New rules for edibles: Must be shelf-stable and without sugars

The federal government has rolled out a new set of rules for pot edibles.

Yesterday, the federal government rolled out a new set of rules which pertains edible products infused with cannabis.

The public will have 60 days to voice their opinions in regards to the new regulations for marijuana-infused food and drinks.

Health Canada will be holding round-tables all across the country, so be on the lookout if you’d like to pitch in and tell the government what you believe would be a good solution.

You can also find the location of public consultations in the Canada Gazette on Dec. 22 or you can obtain them by emailing [email protected].

Rules for edibles are clear

The federal government wanted to make it very clear that it cares for the well-being of Canadians. The rules for edibles are thus quite restrictive.

The amount of THC will be clearly labeled and limited to a certain amount (10 mg per package or container in most cases) as to limit the amount of possible intoxication.

However, the most worrisome question was about how the government plans to restrict the consumption of edibles to consumers of the legal age.

Edible products will be packaged in child-resistant, plain packages with health warnings and a THC symbol—aside from the packaging not being visually appealing.

It is not yet clear which commission will examine the products and determine whether they are “ugly” enough.

Summary of the draft regulations

Here is a quick summary of the proposed set of rules for edibles:

• The regulations cover edible cannabis products, such as food and drinks; cannabis concentrates, such as the liquid used in vape pens; and topical products such as creams;

• The amount of THC, the compound with psycho-active effects, would be limited in all those products.

For instance, for edibles and drinks, it would be 10 mg per package or container. The average dose for adult users is anywhere between 5mg and 15mg of THC, depending on the tolerance.

• Cannabis drinks could not contain added alcohol, vitamins or minerals;

• Cannabis edibles must be “shelf-stable,” which means they don’t require refrigeration;

• Products cannot be appealing to children;

• Cannabis extracts, such as the liquid used in vape pens, cannot have added sugars, colours or sweeteners, nicotine or caffeine;

• Edible products and infused drinks must contain a list of ingredients;

• Products must be in child-resistant, plain packages with health warnings and a THC symbol;

• Products cannot have any elements that associate them with alcohol brands.

The last rule is especially restrictive since many cannabis companies have already made deals with large brewing companies.

However, some of them have already found ways to get past that since they’ve created joint ventures which won’t be associated with alcohol brands behind them, which is one way to go around that rule.