The Evolution Of Cannabis Packaging: From Stash To Style

Think back to the first time you bought some weed?

What did the packaging look like?

For me, it was just a simple sandwich bag.

It didn’t even seal shut. My dealer simply rolled it up.

And I’m guessing most of you had a similar experience.

How different that is from some of the packaging we’re seeing these days!

What happened? One big factor led to the evolution of cannabis packaging over the past 20 or 30 years. Let’s take a look.

 

The Evolution Of Cannabis Packaging

During the prohibition era of cannabis, which lasted for decades, the market operated primarily underground due to legal restrictions. Cannabis was largely sold and distributed illegally, leading to a lack of standardized packaging and regulations.

Packaging during this period served the primary purpose of discreet storage and transportation. Aesthetics simply did not matter.

Glass jars emerged as one of the earliest forms of cannabis packaging. They offered airtight storage, preserving the potency and freshness of the product. These jars often had simple screw-on lids and were commonly repurposed from other consumer goods.

Plastic baggies became ubiquitous in the underground cannabis market due to their affordability, flexibility, and ease of use. They provided a simple and disposable solution for storing and selling small quantities of cannabis. Every single sack I ever bought in high school or college came in a plastic baggie.

Tin cans were also used, particularly for larger quantities of cannabis. While less common than glass jars or baggies, tin cans offered durable and stackable storage options, often with airtight seals to maintain product quality.

Packaging design during this era prioritized functionality over style, with a focus on discreetness and practicality. Labels and branding were pretty much non-existent, since the priority was to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. The simplicity of early cannabis packaging reflected the illegal status of the industry and the need for secrecy in distribution and consumption.

 

Changes In Packaging Due To Legalization And Regulation Of Cannabis

With the gradual legalization of cannabis across various jurisdictions, the regulatory landscape surrounding its production, distribution, and consumption underwent significant changes

As cannabis moved out of the underground market and into legal frameworks, governments implemented regulations to ensure public safety and health standards. These regulations aimed to address concerns such as underage access, accidental ingestion, and product safety.

One crucial aspect of cannabis regulation was the implementation of child-resistant packaging requirements.

Recognizing the potential risks associated with children accessing cannabis products, regulators mandated that packaging must be designed to be difficult for children under a certain age to open or access. This requirement aimed to prevent accidental ingestion and minimize harm to children, as is the case for many medications.

The introduction of child-resistant packaging requirements had an impact on the design and materials used in cannabis packaging. Packaging manufacturers and cannabis companies had to innovate to develop solutions that met regulatory standards, while still being practical and appealing to consumers.

As these changes happened the materials used in cannabis packaging evolved to meet both regulatory and consumer demands. While plastic had been commonly used in the past due to its affordability and versatility, there was a growing preference for more sustainable materials such as glass, metal, and biodegradable plastics.

These materials not only met child-resistant requirements, but also aligned with the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability within the cannabis industry and society as a whole.

 

The Emergence Of Legal Cannabis Brands And The Impact On Packaging

As cannabis legalization spread, it paved the way for the emergence of legal cannabis brands. These brands sought to establish themselves in a rapidly growing market, catering to diverse consumer preferences and demographics.

With the stigma surrounding cannabis gradually diminishing, companies seized the opportunity to differentiate themselves through branding, marketing, and product offerings.

Packaging played a pivotal role in branding within the cannabis industry. As competition intensified, companies recognized the need to create packaging that not only complied with regulatory requirements but also captured consumers’ attention and communicated brand identity effectively.

Packaging became a key touchpoint for consumers, influencing purchasing decisions and shaping perceptions of product quality and value.

Companies have seized the opportunity to use branding as a tool for creating more stylish packaging, incorporating logos, and eye-grabbing designs.

This shift represents a departure from the subdued and discreet packaging commonly associated with the underground cannabis market, with legal frameworks allowing for greater creative freedom and expression in branding.

To stand out in a crowded market, cannabis brands began investing in innovative packaging designs and logoed materials. From sleek and sophisticated designs to bold and colorful packaging, companies explored various approaches to differentiate their products on dispensary shelves.

Here are a few different styles in which companies package their cannabis products:

 

Containers And Jars

Companies use sleek, minimalist designs and high-quality materials for their airtight containers and glass jars. They may incorporate elegant branding elements such as embossed logos, metallic accents, and custom typography to create a sophisticated and luxurious look.

 

Pre-Roll Tubes

Packaging for pre-rolled joints often features bold and vibrant designs that catch the eye. Companies use creative graphics, colorful patterns, and unique typography to make their tubes stand out on dispensary shelves, appealing to consumers who appreciate visually stimulating packaging.

 

Resealable Bags

Brands design resealable bags with modern and trendy aesthetics, utilizing bold colors, geometric patterns, and sleek typography. These bags may also feature matte or metallic finishes, adding a touch of elegance to the packaging while maintaining functionality.

 

Boxes And Packaging

Custom-designed boxes and packaging offer opportunities for companies to showcase their creativity and brand identity. Brands may use luxurious materials such as textured paper, foil stamping, and soft-touch finishes to create packaging that exudes elegance and sophistication.

 

The Growing Awareness Of Environmental Impact Of Packaging Materials

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging across industries, including cannabis.

Consumers are increasingly conscious of the need to reduce waste, minimize carbon footprints, and preserve natural resources. This heightened awareness has prompted both consumers and businesses to prioritize sustainability in packaging practices.

To address environmental concerns, the cannabis industry has witnessed a significant shift towards eco-friendly packaging options.

Companies are exploring alternatives to traditional packaging materials, such as plastic, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to pollution. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on using biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials in cannabis packaging.

Numerous examples of sustainable packaging solutions have emerged in the cannabis industry. Companies have transitioned from plastic containers to glass jars or metal tins, which are reusable and recyclable.

Biodegradable plastics derived from renewable sources, such as corn or sugarcane, have also gained popularity as packaging materials for pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and edibles.

Innovative packaging designs, such as plant-based or compostable pouches, are also being adopted to help reduce the environmental impact.

Some brands have even incorporated sustainable practices into their entire supply chain, from pesticide-free cultivation to green packaging, to ensure a holistic approach to sustainability.

While progress has been made in adopting sustainable packaging solutions, challenges remain in achieving widespread adoption and further improvement. One challenge is the cost associated with eco-friendly materials, which can be higher than traditional options.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the industry. By investing in research and development, companies can discover new sustainable materials and technologies to overcome existing limitations.

Collaboration between cannabis businesses, packaging suppliers, and regulatory agencies can also facilitate the adoption of standardized sustainability practices and promote industry-wide sustainability initiatives.

 

How Marijuana Packaging Has Evolved: Final Thoughts

We have certainly come a long way from those plain sandwich bags I used to get when I bought some weed! To my college self, even just a ziplock bag would have been a huge improvement.

What type of packaging did your first weed purchases come in? Was it also sandwich bags? I would love to know, so please share in a comment below.

If you are wondering about the best way to store your weed, I have a complete cannabis storage guide you should check out.