Prompted by “Chef Putting Her Stamp On Marijuana Labeling Effort”: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/11/27/chef-putting-her-stamp-on-marijuana-labeling-effort/
One serious concern in a world (in part or preferably whole) where cannabis exists without fear of criminality from consumption is the unmarked edible (and drinkable btw).
One important aspect of cannabis use is intention, so anyone (at any age) consuming cannabis unintentionally is unintentionally being unwise and perhaps taking a serious risk on the psychological front (contingent upon the individual unknowingly launching into “cannabispace” — i.e. Tommy Chong can probably adapt enjoyably, while Tommy “Youngchild” might become mentally scarred).
The question of ensuring whether or not someone knows whether or not an edible/drinkable product has cannabis within it has an obvious answer to any responsibly minded individual. Yes, any cannabis edible/drinkable should be clearly marked as such. If government regulation is needed for that ensuring, then I weep for humanity due to the obvious need for that obvious distinction.
Putting that mark on the edible (e.g. via frosting) is fine, but clearly not capable of consistency (noting a young child may not get the “10” reference exemplified in the prompting article), so should remain optional. Moreover, a drinkable cannot be marked by any on-product information.
Packaging is ultimately the logical place to express cannabis distinction, and the familiar cannabis leaf icon is the logical choice for inclusion there. Offhand, I suggest a reasonably-sized (i.e. small enough to still be instantly recognizable), red cannabis leaf in a white or black square (optionally including a number indicating dosage) and a transparent-yet-clearly-recognizable “!” contrasted with the background color and centered as the top layer of the caution mark (transparent just enough to clearly identify both the exclamation point and cannabis leaf). Red typically captures attention (as does an exclamation point), and the square’s edges suggest seriousness (i.e. a logical assumption concludes that a more-pleasing circle would not be as effective). The background color would be contingent upon the coloration of the rest of the packaging.
All relevant “cannabusinesses” coming together to voluntarily embrace such a mark would positively mark a substantial impression upon public consciousness. Feel free to promote this idea as promptly, widely, and deeply as needed to help maximize the prevention of unintentional cannabis consumption. Effective education (not abusive law) is the only non-liberty-infringing (and reasonable) answer against “cannabuse”, so any “fannabis of cannabis” has serious incentive to now mobilize for society to more safely (um) cannabilize (which needs clear distinction from cannibalize).
That is just my unmarked food for thought.
I am an honest freak (or reasonably responsibly balanced "misfit", if you prefer) of an artist working and resting to best carefully contribute towards helping society. Too many people abuse reasoning (e.g. 'partial truth = whole truth' scam), while I exercise reason to explore and express whole truth without any conflict-of-interest -- all within a sometimes offbeat style of psychedelic artistry.
Spirit Wave Journal 
Leave a Reply