Child-Resistant Packaging for Cannabis: A Simple Guide
The cannabis industry is growing fast. By 2032, it could be worth over $50 billion. As more places legalize cannabis, rules for packaging getting stricter and stricter. Among these, Child-resistant packaging (CRP) is one of the most important rules.
For cannabis businesses, knowing CPR is important. It helps meet legal rules, protect consumers, and build brand trust. This guide explains the things you need to know about CRP in cannabis industry. It covers:
Table of Contents
1.What Is Child-Resistant Packaging?
CRP is special packaging made to be hard for kids under 5 to open. However, adults can open it easily. This design keeps a balance between safety and usability.
- How It Works: Needs two or more steps to open (like pressing and twisting).
- Must pass safety tests (85% of kids can’t open it in 5 minutes).
- Must be easy for 90% of adults to open and close properly
2.Why Is CRP Required for Cannabis Products?
(1). Preventing Accidental Eating by Children
Cannabis edibles (like gummies, chocolates, etc.) look like candy, which can be mistaken for regular candy by children. From 2017 to 2021, over 7,000 kids under 6 accidentally ate cannabis in the U.S. This is a serious issue. The CRP can help reduce these risks.
(2). Legal Compliance
In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, CRP is required for cannabis products. If you don’t use CRP, you will get fined or lose your license.
(3). Brand Protection and Customers Trust Safe Brands
Using CPR shows a commitment to safety. It reduces risks and improves brand reputation. Consumers, especially parents, prefer brands that use CRP. They trust brands that care about children safety.
3.Types of Child-Resistant Packaging
Different cannabis products need different CRP. Below are the most common type:
(1). Single-Use CRP (For One Opening)
Used for one-time opening, for example, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and flower bags.
Must include the warning: “Not child-resistant after opening.”
(2). Multiple-Use CRP (For Many Openings)
After repeated openings, the CRR stays child-resistant. Used for edibles, tinctures, or capsules.
Common types: push-and-turn caps, squeeze-lock bags, or slider boxes.
(3). Popular CRP Materials and Designs
Glass jars with CR lids – Good for concentrates and flower.
CR Mylar bags – Light, resealable, and blocks smells.
Child-resistant tins – Strong and 100% recyclable.
Slider boxes – Used for pre-rolls and vapes cartridges.
4.CRP Laws in Key Markets
(1). United States
Must follow with the PPPA (Poison Prevention Packaging Act, 16 CFR 1700.20).
States like California and Colorado have extra rules (like opaque packaging).
(2). Canada
Health Canada requires plain packaging, warning labels, and CRP.
(3). Europe (UK, Germany, etc)
Must meet ISO 8317 (for resealable CRP) or BS EN 862 (for non-resealable).
The Origin Jar (UK) is a certified CRP option.
5.Other Cannabis Packaging Rules
CRP is not the only rule. Besides CRP, packaging must also meet other requirements:
(1). Be Opaque (Not See-Through)
Kids cannot see what is inside the product, e.g. gummies.
Required in California, Canada, and Florida.
(2). Teamper-Evident Seals
Make sure the product is safe and not messed with.
(3) Have Warning Labels
Must include:
“Keep away from children.”
THC/CBD content and serving sizes.
Government-mandated cannabis symbol.
(4). Not Look Like Candy or Snacks
No bright colors, cartoons, or fake candy brands.
Some states (like Connecticut) allow only plain packaging.
6.The Future of CRP in Cannabis
New trends in CRP:
Smart packaging – QR codes for tracking and dosage information.
Eco-friendly materials – Like hemp plastic and compostable materials.
Enhanced safety – Fingerprint locks for high-THC products.
7.How to Choose the Right CRP Supplier
When choosing CRP, please check:
(1)Certification – Must meet PPPA, ISO 8317, or 16 CFR 1700.20 and other requirements.
(2)Customization – Add brand logo?
(3)Eco-friendly options – These materials can be recycled or broken down naturally.
(4)User Testing – Test that the packaging is both child-resistant and easy for seniors to open.
Rinpac: Provider of Certified Child-Resistant Packaging
When planning your next packaging strategy, please consider Rinpac. We are a top flexible custom packaging manufacturer in China, committed to providing high-quality materials and advanced printing. Rinpac offers CRP solutions for cannabis products that have passed the strict laboratory tests. We can customize in many ways, such as adding inserts to securely hold products, printing inside and outside for branding and information, and offering a variety of color choices.