Update on Marijuana Packaging, Labeling, and Product Approval Process and Guidelines
On Wednesday, Liquor and Cannabis Board staff met with the Board to present proposed changes regarding the marijuana packaging, labeling and product approval process and requirements.
Staff recommendations were based on collaborations with both individual licensees and industry groups such as CORE, the Washington Cannabusiness Association and the Cannabis Alliance. The proposed recommendations made are intended to clarify the processes and requirements for marijuana packaging, labeling and product approvals.
The Board requested that additional language be added to the recommendation, specifically input provided by the prevention and public health community. Staff are currently working to include this information in the recommendation. The Board will review the updated staff recommendations and finalize the document in the coming weeks.
Details Forthcoming
Once final, details will be made available on the LCB website that outline staff recommendations for marijuana packaging, labeling and product approval processes and requirements.
Highlights
Items that will be addressed include:
- Food coloring/food dye considerations for marijuana infused edibles
- Shape allowances for marijuana infused edibles
- Packaging color guidelines, including LCB-specified colors, use of gradients and number of colors allowed on packages
- Language changes in existing rules, such as removal of the word "throughout" in the language addressing homogenization
- Extension of edible product, packaging and labeling compliance requirements from June 1, 2019 to January, 2020
- Licensees with currently pending edible product, packaging and labeling submissions will have the option to move forward for an approval with the understanding of the January 1, 2020 cutoff date, or to withdraw should the licensee choose.
Webinar
A webinar outlining the proposed changes and their impacts is scheduled at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 18. A separate notification will follow for this webinar.
As always, refer to the LCB website for the latest and most thorough information. The LCB maintains a resource page for Packaging and Labeling that is accessible from the homepage.
We believe the clarified approach to packaging, labeling and product approval requirements will benefit our licensees and improve compliance going forward. We appreciate the involvement and participation of the industry as we streamline and improve processes for marijuana infused edibles and their packages/labels.
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