There is growing concern among professionals in retail and dispensary marijuana sales about the effect of extra packaging on the environment. Customers want to reduce their eco footprint, too. Packaging that is environmentally unfriendly can also affect profits by contaminating the marijuana with unpleasant odors, flavors, and dross. One solution is to use marijuana containers that are ecofriendly.

Recycling and Reusing

Using recyclable containers to package marijuana is a first step. Glass is one of the simplest materials to recycle. Containers made of High Density Polythene plastic, or HDPE # 2 are fully recyclable, and accepted by most household recycling companies. They have the added benefit of not leaching chemicals into the soil and being BPH free. However, many recycling companies now take all plastic containers from #1 - #7.

Some retailers have begun to accept marijuana containers back from customers for recycling. Others keep recycling bins on the premises for easy recycling. Dispensaries and retailers can educate consumers about what containers are recyclable and what they should do with recyclable components.

Reusing a product is one way to keep materials from ending up in landfill. Marijuana containers are oftenperfect for reuse. They are attractive, durable, child proof and dishwasher safe.

American-made marijuana containers

Using marijuana containers made in America rather than overseas has many benefits besides supporting US manufacturing. For example, American made shortens the supply chain.  A shorter supply chain uses less fuel, less manpower, less time, and is more efficient. This leads to less pollution and a smaller carbon footprint. It is also easier to ensure that a manufacturer in America is using clean production methods that are more closely regulated.

The future of ecofriendly marijuana containers.

Manufacturers are exploring several areas for ecofriendly containers. They are designing packaging that compost, or bio grade such as containers made out of hemp. Other manufacturers are using already recycled plastic to produce new marijuana containers.

MMC Depot is committed to packaging that is ecofriendly. We stock containers made out of glass, or recyclable plastic. We source products that are made in America whenever possible, and we strive to locate and offer the newest in sustainable marijuana containers.

How to professionally manage and package cannabis concentrates

Old-time marijuana consumers knew only one form of concentrate - hash. Imported from Morocco, it was an unassuming product that didn’t need much care or paraphernalia. But now there’s a whole new world of concentrate products. Concentrates can come as shatter, wax, or oil. It can be smoked, vaporized, or used as a tincture. However, there are some unique challenges to handling and packaging concentrates.Normal cannabis packaging and handling methods don’t always apply. To reassure customers new to concentrates, dispensaries need the newest packaging techniques.  Dispensary staff may also need to educate consumers about concentrate use.

Shatter

Shatter comes in slab form.Shatter is sticky and anything on a handler’s hands or in the air can transfer to the product. The substance is then subject to contaminationin even the cleanest of environments. Its molecular composition and quality then breaks down at a faster rate. Using gloves, or parchment paper helps, but may not be enough to ensure a clean product. Prepackaging in smaller quantities under sterile conditions is the ideal solution for packaging this cannabis product.

Oils and Waxes

Like shatter, oil and wax concentrates are sticky and should be prepackaged for display and sale. Customers do not want to waste their concentrate. Cannabis packaging should be made of nonstick acrylic, or plastic. Cannabis packaging with rounded corners ensures that all the concentrate is reachable.

Tinctures

Tinctures should have the highest quality packaging possible, since they are mainly used by medical marijuana clients. They should be airtight and opaque. Tincture bottles should have syringes or droppers built into the cap. Exact dosages are safer and more convenient for medical customers, especially children being treated for epilepsy, or elderly patients.

Education

Dispensary staff will want to educate their customers about concentrates. Customers need to know that the effects of concentrates are faster and stronger than other cannabis products, which is why the packaging is so small. Residue should not be left in this type of cannabis packaging, especially if the substance is appealing to children.

MMC Depot employs experts on cannabis packagingbecause the company has been working in food packaging for decades as Central Bag & Burlap. We can help you with the top solutions for handling and packaging your concentrates.

Many dispensaries and retail marijuana stores sell marijuana seeds in addition to their marijuana products. Just like marijuana products, seeds need to be correctly packaged too. Improperly storedand packed marijuana seed results in a loss of a viable seed-to-plant product.The key to keeping marijuana seeds viable for the longest possible time is to use the same modern techniques used for packaging marijuana products.  Understanding what makes a seed germinate, and what keeps it from germinating at the wrong time,is basic to understanding why these marijuana packaging techniques apply to marijuana seeds.

Early Germination causes and consequences

Marijuana seeds germinate early under several conditions. Light, no brighter than ordinary daylight can cause early germination. Humidityover 9% causes early germination. Humans like humidity around 60%-70%. This means that any normal room is too humid for marijuana seeds. Marijuana seeds also respond to high temperatures, or temperatures that fluctuate. Any of these environmental changes can cause early germination. Once the seed comes to life and begins to use its nutritive material to start growing it cannot be stopped.

