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Title:
CANNABIS PRODUCT REFERENCE SYSTEMS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/119845
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are visual and/or tactile reference systems that allow consumers and members of the public to quickly, easily (e.g. without undue cognitive burden/load) and safely understand a number of experiential characteristics relating to the consumption of a particular cannabis product. Examples of experiential characteristics include physiotropic/psychotropic effect onset/offset times, as well as total cannabinoid absorption characteristics.

Inventors:
CHOUINARD FRANCOIS (CA)
KESERIS DENIS (CA)
GEORGIEV STEPHAN (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2020/051768
Publication Date:
June 24, 2021
Filing Date:
December 18, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
HEXO OPERATIONS INC (CA)
International Classes:
G09F3/00; B65D79/00; B65D85/00
Foreign References:
US20190100366A12019-04-04
US20160207679A12016-07-21
US20190027068A12019-01-24
US20180130117A12018-05-10
US20190195852A12019-06-27
US8747775B22014-06-10
Other References:
HAMMOND, DAVID: "Communicating THC levels and 'dose' to consumers: Implications for product labelling and packaging of cannabis products in regulated markets", INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY, vol. 91, 25 July 2019 (2019-07-25), XP055836247, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20210201], DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo. 2019.07.004
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SMART & BIGGAR LLP (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A cannabis consumer product package comprising: a cannabis product; and a visual reference system comprising a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product, and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

2. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 1, wherein the cannabis product is selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

3. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

4. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 3, wherein the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of written symbols, pictographs and a combination of written symbols and pictographs.

5. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 4, wherein the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of written symbols, pictographs and a combination of written symbols and pictographs.

6. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 3, wherein the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

7. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 6, wherein the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

8. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer.

9. The cannabis consumer product package of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the markings are realized on the cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

10. The cannabis consumer product package of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values; and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

11. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 10, wherein the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

12. The cannabis consumer product package of claim 10, wherein the visual reference system comprises a third functional element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

13. The cannabis consumer product package of any one of claims claim 10 to 12, wherein each of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

14. The cannabis consumer product package of any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising a further visual reference system comprising a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein, the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

15. A set of cannabis consumer product packages comprising: at least one first cannabis product package comprising a first cannabis product of a first product form; and at least one second cannabis product package comprising a second cannabis product of a second product form, each of the first cannabis product package and the second cannabis product package comprising a visual reference system including a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of a cannabis product, and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference associated with the first and second cannabis product, respectively.

16. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 15, wherein the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are different and are each selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

17. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 15 or 16, wherein the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

18. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 17, wherein each first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

19. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 18, wherein each second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

20. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 17, wherein each first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

21. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 20, wherein each second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

22. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 15 or 16, wherein the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer.

23. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the markings are realized on the cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

24. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein, each first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values; and each second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by a consumer.

25. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 24, wherein the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

26. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 24, wherein each visual reference system comprises a third element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by the consumer.

27. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

28. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 15 to 27, comprising: a further visual reference system including a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein, the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

29. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, having processor-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to implement a Graphical Consumer Interface (GUI) configured to: display a visual representation of a cannabis product; and display a visual reference system comprising a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product; and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

30. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 29, wherein the cannabis product is selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

31. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 29 or 30, wherein the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by displayed data conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

32. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

33. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

34. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

35. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

36. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values; and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from the consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

37. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

38. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein each visual reference system comprises a third element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by the consumer.

39. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

40. The cannabis consumer product package of any one of claims 29 to 39 comprising a further visual reference system including a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein, the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

41. A set of cannabis consumer product packages comprising: at least one first cannabis product package comprising a first cannabis product having a first value of a certain characteristic of the first cannabis product; and at least one second cannabis product package comprising a second cannabis product having a second value of a certain characteristic of the second cannabis product, wherein the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are cannabis products of the same product form, and wherein each of the first cannabis product package and the second cannabis product package comprises a visual reference system including a functional element of information, wherein, each of the functional element of information is indicative of the first and second values of the characteristic of the respective cannabis products, wherein the first and second values are different one from another.

42. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 41, wherein the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

43. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 41 or 42, wherein the functional element of information is realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

44. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 43, wherein the functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

45. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 43, wherein the functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

46. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 41 or 42, wherein the functional element of information is realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer.

47. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein the markings are realized on each cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

48. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the functional element of information is indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by a consumer.

49. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 48, wherein the functional element of information is indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

50. The set of cannabis consumer product packages of claim 48 or 49, wherein the cannabinoid- induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

Description:
CANNABIS PRODUCT REFERENCE SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62/951,210 filed on December 20, 2019. The contents of the above-referenced document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of cannabis-based consumer products. In particular, the present disclosure relates to reference systems for characterising the effects of cannabis- based consumer products.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The world is experiencing an explosion in the number and variety of consumable cannabis products. These new consumable cannabis products are arriving onto the market across an unprecedented range of product classes, each one being subject to the distinct characteristics of one or more unique consumption method (i.e. smoking, vaping, eating, drinking, transdermal absorption and mucosal absorption). Moreover, each one of these product classes includes a diversity of consumable product forms (e.g. disposable vaping devices, vaping cartridges, vaping oils, confectionary, gel caps, baked goods, beverages, creams, tablets, gels, suppositories, sprays, etc.).

[0004] Furthermore, a range of different cannabis products are becoming available in each one of the aforementioned product forms, each cannabis product in a range being manufactured to produce particular physiological effects (physiotropic) (such as pain and/or anti-inflammation with CBD- containing products) and/ or psychological effects (psychotropic) (such as the high perceived with THC-containing products) .

[0005] While the effects are mainly attributable to the nature and total amount of cannabinoids contained in a given cannabis product, the bioavailability characteristics of the consumption method (e.g. smoking vs. eating) and the product form (e.g. variations in bioavailability of beverages containing emulsions having different particular sizes) can also have significant impacts on physiotropic and psychotropic effects on consumers. [0006] Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, consumable product manufacturers are prohibited by regulations from making claims about how a cannabis product may affect consumers. Accordingly, characterization of the physiological and/ or psychological effects of a cannabis product cannot be conveyed to a consumer by way of a written product description.

[0007] The above combination of factors leads to consumer confusion in relation to the effects of trying new product classes, trying or choosing between new product forms and trying new cannabis products of a previously-used product form. Such high levels or consumer confusion can be detrimental commercially (e.g. leading to an increase in the perception of risk, thereby causing superficial market penetration) and, in some cases, can create public health risks (e.g. overconsumption, particularly in market segments consuming multiple products and/or product forms concurrently).

[0008] In light of the above, there is a clear need in the cannabis industry for technically efficient and effective reference systems for characterizing cannabis consumer experience outcomes, so as to increase predictability without undue cognitive burden/load.

SUMMARY

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] According to various aspects, this disclosure relates to visual and/ or tactile reference systems that allow consumers and members of the public to quickly, easily (e.g. without undue cognitive burden/load) and safely understand a number of experiential characteristics relating to the consumption of a particular cannabis product. Examples of experiential characteristics include physiotropic/psychotropic effect onset/offset times, as well as total cannabinoid absorption characteristics.

[0011] For example, according to an aspect, this disclosure relates to a cannabis consumer product package. The cannabis consumer product package comprises a cannabis product and a visual reference system comprising a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information. The first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product. The second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

[0012] Implementations of the cannabis consumer product package can include one or more of the following features:

• the cannabis product is selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

• the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

• the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of written symbols, pictographs and a combination of written symbols and pictographs.

