Proposed regulations for edibles and concentrates in Canada
On October 17, 2018, The Cannabis Act officially took effect across Canada which immediately legalized the possession of up to 30 grams and the growing of up to four marijuana plants for recreational or medicinal purposes. Canadians rejoiced at their new found freedom to partake in a drug that had been illegal for nearly 100 years prior, but many didn’t exactly realize what a legal status meant for other marijuana products like concentrates and edibles. The Federal government has announced that precisely one year later on October 17, 2019, edibles will become a legal commodity. Regulated concentrates and edibles in Canada are expected to hit the shelves just in time to celebrate the anniversary of the Cannabis Act.
What edibles will be legal in Canada in 2019?
Exactly which edibles will be legal is incredibly hard to predict given the current proposed regulations that have been put forth by the Trudeau government to restrict and control the making and sales of all edible cannabis products that are sold. During a quick visit to a black market dispensary, you will find all kinds of delicious THC laced treated from cookies and brownies to mock chocolate bars from some of the most popular brands like Reese’s Pieces, Skor, and Smarties. The reality is that the selection of edibles in Canada will be much more restricted and resemble medication more than a recreational substance. The newly proposed regulations may seriously hinder the legal markets ability to compete and thrive, and customers won’t be seeing any colorfulor fun advertising like they are used to with alcohol products anytime soon.
Proposed regulations for edibles in Canada
The rules that have been agreed upon so far surrounding edibles will govern the labeling, packaging, weight, recipes, and advertising used in the sales and manufacturing of edibles in Canada.
THC Limit - The limit has been set at 10 milligrams of THC per package.
Ingredient Rules - No added vitamins or alcohol and limits will be set for caffeine.
Labeling - Every single THC or CBD edible will have to be decorated with the following labels: 1 standardized marijuana leaf symbol, one health warning message, the THC or CBD content amount, ingredients list, allergens list, and a nutrition facts label.
Packaging - The outside must be void of any color and be contained within child-resistant packaging.
Other - Both advertising and products must not be appealing to children, cannot make dietary or health claims, and may not be associated or combined with any kind of alcoholic beverage or brand.
Proposed regulations for cannabis concentrates in Canada
If you are wondering what kinds of marijuana extracts or concentrates you might find available after October 2019, the Canadian government has that aspect covered in their release of the suggested new rules that will help to regulate the sales, labeling, advertising, and manufacturing of cannabis concentrates. This includes all types of extracts from BHO’s to wax or shatter. Cannabis extracts are broken down into three individual groups with one being inhaled products, the second including those that are ingested, and the third being labeled as concentrated THC extracts.
Inhaled cannabis concentrates regulations
THC Limit- Inhaled concentrates will be allowed to contain up to 1000 milligrams of THC per each package.
Rules - No added sugar, sweetener, coloring, nicotine, or caffeine.
Labeling - The following labels must be displayed on the outside of any inhaled cannabis concentrate container. Standardized marijuana leaf symbol, health warning message,
THC or CBD content, Ingredients list, allergens list, intended use, and all cartridges for vapes that are sold prefilled will also need to have a standardized cannabis leaf symbol visible.
Packagin g- 90 milliliters will be the biggest package size allowed, and they must be contained in a plain white childproof container.
Other - Both the product and any advertising related to the item must not be appealing to children, cannot make any health claims, and may not contain any elements that may be associated with alcohol or an alcohol manufacturing company.
Ingested cannabis concentrates regulations
THC Limit- 10 milligrams of THC per capsule or 1000 milligrams of THC per bottle will be the maximum allowed amount.
Rules - Manufacturers will not be able to add vitamins, minerals, colors, sugars, sweeteners, nicotine, or caffeine to the concentrates.
Labeling - Ingredient list, health warning message, THC or CBD content, intended use, and a standardized pot leaf symbol.
Packaging - The maximum package size for concentrates will be 90 milliliters, and all containers must be equipped with child-resistant packaging, be a plain white, and anyone who dispenses concentrates will require a valid dispensing license.
Other - These products and any advertising associated with them may not be involved or combined with alcohol or any alcohol-related company brand. They also must not be appealing to children and cannot make health claims.
Concentrated THC extracts
THC Limit- 1000 milligrams of THC per package.
Rules - No sugars, colors, sweeteners, caffeine, or alcohol may be added.
Labeling - Standardized marijuana leaf symbol, ingredient list, health warning message, THC or CBD content, and intended use.
Packaging - No package shall exceed 7.5 grams, and all containers must be child resistant. No colors may be used, only plain white is allowed.
Other - Must not be appealing to children and may not be combined with alcohol or alcohol related-brands or make health claims.
