Packaging and labelling guide for cannabis products

Requirements under the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations

1.0 Purpose
2.0 Scope
3.0 Prohibitions on packaging and labelling of cannabis
4.0 General packaging and labelling requirements
5.0 Packaging requirements
6.0 Labelling requirements
7.0 Transition period for packaging and labelling
8.0 Contact us
Appendix: Cannabis products that meet the packaging and labelling requirements

Disclaimer: This document does not constitute part of the Cannabis Act or its regulations. It should be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the Act and its regulations. The information in this document is not intended to substitute for, supersede or limit the requirements under the legislation. In the event of discrepancy between the legislation and this document, the legislation shall prevail.

The reader is advised to consult other legislation that may apply to them or their activities, such as applicable provincial or territorial legislation.

1.0 Purpose

This guide provides guidance and information about the packaging and labelling requirements for cannabis products under the Cannabis Act (the Act) and the Cannabis Regulations (the Regulations).

The Act and its regulations require plain packaging and labelling for all cannabis products with restrictions on logos, colours, branding and their appeal to youth. Cannabis products must be packaged in a child-resistant container (except for cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds) and be labelled with a mandatory health warning message, the standardized cannabis symbol where applicable, and include specific product information (for example, brand name of the cannabis product, class of cannabis, THC and CBD information, licence holder information). These measures aim to reduce the risks of harms from cannabis use, reduce the appeal of cannabis products to young persons, and provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions before using cannabis.

Licence holders are responsible for complying with the Act and its regulations, and other legislation that may apply to them or their activities. Health Canada does not review or pre-approve packages and labels of cannabis products.

Health Canada applies a risk-based approach to compliance and enforcement whereby risk pertains to health, safety and the credibility of the regulatory system, among other factors. The Compliance and enforcement policy for the Cannabis Act can be found on Health Canada's website.

2.0 Scope

This guide applies to cannabis products that are sold or distributed in Canada.

Cannabis products do not include cannabis or a cannabis accessory that contains cannabis that is intended for an animal or a drug containing cannabis.

This guide does not apply to industrial hemp or items listed in Schedule 2 to the Act.

This guide does not apply to shipping containers such as outer wrappings or boxes used to transport cannabis products, or a crate in a transport truck.

The information in this guide is based on the Regulations, as amended by the Regulations Amending the Cannabis Regulations (New Classes of Cannabis) and the Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning Cannabis (Streamlining of Requirements).

Health Canada publishes other guidance documents and information that may be used in conjunction with this guide to support compliance with the Act and its regulations. For consistency and transparency, this guide and other guidance documents and information are updated as required to reflect changes to the Act, its regulations and policies.

The examples and figures in this guide are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual cannabis products.

3.0 Prohibitions on packaging and labelling of cannabis

The Act and Regulations outline a number of prohibitions related to the packaging and labelling of cannabis and cannabis products. Unless authorized under the Act, the prohibitions listed in this subsection apply to all cannabis and cannabis products.

3.1 General prohibitions

Under the Act, it is prohibited for a person that is authorized to sell cannabis (or for a person that sells a cannabis accessory) to sell it in a package or with a label:

that does not meet the requirements of the Regulations [25, CA]
if there are reasonable grounds to believe that a package or label could be appealing to young persons [26(a), 27(a), CA]
that sets out a testimonial or endorsement, however displayed or communicated [26(b), 27(b), CA]
that sets out a depiction of a person, character or animal, whether real or fictional [26(c), 27(c), CA]
that associates it or any one of its brand elements with, or evokes a positive or negative emotion about or image of, a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring [26(d), 27(d), CA]

Definitions

Brand element

As defined in the Act, includes a brand name, trademark, tradename, distinguishing guise, logo, graphic arrangement, design or slogan that is reasonably associated with, or that evokes:

cannabis, a cannabis accessory or a service related to cannabis
a brand of any cannabis, cannabis accessory or service related to cannabis

Label

As defined in the Act, includes a legend, word or mark that is, or is to be applied or attached to or included in, or that accompanies or is to accompany, cannabis or a cannabis accessory or a package.

In the context of Part 7 of the Regulations only, a label does not include inserts or leaflets referred to in subsection 132(1), nor a panel referred to in subsection 132.27(1).

Panel

For the purposes of sections 112 to 117, 121 and 132.13, subsections 132.27(2) to (7) and (9) and sections 132.28 to 132.32 of the Regulations, panel means a panel referred to in subsection 132.27(1), such as, a peel-back or accordion panel applied to the immediate container. This definition is separate from the definition of principal display panel mentioned later.

Package

As defined in the Act, means any inner or outer container or covering.

3.2 Other prohibited representations

The prohibitions listed in this subsection apply to all cannabis products including the package, label or panel of a container or an insert, leaflet or bar code (for example, QR code) that is included with the container.

Under the Regulations, it is prohibited to make an express or implied representation, including by way of a brand element, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the representation could:

associate the cannabis product with a tobacco product as defined in section 2 of the Tobacco Vaping Products Act, or a vaping product to which that Act applies [132.32, CR]
associate the cannabis product with an alcoholic beverage [132.31, CR]
create the impression that health or cosmetic benefits may be derived from the use of the cannabis product. This prohibition does not apply to drugs containing cannabis that are health products (such as prescription drugs containing cannabis or medical devices which are approved under the Food and Drug Act [104.12(2), 132.28, CR]). For more information on products containing cannabis or for use with cannabis, refer to the Food and Drug Act and its regulations as well as the Guidance on health products containing cannabis or for use with cannabis

Additionally, for edible cannabis, it is prohibited to make an express or implied representation, including by way of a brand element that would:

concern the energy value referred to in item 2 of the table to 132.22 of the Regulations or the amount of nutrient referred to in items 3 to 15 of that table or in items 5 to 37 of the table to section B.01.402 of the Food and Drugs Regulations [132.29(1), CR]
cause reasonable grounds to believe that the representation could create the impression that the cannabis product is intended to meet the particular dietary requirements of an individual who has a physical or psychological condition as a result of a disease, disorder or injury, or for whom a particular effect, including weight loss, is to be obtained by a controlled intake of food, or of individuals who are under 18 years of age [132.3, CR]

Additionally, for cannabis extracts, it is prohibited to display an indication or illustration, including a brand element that could:

cause a person to believe that the cannabis product has a flavour set out in column 1 of the Schedule 3 to the Tobacco Vaping Products Act, other than the flavour of cannabis, such as confectionery, dessert, soft drink and energy drink flavours [132.13, CR]

3.3 False, misleading or deceptive information

It is prohibited for a person that is authorized to sell cannabis (or for a person who sells a cannabis accessory) to sell it in a package or with a label or with an insert or leaflet that contains any information that is false, misleading or deceptive or that is likely to create an erroneous impression about the:

characteristics, value, quantity, composition, strength, concentration, potency, purity, quality, merit, safety, health effects or health risks of the cannabis [26(e), CA]
design, construction, performance, intended use, characteristics, value, composition, merit, safety, health effects or health risks of a cannabis accessory [27(e), CA]

Refer to the THC and CBD content section for guidance about how to correctly label THC and CBD.

Important: The Act and its regulations set out a series of comprehensive provisions that prohibit certain activities (for example, packaging and labelling, promotion and sale) with cannabis or a cannabis accessory if there are reasonable grounds to believe the cannabis, cannabis accessory, cannabis product, or service related to cannabis could appeal to young persons. The Policy statement on Cannabis Act prohibitions referring to appeal to young persons provides more information.

4.0 General packaging and labelling requirements

The requirements of the Act and its regulations result in plain packaging and labelling for all cannabis products. This includes restrictions on logos, colours, branding, appeal to youth, as well as specific display formats about how product information must appear on the label (for example, type style, size, spacing). These measures are designed to:

reduce the attractiveness and appeal of cannabis products, particularly to young persons
make the standardized cannabis symbol and health warning messages more prominent and noticeable
provide consumers with accurate information about the content and use of the cannabis product

Plain packaging and labelling applies to all surfaces, including labels and the various types and parts of the package such as containers, wrappers, and coverings (for example, shrink wrap), but does not apply to inserts or leaflets and peel-back or accordion panels.

Table 1 summarizes the general packaging and labelling requirements.

