New Jersey's Cannabis Revolution: What You Need to Know About the Latest Packaging and Labeling Standards 

The year 2021 marked a significant milestone in the history of cannabis in New Jersey. On February 22, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a series of bills that legalized the adult use of recreational cannabis, making New Jersey the 14th state in the U.S. to do so. This landmark decision not only opened the doors for legal cannabis sales but also set the stage for the development of a robust regulatory framework, particularly in the areas of packaging and labeling, which are crucial for consumer safety and industry compliance.

 

New Jersey's move to legalize recreational cannabis was part of a broader trend sweeping across the United States, as more states recognized the potential benefits of a regulated cannabis market. For New Jersey, this legislation was about more than just legalizing a substance; it was about creating a structured and safe environment for consumers, promoting economic growth, and addressing social justice issues related to previous cannabis-related convictions.

With legalization comes the responsibility to ensure that cannabis products are safe, properly labeled, and marketed responsibly. New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has established strict guidelines for packaging and labeling to protect consumers and keep products out of the hands of minors.

 

Packaging:

All cannabis packaging must be child-resistant, fully enclosed, opaque, light-resistant, and feature a single base color. Logos or symbols in different colors are allowed.

 

Labeling:

Labels must clearly indicate the following:

  • Product name and license number
  • Net weight
  • Production and expiration date
  • Batch number
  • Inactive or excipient ingredients 
  • Potential allergens 
  • Refrigeration requirements

 

Warning labels may also include one or more of the following:

  • "This product contains cannabis"
  • "This product is intended for use by adults 21 years of age or older and not for resale. Keep out of the reach of children"
  • "There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product, including for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant"
  • "Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while using this product"

Furthermore, labels must indicate the THC and CBD content. For products with 40% or more THC, the label must include the warning: “This is a high potency product and may increase your risk for psychosis.”

If the product is ingestible, include a warning such as: “The intoxicating effects of this product may be delayed by two or more hours.”

 

The emphasis on strict packaging and labeling is not just about regulatory compliance; it's about ensuring the safety of consumers and the community. Proper packaging helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets, while accurate labeling ensures that consumers are fully informed about what they are purchasing. 

 

As New Jersey continues to navigate the evolving landscape of recreational cannabis, the importance of robust packaging and labeling standards cannot be overstated. These regulations are vital for protecting consumers, ensuring product quality, and maintaining public trust in the legal cannabis industry. 

 

If your dispensary or manufacturing facility needs custom-printed packaging for your products, feel free to contact our team at Martini Packaging. We're here to help.