Simple or vague labeling can be misleading. Without “Nutrition Facts” or “Drug Facts,” how do you know what you’re consuming? Would any individual as a consumer buy an item with a blank label, no ingredients, no description, or even no name?
The new policy from Washington State’s Liquor and Cannabis Board only enforces this unawareness. Their new policy restricts the cannabis industry from further labeling or describing their products and prohibits them from using words such as “healing,” “relief,” or “restorative” due to the lack of scientific evidence.
Senate Bill 5298, introduced by Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, strives to inform consumers about the product they’re consuming. This new bill is necessary in order for consumers to be aware of the product’s intended function and the possible effects it may possess. SB 5298 will allow the cannabis industry to include descriptive wording and no longer force patrons to blindly choose, buy, and consume these unknown products.
In order to have safe legalization of cannabis, information has to be provided to the consumers, not taken away. This new Senate bill will increase awareness, reduce fear, and create a more knowledgeable Washington regarding the use of medical and recreational marijuana.
