Solutions that automate your operations and reduce human error will be worth the investment and worth investigating now.

Look no further. We have industry solutions we can set you up with.  We work with medical and recreational cannabis industry leaders to provide innovative printing, labeling, and packaging solutions. Our team can help you find the right solution.

AUTOMATED BAGGERS

Our first recommendation would be to consider investing in an automated bagger and sealer. Replace your manual bagging process and increase your productivity and efficiency. Baggers also reduce your costs while making you more money. We have several bagging solutions that could work for you and your products. From tabletop models to semi- and full-automatic bag-on-a-roll systems, there is a solution that will help you automate your packaging systems effectively. Plus, we offer integrated and customizable printing and packaging systems for on-demanding bagging or bag printing.

Lastly, we want to mention that our packaging systems go beyond your typical Styrofoam peanuts or your bubble wrap. Our systems deliver packaging that is visible, safe, and cost effective.

LABEL PRINTERS & APPLICATORS

Consider how this replaces manual hand labeling which can lead to errors. Not to mention how great packaging and labeling benefits your business. Label applicators resolve unnecessary challenges such as unreadable barcodes or interruptions in your process. If you’re producing or selling recreational cannabis, consider distinguishing your brand with a creative prime label. There are also a range of these type of label solutions we can show you. Overall, the right label printer and applicator can improve the quality of your business as you grow.

MOBILE TERMINALS AND COMPUTERS

Our third recommendation is for both growth and distribution centers. Utilizing technology that is available to them is better for product tracking. As we’ve discussed previously, chain of custody and traceability is just as important in the cannabis industry as any other. Having control over product tracking gives you a little extra security. 

These mobile terminals and computers are critical to a wireless infrastructure, allowing employees to take them wherever they go and collect data and customer information as they need to. They also provide the ability to complete business transactions at the point of sales activity.

Know what you need before you grow.

You may not need these solutions yet, but you will as your business and demand grow. Knowing your options for automated solutions ahead of time gives you the advantage of quick and seamless implementation when the time is right; and allows you to budget in advance and create the plan for how to safely set aside those monies so they are there when you need them. Begin here with us. We can show you the solutions we offer, explain how to implement them, and answer any of your questions.

Ready to start that conversation with us?

One of the things to consider is the way you package and label your products.

It's not too early to be thinking about your packaging and labelling options and understanding the benefits of doing these well. 

SELECTING THE RIGHT PACKAGING FOR YOUR PRODUCT

THE IMPORTANCE OF LABELLING

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT PACKAGE AND LABEL

Start paying attention to how you package and label. 

The closer your products get to being delivered to the hands of your consumers the more critical traceability becomes. 

Your business is new and so your success will rely partially on your reputation – a reputation built off the quality and care of your business process. 

Start thinking about how you’ll stay on top of traceability for your emerging cannabis business before it’s too late.  

RECORDING INVENTORY MOVEMENT

TRACEABILITY & UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS (UIDs)

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Protect your business from the get-go. It may only be emerging onto the scene, but you need to consider track-and-trace from the start. 

Everyone says the Cannabis market is going to be huge – like $166 billion by 2025 according to Chicago-based Euromonitor International. 

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Because of the vast number of industries that Cannabis may participate in, there’s no getting away from the fact that Cannabis will be a part of supply chains. As such, things such as chain of custody and traceability are going to be important factors in your systems and operations. That being known, these process points need to be addressed by the production management software solution you select.  

There are all kinds of options for supply chain management but when you want to narrow your focus to the Cannabis industry we recommend these two: Weedware and BarTender.

Weedware is the platform to use for a compliance software within the marijuana industry. BarTender is the world’s most trusted software solution for designing, printing, and managing labels, barcodes, RFID tags, documents and more. You can see how both would be critical solutions to your product management.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

When looking at potential solutions, learn about what kind of systems they are and their integration capabilities. You can read more about Weedware’s platform here or BarTender’s here. And don’t be afraid to reach out to customer support and ask clarifying questions.  

KEEPING UP WITH COMPLIANCE STANDARDS

Easier said than done, we know. The legal status of Cannabis in the U.S. remains complicated. Some states have legalized it for medical, others for recreational, but no federal standards exist across the board. There are mounting uncertainties about how to regulate. Keeping up with compliance standards is almost like trying to catch air. The target is always moving. 

The best thing to do is maintain your awareness of your state’s laws. The state level is where the development of these thing is taking place.

Know your state’s standards and this will help you stay within the bounds of law and compliance while the federal level continues to sort itself out. And remember, you improve your chances of staying compliant when you have a solid, trustworthy software solution and product management system in place helping you managing all the pieces. 

Don’t wait for your business or the market to BOOM before you start putting into place your production management system. 

What to Keep in Mind When Creating Cannabis Labels and Tags

As medical and recreational cannabis becomes legal in more and more states, the need for growers has increased. Because it is still strictly regulated and controlled, any agriculturalist looking to break into this booming market needs to understand the requirements for cannabis labels, so they can ensure that they remain in compliance with laws and make sure their labels are durable and readable in any environment.

