Michigan cannabis consumers may notice some subtle but important changes to their favorite edibles and infused beverages in the coming months. The FDA is officially banning FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic color additive commonly found in food, beverages, and yes—cannabis products.
For brands and dispensaries, this means rapid reformulation to comply with new regulations. For consumers, it means potential changes to the appearance, taste, and availability of some of the most popular cannabis-infused products.
What’s Artificial Color Red #3?
Why is FD&C Red No. 3 Being Banned?
FD&C Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye used to achieve vibrant red and pink hues in everything from gummies and drinks to baked goods and syrups. While the FDA has restricted its use in cosmetics since 1990 due to cancer concerns, it has remained legal in food and beverage products—until now.
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With growing evidence linking the dye to potential health risks, regulators are finally eliminating it from the market entirely. This shift directly impacts cannabis brands, many of which rely on the additive to make their products more visually appealing.
How Will This Affect Michigan Cannabis Consumers?
If you’re a fan of colorful cannabis edibles and infused drinks, you’ll likely start seeing some noticeable changes, including:
✅ Slight Differences in Color – Expect some of your go-to gummies, syrups, and beverages to appear less vibrant or slightly altered in hue as brands switch to natural coloring agents.
✅ Potential Changes in Flavor & Texture – Some brands may need to tweak their formulas slightly to maintain the same consistency and taste while removing synthetic dyes.
✅ Temporary Product Shortages – Companies that fail to reformulate in time may face compliance issues or product recalls, leading to temporary stock shortages at dispensaries.
The good news? This change is ultimately a win for consumers, leading to cleaner, more natural products without unnecessary additives.
How Michigan Cannabis Brands Are Adapting
Forward-thinking cannabis companies aren’t waiting until the last minute to comply. Many brands are already replacing synthetic dyes with natural alternatives like beet juice, pomegranate extract, and turmeric to maintain vibrant colors while staying FDA-compliant.
However, not every brand is moving at the same pace. Some may struggle to reformulate in time, meaning certain products could disappear from shelves altogether if they fail to meet regulatory requirements.
The Igloo: Keeping You Ahead of the Changes
At The Igloo Cannabis Store, we’re committed to offering only the best, cleanest, and safest cannabis products in Michigan. That means:
✔️ We prioritize brands that use natural, high-quality ingredients—no unnecessary additives, just great cannabis.
✔️ We’re staying ahead of compliance changes so that you always have access to fully legal, properly tested products.
✔️ Our staff is here to guide you to the best edibles, beverages, and infused products that are already compliant and free from harmful additives.
🚨 Want to know which Michigan cannabis brands are ahead of the game? Stop by The Igloo Cannabis Store here in Big Rapids (Directions) and check out our selection of clean, compliant edibles and beverages today.
Moving Forward for the FDA & Michigan
This new FDA ban is a major shift for Michigan’s cannabis market, but it’s also an opportunity. As consumers become more conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies, brands that embrace natural, high-quality ingredients will stand out from the competition.
At The Igloo, we’re making sure you stay informed and stocked with the best cannabis products Michigan has to offer. Want to learn more? Visit us in-store or online in our Edibles section and explore the latest in compliant, premium cannabis products.
