(Ottawa) The federal government is proposing a series of changes to cannabis regulations in an effort to save money.
Outlined in the latest edition of the Canada Gazette, the government’s official journal, the changes would result in annual savings of approximately $41 million in administrative and compliance costs.
The proposed changes range from allowing cannabis product lids and containers to be different colors to ending the requirement that producers provide paper copies of information sheets to retailers.
Other changes include allowing transparent packaging so consumers can see the product before purchasing it and allowing QR codes on packaging that would allow buyers to find more information.
Producers are still not allowed to put images or information on packaging, but the rules would be relaxed to allow the addition if other legislation requires it, such as for the recycling icon.
These changes come as the cannabis industry has faced numerous challenges and market consolidation following legalization in 2018.