Cannabis edibles packaging often contains youth-appealing content like candy knockoffs and cartoon characters
An analysis of 256 cannabis edibles packages found 15% resembled candy knockoffs, 23% featured cartoon-like creatures, and 91% included flavor text, with less-regulated states having the most youth-appealing content.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
15% of packages resembled product knockoffs (e.g., candy brands), 23% contained human/non-human creatures, 35% had flavor images, and 91% had flavor text. States with limited cannabis legalization had significantly more youth-appealing content than states with full legalization.
Key Numbers
256 packages from 25 states. Product knockoffs: 11% (legal states), 26% (medical only), 38% (limited legalization). Creatures: 19%, 33%, 63% respectively. Flavor text: 91% overall. Median colors: 5 (legal/medical) vs 10 (limited legalization). All comparisons significant.
How They Did This
Analysis of 256 photos of cannabis edibles packaging collected from adults in 25 states, DC, and Puerto Rico between May 2020 and August 2021. Coded for knockoffs, creatures, flavor imagery, flavor text, and color count. Compared across legalization status.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis edibles are a leading cause of pediatric cannabis exposures. Packaging that looks like candy directly increases the risk that children will mistake these products for food.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that less-regulated markets have more youth-appealing packaging suggests that regulation works. States with comprehensive cannabis laws appear better able to restrict harmful marketing practices.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Convenience sample of photos from adult consumers, not a systematic market survey. Photos were self-submitted and may not represent the full market. Coding was based on visual characteristics, not consumer research with youth.
Questions This Raises
- ?Do children actually find these packages more appealing?
- ?Would federal packaging standards reduce pediatric exposures?
- ?Are companies intentionally mimicking candy brands, or is it coincidental?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 38% of packages in least-regulated states resembled candy knockoffs
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: multi-state sample with systematic coding, but convenience sampling and no direct youth perception data.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Presence of Content Appealing to Youth on Cannabis-Infused Edibles Packaging.
- Published In:
- Substance use & misuse, 57(8), 1215-1219 (2022)
- Authors:
- Tan, Andy S L(2), Weinreich, Erica, Padon, Alisa, Sanchez, Mirtala, Snyder, Kyle M, Vasilyeva, Anna, Sandh, Simon, Goldmann, Emily, Goodman, Melody, Ompad, Danielle C
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04255
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What types of youth-appealing content were most common?
Flavor text was nearly universal (91%). About a third had flavor images, a quarter had cartoon-like creatures, and 15% resembled knockoffs of existing candy or food brands.
Did regulation make a difference?
Yes. States with full cannabis legalization (medical and recreational) had significantly less youth-appealing content than states with only medical or limited legalization, suggesting regulatory frameworks help.
Why is edibles packaging a safety concern?
Cannabis edibles that look like candy or snacks can be mistaken by children for regular food, leading to accidental ingestion. Pediatric cannabis exposures from edibles have risen sharply in recent years.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04255APA
Tan, Andy S L; Weinreich, Erica; Padon, Alisa; Sanchez, Mirtala; Snyder, Kyle M; Vasilyeva, Anna; Sandh, Simon; Goldmann, Emily; Goodman, Melody; Ompad, Danielle C. (2022). Presence of Content Appealing to Youth on Cannabis-Infused Edibles Packaging.. Substance use & misuse, 57(8), 1215-1219. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2069268
MLA
Tan, Andy S L, et al. "Presence of Content Appealing to Youth on Cannabis-Infused Edibles Packaging.." Substance use & misuse, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2069268
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Presence of Content Appealing to Youth on Cannabis-Infused E..." RTHC-04255. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/tan-2022-presence-of-content-appealing
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.