Over the last few years, the cannabis industry has expanded rapidly. We’ve seen dispensaries open across the country, but we’ve also seen an increase in print on demand cannabis products such as infused skincare, foods, beverages, and more. Despite the industry’s success, few federal guidelines and regulations govern cannabis packaging and labeling. Because most labeling requirements are imposed by individual state legislation, product packaging should follow the guidelines established by the state where the products are sold. In this guide, we’ll go over the most common requirements for print on demand cannabis oil labels, as well as design suggestions, label options, and more.
PRINT ON DEMAND CANNABIS OIL LABEL REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Though state regulations vary regarding what must appear on print on demand cannabis packaging, there are a few universal denominators. Check your state’s specific regulations for cannabis packaging and labeling requirements. For every cannabis product, you must follow the FDA’s guidelines. Starting with those guidelines is an excellent way to complete most of the label. If your cannabis product is edible, you should review the FDA’s guidelines for labeling a food product. If your product, such as a lotion or cream, could be classified as a cosmetic product, the FDA’s guidelines for labeling cosmetic products are a good place to start.
1. Statement of Identity
A brand logo and statement of identity are required on the front panel of most print on demand product labels. The brand logo and information inform customers about your company, whereas the statement of identity informs them about the product. Inform your customers whether they purchase cannabis-infused cream, CBD gummies, hemp oil, or anything else. Your labeling should make it abundantly clear that the product contained within is a cannabis product.
2. Ingredients
An ingredients list is located on the packaging or product label, directly to the right of the statement of identity, for any ingestible or topical product. The ingredients should be listed in weight order, from heaviest to lightest. Ingredients should always be listed by their common name. Maintain a font size of no less than 1/16″ (though we recommend a minimum of 1/8′′).
Because yours is a cannabis product, you’ll also need to include a terpene profile and a list of pharmacologically active ingredients, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabidiolic acid (CBD (CBDA).
3. Net Contents and Weight
The Net Weight of the product must be displayed on the front panel in both metric (grams, kilograms, milliliters, liters) and US units. Units of the Customary System (ounces, pounds, fluid ounces). Ensure to include the amount of pharmaceutically active ingredients in milligrams per serving and package. The Net Weight should be positioned on the bottom 30% of the front panel, parallel to the package’s base.
4. Supplement and Nutrition Facts
If your product is intended to be consumed, such as a supplement, food, or beverage, you must include a facts panel. Include the serving size, daily value percentage, and other relevant information. The Supplement or Nutrition Facts panels must be easy to read and placed directly to the right of the identity statement.
5. Warnings
The specific warnings required on cannabis labels vary by state. Because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance, most states require specific warning labels on cannabis products. Some common cannabis warning labels include the following phrases indicating that the product is or contains the following:
- Health dangers
- Only for medical purposes.
- Habit formation
- Restrictions based on age
- Impaired abilities
- Restrictions on resale and transfer
- Not suitable for children or animals.
- Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
PRINT ON DEMAND PACKAGING DESIGNS & REQUIREMENTS
Packaging for print on demand cannabis oils can also be difficult to manage. Because, like cannabis labels, packaging requirements are stringent and vary by state. Some designs can eliminate labels and print the necessary information directly on the package, making it equally important for these applications to adhere to proper guidelines. Because regulations constantly change, packaging must accommodate new changes, no matter how minor, to remain compliant. Some states require that packaging is transparent and resealable.
1. Packaging Design
Regarding design, most state regulations state that the packaging cannot be brightly colored or styled in a way that is appealing to children. There should be no likeness or resemblance to cartoon characters on your label or packaging. Similarly, the label or packaging should not resemble any commercially available snack, candy, beverage, or baked good.
When designing your cannabis packaging, you still have a lot of leeway. In addition, when developing your branding and design, research color theory or consult a graphic designer or print on demand service provider for expert advice. Choosing the right packaging material can make all the difference.
2. Preservation
When it comes to packaging print on demand CBD products, product preservation is critical. Plants deteriorate throughout the cultivation process as they are trimmed, dried, cured, and extracted. This deterioration can impact the overall weight and potency of the product, both of which are important pieces of information included in the package.
When selecting packaging, it is important to consider proper storage for travel conditions. Temperature changes during transportation can affect product quality, causing it to spoil or become damaged if the packaging is not designed to account for temperature, humidity, and moisture ranges. It can end up costing the company money in the long run.
3. Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider when dealing with legal cannabis products, and there are numerous factors to consider and follow. Customers should not be reasonably confused about whether the product they are purchasing contains anything other than cannabis because of the packaging.
Cannabis product packaging should not be designed to appeal to children. Some states also require childproof packaging. It means that it must be built so that it is extremely difficult for young children to open, ensuring that the product is safe and will not be accidentally ingested.
4. Durability
Cannabis product labels and packaging should be tough to withstand the supply chain process. Moreover, cannabis labels must be resistant to fading, peeling, temperature changes, and moisture oil, as well as possible chemical exposure. To prevent tampering and counterfeiting, these labels should also have a strong adhesive that makes them difficult to remove.
5. Layout
While it is critical to comply with labeling laws and regulations, the layout of your cannabis product is also an important consideration. You want the necessary information to be legible to make the messaging to customers clear and concise. Customers should, however, find the layout aesthetically pleasing. A good label or design can keep your product compliant while making it stand out on the retail shelf.
6. Flexibility
Cannabis product legal frameworks are constantly changing at the local, state, and federal levels, and when they do, labels and packaging must also change to remain compliant. It is beneficial for businesses to keep this in mind and ensure that cannabis label and package designs are adaptable. At some point in the future, new or additional information may need to be added or adjusted.
Printing labels in-house is one option for greater flexibility. It gives businesses more control over changing their designs when and if necessary to comply with new regulations. It ensures that changes can be made quickly and efficiently without wasting money on pre-printed labels that have already been purchased or losing time while new labels are ordered from a print on demand provider.
CONCLUSION
As a larger market for cannabis products appears promising, an increasing number of cannabis products are making their way to the retail floor. Businesses will want to stay current on cannabis regulations and requirements until there is a national standard so their goods remain compliant and available to consumers. We hope this guide has aided you in designing cannabis oil packaging and labels. Contact us for design advice, label material recommendations, and more! As a top ecommerce fulfillment company, Fulfillplex is enthusiastic about print on demand fulfillment and are always willing to assist.
You might also want to read: Print on Demand Packaging & Labeling Tips for Beginners