Cannabis products are growing in popularity. In some U.S. states, you can sell cannabis-infused products in stores, while other states have restrictions. Changes over the last decade are a clear indication of how this market is set to grow exponentially in the upcoming years.
This market growth also comes with a rise in competition. If you manufacture, sell, or distribute Cannabis-based products—oils, edibles, beverages, and more—you know that it’s already hard enough to differentiate your products in a crowded market.
Product labels play an important part in sales growth, especially when it comes to selling products outside of a dispensary and in very crowded retail environments. This is where you have to compete not only with other cannabis product manufacturers but also with “regular” drinks and products.
We’ve already discussed how you can make your CBD labels stand out. You can also learn more about cannabis labeling compliance here. Now let’s focus on how to create labels for cannabis-infused products that both stand out from the crowd and are compliant.
Regulations and Compliance for Cannabis-Infused Product Labeling
First off, you need to know that every state has its own rules when it comes to packaging, labeling, and selling cannabis-infused products. For instance, in Colorado, you can sell cannabis-infused beverages in see-through bottles, but your packaging needs to be opaque in California. In California, you also need to add the following statement, as-is, in bold:
“GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS CANNABIS, A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS. CANNABIS MAY ONLY BE POSSESSED OR CONSUMED BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER UNLESS THE PERSON IS A QUALIFIED PATIENT. CANNABIS USE WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING MAY BE HARMFUL. CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE AND OPERATE MACHINERY. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION.”
So, the first thing you need to do is get very familiar with state and federal laws. Of course, you’ll need a new crash course in legislation if you decide to expand to a new state.
The FDA provides clear instructions for every type of cannabis-infused category of products. It’s important to note that these guidelines differ depending on what you’re selling. You can start your research here:
- Cannabis and cannabis-infused products guide
- Food labeling guide
- Cosmetics labeling guide
- Dietary supplements labeling guide
As a general guideline, you have to refrain from making medical claims on the labels of cannabis-infused products. You also have to include the following information:
- Statement of identity
- Storage requirements
- Net content quantity
- Statement of distribution (include the company name, as well as the address, and contact information)
- For cannabis-infused food and beverages: nutrition facts
- For supplements: supplement facts
- Allergen disclaimer
- List of ingredients
Again, this list varies widely from state to state, so make sure to check the regulations applicable to the products you’re selling.
Aside from being compliant, your label also needs to attract consumers. How can you kill these two birds with one stone? Let’s find out!
Labels for Cannabis-Infused Products: How to Stand out from a BIG Crowd
Cannabis-infused drinks have had the growth spurt of the decade and this trend doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. As we’ve been working more and more clients in this industry lately, we’ve noticed a few common concerns about labeling:
- Direct competition increase: as the market grows, so does the number of products a customer can choose from.
- Indirect competition increase: cannabis-infused beverages, for instance, compete with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Neither of these has as burdensome of compliance regulations to abide by.
- Balancing mandatory information with branding and marketing information on the same label.
These trends make for quite the tall order. But solutions exist, and they are just as new as (or even newer than) the cannabis industry—the legal one, at least—itself.
Since you have to fit a LOT of information on a label, and it still needs to achieve its primary goal (selling!), you will need different labeling solutions from other manufacturers. Think about Pepsi, for instance, which sells pretty much the same product they did decades ago and have fairly simple label requirements.
For cannabis products, you need labels that are:
- Easy to alter (as the regulations change or as you expand to new markets)
- Modern in every way, from how they look to how they feel, to create a full sensory experience
- Cost effective
- Compliant with regulations
- Unique to your brand
Can you achieve all that on a single label without breaking the bank? Yes, you can! Here’s how we help our customers create labels that tick every box.
Compliance, Personalization, and Stellar Branding for Your Cannabis-Infused Product Labels
It’s been close to 30 years since we started working with manufacturers and distributors from sensitive or niche industries. We’ve helped craft brewers and winemakers create labels that are compliant and stunning.
For a few years now, we’ve been doing the same for the cannabis industry. From buds and flowers to cannabis-infused drinks, oils, and edibles, we can help you create the label your products deserve with zero compromises.
For example, we’ve helped Tinley’s craft labels for their cannabis-infused tonics and mixers that are on-brand and compliant.
One way to accomplish premium labeling without breaking the bank is with Dynamic Hybrid Labeling, our proprietary solution that helps you take back control of your branding and meet compliance labeling requirements at the same time. Even though the information you have to include on the label takes up a lot of space—and is tough to make attractive—you can still create labels that catch the eye of potential buyers.
Get your professionally printed brand label with eye-catching finishes like:
- Gloss or matte
- Embossing
- Hot stamping
- Varnishes
And print your compliance label, with all the required information, right at your facility. No more slapping on an extra label that makes your product look homemade. Maintain your professional brand while staying compliant.
Our team of consultants with a vast background in labels for cannabis-infused products is always in your corner. Let’s talk!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as legal advice. It is available for general informational purposes only.
