A Comprehensive Guide To Cannabis Packaging

Table of Contents

The cannabis industry has been experiencing rapid growth and become competitive in the global market. And proper packaging is a must for success in the cannabis business.

In this article, I will mention everything about cannabis packaging with my 20 years of experience in the packaging industry. 

Let’s delve into the detailed information about cannabis packaging–

What Is Cannabis Packaging? 

Pouches and containers are used to store different types of cannabis products like flowers, oils, edibles, and concentrates. This way, the contamination and fungi can’t attack them. Hence, you can use different types of packaging options for this, such as glass jars, boxes, bags, etc. 

Also, while packaging cannabis, use child-resistant closure and tamper-evident features. With proper packaging, you will save the products and use them for your brand promotion. 

Types Of Cannabis Products  

A wide range of products can be made from cannabis. Let’s see most standard cannabis products here–

  • Maryjuana Flowers (Weed)

Marjiun flowers are commonly referred to as weeds. They come from the dried buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. Consumers can use them to smoke in pipes or blunts. Besides, maryjuana flowers are famous for their instant psychoactive effects for the rapid absorption of THC into the bloodstream while inhaling. 

  • Cannabis Oral Products

Usually, cannabis oral products are well known for their capacity to provide effects for a longer time. Some of these products are oils, pills, sprays, and more. Therefore, users can consume them directly in their mouths.

  • Cannabis Topicals

Typically, cannabis topicals are used as pain relief, skincare, and inflammation reduction products. They are designed to use external applications on the skin. Lotions, balms, creams, oils, etc, are common forms of topicals. Hence, topicals are becoming popular among consumers who want natural remedies. 

  • Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent forms and consist primarily of cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Unlike traditional flowers, they have higher levels of THC, which makes them appealing to users seeking strong effects. Also, concentrate products come in various forms, including wax, tinctures, shatter, oil, and live resin. Hence, customers can consume them using dab rigs and bowls for an intense experience. 

  • Edibles

Edible products are another alternative to consumed cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping. They come in several forms, like cookies, cakes, gummies, chocolates, beverages, and many more. As edibles go through the digestive system, they can have more long-lasting effects. However, edible items take a longer time for the effect to kick in. 

  • Pre-roll Packaging

Pre-roll packaging is designed to enhance the convenience and appeal of ready-to-smoke cannabis joints. This type of packaging protects the product from degradation and provides branding opportunities for dispensaries and manufacturers. Often, high-quality pre-roll packaging includes features such as child-resistant closures and resealable options. 

Different Types Of Cannabis Packaging 

In this section, I will mention a few cannabis product packaging types; choose one that matches your requirements–

  1. Tin Containers

Tin containers are another practical option for cannabis storage. Often, they are used for packaging pre-rolls or concentrates due to their ability to maintain product integrity over time. Also, these containers can be made child-resistant by incorporating secure closures.

  1. Plastic Jars

Although plastic jars are lightweight and convenient to use, they are best for short-time use. They can be made from different plastic materials such as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene),  PP (Polypropylene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and so on. However, these jars are durable and come in different sizes. Therefore, you can use them to hold edible cannabis, creams, and vitamins.

  1. Aluminum jars

Aluminum cannabis jars are best for protection against light exposure, which is essential for preserving the potency of cannabis products. As these jars can be designed with airtight seals, they can keep the cannabis fresh. Also, they can be recyclable, so if you want eco-friendly material, choose them.

  1. Mylar Bags 

These bags are lightweight, flexible, and provide an airtight seal that helps keep moisture and odors contained. Also, mylar is resistant to punctures and tears, so they are ideal for flowers and edibles. If you want, you can use these bags to favor your branding, such as by printing information on the packaging.

  1. Dispensary Storage Jars

Well, do you want to store a huge range of cannabis products? Then you should use dispensary storage jars; they come with a large mouth, which makes it super easy to grab the products. They are popular for their convenient and user-friendly features. Usually, they can be around 1 gallon in size and have an airtight sealing system. As they come with appropriate closure, they can keep the cannabis odor for a long time. So, you can store extracts and hemp flowers in them. 

  1. Pre Roll Tubes

Pre-roll tubes can be made of plastic and glass material at the same time. They are strong and lightweight and best for pre-rolled joints. You can use these for quality seals and easy to accessible features. Also, they can hold cigarettes, hemp flowers, custom vape cartridges, and many more. 

