Guide to Legal Cannabis Packaging
The cannabis packaging industry is booming! In recent years, many countries have been gradually relaxing their restrictions on cannabis, causing a rapid growth of its market as these policies changed. Research shows the legal sales of medical and recreational cannabis are expected to reach $35 billion by 2025. By 2026, the cannabis packaging market is expected to reach a market value of $297.51 billion.
Cannabis packaging in different countries or regions is regulated by their respective governments, and the regulations vary widely. For each cannabis product, there is a package that can best suits their own packaging and labeling needs. In enhancing packaging quality, our company can help you make your cannabis packaging sustainable and attractive, but also compliant with regulations.
Regulatory Guidelines for Cannabis Packaging
Cannabis packaging regulations are constantly evolving. Compared to other industries, cannabis brands need be more careful to align packaging regulations and labeling requirements with effective branding. Their products must adhere to the laws of the areas in which they operate. The regulations are sometimes completely new, while others are amended to current trends.
Below we have listed some of the laws and regulations in several large cannabis markets as examples.
For Canada
Canadian regulations on the packaging and labeling of cannabis are among the strictest in the world, governed by the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. Detailed legal cannabis packaging requirements and the framework for cannabis production, distribution, sale and possession are outlined in the Cannabis Act.
Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident Packaging
All cannabis products must be packaged in child-resistant and tamper-evident containers. The child-resistant packaging needs to be proved by testing on 200 children aged 42 to 51 months. In the absence of a demonstration, at least 85% of children are unable to open it for the first time within 5 minutes, and 80% still unable to open it within 5 minutes for the second try.
Also, there must have tamper-proof seals or labels. So consumers can easily identify if they have been opened or tampered with. The aim is to be able to prevent accidental consumption and unauthorized access by children.
Plain packaging
According to the regulations, all cannabis products must be packaged and labeled simply. This includes restrictions on colours, logos, and branding as well as specific display formats. For adhering to plain rules, cannabis packaging must be the same single color only. Fluorescent colors, containers or packaging are not allowed. There is no photographs or other images except for a small brand logo. And the use of metallic or glossy finishes, embossing, foil or peel-off labels is also not permitted.
Health Warnings and Symbols
Mandatory health warnings and information must be displayed on the packaging. The product and brand name, cannabis category, net weight or volume, processor information, lot number, packaging and expiration date should be indicated. And there must have cannabis symbols, health risk warnings, THC and CBD content. Any health or nutritional claims are prohibited on product labels. They all should be clearly visible, readable, and have specific formatting requirements.
Bilingual Labeling
Canada is known worldwide as a bilingual country, with both English and French as official languages. In order to prevent misunderstandings and other problems caused by language barriers, the health warnings, symbols, and mandatory information must be provided in these two languages on Canadian cannabis packaging. So that all Canadians can clearly understand the details of marijuana products.
For U.S.
Like Canada, the packaging of cannabis products in USA also emphasize Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident to prevent attracting minors. In addition to them, there are the following requirements.
1. Opaque packaging and Restricted Images
Many states mandate that cannabis packaging use opaque containers to limit product visibility, such as Massachusetts, Oregon, and Colorado. Seven other states have banned cartoons or graphics on marijuana packaging to avoid appealing to children. They not only prevent access by children, but likewise reduces the temptation for the user. In other words, there is no window designs allowed on cannabis packaging in these regions.
2. Labeling requirements
Besides the same labeling requirements as Canada, labels are also required to include warnings about smoking and consumption in USA. A few states, such as California and Maryland, also require allergy warnings that highlight specific allergens.
Warning label example for California, USA
Houston, Texas, United States
*New York regulation label example, United States
3. Resealable packaging
In states such as Alaska, Colorado, and Washington, if a cannabis product is to be used multiple times, it must be in the resealable packaging. This is to guarantee the safety and freshness after use and to reduce waste. But actually according to our experience, 90% mylar bags, except those for 1gram sample packaging to give away, are with a resealable zipper.
For Spain, Europe
Spain shares the same emphasis on childproofing marijuana product packaging. However, there are some different emphases on packaging materials and label information.