Dated marijuana seed storage practices harm the seeds

Marijuana seed used to be kept in refrigerators, freezers or cupboards to control for early germination. The marijuana seed packaging received little attention. A freezer works for long term storage, but a desiccant has to be used to keep the seed dry. There is also danger to the seed from the drastic temperature change when the seed is removed from the freezer. When seed is kept in a refrigerator there is not as much of a concern with temperature change, but there is a problem with moisture getting into the seed. Humidity is also a problem for marijuana seeds kept in cupboards or storerooms at room temperatures.

Package marijuana seeds with modern marijuana packaging techniques

The old storage methods for marijuana seeds are unreliable. The only consistent way to keep marijuana seed from early germination is by using the same modern techniques used for other marijuana packaging. Modern packaging is:

Opaque - Opaque packaging shields the seeds from bright light.

Air tight-Air tight packaging shields the seed from humidity.

Protective Seal - Protectively sealed packaging shields the seed from temperature changes.

MMC Depot sells up-to-date packaging containers whether for packaging seed, or other marijuana products.

The growth of cannabis sales and service will continue to expand in 2016. Sales will explode into diverse, new markets; and theywill grow from regional markets to national markets.Marketing cannabis products, in part, through packaging will play a big role in this growth. Accordingly, MMC Depot has identified the top two trends in cannabis packaging and marketing.

Trend number 1 - Niche packaging and marketing

The future of cannabis sales is in niche marketing. Demographic marketing and packaging are being refined to target different populations.  Several cannabis retailers are appealing to upscale clients by packaging and labeling different strains of cannabis in the same way that wine is labeled. Other retailers are marketing gluten and dairy free, organic products and health products. For example, Dank-Drank is a cannabis infused cough syrup that is packed in a medical bottle with a pharmaceutical label. The packaging shows that it is a medical product.

Another new niche is pocket and purse size cannabis packaging such as infused lip balm. This is oriented towards the customer who wishes to remain discreet.

Niche marketing and packaging drives cannabis sales through brand recognition. Customers return to retailers to buy a favorite product. Customers try a new product based on interest in the niche. Consumers who have never tried a cannabis productbecome comfortable trying it because of familiarity with the niche product.

Trend number 2 – Packaging and marketing of cannabis food products

Packaging and marketing of cannabis beverages and edibles is growing in two directions. The first direction is the sheer diversity of new products. Initially cannabis beverages were soda type drinks. They now include lemonade, tea and coffee. Cannabis infused coffee alone, involves traditional brew packaging and pod packaging. New edibles enter the market daily. Winners in a contest for a recent medicinal edibles contest included beef jerky, ice cream, and pizza sauce.

Cannabis food product packaging is moving towards packaging that suggests a unique identity for the product. This means products that have their own distinct logos and labels and do not copy the imagery of non-cannabis products.

Niche marketing and food marketing are the top two trends in cannabis packaging. Either trend requires custom packaging expertise and innovative, custom labeling. MMC Depots parent company, Central Bag and Burlap Co. has been providing packaging to a range of food related industries for decades. MMC Depot can give you custom and innovative packaging expertise for niche marketing and food marketing.

Early in Colorado’s budding cannabis industry, Garett Fortune, CEO of FunkSac, saw an unmet need for quality cannabis packaging that was odor proof and child resistant. He filled that niche by creating the FunkSac line of marijuana bags.Fortune has continued to expand the FunkSac lineto meet the changing needs of the cannabis packaging industry. MMC Depot is proud to carry the FunkSac, marijuana bags packaging line.

About Garett Fortune

According to the New York Times, (www.nytimes.com/...ups-seize-marijuana-oppurtunities-as-big-companies-hold-back.htmlGarett Fortune was living in Colorado when the fledgling cannabis industry took off. Fortune was personally aware of instances where medicinal cannabis was hugely effective, and he realized that there was little professional packaging available for cannabis. Fortune had experience with packaging and plastic as the creator of OdorNo a company that sells waste bags with a proprietary, plastic barrier that blocks odor. Fortune took his experience and expertise and applied them to cannabis packaging. The result is FunkSac, a completely U.S. based company.

Odor barrier, child resistant, tamper evident

Fortune immediately realized that there were two priorities in cannabis packaging; the packages needed to be odor free and child resistant. FunkSacs uses an odor impermeable plastic barrier in its bags. The bags are heavy duty, and tear resistant. FunkSac created the FunkLoc for its marijuana bags specifically to comply with child resistant certification making them perfect for use as marijuana exit bags. The bags are compliant with allother regulations, too. These qualities ensure that FunkSacs marijuana bagsare suitable for retailers, cultivators, and anyone with long-term storage needs. These secure bagsalso work well for transporting cannabis since the cannabis aroma will not permeate other products.A side effect of FunkSac packaging’s attention to detail means that FunkSac, bags are heat sealable. Heat sealed bags are tamper resistant, an especially useful feature for cannabis business to business transactions.

