Marijuana Moment
California lawmakers have passed a bill to more clearly define the types of marijuana packaging and labeling that is prohibited due to appealing to children, sending the legislation to the governor’s desk.
The measure, sponsored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D), passed by the Assembly in a vote of 69-1 on Thursday after having cleared the Senate 38-0 a day earlier. The proposal now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who can sign or veto the bill or allow it to become law without his signature.
As passed by lawmakers, AB 2249 would define “attractive to children” to mean designed or likely to appeal to people under the age of 21.
Indications for that youth appeal would include the use of cartoons, depictions of individuals who appear to be under 21, use of mythological creatures like unicorns or dragons or references to celebrities or characters who are primarily associated with children’s entertainment.
It would also include images of consumable goods that are primarily marketed to children—such as candies, cereals, sweets and desserts—as well as the use of lettering styles resembling “overinflated bubbles or balloons” that are typical in products marketed to kids.
“Cannabis and cannabis product packaging and labeling shall not imitate, mimic, or closely resemble the packaging, labeling, trade dress, or overall appearance of a non-cannabis product that is primarily marketed to children,” the legislation says.
While the bill says that “edible cannabis product or vape cartridge labeling shall not include cartoon or overly stylized depictions of fruit,” one provision clarifies that “realistic depictions of fruit used to identify or accurately depict the product ingredients or production region are not prohibited.”
The packaging and labeling restrictions would take effect on January 1, 2028 if the measure is enacted into law.
Source
California Lawmakers Approve Bill Restricting Marijuana Packaging That’s ‘Attractive To Children’