Cannabis Edibles Labeling Guide 2024

Here’s everything you need to know about cannabis edible labels in 2024:

Key Requirements:

THC content per serving and package
Child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging
Warning labels and symbols
Nutrition facts panel
Complete ingredient list
Batch/lot numbers for tracking

Market Stats:

Indicator	Value
Market Size (2023)	$9.25B
Growth Rate	16.2% yearly
States with Medical	40
States with Adult-Use	23

Must-Have Label Elements:

Element	Details
Brand Info	Company name, logo
Product Type	"Cannabis-Infused [Product]"
THC Amount	Per serving + total package
Warnings	Keep from children, age limits
Nutrition	Serving size, calories, ingredients
Testing	Lab results via QR code

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Using cartoon graphics or bright colors
Making health claims
Skipping allergen warnings
Missing batch numbers
Wrong THC content

The rules vary by state but focus on safety, compliance and clear consumer information. Child-resistant packaging and accurate THC labeling are non-negotiable requirements across all markets.

Must-Have Label Elements

Here’s what you need on cannabis edible labels in 2024:

Main Label Information

Your primary label panel must include:

Element	What to Include
Brand Name	Your company name and logo
Product Type	What it is (like "Cannabis-Infused Gummies")
Weight	Show in both metric and U.S. units
THC Amount	List per serving and full package
Cannabis Symbol	Your state’s required warning symbol
Batch Number	Product tracking ID

Safety Warnings

You MUST include these warnings:

"Keep out of reach of children"
Age limits (21+ or medical patient)
No driving/operating machinery
Edibles take time to kick in
Poison Control phone number

"The principal display panel must state the common name of the edible." – Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI

Nutrition Facts

What to Show	How to Show It
Serving Size	Each piece’s exact amount
Total Servings	Number of doses in package
Calories	Per serving
Fat	Grams per serving
Sodium	Milligrams per serving
Carbs	Grams per serving
Allergens	In bold text

Different states have different rules:

California wants two separate panels
Maryland has specific age warning text
New York needs Poison Control info
Colorado uses RFID for bulk items

The ASTM D8449–23 standard says to list cannabinoids like this:

What to List	How to Measure
THC Per Serving	In milligrams
Package Total THC	In milligrams
CBD	If it’s in there
Other Cannabinoids	If over 1mg

One last thing: Don’t make your labels look like regular snacks or candy. Keep them plain and easy to read.

Ingredient List Rules

Here’s what you need to know about ingredient lists for cannabis products in 2024:

Element	Requirements
Order	List by weight (most to least)
Names	Use common names, no abbreviations
Cannabis Extract	State extraction method and solvent type
Location	Place below nutrition facts panel
Format	Black text on white, minimum 6pt font

For cannabis components, your labels must show:

Detail	What to Include
Strain Name	If strain-specific product
Extract Type	CO2, ethanol, etc.
THC Source	Distillate, live resin, etc.
Carrier Oils	MCT, coconut oil, etc.

Food allergen labeling is a BIG deal. Here’s what you MUST include:

Must Declare	Examples
Major Allergens	Milk, eggs, fish, nuts
Cross-Contact	"Made in facility with nuts"
Gluten Status	"Contains wheat"
Sulphites	If over 10ppm

Let’s talk about what NOT to do:

Don’t say "allergen-free" without proof
Don’t hide allergens in small text
Don’t skip cross-contamination warnings
Don’t make up ingredient names

"If your cannabis label or your advertising does not make claims that bring your product within the FDA’s drug definition, the FDA will not treat your edible as a drug under the FDCA Act." – Canna Law Blog

Here’s something scary: Lab tests show 50% of products don’t match their THC labels. Always verify your lab results.

And remember: There are 40 different state systems out there. Each one has its own rules. Check your local requirements before finalizing ANY label.