  1. Flexible Cannabis Packaging

As the name suggests, flexible cannabis packaging refers to easy-to-use packaging options. These can be pouches, sachets, bags, envelopes, etc. in different sizes. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and often come in compact sizes. The main advantages of these packaging are they can be customized and are excellent for printing labels for your brand promotion. 

  1. CBD Tincture Bottles

These bottles are small in size, around 4 oz, and best for use as precise dosing. Often, they come with a dropper cap. Normally, CBD tincture bottles are made from high-quality glass, are strong, and can offer UV protection. As they are child-resistant, you can use them around children. They used to pack different types of oils like hemp, CBD, and other oils. 

  1. Capsule Bottles

Capsule bottles are another great way to keep cannabis products like capsules, pills, supplements, vitamins, etc. Generally, these bottles come in different types and sizes. Some of their common types are plastic vials, plastic packer bottles, and more. Besides, they manufacture products with wide mouths so that consumers can access them with much effort. Often, capsule bottles consist of child-resistant caps. Also, you can promote your brand by labeling them.

Tips For Choosing The Right Cannabis Packaging 

Though choosing the perfect cannabis packaging is tough, if you keep some essential factors in mind, it can become easier. These features are below–

  • Product Type

First thing first, choose your product types as different cannabis products require certain packaging solutions. Suppose you want to package cannabis edibles such as baked goods, gummies, candy, seeds, etc., then use film-formed pouches or pre-made pouches for packaging. 

On the other hand, if you work with oils, choose glass containers as they are best for keeping the products quality and safe from leakage. However, you can use airtight bags or jars to store cannabis flowers. They can preserve the aroma and freshness of the products. 

  • Determine your target market

Now, choosing a product type is not enough; you should consider your target audience and market while selecting suitable cannabis packaging. Ask yourself whether you want to attract price-conscious customers or those who wish for top-notch products without caring about the cost. This way, you will be able to attract your target consumers and increase sales. 

  • Focus on Design and Branding

The look and design of your packaging surely catch the eye of your customers. Either you can use clear packaging, colorful jars, and unique prints. If you want to promote your brand, you can print or label company information on the package. Based on your needs and consumers, you choose the right cannabis packaging.

  • Prioritize Child Resistance

This is most important and is a legal recruitment in many jurisdictions. As cannabis drinks and food can grab the attention of children, you have to use child-resistant bags for safety. 

  • Budget

Your budget is also essential to choosing the right packaging for your cannabis. So, you should first set a price for the cannabis product and choose a packaging option that matches the budget. Don’t forget to keep your profit in.

Cannabis Packaging Machine Types 

Below, let’s discuss the common cannabis packaging machine types–

  1. Premade Pouch Packaging Machine

This is one of the famous cannabis packaging machines that is used widely as it comes with an easy and versatile operation. Usually, this machine works with already-made pouches and then fills and seals them. All you have to do is set the pouches in a certain place. After that, the machine will pick a pouch and fill it with cannabis.

Besides, the premade pouch packaging machine can operate in packages of multiple sizes and shapes. This equipment also adjusts several SKUs and can make fast changeovers. So, if you want to reduce time and increase production capacity, choose this machine to package your cannabis products.

  1. Form fill and seal machine

Form fill and seal or FFS machine creates pouches from a roll of film. After that, it fills the pouches with the product, seals, and discharges them. This machine can run continuous and intermittent methods; choose one depending on your needs. Typically, the FFS machine is of two types these are–

  • Vertical Form fill and seal machine(VFFS)

Like the FFS machine, the VFFS machine also makes pouches in different shapes, such as stand-up pouches. Then, fill them with several types of cannabis products and seal them. Specifically, the VFFS machine’s whole packaging system runs vertically, which means up to down. 

  • Horizontal Form fill and seal machine(HFFS)

HFFS runs similarly to the VFFS machine except for its horizontal operation system. HFFS equipment is famous mainly for its high speed and efficiency. Most factories choose this machine as it changes over in real fast time and can pack a wide range of products in less time. 

  1. Cannabis Cartoning Machine

You can use a cannabis cartooning machine to pack vape, pre-rolls, and edible items into boxes or cartons. This machine can be automatic and semi-automatic. Usually, it forms cartons, inserts products in them, and finally seals them. Hence, this machine is best for large-scale operations. 

  1. Cannabis Can Capping Machine

As the name suggests, a can capping machine is designed to securely seal different types of cans. For instance, this machine can handle screws and snap-on caps. This way, it ensures cannabis product quality and increases shelf life. Generally, this device can cap up to 200 containers each minute.

  • Children’s safety snap capping machine

This machine is mainly designed to cap containers with child-proof lids securely. So, it ensures safety compliance for cannabis products.

