DCR waves warning flag on upcoming packaging deadline in new guidance

The Division of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has issued new licensee guidance as a critical September 1, deadline approaches, mandating full compliance with new packaging and labeling requirements.

With just weeks to go, the DCR’s latest guidance highlights the urgency for licensees to submit their final marijuana product designs for approval, as the industry grapples with meeting the stringent new standards.

These updates to packaging and labeling regulations, long discussed by both regulators and industry players, require that all marijuana products be packaged and labeled according to DCR-approved designs before they can be transferred to dispensaries for sale.

DCR’s warning comes as many businesses are still struggling to navigate the approval process, which has led to a significant backlog of submissions.

DCR’s Packaging and Labeling Division recently addressed these concerns at a DCR-hosted workshop, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate submissions to avoid delays. Despite ongoing efforts to streamline the approval process, the sheer volume of last-minute applications has raised alarms about potential bottlenecks as the deadline looms.

   

“DCR implemented the Item Approval process on September 1, 2023, per 19 CSR 100-1.120(2) for final marijuana product,” says slide 138. “This process requires licensees to submit all marijuana product designs, packaging designs and label designs to DCR for a compliance review with 19 CSR 100-1.120(1), prior to use. The Item Approval process is in place to ensure products and packaging are designed in a manner that protects public health. In working through the Item Approval process and considering feedback from licensees, DCR continues to identify areas that will improve the process and allow DCR and licensees to gain efficiencies.

Packages reviewed as of June 17, 2024, per the DCR Workshop:

• Submitted: 76,282
• Reviewed: 44,119
• Approved: 33,808
• Denied: 10,311

DCR’s final guidance also outlines the consequences for failing to meet the September 1 deadline. Dispensaries have until October 31, 2024, to sell or distribute any remaining unapproved inventory. After this date, any non-compliant products must be destroyed, repackaged, or transferred for further processing.

With the cannabis industry under pressure to comply, DCR’s latest communication serves as a critical reminder that time is running out for old products and non-compliant packaging. Businesses are urged to act swiftly to ensure their products meet the new standards, or risk being unable to sell them after the deadline passes.