In today’s patchwork legislative environment for cannabis, it can sometimes seem as if there are as many different ways to package and label cannabis drinks as there are actual products themselves. Right now, there are 8 U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) that allow cannabis products for recreational use. However, what works in Colorado might not work in California. And what works in California might not work in Oregon or Washington State or Nevada.

To help simplify matters – and to make it easier for new cannabis products (such as new cannabis drinks) to make it to market – the Council on Responsible Cannabis Regulation (CRCR) and the National Cannabis Industry Association recently partnered on a landmark document that outlines a series of best practices on packaging and labelling for all cannabis products. Thus, if you are thinking about launching a new line of cannabis drinks, it’s worth paying attention to the practical tips and suggestions included in that document.

While the document is relevant to the cannabis industry, the goal of the document is to provide a working roadmap for regulators at both the state and federal level. Sooner or later, more regulation is coming to the cannabis industry, and this roadmap is designed to help regulators, lawmakers, and industry players recognize overall best practices.

The overarching goal, of course, is to protect consumer health and safety. But the report lists a number of secondary goals – such as making sure that state laws align with federal regulations, and that packaging and labelling regulations are as uniform as possible across state lines.

The starting point for thinking about packaging and labelling is simply making sure that the font and type size on the label is uniform. The document provides very specific guidelines on what’s desirable. This is based on common sense, not on abstract rules or guesswork. For example, the best practice recommendation is that the font and type size found on cannabis products should be similar to what consumers now see on packaged food products. Makes sense, right?

Moreover, while companies have wide latitude in coming up with creative brand names for their products, they should always use the common or usual name of the product – “Cannabis” – right there on the packaging. The best practice recommendation is that the cannabis industry should follow the lead of the dietary supplement industry when it comes to clearly define what their product is and how it should be used.

And, since consumer public health and safety is such a major concern, the best practice recommendation is for the name and contact information (i.e. phone or email) of the licensee to appear directly on the packaging. In this case, the licensee is the company or entity that dispensed or produced the finished product. The idea here is simple and rooted in common sense – if consumers have product complaints or inquiries, they should know whom to contact.

Overall, the CRCR and the National Cannabis Industry Association came up with a list of 15 different labelling recommendations, covering such topics as:

- Net quantity of contents

- License number and batch or lot code

- Ingredients list

- Allergen labelling

- Nutrition facts

- Contaminant testing statement

In addition, the two organizations came up with a list of 5 different packaging recommendations. These are all based on common sense, and not intended at all to be burdensome to cannabis product manufacturers. For example, who could argue with the recommendation that cannabis packaging should be child-resistant? Or that packaging should be opaque rather than transparent so that children and young minors cannot see the contents?

Overall, these recommendations on packaging and labelling are designed to help inform regulators, as well as provide guidance for producers, manufacturers, and licensees thinking about getting into the cannabis industry. If you are thinking about bringing a new cannabis drinks product to market, it’s worth becoming familiar not just with the thinking that informed this document, but also with the 20 different recommendations on packaging and labelling.

Exhibitor Registration for the event is now open, with special Early Bird pricing now available for exhibitors who would like to guarantee their place in what is expected to be a completely sold-out show. Exhibitors who sign up early will be able to get a head start on creating an exhibition booth space that showcases their newest products.

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About Cannabis Drinks Expo

Cannabis Drinks Expo is a must-attend event for those curiously eying the future of the burgeoning U.S. cannabis industry.

We also cover the key issues surrounding the likelihood and timescale for legalization to other countries, as well as the impact of legalized cannabis on the traditional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks markets globally.

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Who should Visit?

Cannabis Drinks Expo promises to be relevant for anyone involved in the development, production, distribution and retailing of cannabis and related products. It will also provide a vital networking opportunity for political analysts, medical experts and those involved in the development and implementation of legalized cannabis into new markets.

Attend Cannabis Drinks Expo in preferred city

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Who should exhibit?

If you’re serious about the cannabis drinks category, we’re still keeping it as real as ever. At Cannabis Drinks Expo, our goal is to empower you with knowledge, network, and platform so you can grow and build your cannabis drinks business. CDE is where you will find cannabis brands and suppliers who are serious about building their business in this category exhibit.

Exhibit in preferred city

Potential exhibitors include (but not limited to): Medical marijuana producers, Cannabis growers, Cannabis producers/ product developers, Cannabis processors, Cannabis distributors/transporters, Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Branded drinks companies, Drinks manufacturers/producers, Pharma companies, Equipments and service providers, CBD manufacturers, Marijuana-Infused products and edibles providers, Testing and laboratory services, Logistics and supply chain operators, Drinks distributors/wholesalers, Drinks importers, Lobbyists/ public affairs businesses, Political advisors, and more.