Bill > HB294

This bill, titled "Cannabis Product Packaging Changes," aims to regulate the appearance of cannabis product packaging and labeling to prevent them from appealing to minors. It introduces new definitions, including "artificial color additive" for synthetic dyes not from natural food sources and "cartoon" for stylized imagery appealing to minors. The bill mandates that cannabis packaging be limited to black and white, with color only allowed for essential warnings, regulatory symbols, or approved licensee logos that are not designed to appeal to minors. It also prohibits the use of cartoons, imagery resembling products marketed to minors, reflective or dynamic visual effects, and packaging shaped like candy, toys, or other items associated with minors or entertainment media. Labels must also avoid designs, names, or color schemes that mimic products marketed to minors and cannot use cartoons or celebrity likenesses. Edible cannabis products will require opaque packaging. The bill also clarifies that cannabis products are considered adulterated if they contain artificial color additives not approved by the Cannabis Control Division (the division responsible for regulating cannabis in New Mexico). Violations of these new packaging and labeling rules, as well as the use of unapproved artificial color additives, will be punishable under existing penalties for the Cannabis Regulation Act, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Business and Industry

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=294&year=26