Table 1: General packaging and labelling requirements
Cannabis Regulations reference	Requirement	Notes/Exceptions
113 120 123.1(1)(c), (d)	Single uniform colour^{Footnote 1} The colour of the interior surface, exterior surface and panel of any container in which a cannabis product is packaged must be one uniform colour No fluorescent colours for containers or wrappers, or metallic colours on containers Colour of containers must create a contrast with yellow colour of the health warning message and the red colour of the standardized cannabis symbol Coverings of containers must be transparent and colourless	The colour of the container may differ from the colour of the lid or cap. For peel-back or accordion panels, the colour may be different between the surface and the panel. The exterior of immediate containers and the interior surface of any container may be a metallic colour if that surface is made of metal, excluding the label or image.
115 123.1(1)(e)	Smooth texture^{Footnote 1} No raised features for containers and coverings No embossing or decorative ridges for wrappers No other irregularities (for example, engravings, etchings) for containers and coverings	Does not apply to features necessary to facilitate opening and closing of the container and those to assist persons who are visually impaired.
116(1) 123.1(1)(f)	No hidden features including Heat-activated ink Feature that is visible only through technological means unless, in the case of containers or coverings, it is a bar code or used to prevent counterfeiting
116(2)	No features that can change surface area including Tags Fold-out panels except in the case of a peel-back or accordion panel for an immediate container. See the Requirements for peel-back or accordion panels section of this guide	Does not apply to wrappers.
117 123.1(1)(g)	Not emit scent or sound
121	No cut-out windows	Does not apply to coverings, wrappers or any container in which dried cannabis, fresh cannabis or cannabis plant seeds are packaged. Important: Cut-out windows are subject to the plain packaging requirements in the Regulations and the packaging and labelling prohibitions in the Act and should not make a cannabis product more attractive or appealing, particularly among youth. Under Part 7 of the Regulations cut-out windows must, for example: be either clear or the colour of the packaging not display an image have a smooth texture without any raised features In addition, a cut-out window must not depict a person, character or animal, whether real or fictional; must not evoke a positive or negative emotion about or image of a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring; and must not being appealing to youth [s. 26, CA]. For example, a cut-out window in the shape of a unicorn or a Christmas tree would not be permitted. Refer to the Policy statement on Cannabis Act prohibitions referring to appeal to young persons for more information on what might appeal to youth. Cut-out window shapes can include basic geometric shapes such as circles, rectangles or squares. More than one cut-out window is permitted, such as one on the front and back of a pouch. There is no limit on the size of cut-out windows but you are still required to adhere to all labelling requirements including but not limited to, the standardized THC symbol and health warning message.
123(1)(c)(i) 130(4)	Brand name Required on the label	See the Brand name section for more information.
111 118 123.1(1)(a) 130(9)	No brand element No brand element on the interior or exterior surfaces of a container or a wrapper nor on a covering	An exception is made to allow one brand element on a label [130(8), CR]. See An additional brand element (optional) section for more information.
123(1)(f) 123.1(2) 130(5)	Standardized cannabis symbol Required on the label if THC concentration exceeds 10µg/g	See the Standardized cannabis symbol section for more information.
123(1)(e) 130(6)	Health warning message Required on the label	See the Health warning messages section for more information.
112 119 122 123.1(1)(b) 123.1(2)	No image and/or information^{Footnote 1} No image on any container (interior or exterior surface and panel) in which a cannabis product is packaged No image or information on the covering No images or information on a wrapper, with exceptions	A container may display 1 or 2 bar codes, including a QR code, but each must appear only once. Every bar code must be printed in black and white. A wrapper must display the standardized cannabis symbol and may display images or information that are in accordance with the Act, any other Act of Parliament, any provincial Act or their regulations.
132	Non-contaminating inserts or leaflets	Cannabis products may include, or be accompanied by, one or more inserts or leaflets, as long as the insert or leaflet does not present a risk of contamination of the cannabis product and is in both English and French. Unless expressly specified, inserts and leaflets are not subject to the packaging and labelling requirements under Part 7 of the Regulations as they are excluded from the definition of a label for the purposes that part. However, please note that they remain subject to the packaging and labelling requirements of the Act, including restrictions on the appeal to youth [26-28, CA]. For more information on inserts and leaflets refer to the Inserts or leaflets section of this guide.
Footnote 1 Unless provided under the Cannabis Act, any other Act of Parliament, or any provincial act. Return to footnote 1 referrer

Note: Colours that have the lustre of metal or metallic properties include Pantone Metallics or Pantone Premium Metallics. Fluorescent properties include pigments that absorb ultraviolet energy and transmit it as a longer wavelength, such as the Pantone 800 series.

5.0 Packaging requirements

All cannabis products must be packaged in an immediate container. Some products may also have wrappers (for example, foil wrappers around chocolate) or an outermost container in addition to the immediate container (for example, a co-packaged product having an outermost container around multiple immediate containers).

Where a cannabis product has multilayered packaging, all elements must be packaged and labelled according to the regulatory requirements.

In addition to the general packaging and labelling requirements outlined in the General packaging and labelling requirements section, the Regulations also outline specific requirements related to the different parts of a package.

Definition of an immediate container: As defined in the Regulations, immediate container means a container that is in direct contact with cannabis or a cannabis accessory that is a cannabis product or, if a wrapper is in direct contact with the cannabis or the cannabis accessory, with the wrapper.

5.1 Immediate container requirements

As mentioned, all cannabis products must be packaged in an immediate container. This container is the part of the package that is in direct contact with the cannabis or the cannabis accessory. The immediate container may also be in direct contact with the wrapper. Table 2 summarizes the immediate container requirements.

Table 2: Immediate container requirements
Cannabis Regulations reference	Requirement	Notes/Exceptions
1(2) 122.4(1)(b)	Cannot contain more than one class of cannabis As set out in Schedule 4 to the Act	Applies to the outermost container as well.
108(1)(b),(c) 110(a)	Prevent contamination of the cannabis In the case of dried cannabis and cannabis plant seeds, the container must also keep the product dry	Does not apply to cannabis plants.
108(1)(a) 108(2)	Be opaque or translucent	Does not apply to dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds.
108(1)(e)	Be child resistant Meet the requirements set out in C.01.001(2) to (4) of the Food and Drugs Regulations	Does not apply to cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds.
108(1)(d)	Have a security feature Provides reasonable assurance to consumers that the package has not been opened prior to purchase (for example, security seal)	Does not apply to cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds.
108(1)(f) 109 110(b)	Not exceed the maximum amount of cannabis Cannot contain more than the equivalent of 30 g of dried cannabis The container holding cannabis plants cannot contain plants that are flowering or budding at time of packaging or contain more than four plants	With the exception of cannabis plants, refer to Schedule 3 of the Act for equivalency values for different cannabis classes.
96(1) 97(1) 97(2) 97.1(1) 97.1(2) 101.2 102.7	Not exceed the maximum THC quantity The container holding cannabis topicals or cannabis extracts cannot have a quantity of THC that exceeds 1000 mg Subject to the variability limits, the container holding edible cannabis cannot have a quantity of THC that exceeds 10 mg Subject to the variability limits, each discrete unit of cannabis intended for ingestion, nasal, rectal or vaginal use cannot have a quantity of THC that exceeds 10 mg	The quantity of THC mentioned here takes into account the potential to convert THCA into THC.
122.3 122.5	Control measures for cannabis extracts not in discrete units Container must not permit the extract to be easily poured or drunk If the container contains liquid cannabis extract, it cannot contain more than 90 mL If the container contains liquid cannabis extract with greater than 10 mg THC and which is not intended for inhalation, it must have an integrated dispensing mechanism (for example, pump or metered spray for a bottle) that does not dispense more than 10 mg of THC per activation	The quantity of THC mentioned here takes into account the potential to convert THCA into THC. Cannabis extract in liquid form mentioned here must be at a temperature of 22 ± 2°C.

Definition of a discrete unit: Refers to, in the case where a single immediate container contains more than 1 unit of a cannabis product, each of those units. Examples could include multiple pre-rolled joints, capsules, separate edible pieces, etc.

5.2 Food grade packaging requirements

There are food grade packaging requirements for:

the immediate container in which the edible cannabis, or a cannabis accessory that contains edible cannabis is packaged
any wrapper that is direct contact with the edible cannabis, or a cannabis accessory that contains edible cannabis
any wrapper that is in direct contact with a cannabis extract intended for ingestion, or a cannabis accessory that contains cannabis extract intended for ingestion

The Regulations require certain immediate containers and wrappers to meet the requirements of Division 23 of Part B of the Food and Drugs Regulations, which, among other things, prohibits the sale of foods in packages that may impart any substance to the contents which may be harmful to the consumer of the food. Furthermore, immediate containers and wrappers may need to meet the requirements outlined in subparagraphs 186(a)(i),(ii), and (v) to (vii) of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations such as the requirements for a package to be clean, suitable for its intended use, and free from odours that might affect the food [122.2, CR].

Note: There may be requirements pertaining to the use of certain containers (for example, hazard symbol on pressurized containers). The Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, for instances, should be referred to for more information.

5.3 Wrappers

Wrappers may only be used if they are required to maintain the quality or stability of the cannabis product.

