How To Be Compliant with USA Cannabis Packaging Rules and Regulations
Cannabis packaging is regulated within the states where cannabis is legalised. However, there are some grey areas and varying rules. Before continuing with the article, it is very important that you check the specific rules for the states that you will be selling your product in. If you don’t, you may risk fines or losing your license. The most restrictive states include Alaska, California, and Massachusetts – so make sure to brush up on all the rules. The least restrictive include Arizona, Maine, and Delaware. In addition to these state-based cannabis packaging regulations, there are some national regulations across the states that should be adhered to.
What Are Some of the Common Rules?
1) Safety Labelling and Packaging Design
Several states are strict about the actual branding aspect of your product. For example, you must not include any cartoons or suggestive graphics. The product must also not resemble candy or common snacks. This rule is applicable in states such as Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon. Many states also require the manufacturer to list the dangers of smoking or ingesting cannabis on the packaging – this is especially true for Alaska, California, Washington, Minnesota, Guam and Massachusetts. Furthermore, several of the listed states above require the amount of cannabis contained in the product to be listed on the packaging – including with edibles and vapes.
2) Child-Resistant Packaging (CRP)
Nearly all the states where cannabis products are legalised require the manufacturer to use child resistant packaging – or at the very least include warnings to keep the product out of reach of children. There are different types of child resistant packaging, which vary depending on your product type. An overview of these types can be found in our previous blog. Specific rules vary from state to state, for example in California the packaging must contain the statement ‘KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS’ in bold, whereas in Hawaii this statement is not required, yet the packaging must be opaque so children cannot see what is inside. In many states the packaging must also not be designed to be appealing to children in any way.
3) Contents/Nutritional Information
This regulation may generate some grey areas, but generally under FDA rules, any product that is designed to be consumed must have a printed label with all the sufficient information. As a rule of thumb, it must at least state that the product contains cannabis. This rule is especially pertinent for edible products, as allergen information should also be included. You’ll also need to place important dates such as manufacturing dates and expiry dates.
It's clear that being compliant is more complex than just the rules that are listed here, with each state that regulates cannabis, the rules are constantly changing. It is crucial to keep up to date with the latest regulations to ensure that you remain compliant. This will allow your business to grow and avoid penalties or even losing your license to sell. Make sure to thoroughly research your state’s requirements before you design your packaging!
PACKAGEWEA has built a strong network of sustainable, affordable, and customizable dispensary packaging manufacturers. We are here to ensure that any packaging requirements you may have are met with high quality and absolutely no corner cutting. For any cannabis packaging questions, get in contact with us!
