Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Family Medicine, including Professor Leah Ranney, PhD, MA, Assistant Professor Sarah D. Kowitt, PhD, MPH, and authors Sonia A. Clark, MHA, and Kristen L. Jarman, MSPH, have published a pivotal study in a special issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The study, titled “Regulatory Landscape of Cannabis Warning Labels in US States with Legal Retail Nonmedical Cannabis,” with first-author Caroline J. Meek, MPH, who was a student in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health at the time of this study, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of cannabis warning label regulations across the United States.
This research highlights significant variations in the content and design of cannabis warning labels mandated by different states. The study’s findings underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based warning labels to better inform consumers about the potential risks associated with cannabis use.
The study found that only 10% of states require warnings about mental health risks and high-potency products. Additionally, no states mandate the placement of warnings on the front of the package, and only 20% of states require the use of contrasting colors to enhance visibility. The research also revealed that warning labels are often wordy, vague, and lack standardized font sizes, which diminishes their potential effectiveness.
These findings suggest that there is substantial room for improvement in the content, design, and implementation of cannabis warning labels in the United States. Caroline J. Meek noted that states working to develop evidence-based regulatory standards for cannabis warning labels “face a challenging task given limited federal guidance, key gaps in existing cannabis research, and the complexity of cannabis products on the US market.” By identifying targeted opportunities for states to further apply contemporary evidence on cannabis effects and warning label efficacy, this study facilitates the development of strengthened cannabis warning label regulations that can enhance public awareness and promote safer cannabis use.
Further, the study highlights areas in which more research is needed to inform the development of effective cannabis warning labels. Dr. Leah Ranney emphasized the importance of effective warning labels, and that they are crucial for informing consumers about the risks of cannabis use. She noted that the study reveals “significant gaps in current regulations and provides a roadmap for states to develop more effective warning labels.”
Dr. Sarah D. Kowitt added, “As cannabis legalization continues to spread, it is imperative that we prioritize public health by ensuring that consumers have access to clear and concise information about the potential harms of cannabis.”
The UNC Tobacco Prevention and Evaluation Program (TPEP), which Dr. Leah Ranney leads, is dedicated to advancing public health through rigorous research and evaluation of tobacco and cannabis policies. The program aims to inform policy decisions and promote health equity through evidence-based research.