Requirements of THC Dispensary Labels in Illinois Leave a comment

If you’re owning and operating a dispensary in Illinois, you need to ensure your cannabis warning labels contain the correct information to protect your customers and business. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide to creating THC dispensary labels for Illinois businesses that create and distribute recreational and medical cannabis products. Learn more with the experts at Chicago Color label and get creating today!

It’s important to note that these are just some of the requirements established by the IDOA, and additional requirements may apply depending on the specific type of product. It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal professional who is knowledgeable about cannabis laws in Illinois to ensure that your product labels are in compliance with all relevant regulations. The information below should not be used as a substitute for competent, legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

General THC Warning Label Do’s and Don’ts 

On all labels and packages for THC products, there must be a registration with the department and include a label and the required registration fee as listed in Section 1000.140 of the Illinois Administration Code. The registration fee is for the name of the product for sale and for all package sizes. All cannabis products must packaged in sealed and labeled containers that are child-resistant and light-resistant as well as comply with the current standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Poison Prevention Act. 

In Illinois, all cannabis products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) must comply with specific labeling requirements established by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Here are some of the key labeling requirements for THC products in Illinois:

Label or Package Must Include:

• Product name and type: The label must include the product name and type (such as flower, concentrate, edible, or topical).
• THC and CBD content: The label must include the amount of THC and CBD in the product. The THC and CBD content must be expressed in milligrams per serving or per package.
• Net weight: The label must show the net weight of the product in both metric and imperial units.
• Product batch number: The label must include a unique product batch number that identifies the batch from which the product was made.
• Date of manufacture and expiration: The label must include the date of manufacture and the expiration date.
• Ingredients: The label must include a list of all the ingredients in the product, including any allergens.
• Warning statements: The label must include warning statements about the potential risks and side effects of using THC products, such as the risk of impairment and the risk of developing psychosis or other mental health issues.
• Instructions for use: The label must include instructions for how to use the product.
• QR Code: The label must include a QR code that links to a webpage that provides additional information about the product, such as test results and other relevant information.

Packaging Cannot Include:

• False or misleading information
• Promote overconsumption
• Depict persons under 21 consuming product
• Cannabis leaf
• Images that appear to minors such as cartoons, toys, animals, or others in a similar likeness
• State of Illinois Seal, flag, crest, or other insignia to mislead buyers that the product is endorsed or used by any of its representatives.

Medical Cannabis Warning Label Requirements

For cannabis warning labels for medical products, you’ll need to first include this standard warning statement: “Product is for medical use and not for resale or transfer to another person.” The product must also be indiviual wrapped after it is prepared and be compliant with the requirements of the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Additional requirements needed for your medical THC warning labels include:

• Ingredients listed in descending order by colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives by common names.
• “This product was produced in a medical cannabis center not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens.”
• State that the product is a medical cannabis-infused product and not a common food on the front. 
• Total milligrams of THC and CBD. 
• Total THC does not go over 100 milligrams. 

Recreational Cannabis Warning Label Requirements

Many of the statements above are used toward THC warning labels on recreational products as they also need smell-proof packing and can have up to 100mg of THC if it’s split into single servings of 10 milligrams or less. Other label requirements are that the directions must also be written in Spanish and that you list the extraction method, solvents or gasses used during extraction, and all other chemicals or compounds used to make the product. 

Other Standard THC Warning Label Statements

THC warning labels may also need to include the following warnings no matter if it’s for different medical or recreational products:

• “This product contains cannabis and is intended for use by adults 21 and over. Its use can impair cognition and may be habit forming. This product should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is unlawful to sell or provide this item to any individual, and it may not be transported outside the State of Illinois. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. Possession or use of this product may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law.”
• Labels for THC products that can be smoked: “Smoking is hazardous to your health.”
• Labels for THC products that can be eaten: “CAUTION: This product contains cannabis, and intoxication following use may be delayed 2 or more hours. This product was produced in a facility that cultivates cannabis, and that may also process common food allergens.”
• Labels for THC products taken topically: “DO NOT EAT” in bold, capital letters.

Learn More About Cannabis Warning Labels at Chicago Color Label

If you have more questions on the requirements needed for your various THC warning labels, reach out to our team at Chicago Color Label for more information. You can also find plenty of great options when it comes to commercial printers and inks to make your statement stand out. Request a free sample of colors to see which you like best and be sure to check out our growing blog for all of your labeling and printing needs!