  • Dustproof snap capper machine

It comes with a special lid feeder to protect cannabis from dust and dirt and keep product integrity. You can use this dustproof snap capper machine to package cannabis products in different sizes and shaped containers.

  1. Cannabis Flower Weight Filling Machine

The cannabis weight machine is designed to accurately fill cannabis flowers into various containers like bags, bottles, containers, pouches, and jars. Often, it comes with a dual weighing system to make sure the right net weight is calculated while filling. Also, this machine can fill around 40 pouches each minute.

  1. CBD Edible Gummy, Cookie, Chocolate Wrapping Machine

This machine is for packaging cannabis-infused edibles. It automates the wrapping process for products like gummies and chocolates, ensuring consistent quality and presentation. This device makes it easy to adjust settings for different product sizes, as well as options for adding labels or seals. You can use it to pack about 200 bags per minute. 

  1. Cannabis Wholesale Bagging Machines With Vacuum

This cannabis machine is best for bulk packaging and is specifically suited for larger bags. It runs automatically and fills pre-made pouches while providing gas or vacuum flushing capability. This way, it maintains the product’s freshness. 

In addition, this bagging machine is manufactured from strong stainless steel. Also, it has user-friendly PLC control to make it easy to adjust multiple bag sizes. 

  1. Cannabis Pre-Roll Packaging Machine

A cannabis pre-roll packaging machine automates the process of packaging pre-rolled joints. It is manufactured to fill, seal, and sometimes label pre-roll containers or tubes. This machine is best for increasing production speed while reducing labor costs and human error. Often, it can handle various sizes of pre-rolls and come with customization options for packaging materials.

How To Choose The Right Cannabis Packaging Machines?  

After considering a few factors, you can choose the ideal cannabis packaging machine for your industry. Here, I have included some factors; just keep them in mind while purchasing the machine–

What are your bag sizes and types?

Understanding your bag sizes and types is the main thing to consider when selecting a suitable packaging machine for cannabis. Different machines can work with various bag configurations, such as stand-up pouches, pillow bags, or gusset bags. For instance, if you use pre-made bags versus forming bags from a roll of film, this will affect the type of machinery you need. 

How much vertical space do you have available?

Many automated systems require sufficient height for multi-head scales or other components that can sit atop the main unit. If your factory has limited vertical space, it’s necessary to communicate this to manufacturers so they can suggest other solutions that fit your environment. Or you can make customized machines for your unique situation. 

What is your weight tolerance?

Deciding your weight tolerance is essential for compliance with legal regulations governing cannabis packaging. So, machines must be capable of accurately weighing products within specified limits. If your operation requires strict adherence to weight specifications, select a machine that offers high precision in weighing.

Do you have any budget and/or speed restrictions?

Budget and speed constraints are key factors to take into account when selecting a cannabis packaging machine. For example, high-speed, automated machines offer faster throughput but come with higher upfront costs. If you have a tight budget, choose semi-automated or manual machines, which come with lower speed. So, choose a solution that balances your cost and production needs.

Conclusion

With unique cannabis packaging, you can attract your target customers and make sales. Also, packaging can save cannabis products from dust, mold, and other contaminations. The best part of cannabis packaging is it can be child-resistant and easy to use. 

So, if you want the best machine for your cannabis packaging, contact us. We have different types of cannabis packaging machines at competitive prices. Also, the customize option and after-sales service are popular among customers. To get more information, email us Now.  

FAQs

How is cannabis oil packaged?

Typically, cannabis oil can be packed in plastic vials, glass dropper bottles, and many other options. These packaging are simple to use and can keep the product quality by protecting from moisture and light. Often, they come with opaque, child-resistant features. Also, you can print labels on these packages for your brand information to gain popularity. 

What is the best packaging for cannabis?

You can say the best packaging for cannabis comes with protection, child safety, and aesthetic appearance. They also have features like a resealable option, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials. Again, fulfilling legal requirements and printing product information in one package makes them the best packaging option for cannabis.

What is the packaging date for cannabis?

The packaging date for cannabis is the specific date when the product is packaged for retail sale. So, this date is mandatory on labels to inform consumers about the product’s age. However, expiration dates are optional and determined by the manufacturer based on stability testing and product types. 

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Francis

Packaging Machine Specialists

Hi, I’m Francis Wu, Founder and General Manager of HonorPack, I have been running a factory producing packaging machinery in China for 20 years, discussing equipment and operation with our technical staff and communicating with our experienced packaging experts..

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