Bottom Line:

Keep it simple
List everything
Skip health claims
Avoid alcohol brand names

State Laws

Here’s what you need to know about cannabis label rules in 2024:

State	Required Label Elements	Special Rules
California	– THC/CBD content – Warning statement – Net weight – Ingredients – Manufacturer info	Must list test results for contaminants
Colorado	– Diamond THC symbol – Warning text – Batch number – Test results	No cartoon characters allowed
Oregon	– Universal symbol – Pesticide info – Nutrition facts – Batch tracking	Must show extraction method
Washington	– THC warning – Pesticide data – Lab results – Batch code	Plain packaging rules

Every state has its own rules. Here’s what most states want on labels:

Requirement	States Requiring It	% of States
THC Content	All	100%
Manufacturer Info	All	100%
Batch Number	Most	94%
Health Warnings	Most	94%
Cannabis Symbol	Many	90%
CBD Content	Many	87%

Labs test products differently in each state:

Test Type	What’s Checked	Required By
Potency	THC/CBD levels	All states
Contaminants	Mold, bacteria	Most states
Pesticides	Chemical residue	OR, WA only
Heavy Metals	Lead, mercury	CA, CO, OR

"Some of the industry expectation was, ‘Let’s keep it on the parents and the users in keeping it away from children or people who shouldn’t use it. But you know, sometimes mistakes happen. You turn your back and a product is left out." – Andrew Schrot, CEO of BlueKudu

The Numbers Tell the Story:

14 states haven’t set THC limits for driving
17 states don’t have open container laws
50% of products have incorrect THC labels

What’s New in 2024:

QR codes now link to test results
Bigger child warning symbols
Stricter font size rules
More allergen warnings

Bottom Line: Check your state’s rules before making labels – they change fast, and mistakes cost money.

Packaging Rules

Cannabis edibles packaging must meet strict safety standards. Here’s what you need to know:

Child Safety Features

Feature	Requirement	Details
Child-Resistant Design	PPPA testing certified	Blocks access for kids under 5
Tamper Evidence	Must have	Shows package tampering
Thickness	2+ mil plastic	For non-resealable items
Sealing	Heat-sealed	No easy-open options
Resealability	Multi-serve only	Must stay child-resistant

"Cannabis products need extra packaging because they MUST be both tamper-evident and child-resistant." – Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI

Here’s how child-resistant packaging works:

Type	What It Does	Label Needs
Single Use	Safe until opened	"Not child-resistant after opening"
Multiple Use	Stays safe	No extra text needed
Crown Cork Cap	For single items	Metal pry-off design

Design Limits

Packages must protect kids. Here’s what works (and doesn’t):

Don’t Use	Must Use
Cartoons	Opaque materials
Neon colors	Simple designs
Kid shapes	4 mil thickness
Characters	Universal symbol (¾" x ¾")
Easy-open parts	"Not For Kids" symbol

Size Rules:

Symbol	Must Be
Universal Symbol	¾" x ¾"
"Not For Kids"	¾" x ½"
QR Code	Clear enough to scan

Multi-serve products need these on each item:

Tracking numbers
QC test results
Potency info
Batch codes

The Dymapak Secure Sack shows these rules in action – it’s lab-tested, fully opaque, with a child-resistant zipper that works for adults but not kids.

Required Documents

Here’s what you need to know about document management and label checks for cannabis products:

Document Storage

Cannabis companies need to keep specific records for label compliance. Here’s a breakdown:

Document Type	Storage Period	Format
Label Approvals	2+ years	Digital + Print
Lab Test Results	Per batch	Secured Database
Batch Records	Production life	Cloud + Local
State Licenses	Current + Previous	Official Copies
QC Reports	Per production run	Digital System

Each state has its own filing needs:

State Requirements	Storage Details
Batch Numbers	Link to production data
THC/CBD Content	Lab results per batch
Production Tracking	Manufacturing dates
Health Risk Data	Warning documentation
Contact Info	License numbers

Quality Checks

Before you print labels, check these items:

Check Type	What to Look For
THC Content	Match lab results
Batch Codes	Link to records
Warning Text	State compliance
Contact Details	Current info
Symbol Size	Meet requirements

Here’s what to verify:

Element	Check Method
State Symbol	Size: ¾" x ¾"
Lab Data	Match batch records
Tracking Info	Scan QR codes
Warning Text	Compare to rules
Product Info	Check against specs

Most states want these label elements:

Label Element	Required by States
THC Content	100%
Contact Info	100%
Batch Numbers	94%
Health Risks	94%
Production Data	94%