In these cases, the wrapper must be in direct contact with the cannabis (or the cannabis accessory) and with one or both of the following:

the immediate container of the cannabis product
a wrapper that is in direct contact with the cannabis (or the cannabis accessory) [122.1, CR]

Wrappers must not display any brand element, image, or information with the exception of the standardized cannabis symbol if the cannabis product exceeds 10 μg/g of THC and images or information authorized under the Act, any other federal law or provincial law [123.1(1.1), CR]. While an immediate container must meet the requirements of a child resistant package under subsections C.01.001(2) to (4) of the Food and Drug Regulations, a wrapper is not required to be child resistant; however, it must be inside an immediate container.

For packaging material to be considered a wrapper under the Regulations, it should meet the common definition of a wrapper. As such, a wrapper should be composed of an acceptable material, should be flexible and non-rigid in its structure, and must maintain the quality or stability of the product.

Additionally, the following are considered when assessing whether a packaging material or form may be acceptable for use as a wrapper:

Material: generally a non-reusable packaging material such as a piece of paper, plastic, or foil covering and sealing the cannabis product
Direct contact: wrapper must be in direct contact with the cannabis (or cannabis accessory) and the immediate container, or another wrapper that is in direct contact with the cannabis (or cannabis accessory)
- multiple layers of packaging material would not be acceptable as a wrapper
Functionality: packaging material chosen for a wrapper should not be capable of functioning as an immediate container and should not be able to be used to store cannabis after it has been opened
- Examples of packaging materials that likely function as immediate containers on their own and would therefore not be considered wrappers include jars, bottles, boxes, resealable bags, or fully-enclosed cartons that contain cannabis
Texture and design: wrapper should have a smooth texture without any raised patterns, designs, or textured features

Important: The Government of Canada recognizes that plastic pollution is a growing problem in Canada and around the world. To help reduce the amount of waste created by cannabis product packaging, the Regulations permit wrappers and peel back-type labels as well as flexibility for packaging materials other than plastics (for example, cardboard). Health Canada encourages the use of environmentally sound packaging approaches, provided all applicable requirements in the Regulations are met.

5.4 Outermost container requirements

The outermost container in which a cannabis product is packaged must not contain:

food
more than one class of cannabis set out in Schedule 4 to the Act
more than one immediate container [122.4(1), CR]

There are exceptions for multiple immediate containers that are further detailed in the Co-packing cannabis section of this guide.

5.5 Co-packing cannabis

The use of multiple immediate containers in an outermost container is allowed for all classes of cannabis, except cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds, provided that all requirements related to how these containers are packaged and labelled are met [122.4(2), 122.4(3), CR].

The properties of the cannabis in all immediate containers inside a co-pack must be consistent [122.4(2)(a)(iv), 122.4(2)(b)(iv), 122.4(2)(c)(iv), 122.4(2)(d)(iv), CR]. A co-pack is essentially a multi-pack of the same product.

For edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals in discrete units, there may be differences in flavours or colours amongst the units inside an immediate container as permitted under section 98.1 of the Regulations; however, all immediate containers inside the co-pack must be consistent.

In addition, each immediate container in a co-pack must:

comply with the limits on the maximum quantity of THC. For example, for edible cannabis, each immediate container must not contain more than 10 mg of THC. For cannabis extracts or cannabis topicals, each immediate container must not contain more than 1000 mg of THC, taking into account the potential to convert THCA into THC [102.7, 101.2 CR]
meet the same immediate container requirements outlined in section 6.1 this guide (for example, single uniform colour, child resistant, security feature) [for example, 108, 113, CR]
be labelled in accordance with the requirements for immediate containers as outlined in the Labelling requirements section of this guide [122.4(2)(a)(ii), 122.4(2)(b)(ii), 122.4(2)(c)(ii), 122.4(2)(d)(ii), CR]

All outermost labels, regardless of cannabis class or form, must indicate:

the number of immediate containers inside the co-pack
the lot number of each immediate container inside the co-pack
all other applicable labelling requirements, such as brand name, standardized cannabis symbol, health warning message, class of cannabis, recommended storage conditions, list of ingredients, sources of food allergens and nutrition facts table, and the name, telephone number and email address of the licence holder, as described for immediate containers in the Labelling requirements section of this guide [123, 130, CR]
the information as outlined in Table 3

In addition, it is recommended to include the term "multi-pack" in regular weight and width standard sans serif font.

The outermost label must indicate the information included in Table 3 depending on the cannabis class and form in the co-pack. Table 3 does not include all labeling requirements set out in Part 7 of the Regulations. Refer to the THC and CBD content section of this guide for instructions on how to properly display THC and CBD content.

Table 3: Specific requirements for the outermost label of a co-pack based on cannabis class and form
Cannabis class	Discrete units not intended for inhalation	Discrete units intended for inhalation and products not in discrete units
Dried or fresh cannabis	The net weight, in grams, of total dried or fresh cannabis in the co-pack The net weight, in grams, of total dried or fresh cannabis in each immediate container The quantity of THC, in milligrams, that each discrete unit could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC per unit" The quantity of CBD, in milligrams, that each discrete unit could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD per unit" The intended use of the cannabis product	The net weight, in grams, of total dried or fresh cannabis in the co-pack The net weight, in grams, of total dried or fresh cannabis in each immediate container The total concentration of THC in the co-pack, in milligrams per gram, that the dried cannabis or fresh cannabis could yield^{Footnote 1} preceded by "Total THC" The total concentration of CBD in the co-pack, in milligrams per gram, that the dried cannabis or fresh cannabis could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD" The intended use of the cannabis product
Cannabis extract	The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis extract in the co-pack The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis extract in each immediate container The quantity of THC, in milligrams, that each discrete unit could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC per unit" The quantity of CBD, in milligrams, that each discrete unit could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD per unit" A list of the ingredients of the cannabis extract The name of any food allergen that is present in the cannabis extract, except as a result of cross-contamination The identity of the cannabis product in terms of its common name or in terms of its function The intended use of the cannabis product	The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis extract in the co-pack The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis extract in each immediate container The total concentration of THC in the co-pack, in milligrams per gram, that the cannabis extract could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC" The total concentration of CBD in the co-pack, in milligrams per gram, that the cannabis extract could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD" A list of the ingredients of the cannabis extract The name of any food allergen that is present in the cannabis extract, except as a result of cross-contamination The identity of the cannabis product in terms of its common name or in terms of its function The intended use of the cannabis product
Cannabis topical	The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis topical in the co-pack The net weight, in grams, of total cannabis topical in each immediate container Either the quantity of THC, in milligrams, or the concentration of THC, in milligrams per gram, that each unit could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC per unit" Either the quantity of CBD, in milligrams, or the concentration of CBD, in milligrams per gram, that each unit could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD per unit" A list of the ingredients of the cannabis topical The identity of the cannabis product in terms of its common name or in terms of its function The intended use of the cannabis product	Same as for discrete units, except "Total THC per unit" and "Total CBD per unit" refer to "Total THC per immediate container" and "Total CBD per immediate container," respectively
Edible cannabis	If the edible cannabis is in solid form, its net weight, in grams, and in any other case, its net volume, in millilitres, of the entire co-pack The quantity of THC, in milligrams, that each unit could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC per unit" The quantity of THC, in milligrams, of the entire co-pack, that the edible cannabis could yield^{Footnote 1}, preceded by "Total THC" The quantity of CBD, in milligrams, that each unit could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD per unit" The quantity of CBD, in milligrams, of the entire co-pack, that the edible cannabis could yield^{Footnote 2}, preceded by "Total CBD" A list of the ingredients of the edible cannabis, including constituents, if any The source of any food allergen or gluten present in the edible cannabis, except as a result of cross-contamination The sulphites that are present in the edible cannabis in an amount of 10 p.p.m. or more A nutrition facts table that contains only the information set out in column 1 of the table to section 132.22, expressed using a description set out in column 2, in the unit set out in column 3 and in the manner set out in column 4 The common name of the cannabis product If the edible cannabis is irradiated under section 102.6, the symbol set out in subsection B.01.035(5) of the Food and Drug Regulations and one of the following statements or a statement that has the same meaning: "treated with radiation" "treated by irradiation" "irradiated" If an irradiated food referred to in column 1 of the table to Division 26 of Part B of the Food and Drug Regulations is an ingredient or constituent of the edible cannabis and constitutes 10% or more of the edible cannabis, the statement "irradiated" preceding any mention of the ingredient or constituent on the label	Same as for discrete units, except "Total THC per unit" and "Total CBD per unit" refer to "Total THC per immediate container" and "Total CBD per immediate container," respectively
Footnote 1 Taking into account the potential to convert THCA into THC Return to footnote 1 referrer Footnote 2 taking into account the potential to convert CBDA into CBD Return to footnote 2 referrer

Please refer to Figures 9 and 10 in the Appendix for examples of outermost container labels for co-packs.

