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. Using Inkjet Printers for Variable Data

Most states require variable data, such as THC content, test date, and batch number, on all recreational and medicinal products. Many customers assume they need to purchase an expensive inkjet printer to print this information on-demand, thinking it's more efficient than ordering multiple pre-printed label versions.

However, this approach is actually more costly in the long run. Inkjet printers require ongoing investments in ink cartridges, specialized label materials, and regular maintenance. The print quality and consistency also can't match professionally printed labels produced on digital or flexographic presses.

A better solution: Order professionally printed labels with your permanent branding and graphics, then use an inexpensive Thermal Transfer Printer to add variable data as needed. These printers are easy to maintain and use affordable thermal transfer ribbons instead of expensive ink cartridges.

2. Hand-Labeling Products

Many customers hand-label thousands of products daily without realizing there's a better way. Peeling labels by hand requires both hands and slows down production significantly.

An electric label dispenser automatically peels and presents each label to you. You simply grab the label with one hand, apply it to your product, and the next label is immediately ready. This streamlined process can double your labeling speed while eliminating backing liner waste. These machines are inexpensive and quickly pay for themselves through increased productivity.

3. Using Incorrect or Unnecessary Materials

We've seen many beautiful cannabis labels printed on materials far more durable than necessary. Some labels are designed to withstand outdoor elements for years, the kind of durability you'd need for farming equipment, not products sold in dispensaries. Others can handle extreme temperatures and liquid exposure, despite being used on flower containers that will never encounter these conditions.

Since cannabis products are consumables with relatively short shelf lives, standard label materials will perform just as well at a fraction of the cost.

4. Choosing the Wrong Adhesive

Having the right material is only half the equation, you also need the correct adhesive. "Permanent adhesive" is a generic term that encompasses many different formulations, and they don't all perform the same way.

For example, some adhesives struggle to bend around corners on cartridge boxes or don't adhere well to soft or unique surfaces. We often see customers purchase inexpensive clear wafer seals online to secure their products, only to find these "security seals" peel up because they use a basic adhesive. A more aggressive adhesive formulation would solve this problem. The key is matching the adhesive to your specific packaging and application method.

5. Over- or Under-Investing in Security Features

Some states require tamper-evident packaging or labels, which can range from simple clear wafer seals to sophisticated void labels (that leave "void" residue when removed) or holograms with track and trace technology. We've seen two opposite problems: customers who haven't invested enough in product security, and those who've overspent on advanced technology their customers don't actually use.

Many software companies have aggressively marketed "trust mark" solutions to the cannabis industry. While some offer genuine value, others simply see this as a quick revenue opportunity without delivering real ROI.

Consider this:

You've spent years developing your product and building your brand. Your label shouldn't become free advertising space for a software company's generic trust mark that also appears on your competitors' products unless that specific brand association genuinely enhances your reputation.