As of this blog post’s writing, 14 states in the US have legalized recreational marijuana, and medicinal marijuana is available in 35 states. In these states, edibles are among the most popular ways to consume cannabis products since they offer an alternative to smoking and vaping.

But whether you use cannabis edibles or are interested in producing them for sale, you may have found yourself wondering if the government regulates them in any way. Cannabis edibles regulation is more complicated than you may think. In this guide from ImEPIK, we’ll break down what you need to know.

The FDA Does Not Regulate Edibles Because They’re Illegal at the Federal Level

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) would be the most logical federal agency to regulate cannabis edibles since they could be considered both a food and drug. However, since cannabis edibles aren’t legal at the national level, the FDA cannot control them. Beyond blocking retailers and manufacturers from making specific health claims about cannabis products, the FDA is hands-off.

Individual State Governments Regulate Cannabis-Infused Edibles

Because the FDA cannot enforce cannabis regulations, individual states have developed their own rules for the manufacturers of cannabis edibles. These vary quite a bit from state-to-state, but some of the most common rules cover aspects of food safety like:

  • Storage and Cleanliness – During production and retail sale, edibles must be appropriately stored and processed in clean, sanitary environments.
  • Testing – Most states require testing to confirm things like product quality and THC levels.
  • Lab Certifications – Some states require accredited labs to test edibles and to validate initial in-house quality testing. These certifications provide an added layer of protection for consumers.
  • Distribution and Transportation – Each state has different food safety requirements around how edibles and other cannabis products may be distributed. These rules can require using refrigerated trucks and facilities when necessary.
  • Serving Size and Dosage Consistency – All edible products must be clearly-labeled with serving size and dosage, and these standards should be consistent across identical products.
  • Packaging and Labeling – Packaging requirements also vary by state, but most require labels that clearly note the product’s dosage details, nutrition facts, a list of ingredients, batch numbers, date of manufacture, and other important information.
  • Training – Workers making edibles must be properly trained in food safety best practices and standards to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
  • Food Safety Strategy – Plants and facilities producing edibles must have a dedicated food safety strategy that protects both workers and consumers during the production process.
  • Waste Disposal – Waste resulting from the production process must be safely disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations, particularly if it includes any psychoactive elements like THC.

Enhance Food Safety at Your Edible Production Facility – Contact ImEPIK Today!

Cannabis edibles might not be federally regulated, but they are indeed regulated at the state level. Therefore, it’s essential to implement food safety protocols to protect yourself and ensure that you’re creating a high-quality product.

Interested in more information? Contact ImEPIK today via our webchat or call us at (866) 318-9855. We’re leaders in food safety training and can provide you and your team with the interactive, informative, and engaging training courses you need for better food safety during cannabis edible production.