- New regulations for the cannabis industry in Missouri took effect on July 30.
- The rules focus on advertising and packaging, aiming to make products less appealing to children.
- Marijuana packaging must be less colorful and more uniform.
- Advertisements can’t claim “curative or therapeutic effects” and have restrictions on characters, images, and colors.
- Businesses, including BeLeaf Medical and 3Fifteen Primo, adjust their strategies to comply while differentiating their products.
Missouri Cannabis Industry Navigates New Packaging and Advertising Rules
Missouri’s cannabis industry is undergoing a transformation. Effective July 30, a comprehensive set of regulations has reshaped the landscape, particularly in the realms of advertising and packaging. Amy Moore, director of cannabis regulation for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, describes these changes as “a complete overhaul.”
Child-Proofing Cannabis
A primary objective of the new rules is to make marijuana products less enticing to children. Packaging must now be more uniform and less colorful. Furthermore, advertisements face stringent restrictions, including prohibitions against claiming therapeutic benefits and using certain imagery.
Businesses Adapt and Innovate
Companies like BeLeaf Medical have swiftly adjusted their operations to align with the new guidelines. James Nelson, BeLeaf’s CEO, expresses concerns about differentiating in a market with nearly 200 dispensaries in Missouri. The challenge lies in striking a balance between compliance and brand identity.
Another business, 3Fifteen Primo, grapples with the intricacies of advertising regulations, especially in the digital realm. Valerie Martinez, their marketing director, highlights the need for creativity in promoting their brand, given the regulatory constraints.
Support and Transition
To assist businesses in this transition, the DHSS offers guidance and a transitional period, allowing existing products and packaging to be used until next January. From February onwards, all marijuana products will need an “item approval number” from the state before sale.
The Breezy Take
Missouri’s cannabis industry is in a state of flux, adapting to new regulations that prioritize child safety. While businesses face challenges in branding and differentiation, their innovative approaches showcase resilience. As the industry matures, these regulations, though stringent, may pave the way for a safer and more responsible cannabis market.
Original article: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/industries/cannabis/missouri-marijuana-businesses-adjust-to-new-regulations-for-packaging-advertising/article_ff2e7c90-37cf-11ee-9cd2-b32fe8fcb7cc.html
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