CBD and Cannabis Packaging Coding & Labeling

Over the last decade, the market for cannabis, CBD, and other hemp-derived products has exploded in popularity. Prior to the 2010s, legal barriers prevented companies at large from participating in these markets. However, with the advent of state-level cannabis legalization in 2012 and the federal legalization of CBD and other non-THC cannabinoids in 2018, the market for these goods has become extremely lucrative.

From combustible flower and edible treats to tinctures, salves, and balms, cannabis and CBD products are as diverse as they are popular. The materials used to package these goods are equally diverse, and include:

• Glass jars
• Flexible plastic bags
• Rigid plastic containers
• Paperboard cartons
• Aluminum cases

However, regardless of what material one’s product packaging is made from, it’s important that companies apply the required codes and markings to comply with any federal/state regulations and distributor policies.

At InkJet, Inc. we have been helping companies complete CBD and cannabis packaging coding & labeling since the market emerged. Here’s how our product line can benefit your operation:

The Importance of Traceability in the CBD and Cannabis Industries

Throughout the 2010s, the market for cannabis, CBD, and other cannabinoid derivatives experienced radical change.

In 2012, the passing of Colorado Amendment 64 and Washington Initiative 502 marked the sporadic beginning of cannabis legalization across the United States. Six years later, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and all non-THC cannabinoids from the Controlled Substances Act, opening up the market for CBD and other cannabinoid products on a federal level. Other countries around the world, such as Mexico and Canada, experienced similar changes over the decade, leading to the diverse CBD and cannabis industry we have today.

How the Right Marking Solution Can Help You Maintain Code Compliance

CBD and cannabis operations vary greatly in size, setup, and product output. Consequently, there is no “one-size-fits-all” marking solution in this industry. To determine what kind of coding hardware will work best, companies need to consider their:

• Production output requirements
• Facility environment
• Packaging materials 
• Required print resolution
• Production line size

With these qualities in mind, InkJet, Inc. offers a wide variety of coding/marking technologies to meet the needs of different operations. Some of our most popular CBD and cannabis packaging coding & labeling options include:

The DuraCode Continuous Inkjet Printer: Capable of uninterrupted high-speed coding for up to 24 hours a day, the DuraCode CIJ is a great choice for industrial production lines. Built with an IP55 outer structure and able to operate in temperatures ranging from 41-113° F, DuraCode printers are built to resist the environmental hazards in personal care/cosmetic packaging facilities to deliver quality coding results day-in and day-out.

The Anser U2 Pro-S Thermal Inkjet Printer: Compact and cost-effective, the Anser U2 Pro-S is a great hardware choice for smaller-scale companies that don’t require the industrial marking speeds offered by CIJ printers. Although the Pro-S only weighs a few pounds, it can still mark products moving at speeds up to 120 m/min, create machine-scannable codes up to 600 x 300 DPI, and code all popular cosmetic packaging substrates, including rigid plastic, flexible plastic, glass, and metal.

The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: While the Anser X1 may be a thermal inkjet printer, you wouldn’t know that from its high-speed marking capabilities. Able to print at speeds up to 300 m/min, the Anser X1 is one of the most powerful TIJ models on the market today. Beyond industrial speed marking, the Anser X1 offers a number of other impressive features, including a max resolution of 600 x 600 DPI, a 1.97-inch print height (with stitched printheads), IP66 protection, and the ability to control two different production lines simultaneously.

LightJet 8200 Series Laser Marking System: Fast, accurate, and capable of delivering high-quality results, laser systems are commonly found throughout the industrial packaging field. InkJet, Inc.’s own FastJet system offers a max marking speed of 2,000 characters per second, making it a great option for high-volume production lines.

Precision Series 72 High-Resolution Case Coder: Designed to print directly onto cardboard shipping cartons, the Precision Series 72 allows users to replace physical labels with directly applied codes, text, and images. If you’re looking to improve your secondary packaging processes, the Precision Series 72 can help you reduce physical labeling needs for higher overall efficiency.

Inks for Every Packaging Type

Hardware is just one part of a comprehensive marking solution. Unless you’re using a laser system to mark your materials, you’ll also need to find an ink formula that’s well-suited for your coding needs.

Similar to choosing hardware, the ink-selection process is influenced by a number of factors. For example, all packaging materials have their own unique surface properties that affect key elements like:

• Ink adherence 
• Code durability
• Label readability/scannability
• Ink drying times