Massachusetts Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Laws and Regulations

Massachusetts cannabis packaging regulations are set in place for a few reasons. More specifically, they’re a means to guide customers to:

• Essential information
• Product and brand identity
• Decisions as to whether or not the product is right for them

The more innovative the laws, the more convenient they are for potential buyers. Not to mention, they make the process of shopping more stress-free.

Still, if you’re a distributor of cannabis products, knowing laws and requirements is essential. Non-compliance can lead to license cancellation, a hefty fine, and even jail time.

For this reason, we’ve put together a guide on the cannabis packaging and labeling laws in Massachusetts.

How to Know if Products Follow Packaging Regulations

Cannabis packaging and labeling laws are important for both buyers and sellers.

For a seller, it’s important to follow the state-wise laws to avoid any legal punishments for non-compliance with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

For a buyer, it’s important to know that the product comes from an authentic source. One that’s well aware of the repercussions of not following the regulations. This maintains the legitimacy of a product.

Unfortunately, cannabis is still illegal federally. This means you can only sell cannabis in states that have legalized it and under those state guidelines.

While there are some universal regulations concerning cannabis and its derived products, most states further these regulations with their own guidelines. As such, we will shed light on the unique and common state cannabis packaging laws and regulations.

To begin, here are some common guidelines on cannabis and related products:

• The minimum amount or net weight of the package
• The license, batch, and serial number of the cultivation facility
• Chemical info (THC, CBD potency)
• Strain info (Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid)
• Dates (cultivation, testing, expiry, etc.)
• Necessary warnings
• Child-proof packaging
• Tamper-proof packaging
• Re-sealable packaging
• Mandatory Universal logo/symbol
• Optional “Not Safe for Kids” logo
• Dimensions and color of the logo
• Other additive or contaminants info on the label

Massachusetts Cannabis Packaging Laws and Label Requirements

The Massachusetts state follows strict compliance with laws and regulations for the dispensing of marijuana and derived products. These include:

Universal Symbol

State guidelines require an icon or logo to be the first indicator that separates a cannabis-packaged package from other industries.

To indicate that a consignment holds marijuana, Massachusetts requires a specific symbol on the label of a package or container. Furthermore, the container CANNOT have any depiction of the product, cartoon characters, or images (except for the establishment’s logo).

The universal symbol is mandatory to slap on each cannabis parcel. It features a red triangle crowned over a black text that says ‘Contains THC,’ stamped with a black marijuana leaf in the center.

While the other symbol is optional, it’s equally important. This symbol has the text “Not Safe for Kids” and is enclosed in a red octagon.

The color and size of the symbol are important to avoid confusion and reflect that full compliance is followed in labeling. When used on the marketing layer, the universal and optional symbols/icons must be reproduced in black and red.

• Black (CMYK color scheme): 0, 0, 0, 100
• Red (CMYK color scheme): 0, 95, 100, 0
• Red (Pantone color scheme): PMS 485

Massachusetts also requires a predefined size for both symbols. More specifically, they cannot appear smaller than:

• Packing and labeling logo size: 0.5″ x 0.5″
• Edible Marijuana Product logo size: At least 25 percent of the servings’ height and width, but not less than 0.25″ x 0.25″

It’s not acceptable in the Marijuana Legalization Act to use a logo that is recreated, distorted, pixelated, and stretched. To follow full compliance, you also cannot change the icon color or use it on a dark background.

Label Requirements

There are two elements to Massachusetts’ label requirements. These include:

Excluding Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs)

The label affixed to the cannabis product should be readable and almost impossible to remove. The label must also contain the information mentioned below:

• The name of the registered qualifying patient.
• The registration number and name of the registered marijuana dispensary (RMD) that has produced the product. Supplementary information like phone numbers, addresses, and the website link is also useful.
• Quantity of usable cannabis in the package.
• Packaging date.Packaging date.
• Sequential serial/batch number and barcode. These can identify the batch and manufacturing.
• THC level and cannabinoid profile.
• A statement that the product has been tested for contamination with no adverse findings (105 CMR 725.105(C)(2)).
• Additional statement requirement: “This product has not been approved or analyzed by the FDA. Current studies have limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not operate machinery or drive when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”

Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs)

The RMD is required to affix a label to MIPs with a print size of no less than 1/16 inch and the minimum requirements. On top of that, all labels must include the following:

• The registered qualifying patient’s name.
• The name and registration number of the RMD that produced the MIP, mailing address, website, and telephone number.
• The name of the product.
• Quantity of usable cannabis per dose in the product.
• List of ingredients, including regulated THC levels.
• A batch number, sequential serial number, and barcode.
• Directions for use.
• A statement that the product has been tested for contamination with no adverse findings (105 CMR 725.105(C)(2)). Furthermore, a warning that mentions if there are nuts or other known allergens within the product.
• Additional statement requirement: “This product has not been approved or analyzed by the FDA. Current studies have limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Do not operate machinery or drive when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”

Packaging Requirements

As per law, marijuana requires packaging in plain, opaque, tamper-proof, and child-proof containers. It cannot have depictions of the product, cartoons, or images other than the RMD’s logo. Edible Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs) shall not bear a reasonable resemblance to any product available for consumption, such as a commercially available candy.

Final Word

Consume marijuana responsibly and follow all the jurisdictions and laws issued by the state to avoid any unwanted circumstances while you enjoy the benefits of the MIPs products. Remember that rules are always made for our convenience, and the whole effort is destroyed if one sets a bad example.

While we are not a cannabis packaging company in Massachusetts, we are right next door in the heart of Connecticut. And we’re more than happy to ship wholesale custom packaging that follows your state’s guidelines. Want to learn more? You can reach out through our Contact Form.

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