When choosing your cannabis labels, here are a few things to consider.

Choose a Vendor with Expertise

The most important step is to ensure you work with a vendor who can provide you with top-quality cannabis label supplies and media that can meet all legal requirements and will stay intact throughout the supply chain. Legality varies from state to state, so it’s important to work with a vendor partner that is familiar with the shifting laws in your state, who can get you started, and also alert you to any labeling requirement changes down the road.

Labels for Identification and Traceability

Most states require cannabis labels to have a unique identifier that provides the lot number, barcode, serial number, batch number, or other data that specifies the product’s origins. RFID technology can be used as an effective track-and-trace solution for mother/daughter plant traceability. Traceability is crucial for tracking drug efficacy and the continuation of your plants DNA strands.

This helps to identify the product from seed to sale. This is also important in the event of a recall, so every item can be traced and properly accounted for. Imprint partners with Armor to provide traceability solutions that remain legible through seed to sale.

For more information about the barcode labeling process, download our e-book: 5 Steps to Simplify the Barcode Labeling Process

What to Include on Your Cannabis Labels

Each state has its own regulations dictating what must be included on cannabis labels. While there is no national legislation that currently outlines what the rules and regulations are for selling cannabis, many states have overlapping rules. Some of the most common are:

Warnings

Many states require that cannabis labels have some form of warning stating that the product has intoxicating effects, may impair abilities, and may be habit-forming.

Retailer/Manufacturer Identification

This information is used to identify where the cannabis was grown and the license number of the grower, as well as any other pertinent information.

Dates

Often, states will require the date of cultivation, manufacture, final testing, packaging, dispensing, harvesting, and the expiration or “use by” date.

Ingredients

For flowers, concentrates, and tinctures, states usually require cannabis labels to include a profile of terpenes and percentages of the different cannabinoids, such as THCA, CBD, and CBDA, found within the product.

Weight

Most states set a limit on how much product can be purchased by a single person, so the weight of the product is necessary to include in the label.

Product info

This is where the unique identification data will be listed, and it will generally include a unique serial number and lot number, as well as the strain, batch, and quantity.

Recipient info

Sometimes, the name of the recommending physician, patient information, or registered caregiver will be required at the time the product is sold.

Directions for use

Similar to other forms of medication, it is important to outline how the product should be used safely and what its intended use is on cannabis labels.

Proper storage and handling

States may not require this across the board, but it’s good to include this information on the label so carriers, dispensaries, and patients can ensure quality.

Labeling text

There are many guidelines for how the packaging and labeling text should appear in terms of size, placement, legibility, and design.

The cannabis market is booming, and more and more agriculturalists are looking to get a piece of the pie. Successful growers know that it is a worthwhile endeavor to break into this market, but it is also difficult, as nationwide legalization hasn’t yet passed and state regulations are consistently changing. Make sure you choose a vendor like Imprint Enterprises, to stay up-to-date on laws and regulations for cannabis labels.

Want to learn more? Contact Imprint Enterprises today.  

If your budding Cannabis business is new to market you may be wondering how to maneuver the fine line between following current and ambiguous regulations or experiencing legal ramifications because you missed something.

There are several considerations to have as an emerging Cannabis business owner, but the most critical one is to stay informed of the evolving climate that surrounds Cannabis regulation. Where do you even begin?

Some states have legalized it for medical use while others have for recreational, but no federal standard exists across the board. Alongside legal uncertainties are regulatory ones.

So, how do you go about entering this evolving Cannabis market? You stay informed and in-tune with the ongoing conversation.

KEEP UP WITH YOUR STATE’S ENVIRONMENT

As this one article suggests, maintaining your awareness of your state’s laws is the most critical piece to this puzzle. The state level is where the most legal development is taking place. As it stands, 10 states have authorized Cannabis’ recreational use while 33 have allowed for medical – as of May 2019. In which category does your state fall? And what about your business? Knowing your state’s standards is paramount to positioning your new business in the market and staying within the bounds of the law in the process.

FOLLOW INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Cannabis is already found across tobacco, packaged foods and beverages, beauty, and personal health industries, in addition to medical and pharmaceutical. As such, you have any number or agencies and organizations with safety and regulation on their minds. From the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Agriculture (DOA), there is no shortage of players in this game. Which of these stakeholders (and their agencies and organizations) may interact or intersect with your Cannabis business? Whomever they are, follow them – in the news, the community, or online. Know what they’re adding to the conversation, what they’re advocating or admonishing. And consider what their position means for your business. 

