Branding Buds: How to Create a Cannabis Label that Sells

Owning a cannabis business and staying within its legal bounds can be quite daunting. Not only are regulations tight for selling your products or promoting them on social media, but there are also strict restrictions on labeling.

Mislabeled cannabis products can lead to severe legal action, so this is a step you don't want to skip. In this blog, we are going to take you through the legal aspects to consider when creating a cannabis label so that it is compliant. 

We will also explore how to design a stellar cannabis label that catches the attention of cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers alike, as well as some pro tips to help you navigate this process. 

However, before delving into the details, let’s look at what every cannabis label should contain in order to create a successful tag that informs the audience of the contents of the product. So grab your notepad and get ready to take your cannabis labels to new heights! 

The 8 Elements Every Cannabis Label Should Contain 

When it comes to the labels of your cannabis products, it's not just about creating an eye-catching design; the information it contains is equally critical to achieving compliance and sales. Here are the essential elements that you should include in your labels:

Warning Labels

In order for your cannabis label to be compliant with the legal regulations in your area, you need to include warning labels. And though the requirements for these warning symbols vary per region, there are some symbols that are non-negotiable. 

One of these warnings is the universal symbol for containing THC. And while it’s universal, the graphic design of the symbol can vary widely per state. So let’s take a look at the official symbols per region:

Another mandatory label that cannabis products should contain is a warning to keep out of the reach of children and that the product is not suitable for pregnant women. Some labels also need to warn their consumers about the non-existence of FDA approval. 

This warning label also varies in design depending on your state. However, here is an example of a warning label in regards to children and pregnant women that is sure to pass most legal requirements provided by local offices. 

It’s important to note that not all cannabis products require the same labeling. For example, if the product is CBD or other compounds that don’t contain THC, then there is no need for the THC warning label. 

In that same vein, if you are selling any form of edible cannabis product, like pastries, gummies, prepared food, beverages, and even tinctures, you need to include a warning on the possible time it will take for the product to kick in. Here’s an example: 

It’s important to keep in mind that the regulations for warning labels vary vastly depending on the state you’re in. So consult with a lawyer, preferably one who specializes in cannabis reform, to make sure that your labels are compliant on both federal and local levels.

Strain Name and Type

Another important element is the strain name and whether the strain is indica, hybrid, or sativa. This will allow your customers to understand the effects they may feel when consuming the product, given that different types of strains have different effects. 

While indica strains tend to relax the body and mind, sativa strains offer a boost in energy, and hybrid strains offer a balanced experience. If you’re unsure of the name and type of strain you're selling, send it to a third-party lab to receive the product’s genetic profile.

Once you have determined the strain name and type, you need to include it in a visible area with a predominant font, as this information could be vital for the sales of your product. Here’s an example: 

As you can see, these elements appear on the front label of the product, given that it’s the one that customers look at first. Trust us, naming your products properly will not only increase your sales, but it will also facilitate your staff's ability to quickly locate them in-store.

Cannabis Content and Potency

Furthermore, you must clearly state the levels of any cannabinoid, like THC and CBD, on your product labels. You also need to include the potency either by percentage or miligrams. Here’s an example: 

Cultivation Date

Though it’s not a must in most states, adding the date of when the cannabis was harvested can signify freshness. This not only helps build trust among consumers but also helps you keep track of your inventory for compliance.

Lot and Serial Numbers

The lot and serial numbers are assigned to each product during manufacturing, allowing for easy recall and tracking in case of any quality issues. These numbers will show that your brand values transparency and consumer safety.

Additional Ingredients 

If your product is edible or topical, it’s important to list all the ingredients and nutritional content, which can help customers stay away from allergic reactions that could lead to lawsuits for your business. Let’s take a look at how this should look on the label: 

[caption id="attachment_17176" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Ingredients Label for Cannabis Products[/caption]

As you can see, the ingredients are listed on the front of the label, and the nutrition facts are on the back. This will help your clients determine which product suits their needs best. It will also help you avoid legal problems in the future. 

Instructions for Use and Storage

If your product requires additional information to be used, be sure to include it. For example, consumption instructions for edibles, dosage charts for tinctures, or charging instructions for vape pens.

Expiration Date

Lastly, include an expiration date to ensure consumers use the product while it's at its best quality and avoid legal action from local offices. Remember, transparency is key. 

