The Canadian government is proposing a series of amendments to federal cannabis regulations ranging from packaging to reporting requirements, all part of an effort to help ease the regulatory burden cannabis businesses in the country face. It would allow, among many other things, for producers to contain individual packages in bulk outer packaging.

CTV News reports that a raft of changes are expected as a push to fix several problems burdening cannabis producers remains a priority. Health Canada indicated that the amendments are expected to return about $41 million in annualized net benefits in terms of administrative and compliance cost savings. The amendments remove problematic regulations that make it more difficult to market cannabis. 

Changes to Canada’s Cannabis Act include an Order Amending Schedule 2 to the Cannabis Act, and a second Order Amending the Cannabis Tracking System Order (Cultivation Waste).

Changes to the Cannabis Act and Food and Drugs Act included Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning Cannabis (Streamlining of Requirements).

“Health Canada recognizes that there may be regulatory measures that could be made more efficient and streamlined without compromising the public health and public safety objectives,” a representative of Health Canada said.

Proposed amendments including packaging changes, such as allowing the lids and containers of cannabis products to display different colors, allowing cut-out windows or transparent packaging, and allowing QR codes on packaging so buyers are able to find more information.

Producers would also be allowed to package multiple products together as long as the package is still under the 30-gram limit, and products inside also meet packaging requirements. The change would mean producers could sell higher quantities of edibles in one single, outer package.

Images or information on the packaging would still not be allowed, for the most part, but images would be exempt if other statutes require it, such as the recycling icon.

The changes mean that producers no longer have to provide paper copies of information sheets to retailers, wouldn’t have to submit a notice to the government on every new dried or fresh cannabis product they want to sell, and the sale and distribution of cannabis pollen would be allowed. Producers also wouldn’t be required to report annually on promotional efforts, and would no longer need to report on cultivation waste.

The changes aim to ease some of the problems the industry is grappling with. This includes bankruptcies and market consolidation following legalization in 2018.

The problems impacting the industry were identified earlier. Canada’s oversupply of cannabis led to $53.7 million unsold cannabis products last December.

A group organized by the federal government to study Canada’s cannabis laws earlier this year made 54 recommendations. The updates that range from packaging and labeling rule changes to a review of the excise taxes imposed on cannabis producers.

Cannabis Sales Impact Alcohol Sales in Canada

Cannabis and alcohol are highly regulated, and sales of the two impact one another.

A study conducted in Canada and recently published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that beer sales have declined since cannabis sales rolled out in the country in 2018. The study was conducted by researchers associated with the College Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto.

The study, which was published last February, shows that beer sales in Canada have dropped significantly. “Canada-wide beer sales fell by 96 hectoliters per 100,000 population immediately after non-medical cannabis legalization and by 4 hectoliters per 100,000 population each month thereafter for an average monthly reduction of 136 hectoliters per 100,000 population post-legalization,” authors wrote. A hectoliter is a unit of measurement frequently used in reference to wine, beer, grain, or other agricultural goods, and is the total of 100 liters (1 liter is approximately 0.26 liquid gallons).

Researchers also explained that cannabis legalization did not impact spirit sales in the same way. Additionally, researchers believe that cannabis use could potentially lead to higher alcohol use in some people, specifically “those with greater sensation-seeking behaviors.” However, they also wrote that some consumers are substituting cannabis in the place of alcohol. 

Data on beer and spirits sales in Canada were compiled by Beer Canada and Spirits Canada. 

Beer Canada provided details about approximately 90% of total Canadian beer sales, while Spirits Canada showed sales in relation to whisky, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, and vodka but did not include ready-to-drink cocktails. Beer sales were reviewed between January 2012-February 2020, and spirits sales were examined between January 2016-February 2020.

The new proposed changes to Canada’s Cannabis Act and Food and Drugs Act could propel these sales even more if producers are better equipped to handle it. 

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Brandmydispo, the industry leader in custom cannabis packaging, proudly announces its continued dominance with its custom weed bags. Renowned for their superior quality, innovative designs, and unmatched customer service, Brandmydispo has established itself as the premier choice for custom cannabis packaging solutions.

Unrivaled Quality and Craftsmanship

Brandmydispo sets the standard for excellence with its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Each custom weed bag undergoes rigorous testing and inspection to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and functionality. This dedication to quality has made Brandmydispo the preferred choice for cannabis brands seeking premium packaging solutions.

Tailored to Perfection

What sets Brandmydispo apart is its ability to tailor its custom weed bags to meet the unique needs of each client. From custom designs to specific size requirements, Brandmydispo offers a wide range of customization options to ensure that each packaging solution is a perfect fit for its intended product.

