Health Canada releases proposed regulations for cannabis edibles

TheStar.com
December 21, 2018
Marco Vigliotti

Health Canada’s proposed regulations for cannabis edibles prohibit alcohol-infused products and packaging deemed appealing to children, in addition to setting strict limits on THC potency.

Under the prospective guidelines, released Thursday, cannabis edibles are restricted to 10 mg of THC per package or container, and cannot have any alcohol or added vitamins or minerals. There are also limits on amounts of caffeine.

Health Canada released its draft regulations for cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals on Dec. 20, 2018.

Regarding appearance, the rules put in place strict plain-packaging requirements, similar to those for dried-flower cannabis products that are currently legal. This means the packaging can't be seen as appealing to children. All products must include the standardized cannabis symbol, information about the THC or cannabidiol content, an ingredients list, and a health warning.

“These proposed regulations under the Cannabis Act support our overarching goal of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and protecting public health and safety,” Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said in a statement.

Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair added that the regulatory framework for these new cannabis products would keep “profits away from criminals and organized crime.”

The regulations also set rules for cannabis extracts and topical creams, which have a THC limit of 1,000 mg per package. Under the Cannabis Act, all these products, as well as edibles, will be legal to sell in Canada no later than Oct. 17, 2019.

Comments on the guidelines are open until Feb. 20. Health Canada says its online consultations will be complemented by regional round tables and webinars.