How to Stay Compliant with Massachusetts's Child-Resistant Marijuana Packaging Rules
Recreational marijuana use was legalized in Massachusetts in 2016, following a successful ballot initiative, making it the eighteenth state to do so. With legalization came regulation and the state has issued guidelines for cannabis labeling and packaging, but these guidelines differ between different marijuana-based products.
Firstly, packaging is required to be tamper-proof, child-proof, plain, and opaque. This packaging can’t include any imagery that might potentially appeal to children, including cartoons or depictions of the product.
Packages containing marijuana plant must be labeled with the following:
- The registered qualifying patient’s name;
- The name and registration number of the [manufacturer] that produced the marijuana, together with the [manufacturer’s] telephone number and mailing address, and website information, if any;
- The quantity of usable marijuana contained within the package;
- The date that the [manufacturer] packaged the contents;
- A batch number, sequential serial number, and bar code when used, to identify the batch associated with
- manufacturing and processing;
- The cannabinoid profile of the marijuana contained within the package, including THC level;
- A statement that the product has been tested for contaminants, that there were no adverse findings, and
- the date of testing in accordance with 105 CMR 725.105(C)(2); and
- This statement, including capitalization: “This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA.
- There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
Packages containing marijuana-infused products, i.e. edibles, tinctures, vapors, etc., must be similarly labeled with the following:
- The registered qualifying patient’s name;
- The name and registration number of the [manufacturer] that produced the MIP (marijuana-infused product), together with the [manufacturer’s] telephone number and mailing address, and website information, if any;
- The name of the product;
- The quantity of usable marijuana contained within the product as measured in ounces;
- A list of ingredients, including the cannabinoid profile of the marijuana contained within the product, including the THC level;
- The date of product creation and the recommended “use by” or expiration date;
- A batch number, sequential serial number, and bar code when used, to identify the batch associated with manufacturing and processing;
- Directions for use of the product if relevant;
- A statement that the product has been tested for contaminants, that there were no adverse findings, and the date of testing in accordance with 105 CMR 725.105(C)(2);
- A warning if nuts or other known allergens are contained in the product; and
- This statement, including capitalization: “This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA.
- There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”
Due to their proximity, Maine and Massachusetts have agreed to use the same Universal Symbols on their packaging as well. The Universal Symbol is a red triangle containing a marijuana leaf and the words “CONTAINS THC” beneath, while the Not Safe For Kids logo is designed to resemble a stop sign.
Remaining in compliance with your local cannabis packaging and labeling laws is key to avoid legal entanglements, so make sure to fully consult the appropriate Massachusetts legislation.
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.