Note: Some of the required information on the outermost container label is slightly different from the immediate container label. The outermost container label is not required to include a packaging date, but must include the lot number of all immediate containers inside the co-pack for traceability. Moreover, the outermost container label may contain different optional information than the immediate container, especially since the outermost container label may provide for a greater surface to accommodate additional or optional information. See the Optional information about the cannabis product section for how to format optional information.

The outermost container:

must not contain a total quantity of cannabis that exceeds the equivalent of 30 g of dried cannabis, as determined in accordance with subsection 2(4) of the Act [122.4(2)(a)(iii), 122.4(2)(b)(iii), 122.4(2)(c)(iii), 122.4(2)(d)(iii), CR]
must contain the same number of immediate containers as specified on the label [134.1, CR]

Important: For information on the excise cannabis stamp requirements for co-packaged products, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency.

The outermost container does not need to:

be child resistant
indicate the packaging date of each immediate container on the outermost label, however one may be included voluntarily

6.0 Labelling requirements

The Regulations prescribe what, where and how information must appear on the label of all cannabis products. This includes strict requirements on the presentation of information such as type style and size, colours, and spacing.

All information on the label must be:

in English and French, except for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names and European Union (EU) technical names
clear, prominently displayed and legible under normal conditions of purchase and use
Other than the brand name, the standardized cannabis symbol and the health warning message, the information that is required to be included on the label must be presented in the following format:
- Background: white
- Type colour: black
  - Exception: optional information that is not required on the label may be in black or white
- Type style: regular weight and width standard sans serif without italics
  - Exception: information related to the quantity of total THC and total CBD which must be in bold type
- Type size: at least 6 points and must be smaller than the type size used for the health warning message that appears on the label
  - Exception: information related to the quantity of total THC and total CBD which must be in a type size of at least 6 points but can be equal in size or smaller than the type size used for the health warning message
- Outset: at least 6 points from the white background on all sides
- Leading: at least 7 points

A label should be either printed on, or securely applied to a package (for example, as a sticker). It should not fall off or be easily removed during transportation or normal use of the product.

6.1 Required information on the principal display panel of the label

Every label must have a principal display panel that must appear on the principal display surface of the container. This is the surface that is displayed or is visible under normal or customary conditions of purchase or use. As defined in section 2 of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations, the principal display panel of the label may be all or part of the principal display surface.

Definition of a principal display panel: As defined in the Regulations for the purposes of its Part 7, has the same meaning as in subsection 2(2) of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations. Specifically, it means:

in the case of a container that is mounted on a display card, that part of the label applied to all or part of the principal display surface of the container or to all or part of the side of the display card that is displayed or visible under normal or customary conditions of sale or use or to both such parts of the container and the display card
in the case of an ornamental container, that part of the label applied to all or part of the bottom of the container or to all or part of the principal display surface or to all or part of a tag that is attached to the container
in the case of all other containers, that part of the label applied to all or part of the principal display surface

Table 4: Principal display panel
Part of container that is visible under normal conditions of purchase or use	Area of principal display surface
Side or surface	Total area of such side or surface (excluding the top)
No side or surface	Any 40% of the total surface area that can be displayed (excluding the top and bottom)
Lid	Total area of the top surface of the lid
Bag with sides of equal dimensions	Total area of one of the sides
Bag with sides of more than one size	Total area of one of the largest sides

Important: If there are separate principal display panels to display English and French information, each principal display panel of the label must be properly labelled.

The subsections below outline the requirements of the principal display panel of a label. These requirements apply to both immediate and outermost containers unless specified otherwise.

6.1.1 Standardized cannabis symbol

The standardized cannabis symbol must be displayed on the principal display panel of the label and is used to inform and warn consumers that the cannabis product contains THC. It is incorporated by reference as part of the Regulations and must appear on the label of all cannabis products containing THC in a concentration greater than 10 μg/g, taking into account the potential to convert THCA into THC [123(1)(f), 130(5), CR]. You may voluntarily choose to use this symbol on products that contain 10 μg/g of total THC or less, and Health Canada would recommend this if the product also contains other intoxicating cannabinoids or for THC products that are large format and still contain potentially intoxicating amounts of total THC, for example a standard-sized cannabis beverage that contains less than 10 μg/g, but a total of 2.5 mg THC.

A high-resolution format of the standardized cannabis symbol must be downloaded from Standardized cannabis symbol.

Figure 1. Text version below. — **Figure 1 - Standardized cannabis symbol**

White border of at least 2 points on all sides (dotted border shown not required, used to illustrate outset).
Oriented in such a manner that its text is readable from left to right when the container is displayed or visible under the customary conditions of purchase and use.

Definition of a point: As defined in the Regulations, means the unit of measurement for type size that is known as a PostScript point and is equal to 0.3527777778 millimetres.

Note: The standardized cannabis symbol must appear in the upper left 25% of the principal display panel. If the size of the symbol is changed, its dimension must remain proportional vertically and horizontally.

Important: If the size of the symbol is changed, its dimensions must remain proportional vertically and horizontally [130(5)(e), CR]. It is prohibited to display on the label a representation such as an image, sign, mark or symbol that resembles or can be mistaken for the standardized cannabis symbol [131, CR].

6.1.2 Health warning messages

The health warning message must be displayed on the principal display panel of the label and is comprised of a one- or two-sentence message in a yellow box, where the first sentence is in bold type and the second sentence is not. This message serves to inform and warn consumers of the potential health risks and effects of using cannabis [123(1)(e), 130(6)-(7), CR]. A list of health warning messages is available in the Cannabis health warning messages document incorporated by reference. The document outlines which messages apply to which cannabis products. The health warning messages applicable to their products must be displayed in rotation on each type of container of each brand name of the cannabis product that is packaged in a year, so that each health warning message is displayed, to the extent possible, on equal numbers of containers of that product. [123(4), CR]

Note: Documents "Incorporated by reference" are documents not in the text of the Regulations that are made part of the Regulations. Documents incorporated by reference have the force of law and can be updated from time to time.

Figure 2. Text version below. — **Figure 2 - Cannabis health warning message with attribution (bilingual example)**

Left-justified without hyphenation. The second sentence must be in sentence case letters. Regular weight and width standard sans serif font, without italics, in the colour black and with leading of at least 8 points. Type size of at least 7 points and must be equal to or larger than the type size used for the brand name. Same font type that is used for the information referred to in subsection 130(3) of the Regulations.
The word "WARNING" must be in upper case letters and bold type.
First sentence must be sentence case letters and bold type.
Oriented in such a manner that its text is readable from left to right when the container is displayed or visible under the customary conditions of purchase and use.
Within a black border that is solid line of at least 1 point and has an inset of at least 6 points on all sides between the message and border. If there is one principal display panel, at least 3 points between the English and French message.
Any attribution to the source of the health warning message that is included on the label must meet the following requirements: If there is one principal display panel, the words "Health Canada / Santé Canada", and if there are separate principal display panels, "Health Canada" for the English display panel and "Santé Canada" for the French display panel. Type size of at least 6 points and smaller than the type size used for the health warning message. Same font type that is used for the information referred to in subsection 130(3) of the Inside the border of the health warning message and be displayed in the bottom right corner below the health warning message text, with leading of at least 7 points.

Note: When the Cannabis health warning messages document is amended, licence holders will have 12 months to update their labels to reflect the latest health warning messages [123.01(1), CR]. Health warning messages must continue to be displayed in rotation on each type of container of each brand name of the cannabis product that is packaged in a year, so that each health warning message is displayed, to the extent possible, on equal numbers of containers of that product [123.01(2), CR].

Licence holders authorized to sell or distribute cannabis and anyone authorized to sell cannabis, for example provincial retailers, as the case may be, may continue to sell or distribute products labelled with old health warning messages indefinitely [123.01(3)-(4), CR].

6.1.3 THC and CBD content

The unit of measure and whether the THC and CBD content is represented by quantity (mg) or concentration (mg/g) can vary depending on the class of cannabis in the immediate container, whether the cannabis product is in discrete units or not and the intended use of the cannabis product.

Note: Total THC and CBD content must be displayed in bold type, at least 6 points away from any other information, and in a type size of at least 6 points and equal in size or smaller than the type size used for the health warning message [130(3)(e), CR]. For a more complete list of labelling requirements, refer to the Labelling requirements section of this guide.

