Maine’s new recreational cannabis industry now has a logo to identify its products.
The state’s Office of Marijuana Policy on Monday unveiled a symbol that will be used to identify adult-use marijuana and marijuana products.
The symbol — which has already been used in Massachusetts — features a red triangle above text reading “CONTAINS THC.” Centered within the triangle is a black marijuana leaf superimposed on a field of white.
THC is the common acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Under the 2016 Maine law that legalized marijuana, businesses licensed to distribute it must use the symbol on packaging and on edible products. In a news release, the OMP said it encourages cannabis caregivers and dispensaries to also use the symbol.
In developing the symbol, the office surveyed the images used by other states with legal marijuana. While the symbols varied widely, the Massachusetts version won out.
“Given our regional proximity and the close personal and business ties our two states share, the use of the same universal symbol will ensure that consumers can clearly recognize products that contain THC whether in Massachusetts or Maine,” said OMP Director Erik Gundersen.
Introduction of the universal symbol in Maine comes as the OMP prepares to complete final adoption of its rules that will serve as the regulatory framework for the state’s new adult-use industry. The office intends to begin accepting adult use applications by the end of 2019.