Cannabis Symbols in North America - A Guide
In 2022, we released an ultimate guide to the Cannabis Symbols of North America, a guide which, at the time, was so rich in information, it was emulated time and time again. But as we have learned within this industry, a LOT can change in four years.
Now first and foremost, we are not lawyers. The need for compliance to government regulation ultimately lies with the manufacturer, so we strongly recommend that you consult with a legal professional prior to manufacturing and releasing a product.
Remember, different States carry different guidelines, regulations and requirements. Here we take a look at those States, and how they stand in 2026.
THC Regulatory Symbols
Here we have a list of current THC Regulatory Symbols, by State (as of July 2026).
Alaska THC Symbol
As of 2022, Alaska was yet to adopt a symbol, however there was strong backing from the Board of Directors of Doctors of Cannabis Regulation. It was anticipated that the symbol for Alaska would contain the cannabis leaf from the Standardized IICPS (International Intoxicating Cannabis Product Symbol), however, as of July 2026, this has still not materialized.
3 AAC 306.565 contains information on the packaging of marijuana products, however this still relates only to packaging. While the regulations do not state stamping of the edible itself, it is noteworthy that 3 AAC 306.565 (b) (2) states a product containing ' multiple servings, be designed so that the marijuana product itself has markings or demarcations clearly delineating each serving of the product...'.
Arkansas THC Symbol
Arizona THC Symbol
A new addition to our guide, on the basis the state's recreational program was still new.
As of 2026, Arizona's labeling framework has grown a layer more technical than most states' printed symbols. A.R.S. § 36-2854.01 required that 'not later than December 31, 2023, any marijuana product packaging labeled for sale include a consumer scannable tetrahydrocannabinol quick response code, or similar technology linking to a webpage that displays specific product information, including the extraction method, a laboratory impurities report, the date of manufacture, the distribution chain, and a pregnancy warning statement'.
Arizona seems to combine the legislation of two separate pieces of law (linked below). Although packaging requirements are mentioned in both, there is nothing set in respect of stamping edibles themselves. It is noteworthy that various non-government websites online, including Wikipedia, state the Colorado symbol as the symbol of choice in Arizona, although this cannot be officially clarified.
Source: Arizona Medical Marijuana Act - Title 36 Chapter 28.1
Source: 9 AAC 18- Adult Use Marijuana Program
Resources: Arizona Dept. of Health
California THC Symbol
The California symbol was developed by the Department of Cannabis Control for all external packaging across all packaged Cannabis products. The three State cannabis programs were however merged to form a single new State Department called the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).
The California Universal Symbol remains unchanged since 2022, while the basic requirements for packing and symbol use are outlined in the California Code of Regulations. There is currently no requirement to display the symbol on the edible itself, but only on packaging in a black and white format, no smaller than 0.25".
Canada THC Symbol
As of 2022, the symbol developed by Health Canada, had to appear on the label of all cannabis products that contained THC in a concentration greater than 10 micrograms per gram.
This remains largely unchanged as of 2026, although use of the 'standardized symbol' had two minor changes in that period (SOR/2019-206, s.39 and SOR/2025-43, s37). The only requirements for this symbol lie in the packaging, where it must be displayed no less than 1.27 x 1.27cm.
Colorado THC Symbol
As of 2022, the Colorado "Universal Symbol" was required to be stamped directly onto the edible.
As of 2026, this hasn't changed, though the rule has since been renumbered and consolidated.
1 CCR 212-3 D. 2. a. states 'The following categories of Edible Regulated Marijuana Products are considered to be per se practicable to mark, and shall be marked, stamped, or otherwise imprinted with the Universal Symbol directly on the Regulated Marijuana Product: i. ii. iii. i v. v. Chocolate; Soft confections; Hard confections or lozenges; Consolidated baked goods (e.g. cookie, brownie, cupcake, granola bar); Pressed pills and capsules.'.
