Navigating THC Regulatory Symbols Across U.S. States
As the legalization of cannabis for medicinal and recreational use continues to spread across the United States, each state has developed its own set of regulations to ensure consumer safety and proper use. One crucial aspect of these regulations is the requirement for specific symbols on THC products. These symbols help consumers easily identify products containing THC, ensuring that they are used safely and responsibly.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the THC regulatory symbols required for each state.
Alaska
Although Alaska has not yet adopted a symbol, it does have strong support from the Board of Directors of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation. It is expected that Alaska's symbol will feature the cannabis leaf from the Standardized IICPS (International Intoxicating Cannabis Product Symbol).
Arkansas
Starting in 2016, the Arkansas Department of Health mandated that packaging for medical use must include the distinctive AMM symbol, with a size no smaller than 0.48 x 0.35 inches.
California
The California symbol was created by the Department of Cannabis Control for use on all external packaging of cannabis products. The symbol also includes the letters "CA" to signify compliance with California regulations.
Colorado, Florida and Ohio
The Colorado Department of Revenue developed the 'Universal Symbol' in 2016, which was then adopted by Florida in 2021 and Ohio in 2019. In Colorado and Ohio, this symbol must be stamped directly onto the edible product.
Delaware and Oklahoma
Published in April 2022, the Oklahoma Universal THC Symbol was developed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and then adopted by Delaware. The symbol must be displayed in its specified color and be no smaller than 0.6 by 0.85 inches.
Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
The Office of Cannabis Policy for the State of Maine partnered with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to use the existing Massachusetts symbol. Rhode Island adopted the symbol in 2020 and made recreational cannabis legal in 2022. The symbol must appear on each edible serving and be at least 0.25 by 0.25 inches in size. In Massachusetts a secondary ‘Not Safe for Kids’ logo was also developed for outer packaging.
Maryland
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission developed the Maryland Symbol, which is required on all packaging for medical cannabis products in the state.
Michigan
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency updated and adopted a unique symbol for the State of Michigan, which must be used on all products regulated under the Administrative Rules for the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act.
Missouri
The Revised Statutes of Missouri introduced an amendment to the Colorado Universal Symbol in 2020, requiring each package to display the symbol with the letter "M" positioned beneath "THC" in the diamond, indicating that the product is intended for medical use.
Montana
Starting January 1, 2022, Montana adopted the IICPS Marijuana Symbol, incorporating the word "Marijuana" into the design. The general labeling requirements specify that the Montana symbol must be at least 0.33 by 0.33 inches in size.
New Jersey
New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission also adopted the IICPS Marijuana Symbol, requiring that edibles be marked with the symbol in a size no smaller than 0.25 by 0.25 inches.
New Mexico
In 2020, the New Mexico Department of Health created a 'Universal THC Warning Symbol' that must be printed directly onto chocolates, soft confections, hard confections, lozenges, pressed pills, and capsules.
New York
New York recently designed and introduced a THC Warning Symbol, becoming the first state to combine three symbols into one design (as shown above). These symbols must be affixed to the packaging of any edible and beverage cannabis product in the state.
Nevada
On January 1, 2019, Nevada introduced the Nevada State Symbol, mandating that products that are practical to stamp or mold be stamped accordingly. Additionally, Nevada required that any alternative methods of marking edibles receive state-level approval.
Oregon
On October 1, 2016, Oregon introduced the Oregon Cannabis Symbol, which is required on all cannabis products sold within the state. Additionally, the state released two more logos: a blue Hemp logo of the same design and a Medical Cannabis logo featuring a red 'M' within a red circle.
Vermont
Vermont uses a symbol similar to those in Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, with a subtle difference. While the overall design is the same, Vermont has adopted the IICPS leaf instead of the leaf used in the Massachusetts symbol. Regulations mandate its use at a size no smaller than 0.25 by 0.25 inches. Attempting to use the Massachusetts symbol is not permitted, as the state requires that the symbol not be modified in any way.
Washington
In 2019, Washington State updated its labeling policies, introducing a distinct symbol for all cannabis product labels, along with a secondary "Not for Kids" logo.
Understanding the various THC regulatory symbols required across different states is crucial for both consumers and businesses in the cannabis industry. These symbols play a vital role in promoting safe consumption and ensuring compliance with state regulations. As the landscape of cannabis legalization continues to evolve, staying informed about these requirements will help maintain consumer safety and industry standards.
Remember, each state may have additional specific requirements beyond just the symbols, including labeling, packaging, and testing standards. Always check the latest regulations in your state to ensure full compliance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Legislation varies and evolves frequently across the country and beyond. We strongly recommend consulting a state representative or seeking legal counsel before designing a product or beginning production.
