Compliance Pitfalls in Custom Cannabis Packaging

Navigating the cannabis industry can be a challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to ensuring that your product packaging meets all the necessary compliance standards. A recent visit to a new dispensary highlighted the importance of adhering to these standards. A delightful bag of chocolate edibles, while delicious and trustworthy, was unfortunately not packaged in a child-resistant (CR) manner as mandated by state regulations. This isn't an isolated incident; many products in regulated markets often overlook proper packaging.

Here are some of the most prevalent compliance issues in the cannabis packaging sector:

Child Resistant Packaging: Single Use vs. Multi Pack

A frequent misconception is that any zipper mylar bag with a heat-sealed top is child-resistant.
For flexible packaging like bags and stand-up pouches, they need to pass strength and puncture resistance tests to qualify as CR.
Single-use items such as cartridges, beverage mixes, and single-serve edibles can use packaging like the AssurPouch® that only necessitates a heat seal.
Multi-serving products, however, must be sold in a re-closable CR package.

State Labeling and Packaging Guidelines

States have varying regulations for cannabis packaging and labeling.
Relying solely on online lists can be misleading as they might not be updated or accurate.
Regularly checking state regulatory sites and subscribing to email notifications for updates is crucial.

Mislabeling of Products

Mislabeling is a widespread issue that affects the reputation of the legal cannabis industry.
The FDA has indicated the need for a new regulatory pathway for CBD products.
Several instances across the U.S. and Canada highlight the repercussions of mislabeling THC content:
Minnesota: Lawsuits were filed against companies for exceeding state-allowed THC amounts in their products.
New York: A medical cannabis company had to recall a significant number of cannabis units due to unauthorized labeling changes.
Oregon: A cannabis operator settled a lawsuit for $100,000 due to an ingredient mix-up.
California: Multiple companies faced class-action lawsuits for misrepresenting THC content.
Canada: Health Canada warned about edible cannabis products exceeding the allowable THC limit.

Mislabeling can have severe consequences, especially for medical marijuana patients who rely on precise dosages. Overrepresenting THC content can mislead consumers, while underrepresenting can lead to unintentional overconsumption.

CBD Products and Labeling

A study by the FDA revealed significant discrepancies between the CBD content claimed on labels and the actual content.
Some products had no CBD, while others contained up to 23 times the labeled amount. Some even had only THC, exceeding the 0.3% limit.

Conclusion
If you come across a product that doesn't meet the packaging and labeling standards, it's essential to notify the concerned parties. While the product might be of high quality, ensuring compliance is crucial for the safety of consumers and the reputation of the brand.

At Beast Coast Packaging, we prioritize understanding your brand and ensuring that your packaging is not only compliant but also effectively represents your brand. We collaborate closely with any existing vendors you might have worked with in the past, be it graphic designers, printers, or packaging manufacturers.

For top-notch custom cannabis packaging solutions, contact us today.