States like Montana that have so much open land, natural resources, and a fertile environment for agriculture. In the state, there are about 28,000 farms and ranches each averaging about 2,000 acres. Hemp farms have been popping up all over the state in the last couple of years. In 2019, Montana farmers planted a total of 22,000 acres of hemp across the state, averaging half a million dollars per farm. Medical cannabis, such as hemp, is not accessible to just anyone nor can it just be thrown into a jar. There are regulations that need to be met for both the packaging and labeling once the plant has been grown, harvested, and cured.
Packaging of hemp is quite simple and straight forward, containers used need to protect the product from contamination while not introducing toxic or deleterious substances. Additionally, the packaging must have child-resistant technology as defined in ARM 37.107.110 and follow the labeling guidelines below.
All usable marijuana packaged in containers must have labels securely affixed to the outside. The label information needs to include: licensee business name and registration number, date of harvest, strain item in common or usual name, net weight in US and metric units, THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA weight/volume, and a unique ID number. Additionally, state warning labels need to be added, such as registered cardholders only, keep out of reach of children, it is illegal to drive under the influence, not approved by U.S. FDA to treat diseases. If the product has been tested and passes a separate statement saying it has been tested and meets quality assurance requirements for Montana shall also be added to the label. If not required to test, then a separate statement listing the product has not been tested shall be listed on the label. All ingredients are to be listed in descending order if perishable statements about needing refrigeration or kept frozen shall be added, potential major food allergens, and a warning stating product can have delays to be effective.
Products not intended to be eaten or consumed must have in bold capital letters “DO NOT EAT”. For concentrates and extracts, the extraction method and solvent information shall be listed. The font for all labels shall be no smaller than the eight-point font in Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial. Must be written in English and be unobstructed and conspicuous. Multiple labels may be affixed to the container if necessary and can use peel back or accordion-style labels.
Labels may not contain any of the following information: untruthful or misleading statements, be attractive to minors which means contain or market using cartoons, designs, brands, or names that show non-cannabis consumer products typically target to minors. Symbols or celebrities used to market products to minors as well as images or words that refer to minor associated products cannot be used either. If cannabis product is placed in packaging designed to be reused, old labels must be removed, and a new label applied. All exit packaging must contain label statements that read “Keep out of reach of children.”
For a more detailed explanation of the rules and regulations regarding packaging and labeling, download our packaging and labeling guide available below. If you have more questions regarding packaging and labeling, visitMontana Medical Marijuana online athttp://www.mtrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=37%2E107, or you can send an email to mtmarijuananprogram@mt.gov.
*THC Label Solutions provides this document to serve as a guide and not as legal advice.