California Bill Would Mandate That Legal Marijuana Products Come With Warning Labels, Brochures

In 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64, which effectively legalized marijuana in the Golden State for anyone 21 or older.

But in the six years since, California has completely botched the implementation. State and local governments created artificial barriers to entry, like high taxes and a limit on the number of business licenses. Those caught selling without a license can be raided by state and federal authorities. The regulatory environment is so stringent that six years after legalization, California’s illegal marijuana sales outnumber legal sales two-to-one.

Now, the Los Angeles Times editorial board is advocating for what it feels the legal pot industry needs: bigger warning labels.

“One of the goals of legalizing cannabis was to ensure that the pot Californians buy is relatively safe,” the article begins. Legal products are tested, packaged, and labeled, with all ingredients and warnings listed.

“But the warning that’s required is so tiny it’s almost impossible to read,” it continues. “And it doesn’t mention anything about the risk of mental health problems associated with heavy marijuana use, which has been documented in a growing body of scientific research.” The editorial mentions a proposed state bill that would require various warnings about marijuana use, “printed on the front of a package, covering at least one-third of it, typed in 12-point font on a bright yellow background.”

The bill was ultimately “water[ed] down,” which the editorial blames on the “pot lobby.” But even in its current form, it would require the state to implement a universal cannabis labeling system “regarding the risks that cannabis use may contribute to mental health problems,” and “reevaluate the regulations every 5 years.” The editorial also praises a section of the bill which “requires the state to develop a one-page flier that would be available at all legal dispensaries describing the health risks linked with cannabis use, including the potential for psychosis and schizophrenia associated with using products containing high