Child-Resistant Cannabis Packaging: Compliance Checklist

Here’s what you need to know about child-resistant cannabis packaging compliance:

Must be hard for kids under 5 to open, easy for adults
Key requirements:
- 85% of kids can’t open in 5 minutes
- 90% of adults can open/close in 5 minutes
- Opaque with warning labels
Main laws: Poison Prevention Packaging Act and state rules
Testing standards in CFR16.1700.20

Quick checklist:

[ ] Kid-resistant, adult-friendly
[ ] Lab tested
[ ] Meets CPSC standards
[ ] State-approved
[ ] Warning labels
[ ] Opaque design
[ ] No kid-appeal

Avoid:

Ignoring state rules
Prioritizing looks over safety
Non-eco materials
Poor custom packaging planning

Stay compliant:

Check packaging often
Train staff
Keep records

Bottom line: Child-resistant packaging is key for safety and compliance. Follow the checklist, avoid pitfalls, and stay current with rules.

What is Child-Resistant Packaging?

Child-resistant packaging (CRP) keeps kids from accessing harmful stuff. For cannabis, it’s the law.

Definition and Rules

CRP must be tough for kids under 5 but easy for adults. The CPSC says:

85% of kids can’t open it in 5 minutes
80% still can’t after being shown how
90% of adults can open/close in 5 minutes

These rules come from the 1970 Poison Prevention Packaging Act.

Main Laws and Standards

1. Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)

Requires "special packaging" for dangerous items.

2. State Rules

Over 20 states have their own laws. For example:

New York: All cannabis packages must be child-resistant
California: Cracking down on kid-appealing packaging

3. Testing Standards

CFR16.1700.20 outlines testing:

Group	Participants	Time	Success
Kids	50 (42-51 months)	10 min	80% fail
Adults	Varies	5 min	90% can open/close

"Go with child resistance out of the gate", says Phillip Harrison of Dura-Pack. "Whatever your municipality says, go way out in front of it."

Checklist for Child-Resistant Cannabis Packaging

Use this to check your packaging:

Design

[ ] Hard for kids under 5 to open
[ ] Easy for adults to open/close in 5 minutes
[ ] Child-resistant mechanism (e.g., push and twist)
[ ] Opaque

Testing/Approval

[ ] Lab tested
[ ] Meets CPSC standards
[ ] State-approved

Labels

[ ] Warnings
[ ] Cannabis symbol
[ ] THC info
[ ] "Not child-resistant after opening" (Single Use CRP)

Product Rules

Type	Packaging
Flower	Single Use CRP
Pre-rolls	Single Use CRP
Edibles	Lifetime CPR
Tinctures	Lifetime CPR

Extra Safety

[ ] Tamper-evident seals
[ ] No kid-appeal designs
[ ] Pinch-n-pull for bags
[ ] Press-buttons for pre-rolls

"Child resistant packaging has always been important to pharma, but cannabis is new", says JohnsByrne.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these errors:

1. Ignoring state rules

Rules vary by state. Example fines:

Massachusetts: Cultivate paid $75,000 for bad labels

2. Looks over function

Don’t make it too complex. One user said:

"Press here. Pinch there. Cut tape. NOW press here, pinch there, AND pull this!"

3. Forgetting accessibility

Medical users struggle with tough packaging.

4. Ignoring eco-friendly options

Look for recyclable, child-resistant options.

5. Poor custom packaging planning

Account for longer lead times.

6. Bad images

Use high-quality visuals.

7. Wrong sizes

Double-check measurements.

Keeping Up with Rules

Stay on top of compliance:

Check Often

Review packaging regularly.

Tip: Visit the CPSC website for updates.

Train Staff

Keep everyone informed.

"Monthly training helps catch issues early", says a dispensary owner.

Keep Records

Track:

Daily torque tests
Lot testing
Quantity checks

Why: The CPSC may ask for proof.

Record	Include	Frequency
Torque	Date, results, tester	Daily
Lot	Batch #, results, date	Each batch
Quantity	Units, date, inspector	Each run

Conclusion

Child-resistant packaging keeps kids safe and builds trust. Follow the checklist to stay compliant.

Key points:

Safety first
Compliance is crucial
Use certified packaging
Check often, train staff, keep records

One mistake can cause recalls and hurt trust. As Praxis Packaging says:

"Child-resistant packaging shows commitment to safety, innovation, and responsibility."

FAQs

What are the requirements?

Child-resistant cannabis packaging must:

Be 4 mils (0.1 mm) thick plastic
Heat-sealed without easy-open features
Meet testing standards:
- 80% of kids (42-51 months) can’t open in 10 minutes
- 90% of adults (50-70) can open in 5 minutes

Key: Must be PPPA certified.

Different products need different packaging:

Product	Type	Example
Flower, pre-rolls	Single-use CRP	Sealed mylar bags
Edibles, tinctures	Multiple-use CRP	Push-down and turn containers

"It’s not just law—it’s critical for safety and trust", says Praxis Packaging.

Tip: Always get child-resistant certification from suppliers.