• the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of written symbols, pictographs and a combination of written symbols and pictographs.

• the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

• the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

• the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer. • the markings are realized on the cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

• the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

• the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid- induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

• the visual reference system comprises a third functional element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

• each of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time may be determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

• a further visual reference system comprising a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

[0013] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a set of cannabis consumer product packages. The set of consumer product packages comprises at least one first cannabis product package comprising a first cannabis product of a first product form. The set of consumer product packages also comprises at least one second cannabis product package comprising a second cannabis product of a second product form, each of the first cannabis product package and the second cannabis product package comprising a visual reference system including a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information. The first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of a cannabis product. The second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference associated with the first and second cannabis product, respectively.

[0014] Implementations of the set of cannabis consumer product packages can include one or more of the following features:

• the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are different and are each selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

• the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

• each first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

• each second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

• each first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching. • each second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

• the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by markings on the cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer.

• the markings are realized on the cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

• each first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values each second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by a consumer.

• the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid- induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

• each visual reference system comprises a third element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by the consumer.

• the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

• a further visual reference system including a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, this disclosure relates to a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, having processor-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to implement a Graphical Consumer Interface (GUI) configured to display a visual representation of a cannabis product. The GUI is further configured to display a visual reference system comprising a first functional element of information and a second functional element of information. The first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product. The second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

[0016] Implementations of the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium can include one or more of the following features:

• the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are different and are each selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

• the cannabis product is selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

• the first functional element of information and the second functional element of information are realized by displayed data conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

• the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph. • the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph.

• the first functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

• the second functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

• the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from the consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer.

• the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid- induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

• the visual reference system comprises a third element of information indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

• the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively. a further visual reference system including a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information, wherein the first further functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, this disclosure relates to a set of cannabis consumer product packages with at least one first cannabis product package comprising a first cannabis product having a first value of a certain characteristic of the first cannabis product. At least one second cannabis product package has a second cannabis product having a second value of a certain characteristic of the second cannabis product, wherein the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are cannabis products of the same product form, and wherein each of the first cannabis product package and the second cannabis product package comprises a visual reference system including a functional element of information. Each of the functional element of information is indicative of the first and second values of the characteristic of the respective cannabis products, wherein the first and second values are different one from another.

[0018] Implementations of the set of cannabis consumer product packages can include one or more of the following features:

• the first cannabis product and the second cannabis product are selected from the group consisting of a vaporization device cartridge, a disposable vaporization device, cannabis flower, cannabis oil, a cannabis beverage, a cannabis edible, a cannabis topical and a cannabis concentrate.

• the functional element of information is realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is visually perceptible by a consumer.

• the functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of at least one written symbol, at least one pictograph and a combination of at least one written symbol and at least one pictograph. • the functional element of information includes a component selected from the group consisting of a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching.

• the functional element of information is realized by markings on each cannabis consumer product package, the markings conveying information that is haptically perceptible by a consumer.

• the markings are realized on each cannabis consumer product package by a process selected from the group consisting of printing, embossing, die-cutting and application onto the cannabis consumer product package of a separate label on which the markings are realized.

• the functional element of information is indicative of at least one of a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the associated cannabis product by a consumer.

• the functional element of information is indicative of both the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time associated with consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

• the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time are determined using the concentration of certain cannabinoids in the respective cannabis product, and the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product and the method of consumption associated with the cannabis product, respectively.

[0019] All features of exemplary embodiments which are described in this disclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized in the other embodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a graph representing an example plot of cannabinoid concentration in blood plasma over time;

[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a visual reference system in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

[0023] Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate visual reference systems in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0024] Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate visual reference systems in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0025] Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrates tactile and visual reference systems in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

[0026] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate visual reference systems in accordance with an embodiment described herein;

[0027] Figs 7 to 10 illustrate visual reference systems shown on consumer product packages of different cannabis consumer products.

[0028] Fig. 11 illustrates visual reference systems shown on consumer product packages of similar cannabis consumer products

[0029] Fig. 12 shows an on-screen graphical user interface for displaying to the user visual reference systems in accordance with embodiment described herein.

[0030] It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are in aid of understanding. They are not intended to and should not be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] For illustrative purposes, specific example embodiments will be explained in greater detail below in conjunction with the Figures. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in any of a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments could include additional, different, or fewer features than shown in the drawings.

[0032] The present disclosure relates, in part, to reference systems configured to allow consumers to make consumption decisions in relation to cannabis products, by conveying experiential characteristics, including predicted physiotropic/psychotropic effect onset/offset times, as well as total cannabinoid absorption characteristics.

[0033] As used herein, the term “psychotropic effect” generally relates in the context of the present text to the effect that consuming a cannabis product has on affecting the psychological state of the consumer. For example, to the effect that consuming the cannabis product has on behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception, of the consumer.

[0034] As used herein, the term “physiotropic effect” generally relates in the context of the present text to the modifying effect that consuming a cannabis product has on the physical state of the consumer. For example, to the effect that consuming the cannabis product has on inflammation, physically pain-relieving, muscle fatigue, hunger, heart rate, or other physical state of the consumer.

[0035] As generally understood herein, cannabis products can be any goods that are produced from cannabis or hemp, which include plants, plant material, oils, resins, drinks, food additives, edibles, creams, aerosol sprays and vaporization substances, for example. These cannabis products can be used for medical and/or recreational purposes.

[0036] As used herein, the term “cannabis plant(s)”, encompasses wild type Cannabis (including but not limited to the species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis) and also variants thereof, including cannabis chemovars (or “strains”) that naturally contain different amounts of the individual cannabinoids.

[0037] As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” is generally understood to include any chemical compound that acts upon a cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinoids can include endocannabinoids (produced naturally by humans and animals), phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially). For the purpose of this specification, the expression “cannabinoid” means a compound such as cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabicitran (CBT), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabidiol (CBD, defined below), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), cannabidiphorol (CBDP), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabifuran (CBF), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBVD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1), cannabiripsol (CBR), cannabitriol (CBO), cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), cannabivarin (CBV), dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF), A7-cis-iso tetrahydrocannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, defined below), A9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), D9- tetrahydrocannabionolic acid B (THCA-B), A9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin (CBTVE), trihydroxy-A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOEi-TEiC), 10-ethoxy-9hydroxy-A6a- tetrahydrocannabinol, 8,9-dihydroxy-A6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, 10-oxo-A6a-tetrahydrocannabionol (OTEiC), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-a-a-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2, 6-methano-2Ei-l -benzoxocin- 5-methanol (OEi-iso-EiEiCV), A6a,10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (A6a,10a-TEiC), D8- tetrahydro cannabivarin (D8-THEn), A9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (A9-TEiCP), D9- tetrahydrocannabutol (A9-TEiCB), derivatives of any thereof, and combinations thereof. Further examples of cannabinoids are discussed in at least WO2017/190249 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US2014/0271940, which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0038] Cannabidiol (CBD) means one or more of the following compounds: D2-cannabidiol, D5- cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-5-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-b enzenediol); D4-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-4-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-b enzenediol); D3-cannabidiol (2-(6- isopropenyl-3-methyl-3-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzene diol); D3,7-cannabidiol (2-(6- isopropenyl-3-methylenecyclohex-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenedi ol)^2-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3- methyl-2-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl4,3-benzenediol); D1 -cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-l- cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenediol); and Dό-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-6- cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenediol). In a preferred embodiment, and unless otherwise stated, CBD means D2-cannabidiol.

