5 Packaging Strategies to Boost Cannabis Brand Identity

Want to make your cannabis brand stand out? Here’s what you need to know about packaging that sells:

Strategy	What It Does	Key Impact
Quality Materials	Glass, metal tins protect product	+18% sales boost
Green Materials	Hemp plastic, ocean waste	80% buyers pay more
Clear Branding	Simple design, bold colors	93% buy on looks
Easy-Use Features	Child-safe, senior-friendly	Required by law
Legal Compliance	Meets state rules	Prevents fines

Why This Matters Now:

Cannabis market hitting $19B by 2025
Packaging market reaching $11.8B by 2030
36 states allow medical cannabis
72% of buyers choose based on packaging

Here’s the thing: Your packaging isn’t just a container – it’s your 24/7 sales team. When brands update their packaging:

30% see higher sales
52% of buyers switch brands
81% care more when buying gifts

Quick Look at What Works:

Feature	Why Use It	Result
Glass Jars	No chemicals, UV blocking	Products last 3x longer
Hemp Plastic	Zero pesticides	80+ tons used already
QR Codes	Easy product info	Higher trust
Child Locks	Required safety	Meets all state rules

Bottom line? Good packaging sells products. But the right packaging builds brands that last. Let’s break down exactly how to make that happen.

How Packaging Shapes Brand Success

Let’s look at what the numbers tell us about packaging in cannabis:

Consumer Behavior	Impact
Visual Decision Making	93% of buyers rely on visual cues for new products
Brand Loyalty	52% prefer unknown strains from favorite brands
Effect-Based Buying	51% choose products based on advertised effects
Brand Recognition	64% seek specific brands for flower purchases

Your packaging isn’t just a container – it’s your 24/7 sales team. Here’s what happens when brands get their packaging right:

Impact Area	Result
Revenue	30% of businesses saw higher sales after packaging updates
Purchase Decisions	72% of Americans buy based on packaging
Gift Purchases	81% care more about packaging when buying gifts
Brand Switching	52% changed brands due to packaging design

"Cannabis packaging is more than a mere container. If used effectively, it can be a powerful tool that shapes consumer perception and influences purchasing decisions." – Pioneer Packaging Worldwide

Real-World Example: Dosist

In California’s crowded market, Dosist stands out. Their clean, medical-style packaging doesn’t just protect products – it builds trust. The result? Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.

What Today’s Cannabis Buyers Want:

Consumer Preference	Percentage
Transparent Brands	74%
Eco-Friendly Options	67%
Will Pay More for Green Packaging	80%

"Consumer loyalty is a magic term that a lot of brands are chasing today, and the biggest way to achieve that is with consistent, high-quality packaging that allows operators to maintain integrity within a supply chain they just can’t control." – Kim Stuck, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting

The Market is Shifting:

Medical brands = clean, professional look
Recreational brands = eye-catching designs
Young buyers want earth-friendly materials
Edibles and drinks need special solutions

Bottom line? Good packaging boosts sales. But the RIGHT packaging builds brands that last. Let’s dive into how you can make that happen.

Choose High-Quality Materials

Let’s break down what works (and what doesn’t) for cannabis packaging materials:

Glass is king for cannabis storage. It doesn’t leach chemicals, blocks UV rays, and keeps products fresh longer than other options. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable.

But here’s the thing:

Not every product needs glass. Here’s what top brands use:

Material Type	Protection	Best For
Glass	Best	Oils, concentrates, premium products
Stainless Steel	Strong	Travel containers, multi-strain storage
Aluminum	Good	Daily-use containers
Paper/Cardboard	Basic	Outer packaging, gift boxes

The right material makes a huge difference. Check out these test results:

Factor	Glass	Plastic
Chemical Leaching	None	Yes
UV Protection	High	Low
Keeps Products Fresh	3x longer	Standard
Stops Mold	Yes	Limited
Recyclable	Always	Sometimes

Smart brands are stepping up their game. Here’s what’s working:

Brand	Material	Results
Red Bud Elixirs	18PT C1S stock	Better shelf appeal
Ruby Mae’s	20PT C1S stock	Premium look
Berkshire Roots	Soft touch laminate	Better user experience

Want to level up your packaging? These upgrades work:

Feature	Why It Works	Result
Aqueous Finish	Protects + Looks Good	Products last longer
Spot Gloss UV	Stands out	Looks more expensive
Cold Foil	Stops fakes	Protects your brand
Embossing	Feels premium	People remember it

Let’s look at a real example:

The Evergreen Storage Solution costs $30 and includes:

Glass base (see what’s inside)
Silicone sleeve (blocks UV)
Humidity control
Airtight lid

"Our jar takes the basic Mason jar concept and makes it work better for cannabis storage" – Evergreen Team

Quick tips for picking materials:

Use waterproof options for flower
Add seals to keep things fresh
Make it child-resistant
Block UV light
Test how it handles shipping

Bottom line: Your packaging materials say a lot about your brand. Better materials = better protection and stronger brand image.

2. Use Earth-Friendly Materials

Here’s how cannabis brands cut waste and build trust through smart packaging choices:

Material	What It Does	Results
Hemp Plastic	Grows fast, needs zero pesticides	Sana Packaging: 80+ tons used
Ocean Plastic	Pulls waste from oceans	Sana: 177 tons reclaimed
Glass	High recycled content	TreeHugger: 75% recycled glass
Hemp Paperboard	Mixes recycled paper + hemp	Hemp Press: Major brand supplier

Different products need different solutions:

Product	Best Choice	Why
Pre-rolls	Hemp tubes	Biodegradable
Vape carts	Recycled glass	Recyclable
Flower	Ocean plastic	Stops ocean waste
Edibles	Hemp board	Less raw material

Real companies making changes:

Brand	Change	Impact
CannaCraft	Dropped single-use vape plastic	-2M plastic pieces/year
Dama	Hemp child-safe containers	Meets rules + helps planet
TerraCycle	Cannabis recycling program	Now in 21 countries

The market speaks for itself:

Factor	Now	Next
Bio-plastic Market	$17B	$44B (2022)
Plastic Use	1B+ units/year	Growing
GHG Reduction	70% less vs standard	With bio materials

4 steps to start:

Choose #1 or #2 PET plastics
Switch to hemp where you can
Add recycled content
Use carbon-offset shipping

Here’s the deal: Green materials help you stand out AND cut waste. Pick what works for your products and matches what your customers want.

3. Create Clear Brand Visuals

Here’s what makes cannabis packaging pop on shelves:

Design Element	Purpose	Examples
Color Schemes	Help buyers spot product lines	48 North: Simple tones + color blocks
Typography	Shows brand style	STIIZY: Bold caps for high-end look
Logo Placement	Builds memory	Bloom Farms: Simple leaf + text
Print Effects	Grabs attention	JUJU Joints: Shiny details + displays

Smart color picks by product:

Product Type	Colors	Brand Example
Medical	Clean whites	48 North
High-End	Black + gold	Défoncé
Natural	Earth tones	Caliva
Craft	Bold mix	Almora

What works on shelves:

Element	Why It Works	Brand Example
QR Codes	Quick info	Dosist
Patterns	Brand stamp	Beboe: Old meets new
Clear Layout	Easy to read	Caliva: Big THC numbers
Clean Design	Modern look	48 North: Sharp lines

"Headquarters built a look that fits our market but sets us apart as high-end. They took our ideas and turned them into something that drives sales." – Rick Stevens, JUJU Joints Founder

How to stand out:

Pick colors that match your brand
Make text big and clear
Add QR codes for more info
Keep products safe
Check all legal boxes

Here’s the thing: Only 7% of buyers say packaging drives their choice. But when people can’t smell or see the product first? Your package needs to do the talking.

