Edibles are always on hype! With an increased demand of weed infused gummies there is a constant threat of ingesting edibles accidently. Look! Packaging clearly states if a candy, gummy or chocolate is normal or edible but what about the bare confections? It places symbols for weed directly on confections.
Even adults can get puzzled to spot the difference between edibles and normal confectionaries. But hold on! There is a solution that is implemented by many states of North America.
Note: Specific molds or stamps can be used to get this job done.
So, in this blog, we are going to learn about symbols that make ordinary candies different from edibles. Ready to start your exploration of well-used symbols? Let's go!
The Purpose and First Approach to Weed Symbols
Cannabis symbols are crucial for consumer safety and legal compliance. It's a universal sign that products contain cannabis or weed extract. Indeed, it can minimize accidental ingestion by children.
Now let's see some history about the symbols and legal requirements:
History of Weed Emblems:
The very first cannabis symbol was released in October 2016 by Oregon. It was mandatory to label cannabis-infused gummy packaging. However, that wasn't enough, as bare candies always look similar.
So, in the same year, Colorado State introduced a weed symbol imprinted directly on edibles, making it more meaningful and recognizable for both children and adults.
Legal Compliance: Standardized Symbols Ensure Clarity
Many countries and states have adopted standardized cannabis symbols to comply with legal regulations.
These THC symbols typically incorporate a cannabis leaf within a triangular caution sign, creating a universal design for easy recognition across different brands and regions.
A Deep Dive Cannabis Symbols by Regions
In North America each state has its own symbols suitable for specific states. Counting on legal requirements, here are some commonly used symbols:
Alaska:
Alaska doesn't have any specific THC symbol for cannabis edibles yet. No official announcement has been made regarding warning symbols. However, Alaska might wait for a standardized symbol or prioritize warning labels over symbols.
Arkansas:
Arkansas doesn't have a single unique symbol for THC-infused edibles. However, it has regulations in place to label cannabis products. The health department requires an AMM symbol on all products that use weed in a size no shorter than 0.48 x 0.35 inches.
You can check the official website of the Health Department of Arkansas for updated information.
Canada:
Canada requires a standardized cannabis symbol to appear on the label of all cannabis products. Each product that contains THC in a concentration greater than ten micrograms per gram should have a THC logo on it.
California:
California requires all cannabis products to have a universal cannabis warning symbol.
Moreover, the government of California states that all weed-infused products in their final form must have a California weed logo. You can check the official website for updated guidelines.
Colorado:
Colorado requires all edible marijuana products to have a marijuana symbol. In California, the government has strict requirements that all edibles be appropriately labeled to avoid accidental purchases.
Delaware:
Delaware legalized recreational cannabis use for adults in April 2023. Regulations for the industry are still under development. Delaware is expected to use standardized ganja leaf symbols from Oklahoma State.
Florida:
Florida adopted the universal cannabis symbol developed by the Colorado Department of Revenue in 2016. This symbol is also used in other states, such as Colorado and Ohio.
Maine:
According to the cannabis legalization act of Manie, a warning label is mandatory on any consumable product that contains weed extracts.
This symbol is used in compliance with the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) guidelines.
Maryland:
Maryland requires a unique symbol on all packaging of medical cannabis products. It's not a simple cannabis leaf or a THC inscription. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission developed a specific symbol that incorporates multiple elements.
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts uses a shared label with Manie. This symbol was developed as a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP)
Michigan:
Michigan has a specific THC symbol required for all marijuana and cannabis plant containers, bags, or products containing THC. It features an upside-down green triangle with a stylized cannabis leaf inside.
Missouri:
Missouri has a unique symbol for weed specifically designed for medical marijuana products. It differs from some other states that use universal symbols. The emblem is mandated by Section 195.805 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo).
Montana:
Montana adopted the International Intoxicating Cannabis Products Symbol (IICPS) in January 2022 for labeling cannabis products, including edibles.
Montana regulations mandate a minimum size of 0.33 inches by 0.33 inches for the IICPS symbol and the accompanying "Marijuana" text.
