Health Canada is finally considering higher THC limits in edibles—and they want to hear from you! Consumers can offer their two cents in upcoming changes to the Cannabis Act by filling out the comment boxes before July 8, 2024. If you agree or disagree with higher-dose edibles or any of the possible changes, let Health Canada know.
Updates to Cannabis Act could allow for shareable, and multi-serving edibles
The Government of Canada recently reviewed the regulations in the Cannabis Act, looking back at the years since legalization and suggesting improvements. They proposed 54 recommendations and 11 observations to ease the regulatory burden on licensed producers and consumers. They aimed to increase diversity and healthy competition by streamlining some.
This week, Health Canada released a report that details the changes they’re considering, informed by the legislative review. We read through the technical jargon so you don’t have to and there are a couple of exciting changes that would directly affect consumers.
- Change the cumulative limit of 10 mg THC per package to allow greater flexibility in packing multiple containers. This means that each pack of edibles is still limited to 10 mg THC but will allow multiple packs in one larger container. This will create a lot of extra packaging, however, it gives consumers the ability to have more comparable total THC limits to compete with the illicit market.
- Change the packaging rules to allow for clear cut-out windows so you can see the product inside. They’ll still be childproof but would allow consumers to see what is inside before they head home. I don’t know about you, but opening a bag of disappointing buds is the worst. If allowed, transparent packaging could show tiny nugs or too much shake at the point of sale.
- Change the labels on packages to only include total THC and CBD. Having an “actual THC and CBD” and a “total” on the label can be confusing and simplifying these values could improve comprehension for consumers.
- Revise packaging and labelling rules to allow the use of QR codes on product labels to convey factual information to consumers. Budtenders are amazing but increasing access to product information outside conversations in-store gives consumers the option of learning more.
Consumer and industry feedback wanted
Canadian cannabis consumers can offer their feedback until July 8, 2024
In addition to the changes above, there are industry-aimed suggestions that will ease the regulatory burden on licensed producers. Health Canada might increase nursery canopy size, allow micros to produce more cannabis, formalize COVID flexibilities, and amend Industrial Hemp Regulations.
If implemented, these changes could have a trickle-down effect on consumers, potentially lowering prices and allowing for more small-scale operators.
