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Q&A: Cannabis packaging design

High-end material choices collide with child-resistant closures and packaging. From nasal sprays to triangular cartons, a designer talks choices and compliance challenges.

Seed & Smith chose custom SnapTech bags, which have a smooth-yet-matte finish and colored squeeze tabs.
Seed & Smith chose custom SnapTech bags, which have a smooth-yet-matte finish and colored squeeze tabs.

While pop-tops and bags are still an efficient option for some cannabis product manufacturers, custom packaging is becoming more of a focus for companies looking to differentiate themselves. We sat down with Jesse Pixler, Creative Director at COHNNABIS in Denver, to talk about design challenges and choices in the medical marijuana space.

What was unique about designing for Verra Wellness’ nasal spray?

In terms of the label and carton, the client didn’t want the product to look “medical” though it is a medical product. They wanted a natural, organic feel with a consumer twist. We chose a vintage, illustration style that doesn’t overdo the cannabis plant imagery. 

The challenge was making this medical device look elegant. The bottle had to be child-resistant because it is a multiple-use product (vs. single-use) and the consumer throws out the secondary package, so we had to source a special top and lid to go on the base.

Verra was also very cautious compliance-wise and wanted to attach a label with marijuana infused product (MIP) facility and dispensary license numbers to the bottle, though it wasn’t required at the time. They opted for a foldover label that sticks onto the bottle. That eventually became a regulation, so they were already compliant.

The small seal at the top of the carton adds a higher-end feel while displaying the percentage of THC. This way, they can use the same carton for multiple product strengths by applying different seal labels.

With Seed & Smith, how did you arrive at the modern aesthetic without major leaf imagery?

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