Custom Sizing 

With BrandMyDispo, you have the freedom to select from a variety of custom sizing options for your weed bags. Whether you need a small, discreet pouch or a large, eye-catching bag, we can create the perfect size to showcase your products.

Tamper-Evident Features for Added Security

Our custom weed bags come equipped with tamper-evident features, guaranteeing the safety and integrity of your products. From heat-sealed closures to tear strips, we offer a range of options designed to protect your products and provide your customers with peace of mind.

Compliance and Regulatory Assurance

At BrandMyDispo, we stay abreast of all cannabis packaging regulations to ensure our products meet the highest standards of compliance. We work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure your custom weed bags meet all necessary requirements.

Sustainability at its Core

Brandmydispo is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company uses eco-friendly materials and practices in its packaging process to minimize its impact on the environment. By choosing Brandmydispo, customers can be confident that they are choosing a packaging solution that is both high-quality and environmentally responsible.

Exceptional Customer Service

At Brandmydispo, customer satisfaction is paramount. The company prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and support throughout the custom cannabis packaging process. This dedication to customer care has earned Brandmydispo a reputation for excellence in service.

Leading the Industry

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Brandmydispo remains at the forefront, leading the way with its innovative custom dispensary packaging solutions. With its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Brandmydispo is poised to maintain its position as the industry leader in custom cannabis packaging.

Elevate Your Brand with Brandmydispo’s Premium Packaging Solutions

Brandmydispo leads the pack in providing innovative and high-quality dispensary packaging solutions tailored for the cannabis industry. Their extensive range includes everything from custom weed bags to empty vape cartridges, pre-rolled tubes, dispensary boxes, weed jars, cannabis containers, empty vape pens, and more. 

Discover how their products can transform your brand’s packaging strategy:

Weed Bags: Their custom weed bags are more than just packaging; they’re a statement. Available in various sizes, shapes, and styles, these custom mylar bags can be personalized to reflect your brand’s unique identity and message.

Empty Vape Cartridges: Compatible with a wide range of 510 vape batteries, their empty vape cartridges deliver a smooth and consistent vaping experience, ensuring your customers keep coming back for more.

Pre-Rolled Tubes: Perfect for packaging pre-rolled joints, their tubes offer convenience and style. Customize them with your brand’s logo and design to make a lasting impression.

Dispensary Boxes: Their dispensary boxes are designed to showcase and protect your products. Available in different sizes and shapes, these boxes can be customized to fit your brand perfectly.

Weed Jars: Keep your products fresh and secure with their range of weed jars. Available in glass or plastic, these jars can be customized to suit your brand’s aesthetic.

Cannabis Containers: From pop-top to screw-top containers, Brandmydispo’s cannabis containers offer a safe and secure storage solution for your products.

Empty Vape Pens: For customers who prefer to fill their own cartridges, these empty vape pens are the perfect choice. Available in a variety of styles, these pens can be customized with your brand’s logo and design.

And More: Brandmydispo’s product range doesn’t stop there. We also offer child-resistant packaging, odor-proof bags, and other innovative solutions to meet all your packaging needs.

At Brandmydispo, they’re more than just a dispensary packaging supplier; they’re your cannabis packaging partner. With expertise and experience, they can help you create custom dispensary packaging solutions that elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

About Brandmydispo

Brandmydispo is a pioneering force in the cannabis packaging sector, renowned for its bespoke solutions that elevate brands within the competitive market. The company’s distinct focus on sustainability, functionality, and design sets it apart, ensuring that each packaging product meets the unique requirements of its clients.

Brandmydispo understands the pivotal role custom cannabis packaging plays in brand identity and collaborates closely with clients to create custom solutions that not only protect their products but also reflect their brand ethos. Whether it’s custom weed bags, dispensary boxes, or vape cartridges, Brandmydispo’s packaging is designed to enhance the customer experience and fortify brand loyalty.

Innovation lies at the core of Brandmydispo’s ethos. The company continually explores new dispensary packaging solutions to meet the evolving demands of the cannabis industry. 

With a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Brandmydispo stands as the premier choice for cannabis businesses looking to elevate their packaging. The company’s dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction cements its position as an industry leader, eager to partner with more businesses to achieve their cannabis packaging goals

For More Information

For more information about Brandmydispo and its cannabis packaging solutions, visit www.Brandmydispo.com or contact info@Brandmydispo.com.

