Following a series of consultations and the release of draft regulations earlier this year, the federal government has officially legalized cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals. Health Canada began accepting new product applications on October 17. These products will begin to be available for distribution following the completion of the 60-day notification period required by Health Canada.
Rules regarding the maximum amount of THC in new products remain unchanged from those proposed in the draft regulations:
- 10 mg in a package of edible cannabis;
- 10 mg per cannabis extract unit, with a maximum of 1,000 mg in a package of extracts; and,
- 1,000 mg per package of cannabis topicals.
Products cannot be appealing to youth. As such a number of safeguards have been put in place, including restrictions on certain ingredients that may appeal to youth and/or increase the addition potential of products; and, requirements for child-resistant plain packaging and standardized labelling information (e.g. health warnings).
Other prohibitions include elements associated with alcohol beverages or brands; producing food and edible cannabis in the same facility; and, making any dietary or health benefit claims.
Health Canada began accepting new product applications on October 17, meaning the earliest producers will be able to legally sell these products is December 16. Provincial distributors may also require additional time to purchase products and make them available to retailers.