1. Environmental requirements
Since 2025, all household packages must be marked with the sorting container to be placed in, and labeled with clear recycling information such as “Recicla” (recyclable) or “No reciclable” (No reciclable). The importance of packaging classification and the reuse and recycling of packaging waste are highly considered in Spain.
2. Labeling requirements
In addition to clearly labeling the basic information like ingredients, dosage and etc, medical marijuana packaging needs to provide detailed medical instructions and risk warnings. And the THC content of industrial cannabis products must not exceed the EU limit of 0.3%.
For German, Europe
On April 1, 2024, Germany begins to officially legalize marijuana and imposes strict quantitative and personnel restrictions on the possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis. While there are no explicit details on cannabis packaging, child-resistant function and basic labeling information are also needed while not essential. But as a responsible cannabis industry player, it is better to follow strict sense when you make branding design and packaging feature design considerations. So a child-resistant zipper bag also usually seen on Germany cannabis market, even though it is not a MUST.
For other regions in Europe
The European implementing ordinance sets out measures to protect minors. Such regulations include childproof packaging for cannabis products for oral use and also for the safe storage of cannabis products.
And provisions for labeling with appropriate warnings (Federal Office of Public Health, 2023). The first pilot trial in Basel was launched in January 2023 and allows participants to buy cannabis products from selected pharmacies.And here below we will list out other warning examples from other EU countries.
Example for Italy
Example for Croatia
Example for France
Example for Switzerland
Example for Portugal
Example for the Netherlands
Top Design Considerations for Legal Cannabis Packaging
Child-Resistant features
Legal cannabis products must use child-proof packaging to prevent children from accidentally contacting cannabis. The pouch with a child-resistant zipper is such a protective packaging especially designed for this. A featured special ziplock or dislocation mechanism make it hard for children under 5 years old to open the bag, but easily for adults.
Besides, childproof zipper pouches also improves the sealing of the package. The cannabis products are well preserved in such mylar packaging bags. The cannabis smell will not leak out or be contaminated during storage and transportation. In other words, the mylar CR cannabis bags are smell proof.
There are typically two popular types of child-resistant zippers on the market. One is interior child resistant zipper, the other is exterior child resistant zipper, also named as double-open-CR-zipper. Please find a comparison picture as below. From the picture, we can tell the opening mechanism is a little different.
The packaging design can be displayed more complete on the mylar bag with the interior child resistant zipper. Because it has no cut lines on the outer surface of the pouch. But if using a exterior child proof zipper, there will be cuts on the surface. So when we choose to use exterior CR zipper mylar bag, we should pay extra attention on the design patterns and text content around the zipper cut lines.
And the width of interior child resistant zipper is generally narrower than that of exterior child proof zipper. Interior child resistant zipper is generally in the 16-25mm width range, while the exterior one is normally in the range of 25-28mm. So there is a bit more material usage on the exterior child proof zipper, and the price will be slightly higher. What’s more, under the same bag size condition, the effective filling space with an interior child resistant zipper will be a little bit larger than with an exterior one.
If you have trouble choosing a suitable CR zipper, contact our team and we can assist you with professional advice.
Tamper-Evident features
Having tamper-resistant features is equally important to achieve legal cannabis packaging. “Tamper – evident” means it’s easy to tell if the package has been opened or tampered with. It features a seal or wrap that is difficult to replace once it’s been broken.
There are several types of tamper – evident functions in cannabis packaging:
- Heat seal bags: high qualiy personalized cannabis mylar bags are heat-sealable. The seal is usually a thin strip of plastic that runs along the edge of the bag on the top or bottom. It will be obviously incomplete once the seal is broken.
Screw cap sealed bottles: Some cannabis products are packaged in bottles with screw caps. Cross the cap or around the cap, there is often a thin label sticker to protect the opening. If the cap ever is screwed open, the sticker will damaged and found out easily.
“Void” labels: The “Void” tamper-evident label, as a single-use tamper-evident seal, is a part of the security stickers. Through special material and design, a clearly visible mark or message left behind when it is taken off. Just like the picture below shows. The word “VOID” will be displayed immediately once torn off, effectively preventing illegal opening and tampering. Different materials (e.g.silver paper, PET, synthetic paper, etc.) and sizes can be selected according to different needs.
Tear-off strips: There may be perforated strips on the edges of the package or on the baffle. If the tear strip has torn, the package has been tampered with.
