Navigating the World of Custom Marijuana Labels

Custom Marijuana Labels in Your State

Whether you are growing, manufacturing, or distributing cannabis products, the legal landscape currently contains a potential minefield of requirements. Without careful attention to detail, businesses can easily find themselves on the wrong side due to simple labeling omissions or errors. This is why it is important to ensure that you have a labeling company that understands the legal requirements in your state.

What are Cannabis and Marijuana?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cannabis refers to the plant Cannabis sativa, which produces marijuana and hemp. The plant contains two active chemical compounds of particular concern to the FDA: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Hemp products are regulated by the FDA, with particular limits placed on the amount of THC that can be present in hemp plants used in manufacturing. Some recent changes in federal and state laws have relaxed those limits.

Due to the psychoactive effects of THC, parts of the cannabis plant have been classified by the FDA as a Schedule I controlled substance. Marijuana has been listed as a controlled substance since 1970, but recent changes in state laws have relaxed many marijuana regulations. Although several states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use, the federal government continues to classify marijuana as a controlled substance, and it must, therefore, be labeled as such.

In order to satisfy FDA regulations concerning controlled substances and comply with governing laws in states where it has been legalized, it is imperative that marijuana products be labeled correctly. Depending on the location, states require different notifications and warnings on marijuana packaging labels. When deciding how to package your marijuana products, be sure to consult with a professional who understands the labeling requirements in your state.

Why Labeling Marijuana Products Correctly Matters

Due to the extensive legal requirements for marijuana labeling in different states, we recommend that you consult with a professional label provider who is well versed in marijuana labeling laws and regulations.

It is the responsibility of the producer and seller to ensure product compliance.

Frequent changes in the detailed requirements for labeling can easily result in oversight by someone less familiar with marijuana labeling requirements.

Failing to comply with legal labeling requirements for marijuana and related products could result in:

  •  Costly fines
  • Product recalls
  • Revocation of licensing/certification
  • Closing of business

Marijuana packaging laws vary by state and can change without notice, so knowledge of the legal packaging requirements in your state is a key component in marketing and distributing your product. Some states, such as Arizona, have no specific labeling requirements, though they require that marijuana packaging be child-proof. Other states are more stringent, with many additional requirements for package designs and labels.

Package Design

It is of the utmost importance that brands’ verify compliance with local and federal laws prior to starting their packaging design.

Some states require that the packaging be not only childproof but also opaque and re-sealable. Many states also require that the packaging art not be considered attractive to minors.

In some places, packaging must also be small enough to contain no more than 1 month’s worth of the prescribed dosage. Some states even require individual packaging for each dose.

Custom Marijuana Label Requirements

In addition to legal packaging, labeling requirements can be extensive and vary greatly by state. Some of the most common label regulations include:

  • Wording and Font: Some states require that labels be printed clearly in legible English, in specific font sizes.
  • Visibility: In states with visibility requirements, labels may need to be unobstructed and conspicuous on the packaging.
  • Manufacturer Information: Certain states expect labels to include manufacturer information, including the name of the producer, cultivation center, brand name, or other information to identify the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
  • Testing and Expiration: In states where testing is required, labels must often include state testing dates and detailed results. This can include quality testing for pesticides, solvents, and other pollutants or biological contaminants as mandated by the state.
  • Active Ingredients: As with many pharmaceuticals, states may require that labels include all active ingredients in their product, with a percentage of content by weight indicated for each of the active-controlled ingredients.
  • Patient and Physician Information: In states where medical marijuana is legalized, a prescription is required. The label for medical marijuana will often be required to adhere to pharmaceutical labeling requirements, including the patient’s identifying information and that of the prescribing physician.

Custom Marijuana Labels at Star Label Products

At Star Label Products, we pride ourselves on our high level of quality control. We produce custom marijuana packaging labels and medical marijuana warning labels to meet the needs of businesses in every state. We understand the importance of correct labeling to keep your business running smoothly, and we make the process as easy as possible.

For more information or to place an order, contact us today.

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