4. Make Packaging User-Friendly

Your packaging needs to do two things: keep products safe and be easy to use. Here’s what works:

Feature	Purpose	Example
One-handed Opening	Easy access for medical users	AssurPack® AssurSeal® with squeeze-to-open seal
Child-resistant Design	Safety + senior access	EPIK LOK® with 94% child safety rating
Smart Storage	Keep products fresh	RXDco Cocoon Jars with humidity control
Resealable Options	Long-term use	Happy Head’s Eco-Slide tins at $0.28/unit

The best safety features combine protection with ease of use:

Type	How It Works	Brand Example
Push-Fit Closure	Press to seal, pop to open	RXDco Cocoon Jars
Dual-Push System	Press two spots to unlock	Happy Head Hi-Lock Tins
Slider Lock	Press tabs to release	EPIK LOK® Packaging
Squeeze-Open	Press sides for access	AssurPack® AssurSeal®

"Our goal with Cocoon Jars was to create a packaging solution that not only meets the stringent safety standards of the cannabis industry but also offers a superior user experience and supports our sustainability goals." – Moshe Zussman, CEO at RXDco

Here’s what makes packaging work for everyone:

Big, readable labels showing THC content
Grips that work for people with limited hand strength
Moisture protection to keep products fresh
Simple, secure closing mechanism
Size options for different needs

The numbers tell the story:

Must stop 80% of kids from getting in
96% of seniors need to open it easily
Has to keep moisture out
Needs to seal properly every time

Best containers by product:

Product	Container	Features
Flower	Cocoon Jars	UV protection + airtight seal
Edibles	Eco-Slide Tins	Metal build + child lock
Oils	AssurSeal®	One-hand open + leak-proof
Concentrates	Hi-Lock Tins	Dual-push safety + reusable

5. Meet Legal Requirements

Cannabis packaging isn’t just about looks – it’s about following strict rules. Here’s what you MUST include:

Required Element	Details	States Requiring
THC Content	Clear display of amount	100% of states
Manufacturer Info	Contact details	100% of states
Batch Number	Product tracking code	94% of states
Health Warnings	Risk statements	94% of states
Universal Symbol	Cannabis identification	90% of states
CBD Content	Amount per package	87% of states

Your packaging needs these safety features:

Feature	Purpose	State Examples
Child-Resistant	Meets PPPA standards	Required in 27 states including CO, FL, NY
Tamper-Evident	Shows if opened	Mandatory in AL, CA, MA, NY
Resealable	For multi-serve items	Required in AK, CO, WA
Opaque	Hides edibles	Standard in most states

Watch out for these state-specific rules:

State	Special Requirements
Florida	Completely bare containers
Montana	Protection from contamination
California	Prop 65 warning labels
Massachusetts	Secret shopper compliance checks

Basic Label Requirements:

Text must be 6-point font or larger
Everything in English
Clear THC/CBD amounts
Batch numbers
Warning statements
Food-grade material proof

Common Packaging Mistakes:

Avoid	Why
Kid-friendly designs	FDA/FTC restrictions
Food product copies	Banned in 9+ states
Easy-open features	Must be child-resistant
Unclear serving sizes	Required by law

Testing Must-Haves:

ASTM facility approval
FDA food-grade materials
Shelf-life tests
Lab testing
Potency verification

Quick Compliance Check:

Child-resistant proof
Tamper-evident features
Warning labels
Full ingredient list
Lab results
Batch codes
Storage info

Steps to Put These Ideas to Work

Here’s what you need to know about cannabis packaging costs and suppliers:

Cost Factor	Price Impact	Ways to Save
Sustainable Materials	+10% higher	Bulk ordering, efficient design
Custom Metal Tins	Standard pricing	Plan 100-120 day lead time
Print Colors	Variable	Limit number of colors
Child-Resistant Features	Required cost	Buy in volume

Pick Your Supplier

What to Check	Why It Matters
Industry Range	Experience with food, pharma, beauty
Quality Testing	Food-grade materials, lab results
Stock Options	Quick access during shortages
Communication	Updates on delays, changes
Lead Times	Planning for production

"The most important consideration is the quality of the material and construction – protecting the product is paramount." – Samip Shah, Chief Operating Officer, C3 Industries, Detroit

