Universal symbol — upside-down, green triangle — will grace medical marijuana products

A green, upside-down triangle with a cannabis leaf in the center will become Michigan's universal warning sign that a medical marijuana product contains the psychoactive ingredient THC.

The symbol will go on all containers or bags that contain actual marijuana plant materials or marijuana-infused products that are used by medical marijuana card holders to treat the symptoms of a variety of ailments.

The logo, which includes the words "contains THC," also must carry the following warning: "For use by registered qualifying patients only. Keep out of reach of children. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana."

According to rules adopted by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, each product also must contain the names of the licensees who produced and tested the product, the date of harvest, the name of the strain of marijuana and the concentration of THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol — or CBDs — Cannabidiol. The latter is a cannabis compound that provides medical benefits, but doesn't contain the psychoactive ingredients contained in THC.

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The products must also carry an "activation time," which will tell people how quickly they can expect to begin to feel the effects of the THC-laden products.

Items containing CBDs, such as oils, suppositories and patches, don't need to carry the green triangle logo.

David Harns, a spokesman for LARA, said the ingredient label is kind of like looking at a bottle of wine or beer.

"That will show you the alcohol content," he said. "This is similar to that."

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, kgray99@freepress.com or on Twitter @michpoligal