Table 5 summarizes how this information must be displayed on the principal display panel of the label:

Table 5: Displaying the total THC and CBD content
Cannabis Regulations reference	Class of cannabis	In discrete units		Not in discrete units
124 124.1 125	Dried or fresh cannabis	Not intended for inhalation Total THC per unit ## mg Total CBD per unit ## mg	Intended for inhalation Total THC ## mg/g Total CBD ## mg/g	Total THC ## mg/g Total CBD ## mg/g
132.1 132.11 132.12	Cannabis extract	Not intended for inhalation Total THC per unit ## mg Total CBD per unit ## mg	Intended for inhalation Total THC ## mg/g Total CBD ## mg/g	Total THC ## mg/g Total CBD ## mg/g Additionally, if using a cannabis extract intended for ingestion, rectal or vaginal use, or that is packaged with and is intended to dispense extract: Total THC per activation ## mg Total CBD per activation ## mg
132.15 132.16	Cannabis topical	Total THC per unit ## mg or mg/g Total CBD per unit ## mg or mg/g		Total THC ## mg or mg/g Total CBD ## mg or mg/g
132.18 132.19	Edible cannabis	Total THC per unit ## mg Total THC ## mg Total CBD per unit ## mg Total CBD ## mg		Total THC ## mg Total CBD ## mg
Note: ## used as a placeholder for numerical values

The use of the less-than sign ("<") when labelling the amount of THC and CBD in a product must not mislead consumers about its composition. The inappropriate use of this notation could result in consumers ingesting more THC than expected, potentially leading to adverse effects. As a best practice, Health Canada recommends that the appropriate use of the less-than sign be consistently applied to other cannabinoids to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstanding.

Important: Health Canada would like to remind licence holders that if your product contains THCA or CBDA and its mode of consumption will not result in it being converted to THC or CBD (for example, orally ingested oils), you may wish to consider providing additional information on the label to help consumers correctly dose their cannabis.

Figure 3. Text version below. — **Figure 3 - THC and CBD content for edible cannabis not in discrete units**

Note: The dotted border will not be required to appear on labels, but is used to show the outset required around the text.

All text is in black, bold, mixed-case font.

One single font type of standard sans serif font in bold, without italics, in the colour black and with leading of at least 7 points
At least 6 points away from any other information
White background that extends at least 6 points on all sides away from the information (dotted border shown not required, used to illustrate outset)

Note: The Total THC and Total CBD content must be displayed on the principal display panel. ## is a placeholder for numerical values.

Important: Table 2 of this guide lists the maximum THC quantities allowed in an immediate container by class of cannabis. Additionally, the label of a cannabis product cannot include a total quantity of THC taking into account the potential to convert THCA into THC that exceeds:

10 mg per unit for dried or fresh cannabis or cannabis extract in discrete units and not intended for inhalation [124(2), 132.1(2), CR]
10 mg per activation for cannabis extracts in non-discrete units with an integrated dispensing device [132.12(2), CR]
10 mg for edible cannabis [132.18(2), 132.19(2), CR]

The THC and CBD content values displayed on the label must be the values calculated when testing for the levels of cannabinoids. Further requirements related to composition testing are found in sections 90 and 92 of the Regulations as well as the Good production practices guide for cannabis.

6.1.4 Brand name

The brand name of the cannabis product must be displayed on the principal display panel of the label; however it must not be in metallic or fluorescent colours. It can be in any type style but the type size must be smaller than or equal to the type size used for the health warning message that appears on the label [130(4), CR].

6.1.5 An additional brand element (optional)

Only one other brand element (in addition to the brand name) may be displayed on the principal display panel of the label. This element could include, for example, a slogan or logo. It must not be in metallic or fluorescent colours.

If the brand element is an image or graphic, the surface area must be smaller than or equal to the surface area of the standardized cannabis symbol that appears on the label.

If the brand element is text only, the type size must be smaller than or equal to the type size used for the health warning message that appears on the label.

For cannabis products containing less than 10 μg/g THC which are not required to display the standardized cannabis symbol, the brand element, if an image, must be smaller than or equal to 25% of the principal display panel of the label, and smaller than or equal to the surface area of the health warning message that appears on the label [130(9), CR].

6.1.6 International radiation symbol (if applicable)

If edible cannabis is irradiated, the international radiation symbol set out in subsection B.01.035(5) of the Food and Drugs Regulations with a statement such as "irradiated", "treated with radiation" or "treated by irradiation" must be displayed on the principal display panel of the label [102.6, 130(11), CR]. The symbol can be found on Food irradiation.

6.2 Required information about the cannabis product

The Regulations require that all cannabis products be labelled with specific product information, and this information must be displayed on either the principal display panel or the area of the label that is visible under customary conditions of purchase and use (such as, the exterior display surface).

Exterior display surface: As defined in the Regulations for the purposes of its Part 7, means the area on the exterior surface of an immediate container to which a label is applied and that is visible under customary conditions of purchase or use.

For labels extending beyond the exterior display surface, please see the Peel-back or accordion panels section.

Table 6 summarizes the required information by class of cannabis.

Note: This information applies to both immediate and outermost container labels unless specified otherwise.

Table 6: Required information about the cannabis product
Cannabis Regulations Reference	Requirement	Class of cannabis
Cannabis Regulations Reference	Requirement	Cannabis plants or plant seeds	Dried or fresh cannabis	Cannabis extract	Cannabis topical	Edible cannabis
123(1)(a)	Contact information of the licence holder: name, telephone number, email address	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
123(1)(b)	Class of cannabis: one of the classes that are set out in Schedule 4 to the Act	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
123(1)(c)(ii)	Lot number: information related to the manufacturing stage of the product; must be preceded by Lot number, Lot no., Lot, or (L) (for example, Lot 12345)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
123(1)(c)(iii)	Recommended storage conditions: may refer to elements of temperature, light conditions or humidity (for example, store in a dry place, avoid direct light)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
123(1)(c)(iv) 123(2) 123(3) 132.27(3.1)	Packaging date: the date the cannabis product was packaged on. The packaging date on the label may differ from the actual packaging date if the product is packaged within seven days before or after the date on the label. The packaging date is not required on labels of an outermost container of a co-pack.	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
105(1) 123.02(1) 123.02(2) 123.02(3)	Expiry date: the end date of the stability period of the cannabis product, if any, must include at least a month and year (Expiry date 2019 AL).	Not required	Not required but may include on label if stability period is established	Not required but may include on label if stability period is established	Not required but may include on label if stability period is established	Not permitted but durable life may be required. Please see the row in this table on durable life date
124(1) (a) (a) 124.1(a) 125(a) 128 129 132.1(1)(a) 132.11(a) 132.12(a) 132.15(a) 132.16(a) 132.18(1)(a) 132.19(1)(a)	Net weight of the cannabis product: the net weight of the cannabis product expressed in numerical values followed by grams (for example, Net weight 100 g). The net weight must be in the tolerance limits set out in the document entitled Tolerance limits for the net weight and volume declared on cannabis product labelling.	Not applicable, use number of plants or seeds in the container instead	Required	Required	Required	Required, except for non-solid form
132.18(1)(a) 132.19(1)(a)	Net volume of the edible cannabis: the net volume of the edible cannabis not in solid form expressed in numerical values followed by millilitres. May be expressed in ml, mL or mℓ. (for example, Net volume 100 ml). The net volume must be in the tolerance limits set out in Tolerance limits for the net weight and volume declared on cannabis product labelling.	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Required for non-solid form
124(1)(b) 124.1(b) 132.1(1)(b) 132.11(b) 132.15(b) 132.18(1)(b)	Number of discrete units, if applicable: (for example, 10 capsules, 10 chocolates)	Not applicable	Required	Required	Required	Required
124(1)(c) 124.1(c) 132.1(1)(c) 132.11(c) 132.15(c)	Net weight per discrete unit, if applicable: the net weight of cannabis (in grams) per discrete unit (for example, 10 g per capsule)	Not applicable	Required	Required	Required	Not required
123(d)	The warning statement: "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN / TENIR HORS DE LA PORTÉE DES ENFANTS" in upper case font	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
132.1(1)(j) 132.11(j) 132.12(1)(i) 132.15(i) 132.16(g) 132.18(1)(o) 132.19(1)(j)	Identity by common name of product or its function: generic name of product; may be the name of the cannabis product form (for example, cream, drops, capsule, chocolate). Common name: As defined in the Regulations for the purposes of its Part 7, in respect to edible cannabis, has the same meaning as in subsection B.01.001(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations	Not required	Not required	Required	Required	Required
124(1)(h) 124.1(h) 132.1(1)(k) 132.11(k) 132.12(1)(j) 132.15(j) 132.16(h)	Intended use of cannabis product: intended uses such as for inhalation, ingestion, for use on skin	Not required	Required	Required	Required	Not required
132.2	Durable life date: required for edible cannabis that has a durable life date of 90 days or less, or may be on the label if date is more than 90 days; must include the words "Best before" in the format year-month-day where the year is optional (for example, Best before 19 JN 28)	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Required if durable life is 90 days or less.
132.1(1)(h) 132.11(h) 132.12(1)(g) 132.15(h) 132.16(f) 132.18(1)(k) 132.19(1)(f)	List of ingredients (and constituents): must show, fully and accurately all of the ingredients in the cannabis product. See sections 7.2.1 to 7.2.5 of this guide	Not required	Not required	Required	Required	Required
132.1(1)(i) 132.11(i) 132.12(1)(h) 132.18(1)(l) 132.19(1)(g)	Sources of food allergen or gluten, and added sulphites: must be identified in the list of ingredients or in a statement. This includes any cross-contamination statements, if applicable. See section 7.2.6 and 7.2.7 of this guide	Not required	Not required	Required for allergens only	Not required	Required
132.18(1)(n) 132.19(1)(i) 132.22(3)	Nutrition facts table: must be displayed in the format set out in Directory of nutrition facts table formats for edible cannabis. See Naming ingredients section	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Required

Note: The durable life date must use the following bilingual symbols to display months [132.2 (2), CR]. These symbols may be used to display the month in the expiry date and packaging date.

