The proposed rules would establish standards for the production, packaging, and distribution of edible and topical cannabis products, which are not yet legal in the country.
Canada Releases Draft Rules for Edibles, Topicals
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Health Canada has announced regulations to allow the production and distribution of cannabis edibles and topicals, the CBC reports.
The regulations span everything from allowed additives, to packaging, to the types of foods that can be infused with cannabinoids. The rules also establish a THC cap for each serving.
If the rules are successfully adopted, edibles should be available in the Canadian market by October 17, 2019 — exactly one year after adult-use legalization took effect.
“Assuming the trend is consistent in Canada, the new classes of cannabis will likely represent over time a significant portion of the total market.” — Excerpt from the new regulations, via the CBC
The regulations list many expected standards for producers:
- Products must not require refrigeration or freezing.
- Ingredients and expiration dates must be on each package, as well as other nutrition information
- The use of caffeine as an additive is prohibited, though natural coffee or tea products are allowed
- No sugars or sweeteners are allowed, though flavor compounds have been approved
- Flavors that may be appealing to children, like dessert flavors or other classic sweets, are not allowed to appear on the packaging
- Meat products are not allowed, except for dried meats from certain producers
- Eyedrops or needles are not allowed
Officials will now hold discussions across Canada regarding the new regulations. The rules require a 60-day period of public comment before they can be finalized.
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