Keep these documents ready for inspections:

Production records
Lab certificates
License copies
Batch tracking
QC reports

Help and Resources

Working with Experts

Here’s what you’ll get when working with label specialists:

Service Type	What You Get
Compliance Review	State-specific regulation checks
Label Design	Technical specs verification
Documentation	Record-keeping systems setup
Quality Control	Testing protocols and standards
Risk Assessment	Potential compliance issues check

These consulting firms lead the industry:

Firm	Focus Areas
CannDelta	750+ facility audits, mock inspections
Cannaspire	SOPs, HACCP, employee training
Zenpack	Material selection, package testing

Here’s a reality check from someone who knows:

"Experience showed that packaging with recycled and compostable materials could easily be ripped open." – Nick McCormick, Chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Packaging and Labeling Committee

Expert support focuses on:

Area	Support Provided
State Laws	Updates on changing regulations
Lab Testing	Result verification methods
Safety Standards	Child-resistant packaging rules
Record Keeping	Digital tracking systems
Training	Staff compliance education

ProGrowth

ProGrowth delivers these services:

Service	Details
Label Design	Brand-compliant packaging
Marketing Plans	State-specific strategies
Content Creation	Product descriptions
Data Analysis	Market compliance tracking
Campaign Management	Label updates monitoring

Here’s what states want on labels RIGHT NOW:

Requirement	States Requiring
THC Content	100%
Contact Info	100%
Batch Numbers	94%
Health Risks	94%
Production Data	94%

Need help NOW? Here’s what to do:

Look up ASTM standard D8449–23 for edibles labeling
Call your state cannabis board
Sign up with industry groups
Start tracking compliance
Schedule label reviews

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here’s what you need to know about cannabis label quality control and avoiding costly mistakes:

Quality Control Steps

Cannabis companies that get labeling right focus on these key checks:

Check Type	Key Actions
Data Accuracy	Verify THC/CBD content per serving
Legal Text	Check font size (min 1/16 inch height)
Required Info	Match state-specific checklists
Batch Details	Confirm tracking numbers match
Warning Placement	Verify symbols and text location

Before sending labels to print, run these lab tests:

Test Phase	Action Items
Pre-Print	Compare lab results to label claims
Batch Review	Match production data to labels
Final Check	Verify nutrition facts match tests

Avoiding Mistakes

Here’s what went wrong in 2023 – and how to avoid these issues:

Issue	Impact
Wrong THC Content	86% of 78 retailers tested
Missing Warnings	5-15 day license suspension
Incorrect County Names	Product recall required
No Batch Numbers	Regulatory violations
Missing "Cannabis-Infused" Text	Immediate correction needed

Smart companies prevent problems with these steps:

Area	Solution
Print Timing	Small batches near application date
Data Entry	Double verification system
Compliance	State checklist use before printing
Storage	Digital backup of all label versions
Updates	Regular regulation review schedule

"If you print thousands of extra labels, they may end up going to waste if regulations change, necessitating that you reprint all those labels to be in compliance with updated laws." – Blue Label Packaging

Here’s what states require on cannabis labels:

Requirement	States Requiring
THC Content	All medical states
Manufacturer Info	100% required
Health Risks	Over 80%
Cannabis Symbol	Over 80%
CBD Content	Over 80%

Before you print:

Check your state’s rules
Print a small test batch
Get compliance team approval
Document changes
Save digital copies

This process helps catch errors early and keeps you compliant with state regulations.

What’s Next

The cannabis label world is changing FAST. Here’s what you need to know about 2024’s biggest shifts:

New Label Tech That Matters

Check out these game-changing tools:

Technology	What It Does	Bottom Line
RFID Labels	Tracks products in real time	Cuts tracking mistakes by 95%
NFC Tags	Let users tap for info	Shows lab results instantly
Smart QR Codes	Checks if products are real	Every package gets its own code
Digital Print	Tracks batches	Shows product info through AR

Here’s how these changes hit your business:

What’s Changing	What It Means	What You Need to Do
Data Storage	You need digital tracking	Get cloud backup
Printing	Everything’s going automatic	Buy new printers
Batch Tracking	You need live monitoring	Set up RFID
Product Info	Labels must do more	Add QR codes

