The impact of plain packaging and health warnings on consumer appeal of cannabis products

Abstract

BackgroundCanada implemented ‘plain packaging’ regulations and rotating health warnings for cannabis products upon legalizing non-medical cannabis in October 2018. Plain packaging and health warnings are effective policy measures for reducing appeal of tobacco products; however, there is little evidence in the cannabis domain. MethodsAn experimental task was conducted as part of the online International Cannabis Policy Study. Participants aged 16–65 from Canada (n = 9987) and US states with ‘legal’ (n = 7376) and ‘illegal’ (n = 9682) recreational cannabis were randomly assigned to see one of 18 cannabis product images. Outcomes were product appeal (0 = Not at all appealing, 10 = Very appealing) and perceived youth orientation (4 age groups). A 3 (branding: full branding, brand logo only, or plain black packaging) x 2 (health warning labels: present or absent) x 3 (product type: edible gummies, cannabis oil, or pre-rolled joints) factorial design was used. ResultsCompared to plain packaging or a brand logo, packages with full branding were considered more appealing and more likely to be youth-oriented (p < 0.001). Products with health warnings were considered less appealing than packages without warnings (p < 0.001). Edible gummies were perceived as more appealing and more likely to be youth-oriented than pre-rolled joints and cannabis oil (p < 0.001). Additionally, edible gummies were rated as significantly more appealing by 16–18 and 19–35-year-olds than by older adults (p < 0.02 for all). ConclusionsComprehensive health warnings and ‘plain packaging’ regulations may reduce the appeal of cannabis products in a legal market. The results also provide empirical evidence that edible gummies are perceived to appeal to youth.