ENTER THE CONVERSATION

Don’t allow the key players at the state level or the industry representatives at WHO, FDA and beyond, make all the decisions that ultimately affect your business, consumers, and products. Be a part of the conversation. It is quite possible you know more about Cannabis than those with decision-making status. Speak with your legislators. Share what you know because you may know more. Find ways to join the dialogues in your community – on or offline. Do your own research so you’re positioned as a thought-leader and not just a producer in the industry. If you’ve been keeping up with your state’s environment and following industry players, you’ll have plenty to offer to the conversation and will stand out in the crowd. Which has its own perks for your business.

There’s no denying that the more informed you are, the better decisions you can make for your emerging cannabis business.

The market is expanding and changing, legislation and regulation along with it. The only way to keep up is to stay ‘in-the-know’ and to be a part of the dialogue. Decisions happening at state and federal level or within your industry are going to impact your Cannabis business. So, watch, listen, and speak up. Continuously. And look to companies with a growing awareness of the market for business solutions.

We have your back on software solutions like Weedware and BarTender®. Check those out and then be in touch for a demo. If there is one thing you can worry about less in an ever-moving market, it’s applications that can drive better business practice. We’ve got you covered there. Focus on growing your product and we’ll focusing on helping you grow your business. 

The United States has seen 10 states and Washington, D.C. legalize the medical and recreational use of Cannabis. There are 23 additional states (plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with medical use legalized. There’s no denying that more states are on their way to joining one or both sides of the fence, Illinois among them (for recreational use). The more States legalize, the more room for Cannabis businesses to emerge and the market is already seeing incredible revenues.

One source states, the U.S. CBD market could hit $22 billion by 2022. Another reports that edibles and beverages accounted for nearly $1 billion in sales in the U.S. (in 2017) and could grow to $4.1 billion by 2022.

What, then, do those new businesses entering the Cannabis scene need to consider? They need to consider these 5 things:

1. THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT OF THEIR STATE

With no national standards or federal regulations, it’s imperative that you follow your State’s environment. “You have to maintain your current knowledge around state laws because that is where all the action is.” Familiarize with the Cannabis issue in your own backyard and encourage legislators to reconcile the challenges still at play. Urge stakeholders to work towards standardized and safe operations; and to consider existing food, beverage, and alcohol categories for guidance around labeling. Do your own research so you’re positioned as a thought-leader and not just a producer in the industry. Bottom line: you have to know what’s happening in your state. This is the fundamental, foundational building block for which your new Cannabis business rests.   

2. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

While the standards and regulations may be murky, you still need to consider the best way to manage your production, inventory, packaging, distribution, and sales process. You need a solid database and centralized source of information about all areas of your Cannabis business. There are two software solutions we can recommend to help you run your business efficiently while also keeping you compliant: WeedWare and BarTender®. WeedWare is a “’Seed-to Sale’ ERP system,” allowing you to manage your entire enterprise with streamlined business processes. It’s a powerful Cannabis business management software.  BarTender® is a barcode and label software that is adaptable to any regulation or business demand you face in your product’s chain of custody.

3. TRACK AND TRACE SOLUTIONS

Like any other product moving through a supply chain, emerging Cannabis businesses need to consider how they’re going to record the inventory and movement of their CBD products from cultivation to sale. A handful of states (California, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada) are using Metrc software, but WeedWare and BarTender® can handle this, too.  Additionally, you’ll want to determine how you’ll pair a unique identifier (UID) with your products which further protects your business and provides you the track and trace oversight you’ll need.

4. PACKAGING AND MATERIALS

Not every product should be placed in a bag, a bottle, or a vial. And not every kind of package or material may offer the amount of space to include the appropriate disclaimers and information that must accompany your products. As such, it’s imperative that the packaging and materials you use are selected carefully. There are a great many benefits to choosing the best packaging and materials to match the specific products you are selling: protecting the product; adhering to necessary regulations; marketing the product in an eye-catching way; allowing enough space for the right label; cost effectiveness; and shipping and handling. We can help with this. Our Cannabis labels and packaging solutions keep businesses productive and in compliance with the latest Cannabis labeling regulations.

5. AUTOMATION AS THEIR BUSINESS GROWS

Operational efficiency will be imperative to your success as your company grows. You’ll want to consider moving away from manual processes that cost you time and money. Consider solutions that will automate your operations and give you return on those investments – not to mention reduce the possibilities of human error that frequently accompany manual systems. Specifically, consider investing in an automatic bagger and sealer (over hand bagging) which can give you the efficiency and versatility you need to improve your packaging operations while reducing costs. Next, a quality label applicator (over hand labeling) can produce thermal or direct transfer labels and affix them to your products. Lastly, you could move to a scanning system as you pick orders. Mobile terminals and computers are critical to a wireless infrastructure, allowing employees to take them wherever they go and collect data and customer information as they need to, and/or complete business transactions at the point of sales activity.

Continue to watch this space for more information on emerging market considerations and planning for your new Cannabis business.

Remember: get and stay informed. Follow your states regulations – what’s happening now and what’s on the horizon. Use this post as a checklist to get started. And don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for labelling and software solutions that will help you manage from cultivation to sale.