Top Mistakes to Avoid in Cannabis Packaging Compliance

The cannabis industry is growing rapidly and has stringent regulations around packaging to ensure consumer safety and product integrity. Navigating these regulations can be challenging, and even minor compliance mistakes can lead to recalls, legal liabilities, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid to ensure your cannabis packaging is compliant and up to standard.

1. Inadequate Child-Resistant (CR) Documentation

One of the most critical aspects of cannabis packaging is ensuring it is child-resistant. This requires documentation proving that the packaging has been tested and certified by an ASTM-approved (American Society for Testing Materials) testing facility. Your packaging could fail to meet regulatory standards without proper documentation, leading to non-compliance issues. Recently, states like Massachusetts have even employed “secret shopper” programs to ensure companies follow compliance regulations with packaging and labeling.

AssurPack® Tips:

– Ensure your packaging supplier provides up-to-date CR documentation (always ask!).

– Verify that the testing was conducted at an ASTM-approved facility.

– Maintain records of all compliance documentation for audits and inspections.

2. Using Non-FDA Food-Grade Resins

The materials used in cannabis packaging must meet FDA food-grade standards to ensure consumer safety. Non-compliant resins can contaminate cannabis products, posing health risks to consumers and resulting in potential recalls. This is another critical factor to consider when auditing the packaging manufacturers you choose, as this can lead to massive recalls and irreparable damage to your company’s reputation.

AssurPack® Tips:

– Confirm with your supplier that all resins used are FDA food-grade.

– Request certification or documentation proving compliance.

– Regularly review and update your material specifications to adhere to changing regulations.

3. Neglecting Shelf-Life Testing

Shelf-life testing is crucial to guarantee that cannabis products remain safe and effective throughout their intended shelf life. Outdated or inadequate shelf-life testing can lead to product degradation, affecting quality and safety. The industry standard for airtight cannabis packaging testing is USP-671, which isn’t a necessary standard in any legal market, but it does ensure your customers get the best quality cannabis possible. 

AssurPack® Tips:

– Conduct comprehensive shelf-life testing for all products.

– Ensure testing covers the entire intended shelf life of the product.

– Regularly update shelf-life testing to reflect any product formulation or packaging changes.

4. One-Time Lab Testing and Certification

A common mistake is relying on initial lab testing and certification without ongoing verification. Continuous compliance requires regular testing to account for changes in packaging materials, manufacturing processes, or regulatory requirements. Though labs and manufacturers may have certifications from years ago, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t hold themselves to strict standards.

AssurPack® Tips:

– Implement a schedule for regular lab testing and certification renewals.

– Work with accredited labs to ensure the validity of your testing procedures.

– Stay informed about regulatory updates and adjust testing protocols accordingly.

5. Failing to Integrate Packaging with Automation

As the cannabis industry moves towards automation, packaging must be designed to integrate seamlessly with automated systems. Misalignment between packaging and automation can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and compliance issues. 

AssurPack® Tips:

– Collaborate with packaging suppliers to design automation-compatible solutions.

– Test packaging on automated systems before full-scale implementation.

– Continuously monitor and optimize the integration of packaging with automation.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common compliance mistakes is essential for maintaining the integrity of your cannabis products and ensuring regulatory adherence. By staying proactive and vigilant in your packaging practices, you can protect your brand, reduce the risk of costly recalls, and ensure consumer safety.
For more information on how AssurPack® can help you achieve compliance with innovative packaging solutions, contact us today.