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A Pennsylvania Senate panel has given its approval to three bills to ease restrictions on the state’s medical marijuana operators and improve access to medical cannabis for patients. The three bills, which were all approved by the Senate Law & Justice Committee late last month, now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

The first bill from Republican Senator Mike Regan, the chair of the committee, would make significant changes to the state’s regulation of medical marijuana, which was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2016. The measure, Senate Bill 835, would eliminate the state’s list of 24 serious medical conditions that qualify a patient to use medical marijuana. Instead, doctors would be permitted to recommend medical cannabis to a patient for any medical condition that might be helped by its use. The bill also eliminates expiration dates on medical marijuana identification cards, a move that the sponsor of the legislation says will remove a cost barrier that prevents some patients from taking advantage of the state’s medical cannabis program.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce restrictions on medical marijuana organizations and to reduce the cost and burden on patients through such efforts as eliminating the expiration of medical ID cards and the list of serious medical conditions,” Regan said during the committee meeting. “Nowhere do we dictate to doctors what conditions a patient must have for them to prescribe medication.”

Regan’s bill would also allow patients to use medical cannabis in inhalable and edible products. Currently, medical marijuana is available for use by pill, oil, topical creams and ointments, tincture liquids and forms that are medically appropriate for administration by vaporization or nebulization. Herbal forms of cannabis are not available through the current program.

A separate bill from Republican Senator Dan Laughlin, Senate Bill 538, would also legalize cannabis edibles for use by medical marijuana patients. The bill also requires edibles to be tested for safety and potency and includes provisions that prohibit packaging that is attractive to children. Laughlin said he was prompted to draft the legislation after learning that residents of his district were visiting a nearby Indian reservation in New York to purchase marijuana edibles.

“Constituents drive up there and, quite frankly, I don’t know who’s manufacturing those products. I don’t know if they’re being tested for potency or anything really,” Laughlin said. “From my standpoint, passing a bill like this is not only convenience for my medical patients who live in my district but also for their safety.”

Another bill from Republican Sen. Chris Gebhard, Senate Bill 773, would provide additional medical cannabis dispensary permits for licensed independent grower processors. According to information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, more than 150 medical marijuana dispensaries are currently supplying medicinal cannabis products to patients. But most of those businesses are located near large cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton, leaving patients in the central and northern parts of the state with little access to regulated cannabis.

The proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program received bipartisan support in the Senate Law & Justice Committee, with Gephard’s bill receiving unanimous approval and the bills from Laughlin and Regan advancing by votes of 10-1. Senator James Brewster, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said that he thinks the measures “makes us more attractive in terms of being available to constituents that are in need of this product.”

Republican Senator Judy Ward, the lone dissenter, voted via proxy and was unavailable for comment, according to media reports. The bills were also opposed by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a conservative-leaning policy center based in Harrisburg.

“No matter what the proposed changes are to the medical program, we all should be reminded that today’s marijuana includes dangerously high potency and we’re seeing increased harm with its use, especially among minors and young adults,” said Dan Bartkowiak, a spokesman for the group. “Sadly, there are some lawmakers who believe marijuana use is harmless, which simply is false.”

Recreational Weed Legalization Bill Introduced

The bills to reform Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program are not the only cannabis-related measures currently being considered by state lawmakers. Last week, a bipartisan pair of state senators introduced legislation to legalize recreational weed in Pennsylvania. The bill, from Laughlin and Democratic Senator Sharif Street, would legalize cannabis for all adults aged 21 and older.

“Legalized adult use of marijuana is supported by an overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians and this legislation accomplishes that while also ensuring safety and social equity,” Laughlin said in a statement about the bill. “With neighboring states New Jersey and New York implementing adult use, we have a duty to Pennsylvania taxpayers to legalize adult-use marijuana to avoid losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars of new tax revenue and thousands of new jobs.”

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A bill that would expand the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis and lower the cost of the treatment was approved by lawmakers in Arizona. 

The bill, SB 1466, was approved on Monday by a legislative committee. If it were to become law, the measure would result in a host of changes to the state’s medical cannabis law––perhaps most notably, the addition of autism and post-traumatic stress disorder to the list of qualifying conditions. 

It was approved by a 7-2 vote by members of the Health and Human Services Committee Hearing.

The outlet AZMarijuana has a rundown of the key points of the bill, which includes: “Reduction of medical marijuana card costs to $50, with renewals every 2 years; 100% waiver of medical marijuana card costs to veterans; Adding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder into statute; Adds Autism Spectrum Disorder as a debilitating medical condition; Alignment of the advertising, packaging, and branding to match the rules in Smart and Safe; Requires protections for children – child resistant packaging, prohibits advertising attractive to children, adds advertising restrictions; Alignment of the definition of marijuana and marijuana products; Codifying the use of telehealth; Updating the details of the requirements in the QR Code and track/traceability; Provide a unified cover sheet for COAs to simplify consumer/patient experience; Removes a government-led lab testing council and replaces with a full public forum.” 