[0039] Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) means one or more of the following compounds: D8- tetrahydrocannabinol (Dd-THC), D9-a3 -tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC), D9-ΐeίh1^k^hMNho1 (D9-THO), D10-tetrahydrocannabinol (DIO-THC), A9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4), D9- tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4), synhexyl (n-hexyl-A3THC) . In a preferred embodiment, and unless otherwise stated, THC means one or more of the following compounds: D9- tetrahydrocannabinol and A8-tetrahydrocannabinol.

[0040] A cannabis product can comprise a cannabinoid in its pure or isolated form or a source material comprising the cannabinoid. Examples of source materials comprising cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, cannabis or hemp plant material (for example, flowers, seeds, trichomes, and kief), milled cannabis or hemp plant material, extracts obtained from cannabis or hemp plant material (for example, resins, waxes and concentrates), and distilled extracts. In some embodiments, pure or isolated cannabinoids and/or source materials comprising cannabinoids could be combined with water, lipids, hydrocarbons (for example, butane), ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof.

[0041] In some embodiments, a cannabis product is produced by a cannabis producer. A cannabis producer refers to any entity (e.g. individual or organization) that cultivates and/ or processes cannabis to produce a cannabis product. A cannabis producer may sometimes be called a licensed producer.

[0042] As will be appreciated to the skilled reader, the physiotropic and psychotropic effects of cannabis depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the total amount of physiotropic and/ or psychotropic cannabinoids consumed by a consumer, the bioavailability characteristics of the absorption method associated with the cannabis product, the bioavailability characteristics of the cannabis product’s formulation, as well as the metabolism and the genetic makeup of the consumer.

[0043] As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, because of variability between individuals, it may be advantageous to characterize and express the physiotropic and psychotropic effects of cannabis byway of average effects on human or animal bodies. For example, one possible method of assessing the physiotropic effects and psychotropic effects of cannabis is byway of having a number of individuals describe the effects of a particular cannabis product over time. Another possible method of assessing the physiotropic effects and psychotropic effects of cannabis is by way of measuring cannabinoid concentration in the blood plasma of multiple individuals over time, with a view to calculating average levels over time. Accordingly, as used herein, the terms “onset time” and “offset time” can relate to average onset times and average offset times, respectively, or indeed any other calculation or determination of onset and offset times relating to a particular cannabis product. [0044] These, and all other, methods of measuring, calculating and/or otherwise determining the characteristics of cannabinoid-induced effects are included in the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, characteristics of a cannabinoid-induced effect include, but are not limited to, the onset and offset times of the effect, as defined below, as well as characteristics related to the nature of the effect (e.g. cerebrally stimulating/sedating, physically pain-relieving, etc.).

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a graph representing an example plot of cannabinoid concentration in blood plasma over time following consumption of a cannabis product. The term “C max ” refers to herein as the peak plasma concentration after the compound is administered into a human or animal body. The term “E mm ” refers to herein as the minimum plasma concentration required for a human or animal body to feel a physiological and/or psychological effect from the presence of one or more cannabinoids in their bloodstream, generally referred to herein as a cannabinoid-induced effect.

[0046] The term “onset time” generally refers to herein as the time required for the cannabinoid concentration in blood plasma to attain E mm after the compound is administered into a human or animal body. The term “offset time” generally refers to herein as the time required for the cannabinoid concentration in blood plasma to eventually fall below E after the compound is administered into the human or animal body and peak plasma concentration has been attained.

[0047] The term “T max ” or “time of peak concentration” is generally understood as the time for a compound to reach peak plasma concentration after the compound is administered into the body of a subject. Peak plasma concentration is the point of maximum concentration of a compound in the plasma after administration of the compound (i.e., C max ). The T max represents the time when the rate of absorption equals the rate of elimination of the compound and is an indicator of a compound’s bioavailability.

[0048] The area under the curve (AUC) is the definite integral in a plot of drug concentration in blood plasma vs. time, in other words, the total drug exposure over time. In practice, the drug concentration is measured at certain discrete points in time and the trapezoidal rule is used to estimate AUC. This is useful when trying to determine whether two formulations of the same dose (for example a beverage and a vaping oil) release the same dose of drug to the body. Bioavailability generally refers to the fraction of drug absorbed systemically, and is thus available to produce a biological effect (e.g., feeling high from THC, anti-inflammatory effect from CBD, and the like). [0049] Absolute bioavailability refers to the bioavailability of a drug when administered via a non- intravenous (non-IV) dosage form (i.e. oral tablet, suppository, subcutaneous, etc.) compared with the bioavailability of the same drug administered intravenously (IV). This is done by comparing the AUC of the non-intravenous dosage form with the AUC for the drug administered intravenously. This fraction is normalized by multiplying by each dosage form's respective dose (e.g., THC concentration in wt.%).

[0050] Relative bioavailability (F e 1) compares the bioavailability between two different dosage forms. Again, the relative AUCs are used to make this comparison and relative doses (e.g., THC concentration in wt.%) are used to normalize the calculation.

[0051] The term “absorption” generally means the net movement of a substance from the site of administration (e.g., oral cavity, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin) to the bloodstream. In addition to those mentioned above, other factors that affect absorption may include, but are not limited to, the solubility of a substance in the GI environment and the permeability of a substance through the GI membrane.

[0052] The term “T max ” or “time of peak concentration” is generally understood as the time for a compound to reach peak plasma concentration after the compound is administered into the body of a subject. Peak plasma concentration is the point of maximum concentration

[0053] A fast onset may reflect the case where the or T max of the cannabinoid in a subject having ingested an edible or liquid composition (such as beverages) is significantly faster than with conventional cannabis-infused edibles or beverages.

[0054] Bioavailability generally refers to the fraction of drug absorbed systemically and is thus available to produce a biological effect. This is often measured by quantifying the “AUC”. [0055] In the field of pharmacokinetics, the area under the curve (AUC) is the definite integral in a plot of drug concentration in blood plasma vs. time. In practice, the drug concentration is measured at certain discrete points in time and the trapezoidal rule is used to estimate AUC. For example, relative bioavailability compares the bioavailability between two different dosage forms. The relative AUCs are used to make this comparison and relative doses are used to normalize the calculation:

[0056] With reference to Fig. 2, there is shown a non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates a visual reference system indicium 200 which comprises two visual reference systems 201i and 201 2 . Each visual reference system 201i and 20U includes two elements of information, namely first element of information 202i and 202 2 . Each first element of information 202i and 202 2 is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 200 is associated (e.g., situated upon).

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the first elements of information 202i and 202 2 each comprises four bars establishing a range of values relating to the onset time (visual reference system 20 li) and the offset time (visual reference system 20U), respectively, relating to the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 200 is associated with (e.g., placed on the product or its package). In some embodiments, each bar can equate to an amount of time. In some embodiments, the bars merely establish a scale of reference from a first relative temporal characteristic (i.e. “FAST”) to a second relative temporal characteristic (i.e. “SLOW”).

