Cannabis Child Resistant Packaging

With the popularity of recreational marijuana products, children are at increased risk of accidental marijuana ingestion. According to the Los Angeles Times, calls to California poison control centers involving marijuana exposure to people 19 and younger rose steadily from 347 in 2015 to 588 in 2018. Recreational marijuana was legalized in California in 2016. This poses problems for the marijuana industry, as harming children is a strong argument for those who oppose legalizing marijuana. New regulations regarding child-resistant packaging of cannabis products sold in California went into effect in January 2020. Other states have enacted regulations requiring child-resistant packaging, or at least are considering them.

Regardless of regulations, cannabis companies are beginning to realize that child-resistant packaging is a smart business decision. Public opinion on marijuana legalization is mixed and can be polarized. One thing both parties can agree on is that marijuana should not be marketed to or consumed by children. Companies taking aggressive steps to protect children from marijuana are sending a message to consumers that they care about making marijuana as safe as possible.

What does it mean to be proactive about protecting your cannabis products?

• Understand and follow labeling requirements. Commit to maintaining focus on labelling requirements by conducting regular compliance checks. Work with packaging manufacturers who can help you integrate labels into your packaging and quickly change labels when regulations change. If child-resistant packaging is required, ask your packaging supplier if their packaging has been tested and certified to the requirements of CFR 16 1700 to ensure you meet regulatory requirements.

• Incorporates child-resistant closures that meet state and federal guidelines. Regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, child-resistant packaging is designed to prevent children under the age of five from being exposed to products that could cause them serious harm, while still allowing the packaging to be a reasonable accommodation for adults. Packaging companies are constantly inventing and testing new child-resistant packaging for the cannabis industry. Find a packaging partner that understands your specific product needs while allowing you to incorporate these important features.

• Use your platform to educate and remind parents and caregivers of the importance of protecting their cannabis. Just because the minimum requirements are met, doesn't mean you have to stop there. Additional information on the package will illustrate your commitment to marijuana safety and may protect children from exposure. You can also provide information on your website and marketing materials that demonstrates your commitment to keeping minors out of recreational marijuana.

If you are a cannabis company looking for high-quality child-resistant and senior-friendly flexible packaging, contact the team at Foraypack. We have developed products for the cannabis industry that meet or exceed safety regulations while still maintaining their appeal and good functional appeal.