The group Arizona Dispensaries Association has strongly backed the legislation.

“ADA supports SB1466, which gives veterans the ability to acquire a medical marijuana card at no cost,” said Ann Torrez, executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association, as quoted by AZMarijuana. “Often veterans suffer from PTSD, insomnia, heightened anxiety and chronic pain. A free medical marijuana card gives veteran patients access to medical cannabis treatment for any of these common conditions.”

“The ADA’s primary mission is to promote and advocate for a safe, consumer-focused cannabis industry in Arizona,” Torrez continued. “We aim to continuously educate consumers on the importance of visiting only licensed dispensaries and consuming only THC and CBD products that have been lab tested and approved.”

The bill is being considered at a time when Arizona’s medical cannabis industry is enduring sluggish sales. 

In October, medical marijuana sales in the state amounted to a little more than $31 million, which was the eighth consecutive month of decline. 

Meanwhile, the state’s adult-use cannabis market, which launched in January 2021, continues to thrive.

In that same month, recreational cannabis sales in Arizona totaled $73.8 million, which was a new high.

As AZ Mirror reported earlier this year, the “crumbling of the medical program follows a pattern other states have seen with medical markets outpaced by recreational sales in the wake of legalization.”

The outlet reported in January: “The state collects 16% excise tax on recreational sales in addition to the standard sales tax; medical patients pay roughly 6% in state sales tax, levied as a Transaction Privilege Tax on cannabis outlets. Local jurisdictions charge an additional 2% or so for all marijuana sales. One-third of recreational taxes collected are dedicated to community college and provisional community college districts; 31% to public safety — police, fire departments, fire districts, first responders — 25% to the Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund, and 10% to the justice reinvestment fund, dedicated to providing public health services, counseling, job training and other social services for communities that have been adversely affected and disproportionately impacted by marijuana arrests and criminalization. The medical market has continued to bleed both sales and participants, following a trend in some states that have legalized adult-use cannabis years after establishing medical cannabis markets.”

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A chorus of experts are growing concerned about the prevalence of candy-flavored cannabis products and other flavors that appeal to children in states with legal cannabis. 

Part of the uproar was spurred when a New York official showed a watermelon-flavored cannabis edible product to the local media amid the state’s first days of adult-use cannabis sales, taking place earlier this month.

The Associated Press reports that pressure is mounting to address the way cannabis products allegedly target children, with several individuals chiming in with expertise in epidemiology and tobacco control research.

“We should learn from the nicotine space, and I certainly would advocate that we should place similar concern on cannabis products in terms of their appealability to youth,” said Katherine Keyes, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University.

“If you go through a cannabis dispensary right now,” she said, “it’s almost absurd how youth oriented a lot of the packaging and the products are.” 

New York’s adult-use cannabis market recently kicked off. The state’s adult-use law bans marketing and advertising that is designed in any way that appeals to children or other minors.

But the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has not yet established defined rules on labeling, packaging, and advertising. What would a ban look like? Some concepts would ban images of food, candy, soda, drinks, cookies, or cereal on packaging. OCM officials believe these images could appeal to minors.

“Consumers need to be aware—parents need to be aware—if they see products that look like other products that are commonly marketed to kids, that’s an illicit market product,” said Lyla Hunt, OCM’s deputy director of public health and campaigns.

But when OCM Chief Chris Alexander showed a watermelon-flavored edible product to the media at New York’s first licensed adult-use cannabis store, people’s heads were rolling.

Per New York law, minors caught in possession of cannabis face a civil penalty of a maximum of $50. Licensed cannabis retailers who are caught selling to minors face fines and the potential loss of their licenses, but no jail time.

“When you’re talking about strawberry-cheesecake, or mango, or cookies-and-cream flavors, it’s very difficult to argue that those are for older adults,” said Dr. Pamela Ling, the director for the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at the University of California in San Francisco.

“Folks who consider themselves to be more like cannabis aficionados,” she said, “would say that smoking a flavored cannabis product is like putting ketchup on your steak.”

Haven’t We Heard this Before?

“Won’t somebody please think of the children?” Helen Lovejoy said on The Simpsons. Most adults store cannabis products in a place that’s out of reach from children and teenagers.