[0058] Moreover, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the second elements of information 203i and 203 2 are indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference. A technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 200 relates to the additional information provided to the consumer by the scale of reference. In particular, the scale of reference provides a context in which the second element of information is more meaningful than when the second element of information is presented alone. [0059] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the second element of information 203i in visual reference system 201i indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 201i corresponds to the blacked-out portion of first element of information 202i (i.e. one-half bar), while the second element of information 203 2 in visual reference system 201 2 indicates that the offset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 2OI 2 corresponds to the blacked-out portion of first element of information 202 2 (i.e. two and one-quarter bars). Because the visual reference systems 201i and 20B contextualize the second elements of information 203i and 203 2 using the scales of references established by the first elements of information 202i and 202 2 , a consumer is quickly and easily able to understand the onset and offset times associated with the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 200 is associated with, thus improving the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0060] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 200 also comprises written symbols configured to further aid the consumer to quickly and safely understand the relative onset and offset times associated with consuming the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 200 is associated (e.g., is situated upon).

[0061] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 200 is realized by creating markings directly on a cannabis product package such as to make the first and the second elements of information visually perceptible and understandable by a consumer.

[0062] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 200 is realized by creating markings in the form of a bar code, NFC tag, and the like, that a consumer could scan and obtain the information on a portable device, NFC enabled device, such a cell phone, and the like. In use, the consumer could use the same bar code information to send feedback information about their onset, offset, etc., back to a database for the manufacturer, for example. For example, the written symbols can be printed onto the cannabis product packaging using specialised materials (e.g. conductive inks) to create electronic circuits, for example.

[0063] For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the visual reference system indicium 200 comprises the written symbols “ONSET” and “OFFSET”, relating to visual reference systems 201i and 2OI 2 , respectively, as well as the written symbols “FAST” and “SLOW” at opposing ends of the scale of reference established by the first elements of information 201i and 2OI 2 . These written symbols further help a consumer to understand cannabinoid-induced effects information more quickly, and hence allow a consumer to quickly and easily make consumption-related decisions and further improve the safety of use. The reader will readily understand that written symbols may include but without being limited to letters, numbers, words, special characters (such as #, @, etc.), emojis, or a combination thereof.

[0064] In particular, the embodiment of Fig. 2 can be used by a consumer quickly, and without cognitive burden/load, to observe that the consumption of the product with which the visual reference system indicium 200 is associated (e.g., placed upon) will result in the offset of the associated cannabinoid-induced effect after a length of time approximately four and a half times longer than the time required for the onset of the cannabinoid-induced effect, therefore also improving the safety of use.

[0065] As defined herein, examples of consumption-related decisions include, but are not limited to, when to consume a cannabis product, how much of a cannabis product to consume, how long to wait after having consumed a cannabis product before operating a motor vehicle. Consumption-related decisions can include any other type of decision relating to the consumption of a cannabis product. The herein described visual reference system indicium thus affords at least two antagonistic effects to the aforementioned information: informing the user of the optimal effect of the product (so that he / she can benefit from it as much as possible) versus informing the user of the time period during which he / she should not perform any action potentially dangerous, for example not to operate motor vehicles during this time period, even if he / she does not yet feel any cannabis-associated psychotic effect, i.e., before the instant of the actual onset of the cannabis effect.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 3A, there is shown a non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3A illustrates a visual reference system indicium 300 which comprises visual reference system 301. Visual reference system 301 includes three elements of information, namely a first element of information 302, a second element of information 303i and a third element of information 303 2 . The first element of information 302 is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 300 is associated (e.g., situated upon). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A, the first element of information 302 comprises a timescale representing a range of temporal values ranging from zero to six hours. The visual reference indicium 300 of Fig. 3A also comprises an elongate visual element 303, the extremities of which define the second element of information 303i and the third element of information 303 2 .

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A, the second element of information 303i consists of a first end point of the elongate visual element 303 and the third element of information 303 2 consists of a second end point of the elongate visual element 303. Each of the second element of information 303i and the third element of information 303 2 is aligned with a certain degree, level or point on the scale of reference.

[0068] A further technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 300 is that, through use of a single visual element 303, two distinct yet related elements of information (303i and 303 2 ) can be established. This leads to both a reduction in the amount of space required by the visual reference indicium 300, as well as a further reduction in the cognitive burden/load of a consumer. Moreover, similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the scale of reference expressed by the first element of information 302 provides a context into which the second element of information 303i and the third element of information 303 2 is more meaningful than when the second and third elements of information are presented alone.

[0069] In the embodiment of Fig. 3A, the second element of information 303i of visual reference system 301 indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 301 corresponds to the position on the range established by the first element of information 302 which is aligned with the first end point 303i of the elongate visual element 303, i.e., in the example shown in Fig. 3A, the end of the range corresponding to the first hour on the range established by the first element of information 302 (corresponding to one hour in the example illustrated in Fig. 3A), while the second end point 303 2 in visual reference system 301 indicates that the offset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 301 corresponds to the position on the range established by the first element of information 302 that is aligned with the second end point 303 2 of the elongate visual element 303, i.e., in the example shown in Fig. 3A, the centre of the range corresponding to the fifth hour on the range established by the first element of information 302 (corresponding to five and a half hours in the example illustrated in Fig. 3A). [0070] Because the visual reference system 301 contextualizes the second element of information 303i and the third element of information 303 2 using a scale of reference established by the first element of information 302, a consumer is quickly and easily able to understand the onset and offset times associated with consumption of the cannabis product associated with the visual reference system indicium 300 (e.g., which is situated upon). Accordingly, the visual reference system indicium 300 of Fig. 3A is configured to show the temporal length of a cannabis -induced effect in hours, by way of a physical length of elongate visual element 303. Therefore, the visual reference system indicium 300 of Fig. 3A also improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0071] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 300 also comprises written indicia further helping the consumer to quickly understand the units associated with the range established by the first element of information 302. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A, the visual reference system indicium 300 comprises the word “Hours”, relating to visual reference system 301. This word permits a consumer to understand the cannabinoid-induced effects information more quickly, and hence allows a consumer to quickly and easily make consumption decisions, as those described above, and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0072] In particular, the embodiment of Fig. 3A can be used by a consumer to quickly, and without undue cognitive burden/load, understand that the consumption of the product with which the visual reference system indicium 300 is associated (e.g., placed upon) will result in the onset of a cannabinoid- induced effect approximately one hour from the time of consumption, and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset approximately five and a half hours from the time of consumption.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 3B, there is shown another non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3B illustrates a visual reference system indicium 300’ which comprises visual reference system 301. Visual reference system 301 in this particular example includes four elements of information, namely a first element of information 302, a second element of information 303i, a third element of information 303 2 and a fourth element of information 303 3 . The first element of information 302 is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 300 is associated (e.g., situated upon). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the first element of information 302 comprises a timescale representing a range of temporal values ranging from zero to six hours. The visual reference indicium 300 of Fig. 3B also comprises an elongate two-dimensional visual element 303’, the comers of which define the second element of information 303i, the third element of information 303 2 and the fourth element of information 303 3 . The fourth element of information 303 3 corresponds to the time of peak concentration (T max ) as described in Fig. 1.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the second element of information 303i consists of a first end point of the elongate visual element 303’, the third element of information 303 2 consists of a second end point of the elongate visual element 303’ and the fourth element of information 303 3 consists of a midpoint of the elongate visual element 303’. Each of the second element of information 303i , the third element of information 303 2 and the fourth element of information 303 3 is aligned with a certain degree, level or point on the scale of reference.

