Navigating the Patchwork of Global Cannabis Legalization

The critical role of packaging and labeling for safety and compliance

With cannabis legalization expanding worldwide, a complex patchwork of laws and regulations governing its use, sale, and distribution is emerging. As more countries and regions legalize cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, packaging and labeling play a vital role in ensuring consumer safety, manufacturing transparency, and product integrity.

Labeling compliance requirements vary widely across jurisdictions, leaving cannabis producers, packagers, and sellers to navigate the challenge of interpreting and adhering to applicable laws.

Legal possession for recreational use

From the dispensaries of California to the coffee shops of Amsterdam, the status of cannabis legalization is as diverse as the cultures embracing it. The personal possession of cannabis for recreational use has been legalized for adults in a growing number of countries with varying restrictions.

Decriminalization

Many more countries have decriminalized, or partially decriminalized, the personal possession of cannabis.

While possession for recreational use remains illegal, prosecution for possessing small amounts is unlikely in these locations. The threshold for what constitutes a ‘small amount’ and permissible locations for possession (e.g. in a home) varies by and within countries. Consequences, where enforced, may include fines, misdemeanors, and light penalties such as license suspension or mandatory drug treatment programs. Enforcement at local levels may differ from national practices.

Short of official decriminalization, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Egypt, Poland, United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Syria among others, have relaxed enforcement for personal possession.

Recreational cannabis sales

According to Grand View Research, the cannabis market in the U.S. was valued at USD 38.50 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.51% from 2025 to 2030.

While global acceptance for personal possession is on the rise, the sale of cannabis is another matter. Of the countries that have legalized possession at a national level, just three countries (Canada, Thailand, and Uruguay) and select U.S. states legally permit the retail sale of recreational cannabis.  

The Netherlands and a handful of other countries allow cannabis sales in licensed coffee shops and clubs, but in Mexico, where possession and consumption are legal (within limits), there is no structure for the legal sale and production of cannabis.

Licensed by states and local governments, dispensaries act as retail outlets for cannabis sales throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dispensaries generally sell cannabis, along with cannabis-derived products, to individuals for personal and medicinal use.

Packaging format and design

As with any consumer goods, the commercial manufacture and sale of cannabis products for personal consumption rely on appropriate packaging. With safety requirements similar to the pharmaceutical industry and the freshness and protection requisites like the food industry, cannabis producers are employing an array of consumer packaging types.

• Flexible film packaging enhances the shelf life of perishable products and adds an aesthetic appeal to the packed product.
• Paper and cardboard are relatively inexpensive, easily recycled packaging options suitable for a range of print solutions.
• Glass and plastic containers are a popular packaging option, allowing product differentiation and a premium appearance, while providing contents with a strong protective barrier.
• Metal containers are highly protective and typically indicate a high-quality, premium product.

Of the countries with legal commercial cannabis sales, Canada’s package design regulations exemplify the limitations often placed on cannabis manufacturers. In Canada, primary packaging for dried and fresh cannabis must exclude images, fluorescent colors, embossing, and decorative ridges. Heat-activated inks, fold-out panels, and cut-out windows are also prohibited. Known as “plain packaging,” similar neutral formats without promotional designs have been adopted in countries like Germany.

In the United States, cannabis packaging is governed by a tapestry of state laws, with commonalities such as tamper-evidence and child-resistant designs. Every state with legal cannabis sales enforces regulations against packaging designs that could appeal to children, with varying degrees of strictness.

Germany has opted for a two-phase approach to legalization, currently allowing adults to privately cultivate cannabis for personal use, as well as cooperative, non-commercial self-cultivation for personal consumption and the sharing of cannabis within cultivation associations. Weight, cannabis strain, harvest date, minimum shelf-life date, and average THC content are currently required on cannabis sold through German clubs.

In Germany’s second phase, a regional, time-limited pilot project will be introduced to test and scientifically assess the controlled distribution of cannabis through commercial supply chains.

Labeling requirements

While labeling requirements are inconsistent around the globe, essential information on cannabis packaging may include date codes, batch numbers, serial numbers, weight, strain, testing lab and cannabinoid content.

For products containing cannabis, like as oils and edibles, requirements may specify the product type, THC/CBD content, dosage instructions, a list of ingredients, and health warnings. Regardless of the product type, the data printed on the packaging or product must be clearly presented to meet regulatory standards.

Online printing, marking, and labeling

During package selection, consideration must be given to the space, surface, and production requirements for applying the required codes, dates, warnings, and other product information on each package.

To ensure variable data can be printed directly on flexible packaging, cartons, and boxes, designers can incorporate a designated blank space, such as a 1.5 x 2.5-inch “no print zone” if space allows. This reserved area is essential for compliance data, including THC %, mg, CBD %, strain name, and lab test ID.

Depending on the substrate and other factors, various printing and marking technologies that can achieve high-quality, on-demand and variable printing online during the primary packaging process:

	Flexible Film	Glass and Plastic	Metal Containers	Paper and Cardboard	Direct on Edibles
Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO)
Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ)
Thermal inkjet (TIJ)
Laser Marking Systems
Label Printer Applicator (LPA)
Large Character Marking (LCM)

**Typically used to print on a label prior to application

Printing directly on edible products with CIJ technology is achievable with specially formulated food grade inks. Certain lasers can also mark codes and other information directly on edible products without altering the flavor or integrity of the product.  

Supporting cannabis producers in a rapidly evolving industry

The lack of standardization in cannabis packaging presents significant challenges for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Coupled with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, businesses must navigate a complex and dynamic environment to remain competitive and compliant.

Staying on top of ever-changing regulations and prioritizing clarity, compliance, and consumer safety in packaging design are critical steps in meeting industry requirements.

Videojet is committed to supporting cannabis producers, brands, and retailers in tackling these challenges. From applying compliant labels on diverse packaging materials to printing directly on edibles, Videojet delivers the technology and expertise needed to adapt to shifting regulations. With Videojet as a partner, businesses can ensure their packaging meets current standards while preparing for the future of this fast-evolving industry.

** https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-cannabis-market