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Universal Symbols
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 universal about the symbol, though, is its intention -- to provide warnings and specific statements about cannabis products, so the product packaging aligns with state and local cannabis regulations.
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 do Universal Cannabis Symbols 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 labeling information below.
Alabama
Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Alabama Cannabis Labeling Information
Labels, packages, and containers shall not be attractive to minors and may not contain any content that reasonably appears to target children, including toys, cartoon characters, and similar images. Packages should be designed to minimize appeal to children and must contain a label that reads: "Keep out of reach of children."
The following statement shall be included on each label, if space permits, or as an insert within the package: "WARNING: This product may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drink alcohol with this product. Use care when operating a vehicle or other machinery. Taking this product with medication may lead to harmful side effects or complications. Consult your physician before taking this product with any medication. Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant should discuss medical cannabis use with their physicians."[Ala. Code § 20-2A-63]
Alaska
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Cannabis Product Symbol
Additional Alaska Cannabis Labeling Information
Arizona
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Info on Arizona Cannabis Information Label
Other Notes: It must contain the following statement: “ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES’ WARNING: Marijuana use can be addictive and can impair an individual’s ability to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery. Marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and can lead to an increased risk for cancer, tachycardia, hypertension, heart attack, and lung infection. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”.
Click the links before for more information on laws specific to Arizona.
Arkansas
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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
California
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional California Cannabis Warning Label Information
Connecticut
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Connecticut Information:
Delaware
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Delaware Marijuana Warning Packaging Facts
The warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana SB 17. 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."
[Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana SB 17]
District of Columbia
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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."
Florida
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional Florida Cannabis Warning Details
Georgia
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Information
Hawaii
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Hawaii Cannabis Warning Labeling
The warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the Medical Marijuana Act 228, SB 862. 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."
[Medical Marijuana Act 228, SB 862]
Illinois
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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.”
Iowa
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Information
A manufacturer shall ensure that all medical cannabidiol packaging is labeled with the following information - A notice with the statement, including capitalization: “This product has not been analyzed or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks and medication interactions. This product is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.”;
Louisiana
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Maine
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Optional Symbols
Additional Information
Maine’s cannabis labels on prepared marijuana and goods containing marijuana that are sold by dispensaries and caregivers are used as evidence of compliance with the law that limits possession and dispensing to 2.5 ounces of prepared marijuana per qualifying patient. The packaging and labeling of prepared marijuana and marijuana products for sale by registered dispensaries and caregivers must comply with applicable State labeling laws. See 22 M.R.S.A. §2157.
Maryland
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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Some additional information on Maryland Cannabis warnings.
Minimum Font Size: Any information printed on the package or label must be at least 1/16 of an inch high, which is equivalent to size 4.5 font.
Other Notes: Bear clear warnings that: ○ Products may be lawfully consumed only by the qualifying patient listed on the label.
It is illegal for any person to possess or consume the contents of the package other than the qualifying patient, and it is illegal to transfer the package or its contents to any person other than for a caregiver to transfer to a qualifying patient.
Bear the following statements: “Consumption of medical cannabis may impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Please use extreme caution.”
“There may be health risks associated with cannabis use, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.”
“This package contains cannabis. Keep out of the reach of children and animals.”
Massachusetts
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Additional Massachusetts Information
Placement: On the retail packaging or labeling of every cannabis product
Michigan
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Mandatory Symbols
Additional Michigan Information
Minnesota
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional Information
Montana
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional Information
Required Size, and Colors for symbol:
Universal Montana State Marijuana Symbol sized at least .33 inches wide by .33 inches high.
For product packaging, there are some warnings that are required as well:
Must Include:
- “This product has been tested and meets the requirements of the state of Montana”
- “Keep out of reach of children and pets”
- “This product may be addictive”
- “This product may have intoxicating effects. Do not drive under the influence of marijuana.”
May be Required:
- If manufactured: list chemical or solvent used
- If heat is not required to administer or consume: do not include total THC or total potential psychoactive THC on facts panel
Montana Exit Bag Rules
Currently our understanding from speaking with customers is that Exit bags must be Child resistant and contain the following warnings.
WARNING: Consumption of marijuana may cause anxiety, agitation, paranoia, psychosis, and cannabinoid hyperemesis.
WARNING: Consumption of marijuana by pregnant women may result in fetal injury and low birth weight.
WARNING: Consumption of marijuana by nursing mothers may result in infant hyperactivity and poor cognitive function.
Nevada
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Information
New Hampshire
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Information On New Hampshire
The warning reads: "Medication in this package was produced and distributed in compliance with the New Hampshire Cannabis Program HB 573 (RSA 126-X). 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."
[New Hampshire Cannabis Program HB 573 (RSA 126-X)]
New Jersey
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Optional Symbols
Additional Information
New Mexico
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Cannabis Regulatory Commission
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional Information
New York
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional New York Cannabis Warning Information
Ohio
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Oklahoma
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Additional Information
Pennsylvania
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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. "
Rhode Island
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
Optional Symbols
South Dakota
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Utah
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Additional Information
Each cannabis and cannabis product label shall contain the following warning: "WARNING: Cannabis has intoxicating effects and may be addictive. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product is for medical use only. Use only as directed by a recommending medical provider."[Utah Admin. Code R68-28-12]
Vermont
Cannabis Regulatory agency
Mandatory Symbols
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Additional Information
Packaging should include the following statement, including capitalization, in at least ten-point Times New Roman, Helvetica or Arial font: ““KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.”
Cannabis products that contain multiple servings, the following statement must be printed on the exterior of the package in a font that is no smaller than ten-point Times New Roman, Helvetica or Arial, including capitalization: “INCLUDES MULTIPLE SERVINGS.”
In the meeting of Cannabis Control Board it was discussed that International Intoxicating Cannabis Product Symbol with or without VT text should be used in the packaging.
West Virginia
Cannabis Regulatory agency
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]
Disclaimer
The contents of this website are intended to convey general information and entertainment purposes only. The information herein should not be relied upon for legal advice on state packaging or marijuana laws. The reader should always consult an attorney in their jurisdiction before making any packaging decisions. The information in this article was not vetted for accuracy by an attorney. We provide links to state cannabis regulatory sites; we do not vouch for or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy or completeness of material presented in linked sites. The information presented on these pages may not reflect the most current legal developments in the marijuana industry. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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