[0075] A further technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 300’ is that, through use of a single visual element 303’, three distinct yet related elements of information (303i, 303 2 and 303 3 ) can be established. This leads to both a reduction in the amount of space required by the visual reference indicium 300’, as well as a further reduction in the cognitive burden/load of a consumer. Moreover, similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the scale of reference expressed by the first element of information 302 provides a context into which the second element of information 303i, the third element of information 303 2 and the fourth element of information 303 3 is more meaningful than when the second, third and fourth elements of information are presented alone.

[0076] In the embodiment of Fig. 3B, the second element of information 303i of visual reference system 301 indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 301 corresponds to the position on the range established by the first element of information 302 which is aligned with the first end point 303i of the elongate visual element 303’, i.e., in the example shown in Fig. 3B, the end of the range corresponding to the first hour on the range established by the first element of information 302 (corresponding to one hour in the example illustrated in Fig. 3B), while the second end point 303 2 in visual reference system 301 indicates that the offset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 301 corresponds to the position on the range established by the first element of information 302 that is aligned with the second end point 303 2 of the elongate visual element 303’, i.e., in the example shown in Fig. 3B, the centre of the range corresponding to the fifth hour on the range established by the first element of information 302 (corresponding to five and a half hours in the example illustrated in Fig. 3B). Finally, the midpoint 303 3 in visual reference system 301 indicates that the time of peak concentration relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 301 corresponds to the position on the range established by the first element of information 302 that is aligned with the midpoint 303 3 of the elongate visual element 303’, i.e., in the example shown in Fig. 3B, the centre of the range corresponding to the third hour on the range established by the first element of information 302 (corresponding to three and a half hours in the example illustrated in Fig. 3B).

[0077] Because the visual reference system 301 contextualizes the second element of information 303i, the third element of information 303 2 , and the fourth element of information 303 3 using a scale of reference established by the first element of information 302, a consumer is quickly and easily able to understand the onset and offset times as well as the time of peak associated with consumption of the cannabis product associated with the visual reference system indicium 300’ (e.g., which is situated upon). Accordingly, the visual reference system indicium 300’ of Fig. 3B is configured to show the temporal length of a cannabis -induced effect in hours along its peak time in terms of effect, by way of a physical length of elongate visual element 303’. Therefore, the visual reference system indicium 300’ of Fig. 3B also improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0078] In particular, the embodiment of Fig. 3B can be used by a consumer to quickly, and without undue cognitive burden/load, understand that the consumption of the product with which the visual reference system indicium 300’ is associated (e.g., placed upon) will result in the onset of a cannabinoid-induced effect approximately one hour from the time of consumption, a time of peak for cannabinoid-induced effect approximately three and a half hours from the time of consumption and a cannabinoid-induced effect offset approximately five and a half hours from the time of consumption.

[0079] With reference to Fig. 3C, there is shown another non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3C illustrates a visual reference system indicium 300” which comprises visual reference system 301. Visual reference system 301 in this particular example includes six elements of information, namely a first element of information 302, a second element of information 303i, a third element of information 303 2 , a fourth element of information 303 3 , a fifth element of information 303 4 and a sixth element of information 303 3 . [0080] While Fig. 3C is similar in principle to Fig. 3B, a further technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 300” is that, through use of a single visual element 303”, two additional, yet distinct, related elements of information (303 4 and 303s) can be established. The fifth element of information 303 4 illustrates the rate at which the cannabinoid-induced effect builds up from the onset toward its peak (as illustrated by the slope of the line corresponding to 303 4 which also translates to a concentration gradient in plasma) and is a measure of user experience upon consumption. Similarly, the sixth element of information 303s illustrates the rate at which the cannabinoid-induced effect fades out from its time peak toward its offset (as illustrated by the slope of the line corresponding to 303s which also translates to a concentration gradient in the plasma) and is a measure of user experience upon consumption. These additional information lead to both a reduction in the amount of space required by the visual reference indicium 300’, as well as a further reduction in the cognitive burden/load of a consumer. While the upper portion of Fig. 3C illustrates an example wherein the concentration gradients are lower at both onset (303 4 ) and offset (303s) (translating to a more gradual buildup and fade out of cannabinoid-induced effects, respectively), the lower portion of Fig. 3C illustrates an example wherein the concentration gradients are higher at both onset (303 4 ) and offset (303s) (translating to a faster buildup and fade out of cannabinoid-induced effects, respectively).

[0081] With reference to Fig. 3D, there is shown another non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3D is similar in effect to Fig. 3B and 3C and illustrates a visual reference system indicium 300’” which comprises visual reference system 301.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A, the first elements of information 402i and 402 2 each comprise a dial establishing a range of values relating to the onset time (visual reference system 401i) and the offset time (visual reference system 40B) relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400 is associated (e.g., placed upon). The second elements of information 403i and 403 2 each comprise a visual representation of a needle indicator, each needle indicator pointing to a particular value on an associated range established by the first elements of information 402i and 402 2 .

[0083] As will be appreciated, one of the technical advantages of the visual reference system indicium 400 relates to the additional information displayed (provided) to the consumer by the scales of reference established by the first elements of information 402i and 402 2 . As such, the scales of reference provide a context into which the second elements of information 403i and 403 2 are more meaningful than when the second elements of information 403i and 403 2 are presented alone.

[0084] In particular, the second element of information 403i in visual reference system 401i indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 401i corresponds to one-half hour (i.e. the representation of a needle indicator is pointing to the centre of the range corresponding to the first hour on the range established by the first element of information 402i). Also, the second element of information 403 2 in visual reference system 401 2 indicates that the offset time relating to the cannabis product associated with visual reference system 4OI 2 corresponds to four hours (i.e. the representation of a needle indicator is pointing to the start of the range corresponding to the fourth hour on the range established by the first element of information 402 2 ).

[0085] Because the visual reference systems 401i and 40 contextualize the second elements of information 403i and 403 2 using the scales of references established by the first elements of information 402i and 402 2 , a consumer is quickly and easily able to understand the onset and offset times associated with consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400 is associated (e.g., situated upon), and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0086] Moreover, because the visual reference systems 401i and 401 2 are displayed (represented) as visually-discrete elements (i.e. two separate different “dials”), the cognitive load of the consumer is further reduced and consumption decisions can be made with more speed and ease, therefore also improving the safety of use.

[0087] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 400 also comprises written indicia further aiding the consumer to quickly understand which dial is associated with a cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and which dial is associated with a cannabinoid-induced effect offset time, each of the onset and offset times being associated with consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400 is associated (e.g., situated upon).

[0088] For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A, the visual reference system indicium 400 comprises the written symbols “ON” and “OFF”, relating to visual reference systems 401i and 401 2 , respectively. These words further aid a consumer in understanding cannabinoid-induced effects information more quickly, and hence allows a consumer to quickly and easily make consumption decisions with minimal cognitive burden/load, and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0089] In particular, the embodiment of Fig. 4A can be used by a consumer to quickly, and without undue cognitive burden/load, understand that the consumption of the product with which the visual reference system indicium 400 is associated (e.g., placed upon) will result in the onset of a cannabinoid- induced effect approximately one-half hour from the time of consumption, and a cannabinoid- induced effect offset approximately four hours from the time of consumption.

[0090] Fig. 4B is a variant of Fig. 4A wherein the two visual reference systems 401i and 40 are replaced by one single visual reference system 4OI 3 . The first element of information 402 3 comprises a dial establishing a range of values relating to the onset time and the offset time relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400’ is associated (e.g., placed upon). The visual reference of Fig. 4B also comprises an elongate visual element 403, the extremities of which define the second element of information 403i (corresponding to the onset - analogous to “ON” in Fig. 4A ) and the third element of information 403 2 (corresponding to the offset — analogous to “OFF” in Fig. 4A).

