What to Keep in Mind When Creating Cannabis Labels and Tags
As medical and recreational cannabis becomes legal in more and more states, the need for growers has increased. Because it is still strictly regulated and controlled, any agriculturalist looking to break into this booming market needs to understand the requirements for cannabis labels, so they can ensure that they remain in compliance with laws and make sure their labels are durable and readable in any environment.
When choosing your cannabis labels, here are a few things to consider.
Choose a Vendor with Expertise
The most important step is to ensure you work with a vendor who can provide you with top-quality cannabis label supplies and media that can meet all legal requirements and will stay intact throughout the supply chain. Legality varies from state to state, so it’s important to work with a vendor partner that is familiar with the shifting laws in your state, who can get you started, and also alert you to any labeling requirement changes down the road.
Labels for Identification and Traceability
Most states require cannabis labels to have a unique identifier that provides the lot number, barcode, serial number, batch number, or other data that specifies the product’s origins. RFID technology can be used as an effective track-and-trace solution for mother/daughter plant traceability. Traceability is crucial for tracking drug efficacy and the continuation of your plants DNA strands.
This helps to identify the product from seed to sale. This is also important in the event of a recall, so every item can be traced and properly accounted for. Imprint partners with Armor to provide traceability solutions that remain legible through seed to sale.
For more information about the barcode labeling process, download our e-book: 5 Steps to Simplify the Barcode Labeling Process
What to Include on Your Cannabis Labels
Each state has its own regulations dictating what must be included on cannabis labels. While there is no national legislation that currently outlines what the rules and regulations are for selling cannabis, many states have overlapping rules. Some of the most common are:
Warnings
Many states require that cannabis labels have some form of warning stating that the product has intoxicating effects, may impair abilities, and may be habit-forming.
Retailer/Manufacturer Identification
This information is used to identify where the cannabis was grown and the license number of the grower, as well as any other pertinent information.
Dates
Often, states will require the date of cultivation, manufacture, final testing, packaging, dispensing, harvesting, and the expiration or “use by” date.
Ingredients
For flowers, concentrates, and tinctures, states usually require cannabis labels to include a profile of terpenes and percentages of the different cannabinoids, such as THCA, CBD, and CBDA, found within the product.
Weight
Most states set a limit on how much product can be purchased by a single person, so the weight of the product is necessary to include in the label.
Product info
This is where the unique identification data will be listed, and it will generally include a unique serial number and lot number, as well as the strain, batch, and quantity.
Recipient info
Sometimes, the name of the recommending physician, patient information, or registered caregiver will be required at the time the product is sold.
Directions for use
Similar to other forms of medication, it is important to outline how the product should be used safely and what its intended use is on cannabis labels.
Proper storage and handling
States may not require this across the board, but it’s good to include this information on the label so carriers, dispensaries, and patients can ensure quality.
Labeling text
There are many guidelines for how the packaging and labeling text should appear in terms of size, placement, legibility, and design.
The cannabis market is booming, and more and more agriculturalists are looking to get a piece of the pie. Successful growers know that it is a worthwhile endeavor to break into this market, but it is also difficult, as nationwide legalization hasn’t yet passed and state regulations are consistently changing. Make sure you choose a vendor like Imprint Enterprises, to stay up-to-date on laws and regulations for cannabis labels.
Want to learn more? Contact Imprint Enterprises today.
