For users and producers alike, there are dozens of factors to consider when finding the right packaging for your product. This starts with following the rules.
Setting Industry Standards
More states are moving toward legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes. As a result, there are more discussions on how to properly and uniformly regulate these products. Cannabis still is not legal in every state, but it’s likely only a matter of time before it is legalized across the country.
Several states passed legalization referendums during the 2020 election cycle, and regulators in states where it’s been legal are taking notice. Officials from 19 states have joined forces, forming the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA). The independent, non-partisan organization was founded to share industry knowledge to create public policy outlines and regulatory outlines for the cannabis industry.
In the past, when a new state legalizes cannabis, officials will reach out to regulators in states with established cannabis systems to get advice. This group is the first formal organization of regulators in the United States whose task is to develop industry-wide best practices and model policies. These policies would be standard across the country, instead of having each state operating independently. The group hopes to address dozens of issues surrounding the cannabis industry, including packaging and labeling standards.
Because of the federal legal status of cannabis in the US, states are on their own as far as regulation. Each state is free to choose to legalize it for any use.
A few years ago, when cannabis would become legal somewhere, those state officials would reach out to Colorado for advice. With so many states moving in that direction, creating a system of industry standards is probably a wise idea.
Policies, Laws, and Regulations
Each state where cannabis is legal is required to come up with their own rules and regulations. Some states are more stringent than others, but the packaging is always a key topic in these discussions. Here’s a look at some common packaging standards adopted by states with legal cannabis.
Before any cannabis leaves a dispensary, it must be sealed in air-tight, tamper-resistant, child-proof packaging. Some states also require that the packaging is opaque or transparent. Each state can develop its warning message and cannabis logo, which they can require to be added to every product. The contents, concentration levels, and, in some cases, the cannabis strains will be listed on the outside of the package.
Colorado established some packaging requirements several years ago, but the regulations are adjusted as the industry evolves. Edibles are the latest cannabis product to get their own set of requirements. Recreational edibles must be wrapped individually or in packages with products that combined contain 10 mg of THC or less.
Pick Your Packaging
Looking out at a display of cannabis packaging these days may be enough to overwhelm anyone. Cannabis packaging come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, including boxes, bags, jars, vials, and pens.
First, make sure you are choosing packaging that’s compliant with state regulations. The packaging you pick should predominantly be determined by the product you’re trying to protect. Cannabis is a challenging but delicate plant. If it’s exposed to too many outside elements such as heat or humidity, the compounds and terpenes in it will start to break down. That can lead to several issues, including loss of concentration, flavor, and potency.
Mylar Bags
Smell-proof dispensary bags are more common now than ever before. They’ve been in use for decades, thanks to their ability to mask the cannabis smell.
Mylar bags are a great option for cannabis storage, especially from an economic standpoint. These bags meet all of the requirements and standards for legal packaging, but they tend to be a bit cheaper. Some people would advise using Mylar bags more for personal use than professional packaging, but they still provide an air-tight, smell-proof seal. Mylar bags can be used to store cannabis flower or edibles, and they can be customized to your specifications.
UV Protection
Our skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Bags that offer UV protection will give you peace of mind that your product is safe from those elements. If you find a bag that provides UV protection, it likely also provides a smell-proof, child-resistant seal. This seal will keep your product secure.
Child-resistant GriploK Exit Bags
Almost all dispensary bags are child-proof or tamper-resistant these days due to regulations. If you’re looking for cannabis packaging that meets all legal storage and sealing requirements, consider the GriploK exit bags. These bags also look pretty slick.
GriploK exit bags come in several different sizes. Plus, there are three color options: sleek black, white, and a tannish-brown color called “kraft.”
You can store cannabis flowers or edibles in these bags. You’ll feel secure knowing your products are in a smell-proof, air-tight container. Apart from helping keep your cannabis fresh, the bags also provide UV protection.
Closing Thoughts
Remember, when it comes to cannabis packaging, you want to make sure you’re in line with the law. Cannabis producers most likely stay up-to-date on the changing laws and regulations. However, for people who use cannabis on a casual basis, you may want to stop and take a peek at the rules before you head out to a dispensary.
As with any product out there, if you can find a bag made from natural ingredients and still offers the same regulatory child-proof, air-tight, UV protection, then you have hit the jackpot.