New Jersey:
New Jersey also adopted the Intoxicating Cannabis Products Symbol (IICPS) but without any additional word below it.
New Mexico:
Unlike some states that use a universal symbol, New Mexico has a specific symbol developed by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
New York:
New York does not currently have a unique THC symbol designed explicitly for cannabis products. Furthermore, New York hasn't adopted a standardized symbol like some other states.
However, the current regulations require exclamation points on packaging to signify that the product contains cannabis.
Nevada:
Nevada uses a specific symbol required for all individual and single-serving edibles containing THC. It features the letters "THC" and an exclamation point inside a triangle.
Ohio:
Ohio adopted the Universal Cannabis Symbol developed by the Colorado Department of Revenue in 2016 for labeling medical marijuana products.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy adopted this symbol for weed in May 2019.
Oklahoma:
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) requires a specific warning label for all weed products, including edibles. But, it hasn't adopted any universal symbol like other states.
According to their regulations, the label must clearly state "CONTAINS THC. NOT SAFE FOR KIDS OR PETS" in black text on a red background.
Oregon:
Oregon requires a unique symbol on all cannabis product packaging sold in dispensaries or OLCC retail shops. The symbol features a stylized Oregon outline within a black border, a white exclamation point, and a cannabis leaf symbol set on a contrasting red background.
Rhode Island and Vermont:
Rhode Island and Vermont use the Massachusetts Universal Cannabis Symbol for labeling cannabis products.
Washington:
Washington State uses a unique symbol developed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The emblem is mandated by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 246-210.
A Look at the Design of Symbols for Weeds in North America
Every state has different laws and thus has different symbols. So, let's have a look at the most famous symbols and their significance:
Cannabis Leaf Symbol:
The cannabis leaf is a widely recognized symbol associated with cannabis. Including it on a label can raise awareness about the presence of cannabis in the product.
In addition to that, there are multiple variations of cannabis leaf symbols for warning labels across North America.
Medical marijuana symbol:
Most states with labeling requirements for edibles prioritize clear warning symbols that apply to all cannabis products, not just medical marijuana. You can say using symbols of boldness would be a better idea for edibles.
Symbols that Speak Volumes: Decoding Design and Regulations
There is a psychology behind symbols that edible makers and brands should know about.
So, this section will give you insights into design choices and government regulatory requirements.
Understanding the Design Language:
Simplicity attracts whether its packaging design or THC symbol, if it's simple it's going to work. So, go with a design that is popular and clearly states its purposes. Typically there are triangular warning labelings with pot symbols that are working well in serving their meanings.
Not just the packaging but these easy designs can be directly imprinted on the edibles. You can use PJ bolds silicone molds with pot leaf symbols to make these kinds of imprints on your cannabis infused gummies and confections.
Demystifying Regulatory Requirements:
As the standards are already set for safety, it is essential to use well-known THC signs that are easily recognizable by consumers. Here are some quick tips to keep your edibles up to the mark:
- Symbol Presence: Most states and Canada mandate a standardized cannabis symbol on all edibles containing THC.
- Consumer Safety Focus: The symbol's primary purpose is to warn consumers about the presence of THC and its potential psychoactive effects.
Future Trends in Cannabis Labeling
As technology and consumer preferences keep evolving, there is a high chance that we will see a drastic shift in weed symbols. Here are some quick future trends that you can consider:
- Interactive Labeling: Imagine scanning a QR code on the packaging that takes you to a detailed product page with dosage recommendations, terpene profiles, and even interactive lab reports.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: AR overlays could showcase product information, usage tips, or even interactive recipes when you point your phone at the packaging.
Wrap Up:
As new states are continuously adapting symbols for weed labels. It is clear that labels aren't going away sooner. There can be different approaches for labeling in future but the idea will remain the same.
If you are an edible brand, then using cannabis symbol molds for your gummies and cookies will be a practical idea to rule over the market. And finally, clear labels, happy highs!