How to Stay Compliant With Child-Resistant Packaging Requirements in Colorado
Colorado was one of the first two states to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2012 via ballot initiative, alongside Washington State. As Colorado was an early adopter of the legalization wave, it has become a hub of cannabis tourism. As various people from out-of-state are potentially entering the state to enjoy the product there, it’s worth knowing Colorado’s exact rules for the packaging of marijuana.
The state’s Retail Marijuana Rules specifically note that “A Retail Marijuana Store must ensure that all Retail Marijuana is placed within a Container prior to sale to a consumer. If the Container is not Child Resistant, the Retail Marijuana Store must place the Container within an Exit Package that is Child Resistant.”
Colorado’s legislation included details for a “Universal Symbol” to clarify the presence of THC: a red diamond with an exclamation mark and the letters THC inside. Additionally, the Symbol will often include additional text below it, noting that a product “Contains Marijuana. Keep away from children.”
Universal Symbol:
In addition, stores are required to include the following information on a printed label:
- The license number of the manufacturing facility where the marijuana was grown;
- The license number of the dispensary / store that sold it;
- A logo and “Identity Statement” of the dispensary / store;
- The Harvest Batch Number(s) assigned to the cultivated flower;
- The date of sale;
- The net weight, in grams to at least the tenth of a gram;
- The Universal Symbol, indicating that the Container holds marijuana, which must be no smaller than ¼ of an inch by ¼ of an inch;
- A complete list of all nonorganic pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides used during the cultivation.
Packaging must also include the following exact statements:
- “There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product.”
- “This product is intended for use by adults 21 years and older. Keep out of the reach of children.”
- “This product is unlawful outside the State of Colorado.”
- “There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of this product for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.”
- “Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while using marijuana.”
In addition, edible products are required to note any potential expiration date, as well as a specific, on-label note clarifying if the product’s packaging is child-resistant.
If your dispensary or other manufacturing facility is in need of custom-printed packaging for your products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at CannaSundries.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of the CannaSundries website regulatory pages are intended to convey general information. The information here should not be relied upon for legal advice on state marijuana laws. 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.