We can provide tamper-evident pouches to help you enhance the brand’s credibility and meet consumer demand for transparency.
Legal Packaging Options for Different Cannabis Products
Cannabis flower
For cannabis flowers, we can use jars in glass or plastic to package. Also the most popular choice for the cannabis brands are to use personalized printed flexible packaging bags in stand up pouches. Jars in glass or plastic are normally for small grams packaging. Of course, no matter it is small grams or large weight of cannabis flowers, the flexible packaging bags are always another super popular choice. Besides, child resistant caps are required for jars while the child resistant zip lock is required for flexible packaging bags in both ways. Let’s explore more details on the various legal packaging options for cannabis flowers.
- Glass jars: It remain a popular choice for packaging cannabis flowers. The advantages are like preventing chemical leaching; allowing consumers to see the product inside; available in various sizes; child-resistant caps can be installed easily.
- Mylar bags: This bag is moisture and light resistant and can be fitted with CR zipper. And customized prints or labels are easy to make on it. Mylar bags have become increasingly popular for cannabis flower packaging and is taking lion’s share on the market.
- Plastic vials: Plastic bottles or tubes are often used for single pre-rolled marijuana or small amounts of marijuana flowers. It is easy to label and more suitable for medicinal cannabis products.
Edibles
Edible cannabis products (referred to as edible products) are products containing cannabinoids that can be eaten or drunk. They are varied in forms, from chocolate to cookies that can affect your mind and body after consumption. Different cannabis edibles suit different packaging by offering unique benefits. Similar to cannabis flower, legal packaging for edibles includes glass or plastic containers, and Mylar bags. But there is one more choice–foil bags.
Foil bags are a great choice for cannabis edibles like cannabis-infused coffee, tea or powdered drink mixes. They protects the taste and aroma well and blocks the light that may spoil the product. If you sill in need of a window, but also in need of foil, we can use one panel without foil and one with foil to make the features all met.
Extracts
Cannabis extracts are in various forms, including essential oils, tinctures, and capsules. These products often contain high concentrations of THC or CBD, or a combination of both. Unlike to flowers and edibles, cannabis extracts mostly are packed in jars to be legally retailed. Because jars are better for smaller quantities and easy to install child resistant caps.
Sustainability in Cannabis Packaging
In the context of legal marijuana sales, a commitment to sustainable cannabis packaging is also hoped.
On one hand, the concept of environmental protection is a global trend. Using biodegradable materials, recyclable materials, and recycled maltreats can reduce the environmental pollution. Listed here are two options for you to achieve eco-friendly cannabis packaging.
Mono PE laminate packaging bags
Regular PE//PE laminate packaging bags: PE is a relatively safe and reusable packaging material. It is non-toxic and will not release harmful substances during contact with the product. 100% PE laminate bag is transparent, allowing consumers to directly see the appearance of the product.
PCR type PE//PE laminate packaging bags: PCR means post-consumer recycled. PCR PE//PE plastic bag is more environmentally friendly and economical.
High barrier PE//PE laminate packaging bags: High-barrier PE with excellent barrier properties, it can effectively block the transmission of oxygen, water vapor, odor and other substances. This type of bags can protect the contents quality and extend the shelf life.
We have MDOPE, BOPE, PCR PE, EVOH-PE and PVA PE in stock to make difference mono PE bags for your cannabis use.
PLA coating, PLA laminated paper bags
Polylactic acid (PLA), is a thermoplastic monomer derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It can be completely degraded to carbon dioxide and water by natural microorganisms and will not pollute the environment. So Paper/PLA laminate bags can also degrade in soil and be very eco friendly to our environment. The PLA lining unlike transparent PE lining or PP lining. It is always milky color.
Custom Cannabis Packaging & Services
We understand how difficult it is to source high-quality, sustainable, and customized packaging – that’s why we’ve done all the legwork for you!
Gozenpackaging makes your packaging decisions easy! Our team of packaging and sustainability experts is here to guide you through the whole process from start to finish.
We work with a trusted network of domestic partners to facilitate our custom cannabis packaging services. Our partners have been thoroughly vetted and meet our standards for quality, sustainability, and customer service.
Welcome to contact us by info@gozenpackaging.com or via Whatsapp +86 18571566509!