[0091] Fig. 4C is another variant of Fig 4B representing the single visual reference system 4OI 3 . The first element of information 402 3 comprises a dial establishing a range of values relating to the onset time, the peak time and the offset time relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400” is associated (e.g., placed upon). Similarly, the visual reference of Fig. 4C also comprises an elongate visual element 403, the extremities of which define the second element of information 403i (corresponding to the onset - analogous to ON in Fig. 4A ) and the third element of information 403 2 (corresponding to the offset — analogous to OFF in Fig. 4A). Additionally, a midpoint on the elongate visual element 403 defines the fourth element of information 403 3 (corresponding to the peak time — analogous to 303 3 in Fig. 3B).

[0092] Fig. 4D is another variant of Fig 4B (and analogous to Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D) representing the single visual reference system 4OI 3 . The first element of information 402 3 comprises a dial establishing a range of values relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 400”’ is associated (e.g., placed upon). Similarly, the visual reference of Fig. 4D also comprises an elongate visual element 403, the extremities of which define the second element of information 403i (corresponding to the onset - analogous to “ON” in Fig. 4A ) and the third element of information 403 2 (corresponding to the offset — analogous to “OFF” in Fig. 4A). Additionally, a midpoint on the elongate visual element 403 defines the fourth element of information 403 3 (corresponding to the peak time — analogous to 303 3 in Fig. 3B). Further, a fifth element of information (403 ί ) and a sixth element of information (403s) illustrate the rate at which the cannabinoid-induced effect builds up from an onset (403i) toward a peak (403 3 ) and the rate at which the cannabinoid- induced effect fades out from a peak (403 3 ) toward an offset (403 2 ), respectively.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, the reference system is a tactile reference system 500. The first element of information 501 comprises four ovals which may be created by, for example, embossing, such that they are perceptible by a consumer through touch. The first element of information 501 establishes a range of values corresponding to the onset time and the offset time relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500 is associated (e.g., placed upon).

[0094] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, the second element of information 502 is indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference. A technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 502 relates to the additional information displayed (provided) to the consumer by the scale of reference. As is the case with the embodiments described above, the scale of reference provides a context in which the other elements of information are more meaningful than when the other elements of information are presented alone.

[0095] For example, the second element of information 502 of tactile reference system indicium 500 indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500 is associated (e.g., situated upon) corresponds to a first number of ovals out of a total number of possible ovals, such as one out of four possible ovals (i.e. the four ovals establishing range 501), while the third element of information 503 in tactile reference system indicium 500 indicates that the offset time relating to the cannabis product associated with tactile reference system indicium 500 corresponds to a second number of ovals out of a total number of possible ovals, such as three out of four possible ovals (i.e. the four ovals establishing range 501). Because the tactile reference system indicium 500 contextualizes the second element of information 502 and the third element of information 503 using the scale of reference established by the first element of information 501, a consumer can easily and safely understand the onset and offset times associated with consumption of the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500 is associated (e.g., situated upon).

[0096] In some embodiments, the tactile reference system indicium 500 also comprises indicia further aiding the consumer to quickly and safely understand the relative onset and offset durations associated with the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500 is associated (e.g., situated upon). For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, the tactile reference system indicium 500 includes written symbols, such as “reference” 504, “on” 505 and “off’ 506 written in braille. These words can further aid a consumer in understanding cannabinoid-induced effects information more quickly, and hence permits a consumer to make consumption decisions without undue cognitive burden/load, and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0097] As will be appreciated, the words used on tactile reference system indicium 500 may be replaced by any other means for performing the same function, such as a raised or indented symbol or shape and/ or any other tactile indicium.

[0098] In some embodiments, the tactile reference system indicium 500 is realized by creating markings directly on a cannabis product package such as to make the first and the second elements of information tactilely perceptible and understandable by a consumer. The intended information can be delivered to the consumer in a number of ways, such as in the form of writing (e.g. braille), pictographs, or a combination of both. The markings can be applied on the package by 3D printing, embossing, die-cutting, application of a discrete stick-on tab or label on which the tactile markings are realized or, in general, by any other physical change in the form or character of the package, and/ or a label, such as to make the markings tactilely noticeable and understandable to the consumer.

[0099] Fig. 5B is a variant of Fig. 5A. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5B, the reference system is a tactile reference system 500’, which includes first element of information 501 (similar to that one of Fig. 5A) and a second element of information 510 indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference. A symbol (shown as x on Fig. 5B) can be displayed on the first element of information 501 to indicate the orientation in which to read the first element of information 501 (e.g., when the first element of information 501 conveys a time period, the x represents time “0”). [0100] The first element of information 501 comprises six ovals and establishes a range of values (scale of reference) corresponding to the onset time and the offset time relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500’ is associated (e.g., placed upon).

[0101] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5B, the second element of information 510 is indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference. A technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 510 is the replacement of the second and third elements of information (502 and 503) from Fig. 5A with one single element of information.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5B, the two small ovals 0 at the extremities of the second element of information 510 each represents a reference point indicative of the first hour (lower reference point) and last hour (upper reference point - i.e. sixth hour), relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500' is associated (e.g., placed upon). These ovals 0 indicate that the cannabis associated effect relating to the cannabis product is substantially non-existent at the degree or level on the scale of reference corresponding to the oval 0 point position. For example, the second element of information 510 of tactile reference system indicium 500’ indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500’ is associated (e.g., situated upon) corresponds to the second hour 510i (one oval immediately following the lower reference point 0 and on the same level or degree as the second oval out of a total number of possible ovals in the first element of information 501) from the consumption of the cannabis product. Similarly, the offset time relating to the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500’ is associated (e.g., situated upon) corresponds to the fifth hour 510 2 (one oval immediately preceding the upper reference point 0 and on the same level or degree as the fifth oval out of a total number of possible ovals in the first element of information 501) from the consumption of the cannabis product.

[0103] Fig 5C is another variant of Fig 5B. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5C, the reference system is a tactile reference system 500” that includes the following same features as tactile reference system 500’ of Fig. 5B, namely first element of information 501, symbol (e.g., x), second element of information 510 and the two small ovals 0 at the extremities of the second element of information 510. In addition, the tactile reference system 500” includes element of information 510 3 on the second element of information 510. The element of information 510 3 corresponds to the time peak from the consumption of the cannabis product and is shown as a relatively larger oval in between 510i and 510 2 to differentiate from other ovals 510i and 510 2 that illustrate the onset and the offset times, respectively.

[0104] For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5C, the second element of information 510 of tactile reference system indicium 500” indicates that the onset time relating to the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500” is associated (e.g., situated upon) corresponds to the second hour 510i (one oval immediately following the lower reference point 0 and on the same level or degree as the second oval out of a total number of possible ovals in the first element of information 501) from the consumption of the cannabis product. The time peak from consumption of the cannabis product corresponds to the third hour 510 3 (one larger oval on the same level or degree as the third oval out of a total number of possible ovals in the first element of information 501). Similarly, the offset time relating to the cannabis product with which the tactile reference system indicium 500” is associated (e.g., situated upon) corresponds to the fifth hour 510 2 (one oval immediately preceding the upper reference point 0 and on the same level or degree as the fifth oval out of a total number of possible ovals in the first element of information 501) from the consumption of the cannabis product.

