The Illinois Department of Agriculture – Division of Cannabis Regulation (IDOA–DCR) posted an information bulletin today to help clarify product labeling requirements and best practices for dispensaries, cultivation centers, craft growers, and infusers.

The information bulletin clarifies requirements for dispensary names and use-by dates on labels. Dispensaries are reminded that the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requires placing the legal name of the dispensary on the packaging of any cannabis product they sell. Cultivation centers, craft growers, and infusers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all other packaging and labeling requirements, including a “use-by” date. A use-by date must be displayed on all packaging. Once established, these dates cannot be altered without approval. The bulletin also explains the purpose of the use-by date and how to enter the date into METRC.

The CRTA and Administrative Rules do not specify a timeframe for “use by” dates. However, IDOA’s recommended best practice is that the “use by” date not exceed one year from the date of compliance testing. Cultivation centers, craft growers, and infusers are encouraged to utilize ongoing “stability testing” for all of their products, but especially for products with a “Use by” date of greater than one year.

In addition, the bulletin also provides information on stability testing, retention samples, storage and sampling strategies for stability testing, and testing accommodations for contaminant analysis versus potency analysis. For questions and feedback related to this Information Bulletin, please contact the IDOA, Division of Cannabis Regulation, by emailing AGR.AdultUse@Illinois.gov.

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