Quality Checks That Matter

Test physical samples before big orders
Check food-grade papers
Test child safety
Look at safety docs
Check FDA rules

Know Your Timeline

Production Type	Lead Time	Notes
Custom Metal	100-120 days	Order early
Stock Items	2-4 weeks	Keep extras
Rush Orders	7-14 days	Costs more
Sustainable Options	30-45 days	Limited stock

"Find a packaging supplier who can consistently meet deadlines and provide plenty of forewarning about delays." – Brooks Allman, founder and head of product, Platinum Brands, Denver

Cut Your Costs

Strategy	Impact
Bulk Orders	15-25% savings
Standard Sizes	Lower costs
Automated Design	Less labor
Fewer SKUs	Better inventory
Blanket Orders	Fixed pricing

"Proper management of the cost of goods sold is critical to success in cannabis packaging." – Austin Stevenson, Chief Innovation Officer, Vertosa, Oakland

Watch Out For These Issues

Problem	Result
No Food Grade Lacquer	Failed testing
Poor Planning	Out of stock
One Supplier	Price jumps
Rush Orders	Extra costs
Wrong Materials	Legal issues

Here’s a pro tip: Chinese New Year stops production. Plan your orders around major holidays to stay on track.

What’s Next in Cannabis Packaging

The cannabis packaging market will hit $2.5 billion by 2032. Here’s what’s driving this growth:

Smart Tech Is Here

Technology	Function	Impact
QR Codes	Product info, lab results	Direct consumer access
NFC Tags	Tap-to-verify authenticity	Reduces counterfeits
AR Labels	Interactive product displays	Higher engagement
Smart Sensors	Temperature monitoring	Better product safety

New Materials Coming in 2024

Material Type	Features	Time to Market
Hemp Plastic	Fully biodegradable	Available now
Mushroom-Made	Compostable in 45 days	Q2 2024
Water-Soluble	Dissolves completely	Q3 2024
Seaweed-Based	Edible packaging	Testing phase

Want to see where packaging’s headed? Look at the Smile Tin from Compliant Packaging. It’s 100% plastic-free and recyclable. Plus, brands are switching to cornstarch tray inserts that break down naturally.

Market Shifts

Trend	Market Share 2023	Expected 2024
Plastic-Free Options	15%	35%
Smart Labels	22%	45%
Premium Designs	28%	40%
Minimalist Style	18%	30%

"Cannabis packaging design must adapt to changing consumer demands, new product innovations, and regulations as the market changes." – The NetMen Corp

Sales Numbers

Package Type	Sales Lift	Consumer Response
Smart Labels	+22%	Higher trust
Premium Design	+18%	Better perception
Eco-Materials	+15%	More repeat buyers
Child-Safe	Required	Market standard

Here’s what matters: 77% of Americans check a product’s environmental impact before buying. That’s pushing brands to step up their game with better materials and smarter designs.

The cannabis industry isn’t slowing down. Global sales jumped to $28 billion in 2022 and will reach $80 billion by 2027. That’s pushing packaging growth at 17% each year.

Wrap-Up

Here’s what drives cannabis packaging success in 2024:

Strategy	Impact	Key Action
Premium Materials	+18% sales lift	Glass containers, metal tins
Green Packaging	+15% repeat buyers	Hemp plastic, mushroom materials
Clean Design	+22% brand recall	Set color schemes, simple fonts
Easy Use	+25% customer satisfaction	QR codes, safety locks
Legal Rules	Required	Meet state guidelines

Let’s look at two brands doing it right:

Lowell Herb Co‘s pre-rolls come in old-school boxes that pop on shelves. Buyers love them. Houseplant went with tins you can stack – smart move. People keep these containers, which means the brand stays in their homes.

Here’s where the market’s heading:

Metric	Now	2024 Goal
No-Plastic Options	15% market share	35% market share
Smart Labels	22% adoption	45% adoption
High-End Designs	28% presence	40% presence

What to do next:

Match your packaging to your price
Double-check those child locks
Add QR codes for lab data
Keep designs simple
Watch for new state rules