Cannabidiol (CBD) products are rapidly growing in popularity. Many people use CBD products to treat stress, anxiety, inflammation and other conditions, without the psychoactive effects of THC. If you’re adding CBD products to your product line, it’s important to comply with labeling guidance.
Here’s a brief overview of labeling requirements for CBD products.
What qualifies as a CBD product?
CBD is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as the plants and products contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Only hemp-derived CBD is protected under the federal law, however, even though many states permit marijuana-derived products, including CBD.
CBD products cannot be sold as supplements or in food and beverages. While the industry is lobbying for CBD to be reclassified as a supplement, it currently exists in a legal gray area. Although the FDA has approved certain cannabis-related or derived products, those are considered prescription medication, and their labeling requirements are different.
Finally, be aware that some states have additional labeling requirements for CBD products. For example, California requires companies to list their contact information, and package their products according to the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.
CBD labeling requirements
Currently, CBD labeling guidelines are most similar to cosmetic products. First and foremost, manufacturers must be aware that they cannot make any health claims about CBD products, since it is not classified as a drug. Instead, you can make suggestions about its use, such as “for stress and anxiety.”
CBD products need a principal display panel, which covers one side of a rectangular container or at minimum, 40 percent of a cylinder. This label should include the brand name, product identity (what the product is and suggestions for use) and net contents (use weight for solids and volume for liquids).
Next, you’ll need an information display panel, usually to the right of the principal display panel. This panel must include the ingredient list and suggested dosage. You’ll also need to include a warning statement, such a caution that users may fail drug screenings while using the product. The information panel should also include disclosures, such as “this product is not approved by the FDA and is not intended as a treatment.”
Finally, print the name and location of your business, expiration dates, batch codes and other necessary information on the information display panel.
Keep in mind that as CBD usage increases and research improves, the FDA’s labeling requirements may change. Similarly, you’ll need to keep up with state and local labeling guidelines, depending on where your product is manufactured and sold.
Discover Quadrel solutions for CBD products
Depending on the type of CBD product you’re manufacturing, your packaging and labeling needs may vary. Quadrel offers several labeling systems specifically designed to meet cannabis labeling requirements, including shrink sleeve wrappers, top and bottom labelers and wrap labeling systems. Not sure which system is right for your products? Reach out to our team today for more information and guidance.