JA: January
FE: February
MR: March
AL: April
MA: May
JN: June
JL: July
AU: August
SE: September
OC: October
NO: November
DE: December

6.2.1 Displaying the list of ingredients on the label

The Regulations prescribe how the list of ingredients must be displayed on the label [130(3)(a)-(d), CR].

Wording: show the words "Ingredients" at the beginning of the list without any intervening written, printed or graphic material [132.14(1)(a)-(b), 132.17(1)(a)-(b), 132.21(1)(a)-(b), CR]
Background: white
Type colour: black
Type style: regular weight and width standard sans serif without italics
Type size: at least 6 points and must be smaller than the type size used for the health warning message that appears on the label
Outset: at least 6 points on all sides

6.2.2 Naming ingredients

Ingredients must be listed as described below for the following cannabis products:

Cannabis extracts: Ingredients must be listed by their common or chemical name, except for vitamins which must be referred to by their chemical name [132.14(1)(c)(ii)-(iii), CR].

Cannabis topicals: Ingredients must be listed by their International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients names, or if none exists, by their chemical names, or by their European Union technical name set out in the schedule of the Cosmetic Regulations. In the case of a botanical ingredient, it must be specified at least by the genus and species portions of its International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name, or if none exists, by its chemical name [132.17 (1)(c), CR]. For more information on the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients system, refer to Guide to cosmetic ingredient labelling.

Edible cannabis: Ingredients and their constituents must be listed by their common names, which means the applicable name listed in column II of Table 1 of the Common names for ingredients and components document. If not listed, for standardized foods, the name printed in boldface type in the Common names for ingredients and components document; the name prescribed by any other regulations (for example, Safe Food for Canadians Regulations); or in all other cases, the name by which the food is generally known [132.21(1)(c)(iii), CR].

Common names, chemical names of ingredients and their constituents should not be abbreviated.

Definitions

Common name: As defined in the Regulations for the purposes of its Part 7, in respect to edible cannabis, has the same meaning as in subsection B.01.001(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations.
Common names for ingredients and components document: This document is prepared by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and published on its website, as amended from time to time.

6.2.3 Order of ingredients

Ingredients must be separated by a comma and shown in descending order of their proportion by weight before the ingredients are combined to form the final cannabis [132.14(1)(c)(i), 132.17(1)(c), 132.21(1)(c)(i), CR]. For cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals, any ingredient in proportion by weight less of 1% or less may be listed in any order after the ingredients that are present in a proportion of more than 1% [132.14(2), 132.17(2), CR]. Additionally, the following ingredients may be displayed at the end of the ingredients list in any order:

Cannabis extracts: Flavouring agents [132.14 (3), CR]
Cannabis topicals: Fragrance or flavours listed by the term parfum or aroma [132.17(3), CR]
Edible cannabis: Ingredients referred to in B.01.008.2(4) of the Food and Drugs Regulations such as spices, seasonings, herbs (except salt), sulphites and all of their applicable common names [132.21(3), CR]

There are some ingredients that may be shown collectively in the list such as those set out in column I of Table 2 of the Common names for ingredients and components document, unless one of the ingredients referred to the table is shown separately in the list of ingredients by its common name [132.21, CR].

Important: Depending on the class of cannabis, there are a number of restricted ingredients for edible cannabis (for example, meat products, poultry products and fish ingredients), and prohibited ingredients for cannabis extracts (for example, added caffeine, probiotics, sugars, and sweeteners) [101.3(2), CR].

6.2.4 Order and grouping of constituents

Constituents in edible cannabis must be shown in descending order of their proportion of the ingredient by weight before the constituents are combined to form the edible cannabis. Constituents must be shown together after the ingredient's common name in parentheses and be separated by a comma unless the constituents are listed as an ingredient [132.21(1)(c)(i)-(ii), 132.21(1)(d), CR].

Constituents that are required to be shown on the label include:

those listed in subsection B.01.009(4) of the Food and Drugs Regulations (FDR) (for example, peanut oil)
certain food preparation and mixtures added to a food that has one or more specific constituents listed in subsection B.01.009(3) of the FDR (for example, salt, aspartame) [132.26(3), CR]

Constituents that are not required to be shown on the label include:

those listed in table B.01.009(1) of the FDR (for example, butter, rice) [132.26 (1), CR]
certain food preparation and mixtures added to a food listed in the table under B.01.009(2) of the FDR (for example, food colour preparation, spice mixtures) [132.26 (2), CR] unless the ingredients or constituents are listed under B.01.009(3), than those must be shown by their common names in the list of ingredients [132.26(3), CR]

Constituents that may be shown collectively in the list of ingredients on a label include:

those listed in column I of Table 2 of the Common names for ingredients and components document, unless one of the constituents referred to the table is shown separately in the list of ingredients by its common name [132.21, CR]

Example 1: Ordering and grouping of constituents

Ingredients: Tomato paste (tomatoes, salt, benzoic acid), Sugar, Modified corn starch, Lemon juice from concentrate (water, concentrated lemon juice, sugar, benzoic acid), Water, Spices, Salt, Allura red

The constituents "tomatoes," "salt" and "benzoic acid" are shown in descending order of proportion by weight after the ingredient "Tomato paste". They are grouped together in parentheses and are separated by a comma. This ordering and grouping of constituents was also applied to the constituents of the ingredient "Lemon juice from concentrate".

Important: The Regulations reference a number of tables in the FDR with respect to edible cannabis. While the Regulations use the term "constituent", and not "component" as per the FDR, the meaning is the same. Specifically, where the Regulations refer to FDR tables, "component" in the FDR tables is to be read as "constituent" [132.21, 132.23, 132.26, CR].

6.2.5 Order and grouping of sugars-based ingredients

Sugars-based ingredients in edible cannabis must be shown in descending order of their proportion by weight. Sugars-based ingredients must be shown together after the term "Sugars" in parentheses and be separated by a comma [132.21(1)(g), CR].

Example 2 - Displaying sugars-based ingredients

Ingredients: Sugars (fancy molasses, brown sugar, sugar), Flour, Vegetable oil shortening, Liquid whole egg, Salt, Sodium bicarbonate, Spices, Allura Red

The sugars-based ingredients "fancy molasses," "brown sugar" and "sugar" are grouped together in descending order of proportion by weight. They are shown after the term "Sugars" in parentheses and each sugars-based ingredient is separated by a comma.

Note: "Sugars-based ingredients" has the same meaning as in subsection B.01.001(1) of the FDR. The requirement to group sugars-based ingredients under the FDR is intended to help consumers understand their relative proportion in the food compared to other ingredients as well as identify unfamiliar sources of sugars in their foods. For more information on sugars-based ingredients, see Grouping sugars-based ingredients.

6.2.6 Declaring food allergens, gluten and added sulphites

Food allergens, gluten and added sulphites at levels of 10 parts per million (ppm) that is present in edible cannabis must be declared by their prescribed source name or common name [132.23, 132.21(1)(f), CR]. They must be shown in one of two ways:

in the list of ingredients (see examples 3 and 4 below)
in a food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement [132.23(1) and (2), CR] (see example 5 below)

Note: While not a regulatory requirement for extracts and topicals, you may label allergens, gluten and sulphites on your products so consumers can choose their cannabis products accordingly.

A. List of ingredients

The source of food allergens and gluten must be shown after the ingredient in parentheses, if the source:

is the ingredient
is present in the ingredient, but is not a constituent of or present in a constituent of that ingredient
is, or is present in, a constituent of the ingredient and the constituent is not shown in the list of ingredients [132.21(1)(e)(ii)(A)-(C), CR]

However, if the source of allergen or gluten is that constituent, or is present in that constituent, then the source must be shown after the constituent, in parentheses and be separated by a comma [132.21(1)(e)(iii) CR].

Example 3 - Displaying food allergens and gluten in the list of ingredients

Ingredients: Flour (wheat), Liquid albumin (egg), Vegetable oil, Sugar, Chocolate chips (milk) (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, milk ingredients, soy lecithin, salt, natural flavour).