A well-informed customer is likely to be a repeat customer, and clarity can set your brand apart from the crowd. Now let’s take a look at the legal considerations to keep in mind when it comes to your cannabis label. 

The Legal Aspects to Consider When Creating a Cannabis Label

Compliance with legal standards is non-negotiable when it comes to cannabis labeling. In order to ensure that your product makes it to the market without any legal hitches, here are the fundamental legal aspects you need to consider:

1. Familiarize yourself with the unique labeling laws of each state relevant to your distribution.
2. Most areas require specific health warnings on cannabis products. Ensure your labels comply with the verbiage, formatting, and visibility of these warnings.
3. Many states demand that cannabis products are packaged in a way that is tamper-evident and child-resistant. 
4. All claims on your cannabis labels, including health or therapeutic benefits, should be accurate and provable.
5. The incorporation of state-mandated symbols (like the THC symbol) is often a legal requirement to help consumers quickly identify the nature of the product.
6. Some states require labels to include a way to trace the product back to its origin, like a barcode, QR code, or batch number.

Non-compliance with these legal requirements can result in penalties, product recalls, or even the suspension of your business license. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with legal experts who are well-versed in the cannabis industry's regulations to review your labels before they go to print.

How to Design a Stellar Cannabis Label 

Designing a cannabis label requires a blend of creativity, market understanding, and regulatory adherence. Here’s how to ensure your labels are as engaging as they are compliant:

1. Use your logo and brand colors throughout your labels and packaging to promote recognition and foster trust.
2. Choose fonts and text sizes that make your label easy to read at a glance, and consider including braille to increase accessibility. 
3. Make sure that key information like warning symbols, strain name and type, and cannabis content stand out.
4. Consult with a professional graphic designer to make sure that your label has a natural flow that guides the eye.
5. Be mindful of color psychology, given that colors evoke emotions and can influence purchasing decisions.
6. Balance your text with your image to make sure that your clients are well-informed without overwhelming information. To achieve this, consider using QR codes. 
7. Use images and graphics strategically to complement the information and appeal to your target audience.
8. Make sure to make the design scalable, given that it should fit different product sizes without losing legibility or impact.
9. Select materials and finishes for your labels that can withstand handling, moisture, and light to increase their durability. 
10. Before finalizing, print mock-ups to test the look and feel of your labels on your actual product packaging to allow you to adjust any concerns before a large-scale print. 

When designing cannabis labels, always remember that a great design is about telling your product’s story in a way that captivates your audience while staying true to the regulatory framework. 

A stellar label not only draws the eye but also communicates effectively, respects legal constraints, and leaves a lasting impression. So let’s get further into it with these industry-pro tips to make your labels the best. 

The Pro Tips to Create a Best-Selling Cannabis Label

Creating a best-selling cannabis label goes beyond meeting legal requirements and basic design principles. It entails embedding marketing savvy into every aspect of your label. So, let’s get into a few pro tips to set your cannabis labels apart from your competition:

1. Deeply research your target consumers and design your label with their preferences and needs in mind.
2. Make your product pop by using special printing techniques like foil stamping or embossing to stand out further from your competitors.
3. Highlight your product’s unique selling points, or USPs, which can be the growth method, the extraction quality, or a prize that the product has won. 
4. Don’t be afraid of empty space on your label, which can help draw attention to the most important information on your label and contribute to a clean design.
5. QR codes can be an excellent tool for engagement, allowing you to lead your clients to educational content, discounts, or loyalty programs.
6. Anticipate future product extensions to ensure that your label will remain consistent and relevant.
7. Before you finalize your label, get feedback from potential customers, stakeholders, or focus groups to ensure that it resonates with your audience.

By integrating these pro tips, your cannabis labels will not only be compliant but also compelling, creating a strong brand identity that resonates with your consumers.

Conclusion

Remember, your label is the first interaction consumers have with your product and, thus, your most powerful marketing tool. By focusing on your audience, ensuring clarity, driving engagement, and embracing design innovations, your cannabis labels will be sure to smash. 

Ready to transform your cannabis branding? Here’s to the journey of cultivating a label that attracts, informs, and sells! And if this process overwhelms you, chat with our team, who can private label your products and help you achieve success!