How to Get Ready

Big changes are coming. Here’s when:

Change	When	What to Do Now
New Cannabis Symbol	Mid-2024	Buy updated labels
Full Spectrum Rules	Q3 2024	Update test info
UCIL Rules	Q4 2024	Fix label designs
Smart Package Laws	Early 2025	Get better printers

Let’s talk money:

What You Need	Price Tag	When It Pays Off
RFID Setup	$5,000-15,000	6-8 months
New Printers	$8,000-25,000	12-18 months
QR System	$2,000-5,000	3-4 months
Cloud Storage	$200-500/month	Right away

The cannabis packaging market’s hitting $1.6 billion in 2024. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tool	Why You Need It	How Bad You Need It
Design Software	Make legal labels	Must have
Batch Tracking	Watch production	Must have
Cloud Storage	Keep label files	Should have
Quality Tools	Check labels	Should have

Your action plan:

Get your gear ready for new rules
Show your team how to use new tech
Set up digital storage
Get quality checking tools
Plan your spending

With cannabis sales headed to $80 billion by 2027, getting ready NOW isn’t just smart – it’s necessary.

Summary

Here’s what you need to know about cannabis edible labeling in 2024:

Label Element	What’s Required	Why It Matters
Child Safety	Resistant packaging + tamper-evident seals	Prevents kids from opening
Product Info	THC/CBD content, batch numbers, dates	Tracks every item
Warnings	State-mandated text in bold caps	Keeps users safe
Nutrition	Fats, carbs, sodium per serving	Matches food standards
Testing	Lab results via QR codes	Shows what’s inside

Let’s break down the state rules:

State	Must-Have Elements	Special Rules
California	Universal symbol + "cannabis-infused" text	Opaque packaging only
Maryland	QR code linking to lab results	Digital tracking system
Oregon	Serving size + nutrient content	OLCC compliance

Here’s what works (and what doesn’t):

Do This	Don’t Do This
List ingredients by weight	Use cartoon graphics
Show allergens clearly	Make health claims
Print in English	Use see-through packaging
Add batch tracking codes	Skip warning labels

The market at a glance:

Stat	Number	What It Means
States with medical programs	40	Different rules to follow
States with adult-use markets	23	More complex compliance
Population in legal states	74%	Big market reach

"The cannabis industry is overtaxed, under-employed, and often stretched to its limit with the resources it has." – Kathy Knutson, Ph.D., PCQI

Your packaging must meet these standards:

Feature	Standard	Purpose
Material	Opaque	Keeps kids away
Sealing	Tamper-evident	Shows if opened
Portions	Individual wrapping	Controls serving size
Storage	Resealable	Keeps product fresh

Bottom line: Put warnings in bold caps, make labels clear, keep testing records, check state rules often, and use QR codes for lab data. That’s what it takes to stay compliant in 2024.

FAQs

Do edibles have to have nutrition facts?

Yes. Just like regular food products, cannabis edibles need nutrition facts on their labels. Here’s what goes on every package:

Required Element	What to Include	Location
Serving Info	Size per serving, total servings	Secondary Display Panel
Core Facts	Calories, fats, carbs, protein	Nutrition Facts table
Ingredients	Full list by weight order	Below nutrition facts
Allergens	Major food allergens	Bold text in ingredients
Gluten Status	If claiming gluten-free	Near ingredients list

The nutrition facts table needs these basics:

Required Values	Must Show Per Serving
Total Calories	Exact number
Total Fat	Grams
Sodium	Milligrams
Carbohydrates	Grams
Protein	Grams
THC/CBD	Milligrams

Here’s what makes a good nutrition label:

Do	Don’t
Use common ingredient names	Use abbreviations
List allergens in bold	Make broad "allergen-free" claims
Show exact serving sizes	Round serving amounts
Place on Secondary Display Panel	Hide nutritional info

The basics of edible labeling: Include serving size, number of servings, ingredients list, allergen info, and nutrition facts. Put this info on the Secondary Display Panel (SDP), away from main product details and warnings.

Bottom line: Think of edibles like any other food product. They need clear, accurate nutrition facts that anyone can understand.