NACB National Standards address the highest priorities of regulators with regard to public health and safety.
DENVER and WASHINGTON — January 24, 2018 /Canna Newswire — The National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), the first and only self-regulatory organization (SRO) for U.S. licensed cannabis businesses, has published for comment the NACB Packaging and Labeling National Standard. This is the first of many NACB industry standards to be created and adopted by the SRO’s members. The Packaging and Labeling National Standard, like other NACB standards to come, is designed to help NACB members protect consumers and demonstrate to regulators, financial institutions and the public that NACB members operate at the highest levels of ethics and responsibility. The NACB Standard is available for public review and comment on the NACB website at www.NACB.com today until February 21, 2018.
“The NACB believes that self-regulation is the most effective course of action for our members to control their own destiny in the face of regulators’ growing need to intervene,” said Andrew Kline, president of the NACB and a former federal prosecutor. “The creation and adoption of national, voluntary standards that are aligned with regulators’ priorities takes input from government, NACB members, and subject matter experts into careful consideration. Through this process, the SRO identified product packaging and labeling as our first priority because it impacts so many issues related to health and safety.”
The new packaging and labeling standard addresses key public health and safety concerns, including:
- Child-resistant packaging guidelines for all cannabis products
- Consistent labeling that identifies the cannabis product’s origin, cultivator and processor
- Inclusion of warning statements regarding health risks associated with cannabis consumption, such as advising consumers not to drive or operate heavy machinery while using the product, and that the intoxicating effects of the product may be delayed after consumption.
- Avoiding packaging and labeling that appeal to minors
- Requirements and methods for listing all ingredients present in the product
- Inclusion of major food allergen warnings and information on cannabis edibles based upon U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidelines
- Guidelines on how to address health and medical claims for cannabis products
“Consumer education and awareness regarding the effects of cannabis products is a key concern for everyone working in the industry,” said Pete Kadens, co-founder and CEO of NACB founding member Green Thumb Industries (GTI). “It’s important that all cannabis consumers are made fully aware of what they are purchasing and consuming. Following these product labeling standards will ensure that marijuana products are used safely, are secured in packaging not accessible to anyone under the age of 21, and that consumers have all the information about the product they require.”
NACB National Standard Review Period
The NACB Packaging and Labeling National Standard will be posted online at NACB.com for a four-week period – until February 21 – during which anyone can offer their comment. Every comment will be reviewed and considered and may result in a revision of the standard. Following the review period, a new draft of the standard will be circulated to NACB members for a final vote to approve and adopt it.
For more information on the NACB and to review the proposed NACB Packaging and Labeling National Standard, visit www.NACB.com.
Compliance with the NACB National Standard
Non-compliance with the NACB Packaging and Labeling National Standard, as with all NACB standards, can result in expulsion from the NACB or other consequences.
To help aid members in complying with the requirements of state governments and the NACB’s National Standards, the NACB expects to launch a technology solution exclusively for members in 2018. The technology platform is also expected to help members meet the rigorous due diligence required by financial institutions and business partners, by creating an auditable ledger of compliance and financial records.
