as legal advice.


Warning Labels

Warning symbol

Warning Label

The symbol must be placed to the left of the text of the warning in a size no smaller than the height of the word “WARNING”.  If the sign, label, or shelf tag for the product is not printed using the color yellow, the symbol may be provided in black and white.  

UniversalSymbol

UniversalSymbol_ADA

The universal symbol for cannabis alerts people that the product contains cannabis. It must be on the primary panel of all cannabis goods sold in California. Do not alter the symbol, other than changing the size. It must be at least ½ inch by ½ inch in size.


Labs

Anresco Laboratories

Address:
1375 Van Dyke Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
Tel: (415) 822-1100

Harrens Lab, Inc.

Address:
3507 Breakwater Ave.
Hayward, CA 94545
Tel: (510) 887-8885

PharmLabs, LLC

Address:
3421 Hancock Street, Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92110
Tel: (619) 356-0898

Cannalysis

Address:
Santa Ana, CA
Tel: 949.329.TEST

BelCosta Labs

Address:
1131 E South St,
Long Beach, CA 90805
Tel: (562) 676-4206

SC Labs

Address:
Santa Cruz
Van Nuys
Tel: (866) 435-0709
(818) 922-2416

Encore Labs

Address:
75 N Vinedo Ave,
Pasadena, CA 91107
Tel: (626) 696-3086

Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs

Address:
8312 Miramar Mall,
San Diego, CA 92121
Tel: (858) 623-2740

Landau Labs

Address:
68031 Ramon Rd unit 104-105,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Tel: (213) 275-1929