In the fall of 2018, Canada became the second nation to decriminalize recreational use of cannabis, following Uruguay’s legalization of the substance in 2013.

After legalization, however, comes the minutiae of regulation, creating a series of rules that satisfies multiple stakeholders with a diverse set of priorities, from health advocates concerned about public intoxication to parents that want to make access as difficult as possible for minors. Unfortunately, this hazy regulatory environment can create well-intentioned rules that cause more problems than they solve, as is the case with the ones announced by Health Canada regarding edibles, including THC-infused beverages, as well as topicals and inhalants.

The new rules include the amount of THC per packaging,10mg in the case of edibles, require plain packaging that does not appeal to children, and the prohibition of terms that associated with tobacco, vaping, or alcohol.