MMC Depot sells only quality cannabis packaging material. As such we are proud to sell FunkSac marijuana bags.

The food industry has been using nitrogen flushing for packaging since the 1970’s. Marijuana vendors have just started to use nitrogen flushing. Nitrogen flushing can be expensive and time consuming. The question is whether the advantages of nitrogen flushing for marijuanapackaging outweigh the costs and inconvenience. 

How does nitrogen flushing work?

Standardvacuum packaging removes the oxygen from a container. Vacuum packaging works well for products like jerky or coffee, because it protects them and extends their shelf life. Nitrogen flushing goes beyond normal vacuum packaging by driving the oxygen out of the container and then replacing it with nitrogen.This creates a small positive pressure which covers the product, acting as a protective cushion. High heat is then used to seal the bag. Potato chips for example, are packed in nitrogen flushed bags.

Advantages of nitrogen flushing.

Oxygen converts the THC in marijuana tocannabinol, or CBN, which lowers the psychoactive attributes of the marijuana. Nitrogen flushing stops this conversion. It keeps the marijuana fresh in appearance and taste, for an extended time and is one of the few packaging techniques that masks the aroma of marijuana.  Essentially, nitrogen flushing prolongs the shelf life of the marijuana, so that it keeps its strength. Nitrogen flushing also helps keep marijuana free of molds. Nitrogen flushing has the final benefit of keepingdelicate products from being crushed.

Disadvantages of nitrogen flushing

A good quality, commercialnitrogen flushing and sealing unit, suitable for use with marijuanapackaging costs from $5000 to $35,000dollars. There are other less expensive packaging techniques that keep marijuana fresh and conceal the aroma. Nitrogen flushing also takes more time than regular packaging, adding another layer of difficulty to retail and dispensary marijuana packaging.

After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, Nitrogen flushing seems to be a technique best suited for large grow farms that have just harvested their cannabis, and need to storeit for a longer period. For medical and recreational retailers who sell their productquickly, simplermarijuana packaging techniques work just as well, and are less expensive and time consuming.

The sale of edibles is the fastest growing market in recreational and medical cannabis sales. As a result, overdose is a growing problem. In response, in February 2015, Colorado tightened its labeling requirements for edible cannabis packaging.Also in response, the Center for Disease Controlissued a statement suggesting that other states that allow cannabis sales follow Colorado’s lead by “…enforcing clear labeling standards that require information on multidose products”. States where cannabis is sold need to look at Colorado’s new labeling practices.

Serving Sizes

Colorado has changed its cannabis packaging, labeling requirements in three ways. First labeling of serving sizes must show defined, standardized sizes.  A single serving package label indicates that the package contains no more than 10 milligrams. A multiserving package can contain no more than 100 milligrams of product with 10 servings. Multiserving packages must be labeled, and the product scored to show that each serving size in the package is no more than 10 milligrams. Liquid products have to have designated serving sizes as well.

Safety notices

Secondly, Colorado requires numerous safety notices on its labels. The labelsneed a list of ingredients including allergens. They must show nonorganic pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides used in the production of the marijuana, and solvents used in the making of concentrates. They need to show whether the product needs refrigeration. The labels also need to indicate whether the package is child proof.

Warnings and identifications

Finally, Colorado requires warnings on its marijuana product labels ranging from statements that the product is infused with marijuana, is for adults over 21, and that the intoxicating effect of edibles is delayed for two hours, to product warnings about health risks. Labels must identify the product with Colorado’s universal symbol for marijuana. They also must show a production batch number, and a license number among other identity requirements.

The state of Colorado is in the lead in changing labeling requirements for cannabis packaging.  MMS Depot is fully aware of these changes and in step with the changes.As one of the U.S.’s most experienced suppliers of cannabis packaging and labels we can help you keep your labels current.

In the early days of legalized marijuana, packaging was limited to any plastic containers dispensaries could lay their hands on. These days’dispensaries and consumers want more than basic packaging. They might want stash jars, or they might want joint tubes, but they definitely want choice. Dispensaries and end users also want packaging that keeps their marijuana in the best condition, and they want assurance that their packaging is in compliance with state laws. The difference between MMC Depot and other marijuana packaging companies is that MMC Depot sells the largest variety of marijuana packaging available from multiple manufacturers who have built their reputation on quality and innovation. Therefor, we sell only quality packaging that keeps marijuana in prime condition, and is in compliance with state regulations.

