The Five Most Common Cannabis Labeling Errors

The Five Most Common Cannabis Labeling Errors 

We have assisted many Cannabis manufacturers and suppliers from “seed to sale” with their labeling needs.  While there is a wealth of information available regarding specific labeling standards, most customers don't ask for help until they've already wasted time and money on inefficient labeling materials or processes.  Although they are new to labeling, the majority of these consumers are seasoned professionals in the cannabis industry.  While we are happy to help our customers increase their profitability and productivity, some issues could have been avoided if they were aware of the five most common labeling errors:

1. Most states require specific variable data (such as THC content, test date, batch number) to be included on all recreational and medicinal products.  Customers frequently opt to buy an expensive inkjet printer that will print a single label instead of having to create multiple labels for each of their products to incorporate this required information.  The cost of maintaining an Inkjet printer is more expensive than professionally printing labels.  An inkjet printer requires an investment of time and money for ink, label materials and regular maintenance.  Not only is the overall cost and time investment greater, but the print quality and consistency cannot match the labels that are fully or partially printed on either digital or flexographic presses.  Professionally printed label rolls can run through inexpensive and easy to maintain Thermal Transfer Printers daily to add the most up to date required variable data.  Instead of pricey ink cartridges, inexpensive Thermal Transfer Ribbons can produce additional print on the labels in single colors such as Black, Red or Blue.       

1. Every day, many customers hand-label thousands of products. They are generally unaware of Electric Label Dispensers and how they can speed up the labeling process.  Peeling a label by hand always requires two hands.  An electric label dispenser peels and presents a label to the operator.  Once you grab the label with only one hand and apply to your product, another label is promptly dispensed and ready for retrieval.  This simple little process reduces the number of steps needed to apply labels to your products, speeds up the process as much as 100% and eliminates liner waste.  These inexpensive machines quickly recoup their costs by speeding up your productivity. 

1. We have seen a wide variety of beautiful labels made for numerous Cannabis products.  Unfortunately, many of them are printed on expensive and unnecessary materials.  Some customers have vibrant labels that are designed to survive the outside elements for many years.  These labels are printed on durable materials that I would suggest for use on farming equipment or  other products that will be exposed to outside conditions for an extended period of time.   We have also discovered customers using labels for containers of flower that could withstand liquids and extreme temperatures.  Another example of a material that is functional but not necessary.  These labels are for consumable products that would look just as good if they were printed on less expensive materials. 

1. Many customers not only use the wrong materials but also don't have the right adhesive on their labels.  There are many different adhesives and not all “permanent adhesives” are “permanent” or work the same.  The name “permanent adhesive” is a generic name used to describe a large variety of different adhesives.  Some of these adhesives do not perform well bending over corners on some cartridge boxes with soft or unique surfaces.  It is not uncommon for customers to purchase simple clear wafer labels online to seal their products.  Many of these “security seals” utilize a simple adhesive and they tend to “peel up” with some packaging.  A more aggressive adhesive would resolve these issues.  The adhesive needs to match the application to be 100% successful. 

1. Some states require Tamper Evident packaging or labels.  This can be a simple as clear wafer seal (as described above) or as complex as a Tamper Evident Void label that leaves “void” residue or holograms with Track & Trace technology.  There are customers that have not done enough to ensure that their products are safe and secure.  Others invested too much money for technology that is not being utilized by their customer base.  Many software companies have decided to jump into the “trust mark” business and have marketed aggressively to the Cannabis industry.  Some offer great technology, but many more just see this industry as an opportunity to earn quick revenue and do not offer a good return for the investment.  Remember, this is your product that you worked years to develop.  The branding on your product is yours and should not be used as an advertising vehicle for a software company with a generic “trust mark” also found on many other competing products.   There are a few exceptions in which the name association benefits your brand.   

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