Marijuana Dispensary Packaging & Labeling For Beginners

Marijuana policies in the United States have rapidly changed over the past decade. Even in states where the product is not yet legal, there is an ever-increasing demand from residents wanting it legalized. This is mainly because of the positive benefits cannabis and cannabis products have on the human body. Contrary to the original assumption, liquor stores are not selling marijuana. You can spot marijuana dispensaries in almost every corner in states where it is legal. Starting a marijuana dispensary should not be a daunting task if it is legal in your city. However, there are various guidelines and requirements that one must meet. Here is a brief look at marijuana dispensary packaging and labeling.

What is a marijuana dispensary?

Dispensaries are the forefront stores where you can buy marijuana. Different states have different laws regarding opening a dispensary. There is also a difference between medical and recreational marijuana dispensary. You can find both physical stores and online dispensaries where you can purchase blue dream seeds and various other strains.  However, all marijuana dispensaries are not the same; accessories will vary from one store to another. It is also worth noting that marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States. As such, you cannot buy it with a credit or debit card. All purchases are made with cash. There are two main types of marijuana dispensaries namely:

• Medical marijuana dispensary

Medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries are the same for the most part. The only difference is that you need a valid doctor’s recommendation or state-issued certificate that allows you to consume marijuana for a given medical condition. Some states require you to be 21 years and above. Medical marijuana requires more education, especially since the budtender will have to help customers choose the right product for their ailments. 

• Recreational marijuana dispensary

Customers who visit recreational marijuana dispensaries must be 18 or 21 years and above. Some states require a valid ID, which implies one must be a resident. Others need verification of age. The rules are a bit strict for recreational marijuana, particularly on possession and what a dispensary can sell. Recreational marijuana is also subject to state taxes and is more expensive than medical marijuana. 

Packaging and labeling requirements

As aforesaid, marijuana dispensary packaging and labeling requirements vary from state to state. California packaging and labeling checklist, for instance, will be different from what is required by another state. It is advisable to go through the state-by-state cannabis packaging laws and learn what the authorities expect in your resident town. Nevertheless, some basic rules cut through all state laws for marijuana packaging and labeling. These include:

Packaging laws

• The packaging must be tamper-evident (the customer can tell if it has been opened). This means it should have a seal or sticker that rips apart or a lid that pops up when open. 
• If it has multiple uses, the container should be re-sealable and child-resistant. It should not imitate any other packaging used for children’s products.
• Packaging for edibles like organic CBD gummies must be opaque. 

Labeling laws

• The label should contain product identity (generic or common name to describe the product.
• It should also contain the net weight in both metric and conventional US units.
• It must feature the universal cannabis symbol that shows it is a cannabis product

Other requirements include using a clear and legible display, labeling in English, using at least 6 point font and placing all the labeling information in the outer layer of the packaging. According to the California Department of Public Health, labeling falls into two categories, that is, primary panel and informational panel. The primary panel contains what is displayed to the customer while the informational panel includes details that the primary section does not list.

Proposed marijuana packaging standards (NACB)

Each state reserves the right to impose their unique laws on marijuana packaging and labeling. However, the National Association of Cannabis Business (NACB) proposed a national standard for packaging and labeling cannabis and cannabis products. Among their proposed rules included:

• A label that indicates the marijuana product’s origin, its cultivator and processor.
• A way to list all the ingredients in the product.
• Information about marijuana edibles including all significant food allergen warnings.
• Child-resistant packaging.
• Packaging that does not appeal to minors.
• A way to address medical and health claims.

Types of marijuana dispensary packaging

• Jars and containers 

Marijuana dispensary packaging comes in a myriad of forms. Jars and containers are the most prevalent since most of the products sold are dry herbs and concentrates. Containers and jars vary in both size and design. Those used for flowers should be airtight and smell-proof to keep the herbs fresh and aromatic. Pop-top vials are the containers for dry herb vaping. Doob tubes are for blunt and joints.  Clear round glasses are another popular type of container mostly used for concentrates. Since there are various types of concentrates, they may require different packaging approaches. If you’re searching for cbd concentrates near me, you can find them online at www.gosmokefree.co.uk

• Bags

Marijuana dispensary bags are either used to pack your dry herbs of pop-top vials. However, you can use them for various reasons. They resemble conventional pharmacy prescription bags you get upon exit. These bags must be airtight and childproof to keep the herbs fresh and prevent child access, respectively.

• MMJ-compliant label

The MMJ compliant label appears on any container that leaves a marijuana dispensary. This label generally explains what the jar contains. If you buy a flower in a pop-top vial, the label should include whether it is a hybrid, Indica or Sativa.

Conclusion

Marijuana and marijuana products continue to gain popularity all over the world. The market for these products is also growing at a fast rate. Even as we await a national standard for processing, packaging, and labeling in marijuana dispensaries, various states already have their independent requirements. If you are new in the industry, it is essential to carefully read through the state requirements before opening a marijuana dispensary. Regulations also keep changing so you should watch out for any amendments and compliance requirements that emerge. You can find detailed information about your state’s marijuana dispensary packaging and labeling laws from reliable sources such as government sites.