Building and Sustaining Cross-Sector Collaboration: A Commentary on Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Research, Policy, and Coordination.

Abstract

Introduction: In the rapidly evolving legal cannabis market, product packaging and labeling serve as powerful health communication tools that influence consumer behavior and safety perceptions. No single entity can effectively address these complexities in isolation.

Methods: This commentary describes a cross-sector partnership established between local public health professionals, academic researchers, and a regulatory body in Washington State. This collaboration bridged distinct stakeholder goals related to cannabis packaging and labeling, addressed a shared public health challenge of limiting youth- appealing packaging, and developed actionable solutions.

Results: Research stemming from this collaboration revealed certain design elements on cannabis products continue to appeal to youth. Notably, these elements were found to be in full compliance with state regulations, indicating a gap between existing legal frameworks and effective public health protections against both accidental and intentional exposure. From this collaboration, an initial framework was developed to inform future collaborations to further policy solutions.

Conclusions: Authors of this commentary underscore a need for expanded evidence-based research to refine packaging and labeling standards and outline three themes for future research. Establishing and sustaining cross-sector collaborations is essential to developing comprehensive regulations that protect youth while supporting the responsible operation of the legal cannabis industry.