1 CCR 212-3 D. 2. b. states 'The Universal Symbol marking shall: i. ii. iii. i v. Be marked, stamped, or otherwise imprinted in its entirety on at least one side of the Edible Regulated Marijuana Product. The shape of the product shall not be included or take place of any part of the Universal Symbol; Be centered either horizontally or vertically on the Edible Regulated Marijuana Product; If centered horizontally on the Edible Regulated Marijuana Product, the height and width of the Universal Symbol shall be of a size that is at least 25% of the product’s height, but not less than ¼ inch by ¼ inch. If centered vertically on the Edible Regulated Marijuana Product, the height and width of the Universal Symbol shall be of a size that is at least 25% of the product’s height, but not less than ¼ inch by ¼ inch.'.
Colorado remains one of the most stringent States in respect of regulations for edibles, to such a degree that other States have adopted their logo and part of their regulations.
Connecticut THC Symbol
Another State not originally featured in our 2022 guide. As of 2026, Connecticut requires its own 'universal symbol' be imprinted on an edible, although the regulations for Connecticut appear interesting.
21a-421j-25 (a) (5) of the Regulations of Adult Use Cannabis, published November 2024, state that 'Edible cannabis products capable of maintaining a defined external form or outline shall be in cuboid or spherical form, or such other form as approved by the commissioner, and conspicuously stamped, embossed, imprinted, or otherwise marked with the capital letters “THC” in plain font, each “THC” mark comprising not less than twenty-five per cent of the largest side of the cannabis product. The addition of an “!” is permissible so long as it is in the same size, font, and method of marking as “THC” and does not detract from the required sized percentage of the “THC” mark. An edible cannabis product shall not incorporate any information, print, embossing, debossing, graphic or hidden feature, except as expressly required or permitted in this subsection. A mint shall be cuboid in shape.'
21a-421j-32 (a) (3) of the same Regulations take an interesting turn. This regulation goes on to state that the Massachusetts State Symbol must be used on outer packaging, along with a separate 21+ logo.
Delaware THC Symbol
As of 2022, the Delaware THC Symbol was based on the Oklahoma symbol. In 2023 however, following legalization, the Delaware Marijuana Control Act came into existence.
A Final Order from the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, notably 9.2.4, states that 'All marijuana and marijuana product labels must include a universal symbol made available by the Commissioner. The universal symbol must: 9.2.4.1 Appear on the front of or the most prominently displayed area of the marketing layer; 9.2.4.2 9.2.4.3 9.2.4.4 9.2.5 Be printed in an area no smaller than ½ inch by ½ inch; Contrast sufficiently with the background to be easily identified; and Remain in the form provided by the Commissioner and shall not be modified, recreated, stylized, distorted, or otherwise altered in a manner that changes the appearance or size of the universal symbol.'.
This legislation notes 'marketing layer', suggesting use of a symbol only applies to marketing layer, but the interesting fact at play here is a sentence from the actual legislation itself - 4 Delaware Code 1335. 1335 (h) (3) states 'The standard symbol requirements as established by the Commissioner do not apply to a multi-serving liquid retail marijuana product that is impracticable to mark if the product complies with all statutory and rule packaging requirements for multi-serving edibles and with all of the following enhanced requirements to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion...'.
There are two clear issues here;
- The Universal Symbol to be used is unclear.
- The latter legislation suggest that non-liquid marijuana products should be stamped.
If you are planning on producing for the Delaware market, it is highly encouraged to speak with the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner directly.
Florida THC Symbol
The 2021 Florida Statutes adopted use of the Colorado ‘Universal Symbol’ for Medical Marijuana Packaging.
The Colorado THC Symbol is still in use as of July 2026. 381.986.15 states 'Each edible shall be individually sealed in plain, opaque wrapping marked only with the marijuana universal symbol. Where practical, each edible shall be marked with the marijuana universal symbol.'.
Illinois THC Symbol
Another State that did not originally feature in our guide, Illinois has regulations for packaging only, and there is no requirement to stamp onto an edible itself.
At time of writing (July 2026), there appeared to be no formal universal symbol in place.
Maine THC Symbol
The Office of Cannabis Policy for the State of Maine chose to partner with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, and share usage of the existing Massachusetts Symbol. This has remained unchanged since 2022, and there is still a requirement to stamp the edible itself no less than 0.25" x 0.25".
