The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Packaging Specifications

Okay, so you’ve picked out the ideal packaging for your cannabis products. Now what? The next crucial step is creating a detailed packaging specification. This document acts as the blueprint, ensuring every aspect of your packaging—from design to functionality—meets industry standards and keeps your production running smoothly. But what exactly goes into a packaging specification? Let’s break it down.

The 3 F’s: Form, Fit, and Function

Packaging specifications are more than just a list of measurements. They capture the essence of your packaging’s Form, Fit, and Function. These three pillars ensure the packaging is the right size and shape and performs its job effectively. Key attributes include:

• Dimensions with tolerances and dielines 
• Material type and color (such as PMS reference)
• Food contact safety certifications and presence of PCR (post-consumer recycled materials)

Technical Details Matter

When it comes to cannabis packaging, specific technical details can’t be overlooked. These include:

• Child-resistant certifications (such as the GCC certificate or the USP 671 Certification)
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Relevant recycling symbols

A comprehensive checklist covering these items helps streamline quality control and cannabis industry compliance.

Automation Considerations

If your cannabis production line uses automated systems, including machine-specific requirements in the spec is essential. This might include the minimum and maximum forces needed for product placement or labeling. Capturing these details ensures that your packaging can seamlessly integrate into the production process without delays.

Cross-Departmental Use

The packaging specification isn’t just for the packaging team—it’s a resource for the marketing brand team, purchasing, supply chain, quality control, and warehousing departments. It sets clear expectations on pricing, product delivery, and quality control. This document also becomes a key point of reference if packaging issues arise, such as non-conformance complaints.

Batch Coding and Labeling

Have you considered how you’ll apply batch information or lot coding to your packaging? Whether through laser coding, embossing, or printing, ensure there’s a designated area on the package for this crucial information. This ensures traceability and compliance with industry standards.

Shipping and Storage Details

Finally, think beyond the packaging itself—consider how it will be shipped and stored. Including details like shipping container size and component count per shipper ensures you have enough warehouse space to manage incoming packaging as your production ramps up.

Final Review and Sign-Off

Once drafted, share the specification with all relevant departments and your supplier. Having the supplier sign off on the spec ensures that everyone is aligned and the package meets the agreed-upon criteria.

Packaging Specifications Matter

A well-constructed packaging specification is the backbone of your cannabis product’s success. Various specifications exist, such as USP 671 (airtightness), USP 661 (defining the five common types of plastic used in pharma packaging), and CSPC child-resistant and senior-friendly packages. By clearly defining all attributes, from dimensions to certifications, you create a standard that ensures product quality, compliance, and operational efficiency across your supply chain. Furthermore, if you would like to create a database for your packaging specifications, there are digital specification management platforms available online. Contact AssurPack® today for further information. We are your supply partners that help you understand how to do packaging the right way, not only the fast way.