As more states legalize the use of cannabis, the demand for new and effective packaging solutions increases. But beyond the functionality and sustainability, there’s also the issue of child-proofing.
Many states have implemented childproofing cannabis packaging regulations to prevent kids from ingesting cannabis. As such, cannabis businesses must meet these requirements to avoid legal sanctions. However, designing child-resistant cannabis packaging can seem limiting and challenging.
In this article, we address the concerns you may have about finding packaging that’s both child-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.
How Can Cannabis Packaging Be Child-Proof?
Many cannabis products look similar to edible gummies or lollipops. As such, the legalization of cannabis resulted in an increase in cases of children ingesting cannabis products. This became an issue as the effects of cannabis on children are often more pronounced. They typically include drowsiness, breathing problems, agitation, etc.
As a result of this issue, many states implemented childproofing regulations regarding cannabis packaging. Most of these regulations state that cannabis packaging:
- Should be designed in a way that makes it difficult for children under five to open or obtain a harmful amount of the contents within a reasonable time.
- Should have a closure that’s difficult for kids to figure out, yet easy enough for adults to understand and open.
- Should not be designed in a way that will appeal to children.
- Should not be packaged in a way that appeals to children. Therefore, it shouldn’t look like candy, or be brightly labelled.
Because of these regulations, the cannabis industry has a responsibility to provide packaging that meets the statutory standards.
As a cannabis business, it can be quite challenging to know what to consider when designing child-resistant cannabis packaging items for your products.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to address these concerns and stand out while at it.
#1. Pick the right cap or closure
Child-resistant packaging should have a closure that’s difficult for kids to figure out. However, it must also be easy enough for adults to understand and open. Some great closure options that meet both requirements are caps, sliders, and zippers.
If you’re using flexible packaging, a press-to-close zipper seal is a great option. The zipper secures the top of the pouch, thus reducing the risk of children being able to open the package.
#2. Use tamper-proof packaging
When designing child-resistant cannabis packaging, you can choose a pack that has tamper-evident features. This means that the pack has some kind of seal which will be visibly destroyed as soon as it’s opened.
As such, it will be evident that your package has been tampered with.
Nonetheless, you still want to use packaging that remains sealed even after it’s been opened.
#3. Use labelling
Labelling plays a great role in child-proofing your cannabis packaging. Ensure that your label has space enough to include all the necessary info about your product and its use.
Such essential details include a cannabis warning symbol, the list of ingredients, allergens, health warnings, etc. In addition, you should include other important information about the packaging.
For instance, cannabis products that are single-served must state that once the packaging is opened, it is no longer child-friendly. You should state this warning clearly on your product label.
Bottom Line
Current child-resistant regulations are critical to the cannabis packaging design process. And any successful cannabis business must embrace childproofing as part of the design challenge.