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Minnesota THC Symbol
A new feature for the guide, Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is responsible for Marijuana in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
A packaging and labelling guide was updated in April 2026, stating the International Intoxicating Cannabinoid Product Symbol (IICPS) must be used on all packaging, along with a 21+ warning symbol. There is no explicit mention of imprinting on an edible itself.
Source: Chapter 342 Section 342.63
Resources: Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management
Maryland THC Symbol
Developed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, the Maryland Symbol is a requirement for all packaging for Medical Cannabis Products in the State, as per COMAR 14.17.08. There is no requirement to stamp onto the edible itself.
Massachusetts THC Symbol
One of the earliest developed State Symbols and home to Bold Maker, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is responsible for regulation. Current Regulations require the symbol must appear on each edible serving, as per 935 CMR 500.150. A secondary ‘Not Safe for Kids’ logo was also developed for outer packaging. 935 CMR 500.105 (d) states 'Each single serving of an Edibles contained in a multiple-serving package shall be marked, stamped or otherwise imprinted with the symbol issued by the Commission under 935 CMR 500.105(5) that indicates that the single serving is a Marijuana Product'.
Michigan THC Symbol
Updated by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the State of Michigan adopted its own Symbol for use in all products as regulated under the Administrative Rules for the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act. As of 2026, this remains unchanged.
Missouri THC Symbol
The Revised Statutes of Missouri brought an amended take to the Colorado Universal Symbol in 2020, requiring each package contain the symbol along with “the letter ‘M’ located under the ‘THC’ in the diamond, to signify that the product is for medical purposes”.
Montana THC Symbol
Beginning January 1 2022, the State of Montana adopted the IICPS Marijuana Symbol, with the wording ‘Marijuana’ added to the design. The general labeling requirements dictate a minimum size of 0.33 by 0.33 inches, on assigned templates provided by the Montana Dept. of Revenue. There is no requirement to imprint onto an edible itself.
Nevada THC Symbol
January 1, 2019 saw the introduction of the Nevada State Symbol, requiring products that are ‘practical to stamp or mold’ be stamped accordingly. Nevada went one step further in stating any other way of demarking edibles be approved at a State Level.
As of 2026, nothing has changed, and guidance states 'the above symbol must be stamped, molded, or printed with color contrast on each individual and single-serving of edible cannabis products beginning on or before January 1, 2019'.
New Jersey THC Symbol
In 2022, we reported the use of the IICPS Marijuana Symbol in New Jersey. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission released
guidance on it's use, stating, a product imprint of no smaller than 0.25" x 0.25" is required for 'Edible Marijuana Products'.
New Mexico THC Symbol
The New Mexico Department of Health developed a ‘Universal THC Warning Symbol’ back in 2020, that requires printing directly onto chocolates, soft confections, hard confections, lozenges, pressed pills, and capsules.
16.8.3.12 A. (9) (c) states 'edible cannabis finished products containing multiple servings in a single container shall: (c) be marked, stamped, or otherwise imprinted with a logo designed and provided by the division that notifies a reasonable person that the product contains cannabis that is no smaller than 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch for each single serving contained in a multi-serving package.'.
In 2022, the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department released guidelines updating the logo. A Division approved logo was placed on the
NMRLD Website, in the form of the Colorado THC Symbol. Although the New Mexico THC symbol is, in essence, the Colorado THC symbol, there seems to have been no formal repeal of the New Mexico THC symbol.
New York THC Symbol
New York recently designed and introduced a THC Warning Symbol, however the State became a first in combining three symbols into one design (the THC element shown above); requiring the symbols be affixed to packaging of any edible and beverage cannabis product in the State.
As of 2026, there are still three separate symbols available, although these are all for packaging. There is no requirement to imprint onto an edible itself.
Ohio THC Symbol
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy indicated use of the Colorado Universal Symbol from May 2019, requiring each serving be marked with the Symbol - the main purpose being to ‘protect public health in reducing the risk of accidental ingestion’.
3796:3-2-02 (B) (1) states 'If the medical marijuana product is presented as separate single portions, the processor shall apply the universal symbol to each single portion;'. The symbol must be no less than one-fourth inch squared.
Source: 3796:3
Resources: Division of Cannabis Control
Oklahoma THC Symbol
The Oklahoma Universal THC Symbol, developed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, was published in April 2022. The symbol must appear in its designated color in a size no smaller than 0.6 by 0.85 inches.
