For residents of Vermont, cannabis usage is not a new ideology. Cannabis has been legal for medical use in the state since 2004, but only became legal recreationally July 1st, 2018. While it is legal to consume, it remains illegal to sell the drug recreationally. Representative John Gannon says, “Vermont’s current law is awkward because it’s a legalized product without providing a safe, legal access to it”. In February of 2020, the Vermont House of Representatives approved a bill establishing a legal market for cannabis consumption, creating a path for dispensaries to open in the state as soon as 2022. Vermont is projected to bring in about $13 million annual in cannabis sales once dispensaries can sell recreationally. For dispensaries to open and sell product, certain packaging and labeling guidelines must be meet for product to reach the market.
Packaging – Cultivator License:
Those in the state of Vermont that posses a cultivator license may cultivate, package, label, transport, test, and sell cannabis to license wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, or dispensaries. Cannabis cultivation must be done in enclosed, locked facilities and cannabis batches intended for human consumption must be tested for safety and potency. Cannabis packaging must be created and include cultivator name, strain and plant properties, potency percentage by mass, production date, and product warnings. Packaging may not be designed or include anything that appeals to those younger than twenty-one years of age.
Packaging – Retail license:
For those who have retail license to only sell cannabis and cannabis infused products, they have a slightly different set of packaging regulations. Packaging must include the strain of cannabis including plant properties, potency percentage by mass, production date, and product warnings. Packaging may not be designed or include anything that appeals to those younger than twenty-one years of age.
Labeling:
Labeling is what goes on the outside of the packaging that customers or consumers can read prior to purchasing or consuming the product. Cultivator labeling for products that are being sold to retailers need to include appropriate warning and potential risks in association with consuming cannabis. Product manufacturer labels need to list number of servings per product except for when labeling non-consumable products such as topicals. Labels also need to list length of time it takes for products to be effective and that it is to be kept away from persons under twenty-one years of age. Retailers selling hemp or hemp products are to clearly label products as such and display them apart from cannabis and cannabis products. Cannabis products need to be clearly labeled with the standard symbol indicating cannabis and list warning or potential negative consequences of cannabis consumption. Edible cannabis product labels need to have specific number of servings per individual package except for oils, powder, or liquids. The procedures and standards for testing that is performed for contaminates, potency, and quality need to be included. Storage and transportation regulations for the product listed on the label as well.
For a more detailed explanation of the rules and regulations or if you have more questions regarding packaging and labeling, please visit the website: Vermont Legislature Government website at https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/BILLS/S-0054/S-0054%20As%20passed%20by%20the%20Senate%20Official.pdf, send an email to ‘sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us’ or call (802) 828-2229.
*THC Label Solutions provides this document to serve as a guide and not as legal advice.