This week New York’s Cannabis Control Board approved new marketing and packaging rules for soon-to-be sellers of legalized marijuana.
The rules allow TV ads but bar the targeting of minors with cartoon characters, celebrities or toy images. They also bar promoting products with such commonplace vernacular as “stoner,” “chronic,” “weed” or “pot.”
Additionally, each package of marijuana, edibles or concentrates will have the universal state symbol of approval containing a yellow THC flower in a triangle, with 21+ symbol in a red circle atop the New York State logo.
The state label confirms that the product is licensed and legitimate after undergoing lab testing.
Licensed Cannabis sellers also are prohibited from claiming any therapeutic or health benefits from smoking or ingesting weed and are forbidden from using words that include “organic” and “craft.”
Sellers will also be required to have a number of health warning labels. One warning that must be affixed to packaging; “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.”
Labeling must say that consumers must be 21 years and older and recommends that women who are pregnant or nursing should not consume cannabis.
Rotating warning labels must be used and include, “Cannabis may cause impairment and may be habit forming” and that smoking or vapid could be hazardous to your health.
The rules also forbid promoting overconsumption or promoting discounts and labels must include serving size, potency, ingredients, and usage and storage instructions
“We are committed to building a New York cannabis industry that sets high standards for protecting children and keeping products safe and sustainable,” said the board.