As of 2026, there has been no change, and there is no requirement to imprint directly onto an edible itself.
Oregon THC Symbol
October 1, 2016 saw the introduction of the Oregon Cannabis Symbol. This symbol is required on all Cannabis products sold within the State. The State also release two further logos, a Hemp logo of the same design (but blue in color), and a Medical Cannabis logo (a red ‘M’ within a red circle).
As of 2026, there has been no change. There is no requirement to imprint onto an edible itself.
Rhode Island THC Symbol
The Office of Cannabis Regulation introduced the Massachusetts Symbol in March 2020. May 2022 saw the legalization of recreational cannabis in the State.
As of 2026, Rhode Island has its own Cannabis Control Commission, who still use the Massachusetts THC Symbol. Utilizing a 'cannabis safety' approach, the symbol is required on each serving.
Vermont THC Symbol
The State of Vermont appears to use the same symbol as Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island, however there is a subtle difference. Where the overall design of the symbol is the same, the State appears to have adopted the IICPS leaf instead of the existing leaf on the Massachusetts symbol. The regulations dictate its usage as no less than 0.25 by 0.25 inches. Think you can use the Massachusetts symbol instead? That’s not the case - the State indicates the symbol cannot be modified in any manner.
As of 2026, there is still no requirement to imprint directly onto an edible.
Virginia THC Symbol
New to the guide, Virginia. Adult sales are due to commence from July 1, 2027, and the administration is being undertaken by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
3VAC10-70-20 A. mentions use of a 'universal symbol' for the purpose of containers and layers of packaging. At time of writing, there is no legislation regarding edibles. As this is a new market, this may be subject to change.
An Industry Bulletin, released in January, declared Virginia would be using the International Intoxicating Cannabis Product Symbol (IICPS) symbol.
Washington THC Symbol
The State of Washington updated labeling policies in 2019. The distinct symbol of the time was used for all labeling of cannabis products, along with a secondary ‘Not for Kids’ logo.
As of 2026, there is still no requirement in terms of stamping edibles directly, however a further three logos have been released in respect of outer packaging.
Other States
Cannabis remains illegal in;
- Idaho
- Kansas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
Restrictive programs exist in the following States, although no symbols are utilized;
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Wisconsin
The Future of THC Symbols
The cannabis industry will always see consistent change. States create new authorities, amend legislation, and even make changes that indirectly affect legislation without realizing. In the four years since our original blog post, we are yet to see a standardized, universal symbol for the United States, and we are no closer to legalization with the Federal Government. That doesn't mean it will not happen, but it means we can expect to see consistent change moving forward.
One thing is for sure; we will continue to monitor legislation across all 50 States to help our clients comply with everchanging legislation.
About Bold Maker THC Molds
At Bold Maker, we constantly monitor legislation in all 50 States and beyond, keeping up to date with changes. While regulation is ultimately the responsibility of the candy manufacturer, we ensure we are up to speed in order to help you create compliant gummies. With the world's biggest selection of regulatory molds, you can be sure there is a mold for you.
Contact us today to learn more about what we do, and see how we can help you take your production to the next level.
About the Author
This article was written by our Chief Communications Officer, James Roberts. Prior to joining Bold Maker, James spent 17 years working in Government, writing policy in both Local Government, and Central Government in the United Kingdom.
James has experience in regulatory services similar to the cannabis industry, including alcohol licensing, taxi licensing and regulatory legislation.
Disclaimer - this article is intended for reading purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Legislation across the Country and beyond constantly adapts and changes, and we strongly recommend either speaking to a representative at State Level, or seeking legal advice prior to designing a product, or commencing production.
Bold Maker is an industry leading mold manufacturer, based in Amesbury, MA. We design and engineer mold solutions for multiple industries, including mainstream candy, THC and cannabis markets, and the chocolate industry.
Specialists in custom molds, and with 10 years of industry experience, our team of Designers and Engineers have created solutions for some of the biggest confectioners and suppliers on the planet.
If you are looking to create a product that exceeds expectations, contact us today and learn how we can work with you to create a solution.