Wheat protein is an inherent part of flour but is not a constituent. Since wheat is both a food allergen and gluten source, it must be declared. Liquid albumin is an egg protein, and, as egg is a food allergen, it must be declared. The constituents of "Chocolate chips" are declared in parentheses after the allergen source milk.

Ingredients: Pastry pieces [flour (wheat), butter (milk), liquid albumin (egg), canola oil], Sugar, Natural flavour.

The constituents of "Pastry pieces" must be declared. Furthermore, the food allergen and gluten prescribed source names wheat, milk and egg are declared in parentheses after the constituent.

Added sulphites must be shown in parentheses after the ingredient, of which the sulphites are a constituent; or at the end of the list where they may be shown in any order with the other ingredients that are shown at the end of the list [132.21(1)(f)(iii), CR].

Example 4 - Displaying added sulphites in the list of ingredients

Ingredients: Rolled oats, Flour (wheat), Liquid whole egg, Apricot jam with pectin (sulphites), Salt, Sodium bicarbonate, Soy lecithin

Added sulphites are shown parentheses after the ingredient "Apricot jam with pectin."

Ingredients: Rolled oats, Flour (wheat), Liquid whole egg, Apricot jam with pectin, Salt, Sodium bicarbonate, Soy lecithin, Sulphites

Sulphites are shown at the end of the list of ingredients in any order.

B. A food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement

The source of food allergens or gluten must be in a food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement if the source:

is, or is present in, an ingredient that is not shown in the list of ingredients, but is not a constituent of that ingredient or present in a constituent of that ingredient
is, or is present in, a constituent and neither the constituent nor the ingredient in which it is present is shown in the list of ingredients [132.18(1)(l)(i)(A), 132.19(1)(g)(i)(A), 132.18(1)(l)(i)(B), 132.19(1)(g)(i)(B), 132.25(1)(d)(i)-(ii) 132.25(2), CR]

All food allergens, gluten and added sulphites information must appear in the statement at least once, even if that information is already shown in the list of ingredients [132.25(1)(d), CR].

The statement must show the words "Contains" at the beginning of the list without any intervening written, printed or graphic material and appear on the same continuous surface as the list of ingredients [132.25(1)(a)-(c), CR].

Example 5 - A food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement

Ingredients: Wheat flour, Water, Vegetable oil margarine, Sugar, Yeast, Canola oil shortening, Potato starch, Garlic, Salt, Parsley, Seasoning, Diacetyl acid esters of mono & diglycerides, Whey powder, Calcium propionate, Potassium bisulphite
Contains: Wheat, Milk, Sesame, Sulphites

The food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement ("Contains") is shown after the list of ingredients. All food allergens, gluten and added sulphites are declared at least once in the statement, even though wheat and potassium bisulphite (sulphites) already appear in the ingredient list.

6.2.7 Declaring a risk of cross-contamination

Cross-contamination statements (that is, "may contain" statements) may be shown when, due to a risk of cross-contamination, the edible cannabis may contain the source of a food allergen or gluten in edible cannabis product.

These statements must not be used when an allergen or allergen-containing ingredient or constituent is deliberately added to edible cannabis. In these cases, the mandatory food allergen and gluten statement, as outlined in Declaring food allergens, gluten and added sulphites, is required.

The cross-contamination statement must be displayed after the food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement, or, if there is none, after the list of ingredients. It must appear on the same continuous surface as the list of ingredients and the gluten source and added sulphites statement if there is one. It must not contain any intervening printed, written or graphic material between it and the list of ingredients or statement that immediately precedes it [132.24, CR].

Note: While not a regulatory requirement for extracts and topicals, you may declare a "may contain" statement on your products so consumers can choose their cannabis products accordingly.

Example 6 - A cross-contamination statement

Ingredients: White beans, Water, Sugars, Pork, Salt, Modified cornstarch, Onion powder, Mustard, Spices.
Contains: Mustard
May contain: Sesame, Soybeans

The cross-contamination statement "May contain" is shown after the list of ingredients and after the food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphite statement.

Note: Cannabis products containing cannabis extracts must include on the label any food allergens [132.11(i), 132.12(1)(h), CR]. While there are no specific display formats to declare these allergens, licence holders may consider following a similar format to the one listed here to declare food allergens for edible cannabis.

Important: A gluten-free claim or a claim pertaining to the absence of a specific food allergen source is permitted on the label provided that the claim is factual and not misleading. General claims stating only "allergen-free" or "no allergens" are considered to be too broad in nature and are therefore not acceptable. Refer to Guidance on allergen-free, gluten-free and cross-contamination statements for more information on the requirements of such statements.

Health Canada has no specific thresholds for gluten in cannabis products but considers levels of gluten protein below 20 ppm of not posing any health risks to consumers with celiac disease. Refer to Health Canada's position on gluten-free claims for more information on requirements for gluten-free claims.

6.2.8 Nutrition facts table for edible cannabis

The nutrition facts table must be shown for all edible cannabis products [132.18(1)(n), 132.19(1)(i), CR]. The specific information and display format are shown in Figure 4 [132.22, CR]. The presentation of the table is incorporated by reference as part of the Regulations and can be found on Directory of nutrition facts table formats for edible cannabis.

Figure 4. Text version below. — **Figure 4 - Nutrition facts table (bilingual example)**

Heading: Bold type
Calories: Bold type
Indented nutrients
Non-indented nutrients
Statement: Permitted, not required to appear in the nutrition facts table
Black border that is a solid line of 1 point that has an inset of at least 6 points on all sides
Value centred against saturated + trans information on left
Space between number and unit
Space between number and % sign

6.3 Requirements for peel-back or accordion panels

A peel-back or accordion panel may be applied to the immediate container, to ensure that all the required information in accordance with these Regulations is displayed on the label or panel.

In this case, the panel must meet the following requirements as outlined in section 132.27 of the Regulations including:

must be re-sealable [132.27 (3)(a), CR]
not be easily removed under normal use (must withstand repeated openings and closings without detaching from the immediate container under customary conditions of use) [132.27 (3)(b), CR]
not display a brand element [132.27(5), CR]

Where a panel is applied to an immediate container, the label on the immediate container must include a statement regarding the location of the information that is not included on the label (for example, the words "lift panel"). It may also include a black and white image to provide instructions on how to open the panel [132.27(6) and (7), CR].

Table 7 summarizes what and where the required information must be displayed for immediate containers if using a peel-back or accordion panel. Refer to Table 6 in the Required information about the cannabis product section of this guide for details on each requirement. Note that the information in Table 7 included on the panel must be shown in the format (for example, type size, font) required for a label as if the panel were a label [132.27(4) CR].

Table 7: Requirements for peel-back or accordion panels
Cannabis Regulations Reference	May be displayed on the peel-back or accordion panel, or the exterior display surface	Must be displayed on the exterior display surface
122(1)-(2) 123(1)(a),(c)(ii),(d) 124(1)(b) 124.1(b) 124(1)(h) 124.1(h) 132.1(1)(b) 132.1(1)(j) 132.1(1)(k) 132.11(b) 132.11(k) 132.11(j) 132.12(1)(i) 132.12(1)(j) 132.15(b) 132.15(i) 132.15(j) 132.16(g) 132.16(h) 132.18(1)(b) 132.18(1)(o) 132.19(1)(j) 132.27(3)(c)(i)-(x) 132.27(8)-(9)	Class of cannabis Recommended storage conditions Packaging date Net weight in grams or volume, as applicable Net weight per discrete unit, if applicable Expiry date (if data that establishes the stability period was obtained and determined) List of ingredients Durable life date Name of any food allergen Sources of food allergen or gluten, and added sulphites Nutrition facts table Quantity of THC and CBD dispensed per activation, if applicable	Contact information of the licence holder Lot number Brand name Number of discrete units, if applicable The warning "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN / TENIR HORS DE LA PORTÉE DES ENFANTS" Health warning message Standardized cannabis symbol Quantity of total THC and total CBD in mg per gram or in mg per unit, as applicable Identity by common name of product or its function, as applicable Intended use 1 or 2 bar codes, optional An additional brand element other than the brand name, optional (if image, size must be smaller or equal to 1.27 cm by 1.27 cm; if text only, type size must be smaller or equal to 7 points)

6.4 Bar codes and QR codes

Up to 2 bar codes, including QR codes, may be displayed on any container in which a cannabis product is packaged [122, CR]. Each bar code must be printed in black and white and each must appear only once on the container [122, 132.27(8)(a), CR]. Bar codes, including QR codes may be used for inventory and tracking purposes or to provide consumers with additional information, such as the terpene profile for the product, the certificate of analysis, or additional information on product composition.

Importantly, all material accessible through the QR code is subject to the requirements of the Act and its regulations, including restrictions on the promotion of cannabis [17-28, CA, Part 6.1, CR].