[0105] With reference to Fig. 6A, there is shown another non-limiting example of a visual reference system in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 6A illustrates a visual reference system indicium 600 which comprises visual reference system 601. Visual reference system 601 includes three elements of information, namely a first element of information 604, a second element of information 602 and a third element of information 603. The first element of information 604 is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 600 is associated (e.g., situated upon). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6A, the first element of information 604 comprises a scale of relative speeds ranging from “SLOW” to “FAST”, in which the range is established by a progressively darker shading of an elongate visual element.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6A, the second element of information 602 comprises a circle filled with a particular shade selected from the range of shades established by the first element of information 604 and the third element of information 603 comprises another particular shade selected from the range of shades established by the first element of information 604. Accordingly, a consumer can quickly and easily establish where on the scale of “SLOW” to “FAST” the onset and offset are, based on the shade of the circle associated with each of the onset and offset characteristics relating to consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 600 is associated (e.g., situated upon). The safety relating to the use of the considered product is therefore improved.

[0107] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicium 600 also comprises written indicia and pictographs 605 and 606 further helping the consumer to quickly understand which element of information is associated with onset (i.e. the “ON” button icon 605) and which element of information is associated with offset (i.e. the “OFF” button icon 606). This combination of written indicia pictographs /icons permits a consumer to understand the cannabinoid-induced effects information more quickly, and hence allows a consumer to quickly and easily make consumption decisions, as those described above, and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product.

[0108] Fig. 6B is a variant of Fig. 6A. Fig. 6B illustrates a visual reference system indicium 600’ which comprises visual reference system 601. Visual reference system 601 includes three elements of information, namely a first element of information 603i, a second element of information 603 2 and a third element of information 603 3 . The visual reference system 601 further comprises a timescale representing a range of temporal values ranging from zero to six hours from the consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium 600’ is associated (e.g., situated upon). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6B, the first element of information 603i (closer to the left extremity of timescale) represents a point on the timescale with a particular shade at its vicinity associated with the speed of the onset. As can be appreciated, based on the description of Fig. 6A, a brighter shade is indicative of a slow speed of onset or offset of cannabis-induced effect while a darker shade is indicative of a fast speed of onset or offset of cannabis-induced effect. Similarly, the second element of information 603 2 (closer to the right extremity of timescale) represents a point on the timescale with a particular shade at its vicinity associated with the speed of offset. The third element of information 603 3 (in the middle of 603i and 603 2 ) represents a point on the timescale with the darkest shade at its vicinity associated with the time peak of the cannabis -induced effect.

[0109] The embodiment of Fig. 6B may further comprise a fourth element of information 603 4 and a fifth element of information 603s. The fourth element of information 603 4 is a range within the timescale from 603i to 603 3 with a particular shade. A darker shade for 603 4 is indicative of a faster rate at which the cannabis-induced effect builds up from onset toward the time peak and vice versa. Similarly, the fifth element of information 603s is a range within the timescale from 603 3 to 603 2 with a particular shade. A darker shade for 603s is indicative of a faster rate at which the cannabis-induced effect fades out from time peak toward the offset and vice versa.

[0110] In some embodiments, any of the visual and/or tactile reference system indicia described above, or any combination thereof, may further (or instead) comprise a visual reference system (not shown) including a first element of information and a second element of information, wherein, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of total absorption of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second element of information is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference. In some embodiments, this further reference system can be configured similarly to the systems described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6, though other configurations may also be contemplated.

[0111] As will be appreciated, the words used on visual reference system indicia 200, 300, 300’, 300”, 300”’, 400, 600 and 600’ may be replaced by any other means for performing the same, or a similar, function, such as a pictograph, a colour, braille and/ or any other non-written visual and/ or tactile indicium.

[0112] As generally understood herein, each of the terms cannabis product and cannabis product package can relate to the container within which a cannabinoid-containing substance is contained and/ or any form of packaging associated with the container within which a cannabinoid-containing substance is contained.

[0113] In some embodiments, the visual reference system indicia 200, 300, 300’, 300”, 300’”, 400, 600 and 600’ are realized by creating markings directly on a cannabis product package such as to make the elements of information visually perceptible and understandable by the consumer. The intended information can be displayed (delivered) to the consumer in a number of ways, such as in the form of writing, pictographs, or a combination of both. In a non-limiting example of implementation, the first element of information may be a collection of words, each word expressing a certain degree on the scale of reference. The second element of information points to a particular degree on the scale of reference. This can be achieved by highlighting (or otherwise emphasizing) the word in the collection of words that corresponds to the particular degree.

[0114] The visual reference system indicia 200, 300, 300’, 300”, 300”’, 400, 600 and 600’ can be applied on the package by printing, embossing, die-cutting, application of a discrete stick-on tab or label on which the markings are realized or, in general, by any other physical change in the form or character of the package, and/or a label, such as to make the markings visually noticeable and understandable to the consumer. The application of the markings by embossing, for example, presents the advantage of allowing the markings to be understood by the sense of touch. This is useful for blind people or in dark environments where there is not enough light to read the markings.

[0115] Any of the above described visual and/or tactile reference system indicia can be used to provide information in relation to a cannabis product of any consumable product form (e.g. disposable vaping devices, vaping cartridges, vaping oils, confectionary, gel caps, baked goods, beverages, creams, tablets, gels, suppositories, sprays, etc.) and any consumable product class (i.e. flower and pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, beverages, topical, etc.).

[0116] For example, with reference to the non-limiting example of Fig. 7, the tactile reference system indicium 702, 703 (corresponding to the tactile reference system indicium 500 of Fig. 5A) is used to mark a jar 701 used to contain loose cannabis flower. Alternatively, or additionally, the tactile reference system indicium 702, 703 can be used to mark a box 700 in which is packaged the jar 701 used to contain loose cannabis flower. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the box 700 contains further information 704, which may, in some embodiments, be product information and/or government- mandated public health and/ or public safety information.

[0117] In the non-limiting example of Fig. 8, the visual reference system indicium 801 (corresponding to the visual reference system indicium 300 of Fig. 3A) is used to provide onset/offset information on atomizer bottle 800 used to contain and consume cannabis oil. Alternatively, or additionally, the visual reference system indicium 801 can be used to mark a box (not shown) in which is packaged the atomizer bottle 800 used to contain and consume the cannabis oil. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the atomizer bottle 800 contains further information 802, which may, in some examples, be product information and/ or government-mandated public health and/ or public safety information. [0118] Similarly, in the non-limiting example of Fig. 9, the visual reference system indicium 901 (corresponding to the visual reference system indicium 400 of Fig. 4A) is used to provide onset/ offset information on the bottle 900 used to contain and consume a cannabis beverage. Alternatively, or additionally, the visual reference system indicium 901 can be used to mark a box (not shown) in which is packaged the bottle 900 used to contain and consume the cannabis beverage. Finally, in the non limiting example of Fig. 10, the visual reference system indicium 1001 (corresponding to the visual reference system indicium 600 of Fig. 6A) is used to provide onset/ offset information on the bag 1000 used to contain cannabis gummy bears.

[0119] In some embodiments, sets of cannabis products of different consumable product form can be presented to consumers concurrently using any of the visual and/or tactile reference systems disclosed herein. For example, a set including any of the cannabis products shown in Figs 7 to 10 could be available in a single retail outlet. By providing consumers with visual and/ or tactile reference systems on each of the cannabis products, consumers are allowed to make quickly, easily and safely make decisions between products which will lead to safe and predictable user experiences.

