Weed Symbols for Packaging Cannabis, THC, and Marijuana Products 

Ah, the ever changing "Universal Symbols" and "universal" warnings for cannabis. It seams that every state has it's own idea of what a universal symbol is, making it hardly "universal" at all. What is evident about the universal symbol, though, is its intention -- to provide warnings and specific statements about cannabis products, so the signs on the product packaging align with state and local cannabis regulations. The universal symbol is used for flower, edibles, and any other consumer cannabis products, whether they're medical cannabis products or recreational. 

What is the Universal Cannabis Symbol?

The Marijuana Legalization Act requires the use of an 'universal symbol' indicating that a container, package or product contains cannabis or is a cannabis product.

Each state has its own requirements for what the symbol looks like, but they ultimately all serve one purpose: to signify that the product within contains cannabis. 

What does the Universal Cannabis Information Symbol for THC Products Look Like?

We've included a few examples below, and you'll quickly realize that they all look pretty different -- but they also look the same. 

Among all the different universal cannabis symbols there are a few similarities: many include marijuana leaves, some include the letters "THC" (which stands for the main psychoactive compound in cannabis), some have explanation marks, and many of them also incorporate a triangle. 

Some are more stylistic than others, but they all accomplish the same goal: exclaiming  “this is a cannabis product!” to anyone who looks at it.

Why do they all look different?

Since cannabis is not yet legal on a federal level, it is up to each state's cannabis regulation body to come up with their own symbol. For this reason, all the "universal cannabis symbols" look different. 

If, or should we say when, cannabis becomes legal on a federal level, we imagine there will be a true universal symbol that replaces all the individual symbols. 

Until then, review each state's symbol and required cannabis product information below. 

Arkansas

Additional Arkansas Information

Other Notes: The label includes printable areas for all required information and the warning reads: "Compliant with the State of Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment 98. For use by qualified patients only. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana use during pregnancy or breastfeeding poses potential harms. This product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Link here

Connecticut

Cannabis Regulatory agency

Colorado

Colorado Marijuana Warning Details

In Colorado, the Universal Symbol is required to be marked, stamped, or otherwise imprinted directly onto these products in a distinguishable and recognizable manner: 

• Chocolate 
• Soft confections
• Hard confections or lozenges 
• Consolidated baked goods
• Pressed pills and capsules 

When it comes to specific requirements, the symbol should be centered either horizontally or vertically. If centered horizontally, the height and width of the symbol shall be at least 25% of the product’s width and no less than ¼ inch by ¼ inch. If centered vertically, it must be at least 25% of the product’s height and no less than ¼ inch by ¼ inch. 

In instances where the product is divided into portions (ex: pieces of chocolate), the symbol must be applied to each portion. In this case, the size of the symbol is determined by the size of the portion instead of the size of the entire product and shall not be less than ¼” by ¼.” 

In addition to this universal cannabis information symbol being imprinted directly onto the product, the cannabis packaging itself is also required to include a Universal Symbol marking. Here are the requirements for packaging: 

• The Universal Symbol must be located on the front of the Container and no smaller than ½ of an inch by ½ of an inch. 
• The following statement must be labeled directly below the Universal Symbol: “Contains Marijuana. For Medical Use Only. Keep out of the reach of children.”

It must also include information about whether or not the container is child-resistant, a complete list of the pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, solvents, and chemicals used, an ingredient list, and must include the following health statements somewhere on the packaging: 

• There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product.”
• “This product contains marijuana and its potency was tested with an allowable plus or minus 15% variance pursuant to 12-43.3- 202(2.5)(a)(I)(E), C.R.S.”
• “This product was produced without regulatory oversight for health, safety, or efficacy.”
• “There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of this product for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.” 

For full requirements, please view Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Rules. 

Additional Connecticut Information:

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Marijuana Warning Details

The label shall contain the following warning:

"There may be health risks associated with the ingestion or use of this product."

Please consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.” [D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22 § C5607]

The warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the D.C. Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative 59 and Bill 18-622. It may be legally possessed by a qualified patient. Unlawful to redistribute. Use only as directed by your physician. WARNING! May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment while under the influence of this medication. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN."

Link here

Georgia

Additional Information

Illinois

Illinois Cannabis warning label

Warnings on labels shall include the following statements:

“This product contains cannabis and is intended for use by adults 21 and over. Its use can impair cognition and may be habit forming. This product should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is unlawful to sell or provide this item to any individual, and it may not be transported outside the State of Illinois. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. Possession or use of this product may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law."

“Cannabis that may be smoked must contain a statement that "Smoking is hazardous to your health."

“Cannabis-infused products (other than those intended for topical application) must contain a statement "CAUTION: This product contains cannabis, and intoxication following use may be delayed 2 or more hours. This product was produced in a facility that cultivates cannabis, and that may also process common food allergens.”

“Cannabis-infused products intended for topical application must contain a statement "DO NOT EAT" in bold, capital letters.”

Link here

Louisiana

Maine

Additional Information

Massachusetts

Additional Massachusetts Information

Placement: On the retail packaging or labeling of every cannabis product

Other Notes: Visit  Link 1  Link 2

Minnesota

Additional Minnesota Information

Other Notes: The warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the Medical Marijuana Laws Chapter 311-S.F.2470. It may be legally possessed by a qualified patient.

Unlawful to redistribute. Use only as directed by your physician. WARNING! May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment while under the influence of this medication. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN."[Chapter 311-S.F.2470]

Missouri

Additional Information

Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3

Nevada

Additional Information

New Jersey

New York

Additional New York Cannabis Warning Information

Link

Ohio

Mandatory Symbols

Pennsylvania

Additional Warning Information

The label warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the PA Medical Marijuana Act 16. It may be legally possessed by a qualified patient. Unlawful to redistribute. Use only as directed by your physician. WARNING! May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment while under the influence of this medication. "

South Dakota

Vermont

Additional Information

West Virginia

Additional Information

Any product containing more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinols, or more than 0.3421% of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, must declare "NOT INTENDED FOR SALE TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18" on the label.7.15. Any product label claiming "THC-free" or "non-THC" shall not contain levels of THC above detectable levels as determined by the Department.
[W. Va. Code R. § 61-30-7]