Similar bans on flavored tobacco products have taken place in numerous states over the last few years. The same hysteria has made its way into the cannabis industry.

California’s ban on flavored tobacco products took effect just weeks ago. The state’s particular ban went further to ban menthol cigarettes.

In Massachusetts in 2019, members of the state’s House of Representatives voted to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco and vape products. And that’s not all. The vaping products that remain legal will be subject to a whopping 75 excise tax. 

In Oregon in 2019 as well, Gov. Kate Brown moved to ban flavored vape cartridges. But then the Oregon Court of Appeals sided with Dyme Distribution, a cannabis company that’s suing the state over its ban on cannabis vaping products. 

Cigarette use has fallen out of favor among teens, but the use of e-cigarettes and vapes has risen. The new focus on regulation is falling upon cannabis products.

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Cannabis retail marketing must be heavily researched to best catch the eye of potential customers, especially in markets where there is a lot of competition. New Frontier Data provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at what brand packaging says about a product, and how it is perceived by consumers. New Frontier Data uses information collected and published in its recently published Cannabis Consumers in America report, which identifies consumers based on their purchasing behavior and trends in the industry (categorized as Savvy Connoisseurs, Contemporary Lifestylers, Legacy Lifestylers, Medical Lifestylers, Modern Medicinals, Engaged Explorers, Social Nibblers, Holistic Healers, and Infrequent Partakers.)

Fifty-one percent of consumers choose products based on the desired effect, such as sleep, energy, chill or create. While potency is also a contributing factor, New Frontier Data’s newest report explored the end result of popular brand packaging appearances, and shared which ones people tend to prefer the most.

For this product survey, participants were asked if they seek out flower from particular brands or companies: 43% answered “sometimes,” 21% said “always,” 19% said “rarely,” and 17% answered “never.” Overall, 28% added that branding and packaging is “very or extremely important” when considering what to buy.

Six image varieties of flower packaging, with percentages of consumers who most preferred those packaging themes: Black Minimalist Jar (7%), Gold Jar (9%), Craft Paper Jar (14%) Mountain Landscape Jar (16%), Hippie Colorful Jar (17%), and Prescription White Jar (36%).

The Black Minimalist Jar is described as a common choice between a variety of age groups, but often chosen because it was “cool, modern, and masculine.” Those who preferred this jar usually spend between $50-$199 per transaction and are more likely to consume cannabis every day.

The Gold Jar was most popular with consumers over 55, describing it as “cool, natural, or modern.” Some described it as feminine, but it was slightly more preferred by men. Those who were drawn to this jar usually purchase between 3.5 grams to 14 grams per month, and tend to purchase about $50-$99 in a single purchase. This particular consumer is also more likely to consider topicals or transdermal products as their favorite.

The Craft Paper Jar featured a simple brown exterior with black text, which attracted consumers who like to consume cannabis in a social setting because it is “natural, authentic, and cool.” Those who are drawn to this packaging tend to buy $20-$99 worth of product in a single purchase. 

The Mountain Landscape Jar attracted younger consumers because it was “cool, natural, and authentic.” They were also the customers most likely to choose vaping as their primary way to consume.

The Hippie Colorful Jar was the most colorful of the bunch, which attracted medical cannabis consumers more than adult-use consumers, describing the jar as “cool, authentic, and modern.” Sixty-four percent of these consumers usually spend between $20-$99 in a single purchase, and prefer edibles over other consumption methods.

Finally, the Prescription White Jar was the most popular of all of these designs, appealing to all age groups and consumer types for its “medicinal, authentic, and natural” approach to design. Those who chose this tend to purchase more than one ounce of cannabis every month, and favored flower over all other product types.

New Frontier Data cites Harvard Professor Gerald Zaltman, an expert on marketing who is also a co-founder of consultant firm Olson Zaltman Associates, which has worked with some of the world’s largest brands. According to Zaltman’s book How Customers Think: Essential Insights into the Mind of the Market, 95% of purchasing decisions are subconscious, and 93% of people will “rely on visual cues when considering new products.”

With this in mind, New Frontier Data recommends a continued thoughtfulness when companies create their brand product identity. “As consumers become increasingly diverse and delineated in both their motives and methods for consumption, brands should aim to directly articulate how a given product suits a consumer’s goals, rather than settle simply for selling flower.

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The legal cannabis industry produces millions of pounds of plastics each year. These brands are trying to make a difference.

The post Legal cannabis is producing more plastic waste than pot appeared first on Leafly.

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Move as quickly as the cannabis industry, printing variable data on demand.

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