How to Package Cannabis Safely and Legally

Blogs

Mar 23

(Steps, Best Practices, Benefits)

Ensuring cannabis-compliant packaging is not hard. Cut operational costs and automate compliance processes with this expert guide and LucidID.

Cannabis Packaging Guide – Ensure Compliance, Save Your Money & Time Using LucidID

With the increasing expansion of the cannabis industry into new states, new cannabis businesses open every day. This results in more and stricter regulations in the industry. However, cannabis laws vary from state to state.

So, to stay compliant with the law, cannabis companies need to be aware of all regulations in the states they operate in. One aspect that's strictly regulated is the cannabis packaging solutions.

To clear up all grey areas around cannabis packaging laws, we'll cover all aspects of cannabis-compliant packaging, including why it's important, types of packaging, and how to package cannabis products step by step.

We'll also reveal how software like LucidID can help you establish an efficient, safe, and 100% cannabis-compliant packaging process.

Let's dive in!

What is Cannabis Packaging?

Cannabis packaging involves securing cannabis products (such as flowers, edibles, tinctures, and others) in safe and preserving containers or bags.

Good cannabis packaging:

Keeps the product fresh for longer, extending its shelf life.
Provides all important information such as potency and expiration date.
Has to be compliant with all state and federal regulations.
Serves as a tool for marketing and branding.

Next, let's find out how to package cannabis step-by-step.

Steps Involved in the Cannabis Packaging Process

The cannabis packaging process involves:

Preparing the Products

Once you source the packaging materials, it's time to prepare your products. This involves carefully weighing each product, as accurate dosing is crucial to compliance. You can improve precision in this area by using a scale.

Also, you need to prepare the information that will go on each package, such as product name, potency, and any other required information.

Packaging

Next, it's time to put your products into the packaging. To ensure consistency and precise dosage in each package, establish a well-defined SOP your employees can follow. This eliminates the chances of human error and ensures compliance with all laws and regulations.

Once you're done packing your products, you have to seal the containers. Proper sealing is also crucial, as this ensures a longer shelf life.

Labeling

Finally, it's time to put all the product information on the packaging. The labels should have clear and legible fonts and include the product name, potency, dosage, and other required instructions.

Once you're done, make sure to keep a detailed record of each batch and its labeling information.

Establishing a process around these steps can help you streamline the whole process and ensure you're 100% compliant.

What are the Main Types of Cannabis Packaging?

There are different marijuana packaging options you can use depending on the product type and presentation approach you aim for. A few popular options include:

Jars: Airtight glass jars can be used for storing cannabis flowers and pre-rolls as they preserve the product's freshness.
Bags: Mylar bags are a popular choice as they are resealable, smell-proof, and lightweight. They're a popular choice for edibles, flowers, and cannabis concentrates.
Tubes: This discrete packaging option provides an airtight seal and child-resistant lid, perfect for storing pre-rolls.
Containers: Containers like boxes and cartons can be used for storing edibles and pre-rolled joints. Besides, they can be easily customized with different designs.

Best Cannabis Packaging Practices

When choosing the type of packaging, you should also research the packaging regulations, as many states require cannabis packaging to be:

Child-resistant: This packaging ensures children cannot access the product and prevents accidental ingestion. These could be jars, bottles, and pouches made of various materials.
Light-resistant: Opaque and thick packaging that blocks UV light helps preserve the quality of the product inside. It also conceals the contents packed in it.
Tamper-resistant: This usually involves putting a plastic sticker or a seal so consumers can easily identify if the product has been opened or tampered with. This feature helps protect your cannabis products and ensures the consumer's safety.
Resealable: This applies to products that contain more than one serving.
Sustainable: 21% of cannabis users go for eco-friendly packaging, and this number is likely to increase in the future. So, going for eco-friendly, bio-degradable materials could improve your brand image and customer loyalty.
Properly labeled: As this is a crucial aspect of compliance, you should put correct labels with all required information on all cannabis products. This ensures your customers will make informed decisions and have a safe and pleasant cannabis experience.

What are the Business Benefits of Using Cannabis Packaging Software

The cannabis packaging process involves a lot of manual work. On top of that, you need to ensure that all measurements, packaging, and labels are done correctly. Otherwise, this could result in hefty legal fines or costly waste as a result of expired products due to incorrect packaging.

The best way to eliminate human error and save time and money is by automating this process with the help of software. Other benefits also include:

Efficiency: By using software, you need fewer resources to execute the packaging process. This makes it a more productive and budget-friendly option to use human labor.
Accuracy: As automated software ensures all packaging requirements are met, there's no space for human error, and the quality of your packaging efforts can significantly improve.
Branding: Through automated packaging, you can also improve your branding and marketing efforts.
Compliance: Tracking that all requirements are met through software also reduces the risk of non-compliance errors.
Consistency: With an automated packaging process, all products are packed consistently to meet the same high-quality standards.
Traceability: Automated software can help with product tracking through the supply chain, contributing to transparency, accountability, and consumer safety.
Sustainability: Using software can also help you reduce packaging waste, improving your efforts to have a more sustainable and eco-friendly business.

Supercharge Your Packaging Operations with Compliance/Stickering/Inventory Tracking Application

Cannabis-compliant packaging is a must if you want a thriving business and smooth day-to-day operations. Additionally, automating this process can help you save time, money, and human resources while eliminating the chances of error and non-compliance.

So, what software can you use to improve your cannabis packaging efforts?

Meet LucidID – the only cannabis packaging label you'll ever need to stay compliant, whether you're a brand or a retailer.

The best part? The scannable code can be easily and discreetly added to your packaging.

Ready to improve your cannabis packaging process and save time, capital, and resources?

Schedule a Demo

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