Some examples of prohibitions include but are not limited to:

promotions that are appealing to young persons
claims of health or cosmetic benefit
claims of meeting particular dietary requirements, energy values or nutrient amounts
celebrity testimonials and endorsements
associations with alcoholic beverages, tobacco and vaping products

For more information on promotional restrictions as well as permitted informational and brand preference promotion, refer to Promotion of cannabis: Prohibitions and permissions in the Cannabis Act and Regulations.

Note: Inclusion of a QR code does not exempt a product from the labelling requirements. Information required on a product label, such as contact information of the licence holder, must still be present on the label. For more information on labelling requirements, refer to the Labelling requirements section.

6.5 Inserts or leaflets

Any container in which a cannabis product is packaged may include, or be accompanied by, one or more inserts or leaflets. However, the insert or leaflet cannot present a risk of contamination of the cannabis product.

Inserts and leaflets are not subject to the packaging and labelling restrictions in Part 7 of the Regulations except where specified otherwise. This means inserts or leaflets do not have restrictions on font type, font size, the inclusion of images, or colour. In addition, they are not limited in the number or dimension of brand elements they can contain, or the size and color of their brand name.

There is no required information that must be displayed on inserts or leaflets. For example, they are not required to display a health warning message or the standardized cannabis symbol. Licence holders may wish to include factual information respecting their product characteristics, for example, information on cannabinoid or terpene amounts, ingredients, images of packaged or unpackaged cannabis product and product listings, or characteristics about their brand (for example, "sun grown", "hand trimmed", "woman owned", "family owned"). All information on an insert or leaflet must be in English and in French, except for the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient name and the European Union (EU) technical name.

Important: Inserts or leaflets are subject to the broad prohibitions and restrictions in the Act [26–28, CA] and its regulations on packaging and labelling [132.13, 132.28-132.32, CR].

Inserts or leaflets cannot:

be appealing to young persons
have a testimonial or endorsement, however displayed or communicated
have a depiction of a person, character or animal, whether real or fictional
present the cannabis or any of its brand elements in a manner that associates it or the brand element with, or evokes a positive or negative emotion about or image of, a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring
contain any information that is false, misleading or deceptive or that is likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, value, quantity, composition, strength, concentration, potency, purity, quality, merit, safety, health effects or health risks of the cannabis
give the impression that a health or cosmetic benefit may be derived from the use of the cannabis product
associate the cannabis product with alcoholic beverages, tobacco or vaping products
for cannabis extracts, cause a person to believe that the cannabis product has a flavour of confectionary (such as candies or gum), dessert (such as ice cream, cookies or chocolate), soft drink (such as Cola, Orange Soda or Root Beer) or energy drink
for edible cannabis, create the impression that the cannabis product is intended to meet particular dietary requirements, or include energy values or nutrient amounts including calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein, potassium, calcium and iron, as well as additional nutrients such as other vitamins and minerals. For example, claims such as "sugar free" or "low in calories" are prohibited

6.6 Optional information about the cannabis product

Licence holders may provide additional information regarding their cannabis products, provided it is not false, misleading or deceptive or that is likely to create an erroneous impression. This may include but is not limited to:

directions for use of the product
information about the product form or formulation
compositional information
other cannabinoid content
terpene profile
strain name
percentage of THC and CBD content for dried cannabis
production practices such as "sun-grown" or "hand-trimmed"
business profile such as "family-owned" or "woman-owned"
other warnings and precautions

Note: If optional product information is displayed, it must be in regular weight and width standard sans serif without italics, in black or white colour and be in a type size smaller than or equal to the type size of the mandatory information required in subsection 130(3) of the Regulations [130(8), CR]. Further, any optional information must comply with the Act and the Regulations.

Other warnings and precautions outside the Regulations that are specific to the product should also be included on the label.

For example, the Cosmetic ingredient hotlist is an administrative tool that Health Canada uses to communicate to manufacturers and others that certain substances may be prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics. While prohibited ingredients should not be used, restricted ingredients are permitted only if the conditions of use and/or cautionary statements are met. Cannabis products containing these ingredients may be considered injurious to the health of the user of a cannabis product under the Regulations depending on the nature and intended use of the particular product. Health Canada strongly encourages licence holders to make use of the Hotlist when looking to determine whether cautionary statements are appropriate for a particular ingredient when used in cannabis topicals.

Important: Licence holders are responsible for providing appropriate directions for use and cautions about their cannabis products. They are also responsible for complying with the Act and its regulations, and other federal and provincial legislation that may apply to them or their activities.

In addition, Health Canada recommends that licence holders selling cannabis products containing potentially intoxicating cannabinoids, other than THC, include this information on the product label (that is, the name and quantity or concentration of the cannabinoid). Omitting cannabinoids that could have intoxicating or other psychological or biological effects, while taking into consideration how much of the product may be consumed, may affect a product's compliance, where such an omission could create a false or erroneous impression about the cannabis product. See the Guidance on cannabis products with intoxicating cannabinoids other than delta-9-THC for additional information about intoxicating cannabinoids.

Health Canada has a number of tools at its disposal, including ministerial orders for provision of information, measures, tests and studies, and recalls that could be used if considered necessary to address an issue of public health or public safety or to verify compliance or prevent non-compliance, as the case may be.

6.7 Labelling cannabis other than a cannabis product

Cannabis that does not meet the definition of a cannabis product, such as cannabis that is sold intra-industry or bulk cannabis for export that will be packaged and labelled at the destination jurisdiction, must be labelled with the following information:

contact information of the licence holder that sells, distributes or exports the cannabis
lot number
packaging date [138, CR]

7.0 Transition period for packaging and labelling

The Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning Cannabis (Streamlining of Requirements) (Streamlining Regulations) include transitional provisions related to packaging and labelling.

During the 12-month transition period

For a period of 12 months following the day on which the amended regulations came into force, cannabis products may continue to be labelled with the quantity or concentration of actual THC and CBD in bold font in accordance with the Regulations as they read before the coming into force of the amended regulations [76(2), 76(5), Streamlining Regulations].

From the coming into force and beyond

Licence holders authorized to sell or distribute cannabis and other persons authorized to sell cannabis, for example provincial retailers, may continue to sell or distribute, as the case may be, cannabis products already packaged and labelled in accordance with the provisions providing for the 12-month transition period indefinitely. The cannabis products must be packaged and labelled in accordance with the Regulations as they read before the coming into force of the amended regulations [76(3), 76(4), Streamlining Regulations]. Any new labels applied to cannabis products after the 12-month transition period must meet the updated requirements.

8.0 Contact us

If you have general questions about the Cannabis Act and its regulations, you can reach Health Canada by email cannabis@hc-sc.gc.ca.

For a more complete list of Government of Canada contact information, refer to cannabis and industrial hemp contact information for licence holders, applicants and industry.

Appendix: Cannabis products that meet the packaging and labelling requirements

Under development

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Date modified:: 2025-03-12

Packaging and labelling guide for cannabis products

On this page

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope

3.0 Prohibitions on packaging and labelling of cannabis

3.1 General prohibitions

Definitions

3.2 Other prohibited representations

3.3 False, misleading or deceptive information

4.0 General packaging and labelling requirements

5.0 Packaging requirements

5.1 Immediate container requirements

5.2 Food grade packaging requirements

5.3 Wrappers

5.4 Outermost container requirements

5.5 Co-packing cannabis

6.0 Labelling requirements

6.1 Required information on the principal display panel of the label

6.1.1 Standardized cannabis symbol

6.1.2 Health warning messages

6.1.3 THC and CBD content

6.1.4 Brand name

6.1.5 An additional brand element (optional)

6.1.6 International radiation symbol (if applicable)

6.2 Required information about the cannabis product

6.2.1 Displaying the list of ingredients on the label

6.2.2 Naming ingredients

Definitions

6.2.3 Order of ingredients

6.2.4 Order and grouping of constituents

Example 1: Ordering and grouping of constituents

6.2.5 Order and grouping of sugars-based ingredients

Example 2 - Displaying sugars-based ingredients

6.2.6 Declaring food allergens, gluten and added sulphites

A. List of ingredients

Example 3 - Displaying food allergens and gluten in the list of ingredients

Example 4 - Displaying added sulphites in the list of ingredients

B. A food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement

Example 5 - A food allergen source, gluten source and added sulphites statement

6.2.7 Declaring a risk of cross-contamination

Example 6 - A cross-contamination statement

6.2.8 Nutrition facts table for edible cannabis

6.3 Requirements for peel-back or accordion panels

6.4 Bar codes and QR codes

6.5 Inserts or leaflets

6.6 Optional information about the cannabis product

6.7 Labelling cannabis other than a cannabis product

7.0 Transition period for packaging and labelling

During the 12-month transition period

From the coming into force and beyond

8.0 Contact us

Appendix: Cannabis products that meet the packaging and labelling requirements

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