You can think of packaging gummy bears as a way to keep them juicy and fresh until consumed. And you aren’t really wrong. However, all sellers also need to deal with legal compliance, child resistance (CR), and, of course, sustainability. You can’t package it at the highest level if you pay no heed to these factors.
Looking for a packaging guide that will save you the trouble? Here you go. Find out how to package gummy bears safely and responsibly for US cannabis markets.
Keep abreast of legal and regulatory requirements
Every state has different packaging and labeling rules for THCA products, especially when it comes to child resistance. Most likely, you’ll need to comply with federal and local standards for CR mechanisms by adopting them for all your packages. The idea is that kids should not be able to figure out how to open a weed gummy package and ingest your infused sweets.
Besides, most states (including California, Colorado, and Oregon) require clear labeling for:
- THCA content per each gummy and the entire pack
- Warnings to encourage consumers to keep your treats away from children
- Serving size options and dosage instructions
- All ingredients
States like California are also moving toward zero-plastic packages, so opting for compostable or biodegradable materials can help with your compliance undertakings.
Choose a packaging type and materials
There are several approaches to the selection of materials. If you prefer multilayering, you are not limited when creating the cover. However, you should pay close attention to the inner layer.
For single-layer containers, you are more limited when it comes to materials because of the legal requirements for this packaging type.
For outer packaging
For gummies, you can use glass, which is non-toxic and has no bearing on food. It’s also recyclable, making your yummies more appealing to certain consumers and meeting eco-standards. However, it’s heavier and more expensive than plastics. If you are wondering how to package THCA gummy bears using glass, a foolproof way is to choose jars with push-and-turn caps or pop-top containers for child resistance.
If you’re considering plastics, PLA (polylactic acid) and recycled PET (or rPET) can work for gummies. The former is a biodegradable option made from corn and is FDA-approved for food contact. The latter is obtained from post-consumer recycled content. Check if your state mandates recyclable packaging and avoid mixed-material blends, which are difficult to recycle.
Alternatively, you can opt for tins and metal containers. These are robust, reusable, highly recyclable, and suitable for more expensive lines of THCA gummies. Metal tins with CR caps can be a great option for treats with exclusive flavors or cannabinoid blends.
For inner lining
One of the best options you can adopt is FDA-approved, food-safe PLA film for wrapping individual gummies or lining the inside of packaging. It’s compostable and has an effective moisture barrier.
Another option includes a beeswax coating, a natural coating for lining paper or fabric to prevent moisture exposure. It’s often used for packaging weed edibles but is more expensive than plastic coatings. Molded pulp can also do the trick for individual compartments to hold gummies in place. It provides a lovely rustic feel but is not as moisture-proof as plastics.
CR features
For THCA gummies, CR is mandatory. Here’s how to package THCA gummy bears so that they appear child-resistant:
- Push-and-turn caps are the most common CR caps for jars. A push-down and twist action makes it harder for children to open.
- CR zippers are great for pouches or bags, but check your state’s specific laws for how easy the zipper should be to open. These may require a two-step action to open.
- Induction seals are used for tamper evidence and placed under the cap or lid of bottles or jars. Always make sure the seal is visible and intact when opening.
Testing and compliance
Here’s how to package gummies with THCA and what tests you should plan for:
- Your packages are required to pass the CR test. This implies testing your packaging with a third-party lab to make sure kids can’t open it (safety first!).
- Your packages should be locked up tight. Make sure they are sealed in a way that leaves a mark if someone tries to open them.
- You want your weed gummies to stay fresh, right? Test the packaging for moisture and ensure it holds up over time with your specific formula.
Finding a manufacturer
Manufacturers know how to package THCA gummies specifically and can provide you with a plan of action for adhering to cannabis packaging laws. The bonus points for you occur if they’ve already worked with other edibles, like chocolate bars. This indicates the manufacturer’s expertise in tamper-proof seals, dosage labels, and working around safety standards.
Look for a manufacturer who’s not just on top of the latest eco-trends but is also down to work with you to find the best materials that fit your treats. They should use FDA-approved, food-grade materials for anything that comes in contact with your gummies and have a solid understanding of your state’s laws. You’re going in the right direction if they can also help with testing for CR and tamper-evidence compliance.
Don’t forget about budget considerations. CR packaging can be costly, especially for top-notch materials like glass, metal, or customizable options. Ask manufacturers for accurate quotes for your project and work with those who can handle lower minimum order quantities (MOQs).
How to package gummies with MYLARMEN
Looking for top-quality packaging for your THCA gummy bears and want to steer clear of legal issues? We can provide custom solutions, arrange tests for your packages, and ensure compliance in the US.
No matter where you are, we make it super easy to work with MYLARMEN. Our team is highly qualified to create show-stopping packaging with CR and eco-friendly elements and distinguish your products from competitors.
At MYLARMEN, we know how to package gummies with THCA and other cannabinoids while handling design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery.