Washington State Cannabis Packaging and Labeling Laws

If you’re looking to start a cannabis brand in Washington State or you are working on revamping your cannabis packaging, learning the ins and outs of the guidelines and regulations surrounding packaging is vital to the overall success of your venture! If your packaging isn’t compliant, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) will not approve your cannabis packaging and thus you won’t be able to sell your pre-rolls and all the money on packaging could be wasted!

Per the WSLCB, packaging is defined as “a sealed, hard or soft bodied receptacle in which marijuana is placed and any outer receptacle is intended to display a marijuana item for ultimate sale to a customer.” To put this simply, a container is a vessel that is used to display any cannabis or cannabis related products. Labeling is the information that is printed directly on the packaging or an additional article/literature that is attached to the packaging.

In this article we are going to breakdown the basic packaging requirements for cannabis products in Washington State, such as:

• Specific Label Guidelines
• Forbidden Imagery
• Required Statements and Symbols
• Packaging and Labels Checklist
• Additional Information
• Compliant Examples

Cannabis Labels: The Guidelines

It is important to note that the packaging and labels should not indicate or reference the inclusion of alcohol in the cannabis product as Washington State law defines this as false advertising. In addition to this rule, labels should not promote or say the following:

• Promotion of overconsumption
• Claims that marijuana has curative or medicinal/therapeutic effects (this includes and curative properties or general relief)
• Depiction or the illusion of children consuming the product
• Specifically targets consumers under the legal age of 21

Cannabis Packaging: Forbidden Imagery

The depiction of animals or plants consuming the product are also forbidden due to the imagery appealing to a younger audience. Here are some examples:

Cannabis Warning Statements: The Requirements

All marijuana products must be labeled with the “universal symbol” on the front of the products package. The symbol must not be smaller than 3/4 inch in height by 3/4 inch in width.

In addition to the "Universal Symbol", the “Not for Kids” sign must also be displayed on the front of the packaging and must not be smaller than ½ inch by 3/4 inch. If displayed on a white background the black borders around the symbol should visible like the image.

The Washington State WAC (Washington Administrative Code) often makes mention of the “principal” or the front of the package. When doing so they are making reference to the following (as seen in the red outlines).

Please note that the Hang Tag in the far left package can be used to display the “Universal Symbol” in addition to the “Not For Kids” sign, as long as the tag is not removed during the opening of the package.

When it comes to child-resistant packaging, the following products do NOT require special packaging:

• Usable marijuana (pre-rolls or flower/bud)
• Topicals
• Extracts
• Transdermal patches
• Immature plants
• Seeds

Cannabis Labeling: The Checklist

The WSLCB will review all applications for packaging and labeling within 14 business days upon receiving a completed application. The WSLCB includes a checklist as a part of their application. We have summarized the checklist for your convenience and below is what must be included:

• Nine digit UBI number along with the business/entity name
• Lot number (unique identifier number)
• Nutrition information:
• Number of servings
• Amount per serving
• Total serving size
• Overall net weight in both ounces and grams
• Total THC, THC-A, CBD, CBD-A using the formulas referenced in WAC 314-55-102
• Be sure to include all information regarding the extraction process and anything that pertains to compounds, or other chemicals used; this includes a statement that discloses all pesticides and growing mediums used on the product
• Warning stating the possible psychoactive effects of the product
• Statement describing that the product does not have curative effects

Cannabis Packaging: Additional Information

Though this article mainly references pre-roll and flower packaging, many companies specialize in multiple different variations of cannabis products such as edibles.

Similar to other packaging requirements--edibles require that you include the total THC and/or CBD on the packaging in conjunction with the serving information (serving size, amount per serving, and number of servings).

When it comes to the packing materials for edibles, they must be enclosed in a plastic container that is at minimum two millimeters in thickness while liquids should be packaged with a resealable cap and should also include some sort of measuring device to get exact dosages (hash marks on the bottle or a dropper is sufficient in this case).

Similar to the general packaging requirements, edibles must have the Universal Symbol displayed on their main packaging and must have a warning that states word for word: “CAUTION: Intoxicating effects may be delayed 2+ hours.”

The same rules that prohibit statements in favor of medical benefits are still applicable for edibles.

Custom Cones USA: The Right Way

Here at Custom Cones USA we provide a variety of custom packaging options that are all compliant with Washington State regulations and guidelines. Here are some of what we offer!

Glass Tubes

Our glass tubes offer a premium upgrade compared to the pop-up tubes. Housing the same amount of pre-rolls but offering a more environmentally friendly glass casing! We offer a wide tube option measuring in at 17.7mm in diameter which is perfect for cannagars, multipacks and specialty pre-rolls. These tubes come with a cork cap or a child-resistant twist cap!

Pop Top Tubes

These tubes come in both 116mm and 90mm. Specially designed to house a 1 gram pre-roll or two half-gram pre-rolls! These tubes are child resistant and are made right here in the USA. These tubes come in a variety of colors (including a clear one to display your product). In addition, we can print your own designs on these to stand out from your competitors!

Custom Push Packs

Our custom push packs are ideal for those who want to put together multi-packs with quality housing. These packs are completely customizable in regard to the design/printing which makes them the perfect display for your brand! The standard size fits five to seven pre-rolls, however the dimensions can be altered upon request.

Custom Cigarette Boxes

These custom cigarette boxes are perfect for those who want endless options. These custom boxes can be printed on a variety of materials from gloss to matte to metallic or even UV! Differentiating yourself from other brants is vital to your success which is why these boxes can be printed with your own design! In addition, they can be altered to fit different quantities of pre-rolls.

Branded Packaging Examples

“Joy-sticks” by Green Revolution seamlessly blends a classic design while still remaining compliant with the WSLCB. Take note how the required statements are printed in white on the side while having the serving and flower information displayed on the front of the package for ease of access.

These edibles from American Baked Co. promote their product through a simple design on the front while also staying true to the WSLCB regulations. As you can see, they printed all their warnings and the required statements directly under their product name to ensure no confusion is met in regard to ingredients or dosage.

Interested in any of our other products? Be sure to check out our full product catalog with detailed descriptions and pricing options!