Cannabis edibles will be available in mid December

By News Staff

Cannabis edibles, topicals and extracts will be technically legal by the deadline of October 17, but Canadians will have to wait until mid December before purchasing THC-infused products.

There will be a 60-day waiting period before the products hit shelves online and at brick-and-mortar locations. During that time-frame licenced producers will have to notify Health Canada of their intention to sell the products.

“As with any new regulatory framework, federally licensed processors will need time to become familiar with and prepare to comply with the new rules and to produce new products,” Health Canada said in a statement.

“Provincially or territorially authorized distributors and retailers will also need time to purchase and obtain the new products and make them available for sale.”

Government House Leader Bardish Chagger says the government needs the extra time to assure a smooth transition.

“I’m OK with us taking our time and doing it properly,” she said Friday.

Regulations announced on Friday include a 10 mg cap on the amount of THC allowed in edible products.

They also can’t be mixed with alcohol, can’t be appealing to children, and must use plain packaging.

Federal government final regulations: (Source: Government of Canada)

Edible cannabis

  • With respect to edible cannabis, the amended Cannabis Regulations include:
  • Restricting the use of ingredients that could increase the appeal of edible cannabis, increase the risk of food-borne illness, and encourage over-consumption.
  • Placing a limit of 10 mg on the amount of THC that can be in a package of edible cannabis.
    Requiring child-resistant and plain packaging for edible cannabis to lower the risk of accidental consumption and make packages less appealing to young persons.
  • The label will need to display the standardized cannabis symbol and a health warning message.
  • It will be prohibited to make any claims respecting health benefits or nutrition on the label.
  • Putting in place strict new manufacturing controls for the production of edible cannabis to reduce the risk of food-borne illness and to control the quality of products.
  • Prohibiting the production of food and cannabis in the same facility to ensure the safety and integrity of Canada’s food system.

Cannabis extracts

With respect to cannabis extracts, the amended Cannabis Regulations include:

  • Prohibiting the use of certain ingredients that could appeal to young persons, such as sweeteners and colourants, or ingredients that could increase the appeal of cannabis extracts.
  • Prohibiting certain flavours that are appealing to young persons from being displayed on a product label, consistent with rules for vaping products.
  • Placing a limit on the amount of THC that could be in a unit of a cannabis extract—such as a capsule—of 10 mg. The total amount of THC in a package of a cannabis extract is capped at 1,000 mg (e.g., 100 10‑mg capsules).
  • Requiring child-resistant and plain packaging for cannabis extracts. All packages, as well as certain pre-filled accessories, such as vape pens, are required to display the standardized cannabis symbol. Packages are also required to display a health warning message.
  • Prohibiting any claims respecting health benefits on the label.
  • Putting in place strict new manufacturing controls for the production of cannabis extracts to control the quality of the products.

Cannabis topicals

With respect to cannabis topicals, the amended Cannabis Regulations include:

  • Restricting the use of certain types of ingredients.
  • Placing a limit of 1,000 mg of THC in each package of a cannabis topical.
  • Requiring child-resistant and plain packaging for cannabis topicals. All packaging is required to display the standardized cannabis symbol and a health warning message.
  • Prohibiting any claims respecting health or cosmetic benefits on the label.
  • Putting in place strict new manufacturing controls for the production of cannabis topicals to control the quality of the products.

 

 

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