[0120] In some embodiments, sets of cannabis products of same consumable product form can be presented to consumers (e.g., in a single retail outlet) concurrently using a variant of any of the visual and/ or tactile reference systems disclosed herein. In this variant, the visual reference system indicium may include a single visual element to display (provide) to the user information on a certain characteristic associated with the consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium is associated (e.g., situated upon).

[0121] For example, this variant may apply to sets of the same consumable product form, which include cannabis product units that have at least one different characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis product. Such at least one different characteristic may be the onset time, the offset time, and/ or Tmax associated with the consumption of the cannabis product as discussed previously with respect to Figs. 3-7. In such cases, the visual reference system indicium 1100 may include a single visual element 1200i that is indicative of the at lease one different characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis beverage with which the visual reference system indicium 1100 is associated (e.g., situated upon). [0122] For example, Fig. 11 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of this concept. The set illustrated in Fig. 11 includes a first bottle A and a second bottle B used to contain and consume a cannabis beverage. Each of bottles A and B are used to contain and consume a cannabis beverage having a respective different characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis beverage with which the visual reference system indicium 1100 is associated (e.g., situated upon). For example, bottle A is used to contain and consume a cannabis beverage having a faster onset, which is displayed with two squares, whereas bottle B is used to contain and consume a cannabis beverage having a slower onset, which is displayed with three squares.

[0123] The visual reference system indicium 1100 does not need to display a scale of reference establishing a range of values of the certain characteristic relating to the consumption of the cannabis product because the consumer can readily appreciate / understand the difference between the two cannabis beverages in the set (i.e., 2 squares vs. 3 squares), thus improving the safety relating to the use of the considered product. This is because the visual reference system indicium 1100 on a first cannabis product unit (i.e., bottle A) in combination with the corresponding visual reference system indicium 1100 on the second cannabis product unit (i.e., bottle B) provides a context into which each respective visual reference system indicium 1100 is more meaningful than when these are presented alone.

[0124] In other words, when the two containers A and B are placed side by side, they mutually establish a scale of reference for the property of the cannabis beverage in each container. The observer looking at the two containers will see that the property of the cannabis beverage is stronger or more prevalent in the second container because the physical size of the indicium on the second container is larger than the physical size of the indicium on the first container. By making the indicium on one container visually distinct from the indicium on the other container, the visual reference system indicates to the observer on the basis of this visually observable difference, which container holds the beverage with the strongest attribute. In the example shown, the visual difference is one of size; one indicium is physically larger than the other indicium. That is to say that the observer is able to tell readily without the need of performing any judgement or interpretation, which indicium is larger since both indicia are set side by side and visually withing the field of view of the observer, such as when the containers are placed beside each other on a shelf in a store. Instead of size, the visual difference can also be created based on shade; for example, a certain color can be stronger or lighter. In this example, the indicium on one container can be a lighter shade than the indicium on the other container.

[0125] A further technical advantage of the visual reference system indicium 1100 is that, through use of a single visual element 1200i leads to both a reduction in the amount of space required by the visual reference indicium 1100, as well as a further reduction in the cognitive burden/load of a consumer.

[0126] According to yet another aspect, this disclosure relates to a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, having processor-executable instructions stored thereon that are executable by a processor. When executed, the instructions cause a computing device to implement a Graphical Consumer Interface (GUI) that is configured to display the visual reference systems described with reference to any of Figs 2-4, 6, and 8-11. Such a GUI can be rendered on a screen such as one generated by a website or a mobile application, which aims to display, sell or otherwise provide information in relation to, cannabis products to consumers. The GUI allows users to obtain information regarding the cannabis products, and also to input information.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the GUI includes a product display screen 1300 that shows one or more visual reference system indicia 1305 (e.g., visual reference system indicium 300 of Fig. 3A or any of the visual reference system indicia described above) in relation to a visual representation 1310 of one or more cannabis products. For example, the GUI can display a visual representation 1300 of a product that is a product name and/ or product image and associate it with a visual reference system indicium 1305 by, for example, causing the visual reference system indicium to appear next to, above, below, or between the relevant visual representation of the product.

[0128] As described above, the visual reference system indicium 1305 appearing on the product display screen 1300 of the GUI is used to provide onset/offset information about the associated cannabis product and includes a first functional element of information that is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product (e.g., range of onset/ offset times) and the second functional element of information that is indicative of a certain level on the scale of reference (e.g., product-associated onset/offset times).The consumer is quickly and easily able to understand the onset and offset times associated with consumption of the cannabis product with which the visual reference system indicium is associated, and thus further improves the safety relating to the use of the considered product. [0129] The first and second functional elements can take the form of a written symbol, a pictograph, or a combination of the two. The first functional element of information can be a range of hues, a range of color shades, a range of color tints, a range of color tones, a range of shading and a range of hatching while the second functional element can be a corresponding particular one of a hue, a shade of color, a tint of color, a tone of color, shading and hatching.

[0130] In the example of onset/ offset times, the first functional element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of temporal values, and the second functional element of information is indicative of a certain level on the time scale. In this case, the second functional element is indicative of cannabinoid-induced effect onset time (or the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time) resulting from the consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer. In some embodiments, the visual reference system includes a third element of information indicative of a level on time scale indicative of the other of the cannabinoid-induced effect onset time and the cannabinoid-induced effect offset time resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by the consumer.

[0131] The GUI can include a further visual reference system with a first further functional element of information and a second further functional element of information. This first further functional element of information can establish a scale of for a range of total absorption values of a given cannabinoid in blood plasma resulting from consumption of the cannabis product by a consumer, and the second further functional element of information indicate a certain absorption value within that range.

[0132] In some embodiments, the GUI enables a consumer or user to receive visual information as well as make selections and input commands based on information given by the visual reference system indicia. For example, the product display screen 1300 can include a control that allows the user to make selections about the cannabis products whose visual representations 1310 appear on the product display screen 1300. In some embodiments, the control is in the form of a clickable text or graphic that when activated will take the user to a different page or open a new window on the screen to display the additional information. The control can be in the form of a hyperlink. In some embodiments, selections by the user cause the visual representations 1310 and their accompanying visual reference system indicia 1305 displayed on the product display screen 1300 to change in response to the user’s selections. [0133] In one example, a user selection area 1350 is displayed on the product display screen and includes a first user input area 1355 and a second user input area 1360. The first and second user input areas define the first functional element of information as described above, e.g., they provide a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the cannabis product such as a time range. The user can make selections (via touch, a mouse, or other input device as is known in the art) indicating preferences according to the second functional element of information. That is, in one example, the user can select a first, second, third, or fourth time unit (or portion thereof) corresponding to respective fractions of the total time scale indicated by the presence of first, second, third, and fourth time indicators according to the first functional element. Doing so allows the user to select one or both of a preferred onset time and offset time. Once selected, the GUI can adapt the product display screen 1300 (or show a new screen) with information on products with characteristics that correspond to those selected at the first and second input areas 1355, 1360.

[0134] Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/ or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0135] Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation. For example, any of the aforementioned visual reference systems may be combined with any of the aforementioned tactile reference systems in order to provide a visual and tactile reference system.

[0136] In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

[0137] Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for purposes of describing, but is not limiting. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.