Choice in marijuana packaging

Accompanying the explosion in marijuana sales is an explosion of new ways to use marijuana. Edibles and vaporization need specific packaging. Even the customer who sticks to smoking marijuana flower wants a choice between an old fashioned stash jar and an air-tight acrylic container. Dispensaries also want to organize their products in the most sensible way for their shop. This could mean hanging products in bags, or displaying them in jars. MMC Depot provides choice in packaging,which is the key to satisfying these differences

Quality packaging.

Marijuana packaging can be made from paper, glass, or plastic. In the marijuana business quality packaging is packaging that is durable and keeps the marijuana fresh, flavorful, and aromatic. MMC Depot sells only marijuana packaging that meets this definition.

Compliance

Customers buying marijuana are usually aware there are regulations surrounding marijuana packaging, labeling and sales. Marijuana retailers have to know every regulation to stay in business. Neither customers nor retailers want to worry about compliance. MMC Depot has a legal department that follows changing regulations in every state. Customers and retailers can relax knowing that MMC Depot only sells packaging that is in compliance.

After more than a decade since the marijuana revolution has taken place, there are a lot of choices for packaging, but they are not equal in materials or quality. And when you are dealing with products that are fragile in their molecular composition like flower and edibles are, why wouldn’t you use the best stash jars available in the market, for about the same price as cheaper knock-offs?MMC Depot providesthat choice in quality packaging. That is what makes us different!

Medical and Recreational cannabis sales are becoming big business, and big businesses market their products. One way to market your cannabis product is through custom marijuana packaging and labeling. Whether you’re selling medical or recreational cannabis, marketing can only support your bottom line.

Labeling

At the most basic, packaging containers should be labeled with your store’s name, address, and brand. Customers will keep a reusable container, and any easily accessible information on the container drives name recognition. Package labeling doesn’t have to be basic. Adding a one-of-a-kind logo to your label helps identify your product as special, memorable, and worthy of a return trip. MMC Depot offers custom packaging services for all of its containers.

Branding

As more and more dispensaries pop up around the country, competition is driven to new heights in the industry. Drive around any city where cannabis is legal and you will see dispensaries within a tight geographical area, the green cross no longer has a draw, and dispensaries are paying thousands to drive traffic. So when a new customer walks in, they will rate a business on first impressions, price, customer service and product quality. Unique packaging reinforces all of those factors and the impression that your products are special, and your establishment is memorable. For instance, a product that is prepackaged and allows for easy, accessible self service is not only efficient for customers, but allows for a better use of sales staff time to upsell product and create customer rapport.

Safety

Only pharmaceutical products, both prescription and over the counter, compare to the safety precautions in packaging that is being required of cannabis. No longer is child safe cannabis packaging an option, and many dispensaries around the country are finding the severity of the requirements threatening how they do business. For those higher-end dispensaries that are branding themselves as such, child safe packaging is not just a buzz word bandied about, but a serious element that conveys that the dispensary and staff care about their customers and keeping product out of the hands of minors. This alone is an element of package branding that can help a dispensary to distinguish themselves.

Using cannabis packaging made of glass, or polypropylene, which are recyclable, and have a small eco footprint, brand your store and product as green and environmentally sound. Upscale, organic and supplement health are all examples of brands that can be implied through packaging.

MMC Depot is the premier resource for custom branded marijuana packaging. Let us help you market your cannabis through packaging!

Medical and recreational cannabis retailers are like any other small business owners striving to succeed. They deal with a forest of regulations. They want to satisfy their customers, and display a quality product. They also need to make a profit. Unfortunately, unlike other retailers the cannabis industry is still fighting an historical stigma. Think about the pop culture image of the cannabis seller: black market entrepreneurs as furtive street dealers clutching baggies full of weed. One way to negate that reputation is by using appropriate child safe marijuana packaging for your cannabis products.

Compliant packaging – When your medical and recreational packaging follows state regulations your customers assume that you are honest. Honesty in packaging suggests honesty in practice. If you have legitimacy in your packaging, the implication is that you will treat your customers legitimately.

Specialized packaging – A commercial establishment uses packaging developed specifically for a certain product to package its merchandise. As a professional in the retail sector, anything less than professional packaging sends the wrong message! Whether your store has a laid back vibe, or a high-end atmosphere, specialized packaging suggests a professional establishment with a reputable product.

Safe packaging – Customers need to know that their cannabis is safe from contaminants. Medical cannabis users are especially vulnerable to contaminants that can negatively affect their medical condition. High-grade packaging helps ensure that customers are protected. High-grade packaging lengthens the shelf life of the product both, at the store, and at home. Using glass and pharmaceutical grade plastic packaging also keeps chemicals from leaking into the cannabis product. Using safe packaging ensures a safe reputation for the cannabis product you sell.

As a medical, or recreational cannabis retailer you want to run a professional business with a product that has a good reputation with your customers. MMC Depot can help you ensure your reputation by providing you with reputable marijuana packaging.