Product Labeling Compliance SOP

Business Information

• Business Name: Legal business name (as registered with state)
• License Number: State cannabis license number
• Address: Business address (city and state minimum)
• Phone Number: Contact phone number (optional in some states)
• Website: Company website (optional)

Product Information

• Product Name: Strain name or product name
• Product Type: Flower, concentrate, edible, tincture, topical, etc.
• Net Weight/Volume: Grams, ounces, milliliters (metric required in some states)
• Batch/Lot Number: Unique identifier for traceability
• Harvest Date: Date harvested (for flower) or manufacture date
• Packaging Date: Date product was packaged
• Expiration Date: Best by date (required for edibles, optional for flower)

Tracking Information

• UID/Package Tag: METRC or BioTrack package tag number
• Test Batch Number: Lab test batch number (links to COA)
• Test Date: Date product was tested
• Lab Name: Testing laboratory name (optional in some states)

Required Cannabinoid Information

• Total THC: THC + (THCA × 0.877) = total psychoactive potential
• Total CBD: CBD + (CBDA × 0.877) = total CBD content
• Units: Percentage (%) for flower, milligrams (mg) for edibles/concentrates
• Per Serving: For edibles, show THC/CBD per serving and per package
• Other Cannabinoids: Some states require CBN, CBG, THCV (check state rules)

Potency Display by Product Type

Serving Size (Edibles)

• Standard Serving: 10mg THC per serving (CA, CO, OR, WA)
• Maximum Per Package: 100mg THC (adult-use), 500-1,000mg (medical)
• Serving Marks: Products must be scored or marked to indicate servings
• Label Example: "This package contains 10 servings of 10mg THC each"

Universal Symbol (State-Specific)

• California: Triangle with "THC!" inside (white on black or black on white)
• Colorado: Diamond with "THC" inside (specific design required)
• Oregon: Cannabis leaf in circle with "THC" text
• Michigan: Marijuana leaf in triangle
• Size: Minimum 0.5 inch × 0.5 inch (varies by state)
• Placement: Prominently displayed on front of package

Standard Warnings (Required in Most States)

• Age Restriction: "For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children."
• Pregnancy Warning: "This product should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding."
• Impairment Warning: "Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence."
• Health Risks: "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."
• Unlawful Transfer: "Unlawful to transfer to anyone under 21 years of age."

Additional State-Specific Warnings

Warning Placement & Formatting

• Font Size: Minimum 6-point font (varies by state)
• Contrast: High contrast (black text on white background or vice versa)
• Legibility: Clear, unobstructed, and easy to read
• Placement: On primary display panel or back panel
• Language: English required, additional languages optional

Ingredient List Requirements (Edibles)

• All Ingredients: List all ingredients in descending order by weight
• Cannabis: List as "Cannabis Extract" or "Cannabis Oil" (not "marijuana")
• Common Names: Use common ingredient names (not chemical names)
• Sub-Ingredients: List sub-ingredients for compound ingredients
• Example: "Ingredients: Sugar, Cannabis Extract, Corn Syrup, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Colors (Red 40, Blue 1)"

Allergen Disclosure (Required)

• Major Allergens: Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans
• Format: "Contains: [allergen]" or "May contain: [allergen]"
• Placement: Immediately after ingredient list or in bold within list
• Example: "Contains: Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts (Almonds)"
• Cross-Contamination: Disclose if processed in facility with allergens

Nutritional Information (If Required)

• California: Nutritional facts panel required for edibles
• Format: Standard FDA Nutrition Facts format
• Information: Calories, fat, carbs, protein, sodium per serving
• Serving Size: Based on THC serving (10mg THC = 1 serving)
• Most states do not require nutritional info (check state rules)

Child-Resistant Packaging (Required)

• Products: All edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals (flower exempt in most states)
• Standard: Must meet 16 CFR 1700.20 (Poison Prevention Packaging Act)
• Testing: Packaging must be tested and certified by accredited lab
• Types: Push-and-turn caps, squeeze-and-turn, blister packs, zipper bags with CR closure
• Reclosable: Packaging must remain child-resistant after opening

Opaque Packaging (Required in Some States)

• California: Opaque packaging required (product not visible from outside)
• Colorado: Opaque or child-resistant exit packaging required
• Oregon: Opaque packaging recommended but not required
• Purpose: Prevent product visibility to minors

Label Durability & Adhesion

• Material: Durable, water-resistant label material
• Adhesive: Permanent adhesive (label should not peel off easily)
• Print Quality: High-resolution printing (300 DPI minimum)
• Legibility: Text must remain legible throughout product shelf life
• Testing: Test labels for durability under storage conditions

Prohibited Label Elements

• No Health Claims: Cannot claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease
• No Appeal to Minors: No cartoons, toys, or child-friendly imagery
• No False Statements: All claims must be truthful and substantiated
• No FDA Approval: Cannot claim FDA approval or endorsement
• No Alcohol References: Cannot reference alcohol brands or imagery

Pre-Production Label Review

• Internal Review: Compliance officer reviews all labels before printing
• Checklist: Use state-specific label compliance checklist
• Mockup: Create full-size label mockup for review
• State Approval: Some states require pre-approval (CA, CO) - submit to state authority
• Corrections: Make all corrections before printing large quantities
• Documentation: Retain approved label files for 7 years

Label Application & Quality Control

• Correct Product: Verify label matches product (strain, potency, batch)
• Straight Application: Apply labels straight and centered
• No Wrinkles: Labels should be smooth without wrinkles or bubbles
• Legibility Check: Verify all text is legible and not obscured
• Batch Verification: Verify batch number on label matches tracking system
• Random Inspection: Inspect random samples from each batch

Common Labeling Violations (Avoid These)

• Missing or incorrect universal symbol
• Incorrect potency information (doesn't match COA)
• Missing required warnings
• Missing batch number or test date
• Illegible text (too small or poor contrast)
• Health claims or false statements
• Appeal to minors (cartoons, bright colors)
• Non-child-resistant packaging for edibles

Label Change Management

• Regulation Updates: Monitor state authority for labeling regulation changes
• Transition Period: States typically allow 30-90 days to update labels
• Old Inventory: Use up old labels or destroy (do not sell non-compliant products)
• Documentation: Document all label changes and reasons
• Staff Training: Train staff on new label requirements