Colorado's New 'Universal' Marijuana Packaging Symbol

Colorado regulators just released a new “Single Universal Symbol,” which is required to be placed on packaging and labeling for all medical and recreational cannabis products.

The symbol comes after evaluation of the labeling framework, spurred by focus groups and rulemaking meetings. As the release notes, “Further, by eliminating distinctions between Universal Symbols for medical and retail marijuana, the Single Universal Symbol works to simplify and improve compliance regarding packaging, labeling, and product marking requirements.”

There are two versions of the symbol:

·  The red symbol, for all types of retail and medical marijuana, must include the warning “Contains Marijuana. Keep away from Children.” The symbol must be at least 1⁄2 in. by 1⁄2 in. on the packaging/labeling.

·  The black symbol is for use on edible medical marijuana-infused products, and it must at least 1⁄4 in. by 1⁄4 in. on the packaging/labeling.

There is a grace period (usage optional) through Dec. 31, 2018. On Jan. 1, 2019, the symbol becomes a requirement. There is a caveat that retailers can sell product without the new symbol until Jul. 1, 2019, provided that inventory was transferred to the dispensary prior to Jan. 1, 2019.