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Pre-Roll Packaging Guide for Cannabis Brands

The Box Lane

The Box Lane

Last Updated: November 25, 2024
preroll packaging guide

Have you ever picked the pre-roll and, on first glance, felt compelled by the packaging and its design? That’s the beauty of proper pre-roll packaging. For cannabis brands, it is crucial to gain consumers’ attention – even more so in an industry that expands with new entrants each day. Indeed, 75% of consumers confessed that they are sensitive to packaging when making a purchase and this goes hand in hand with pre-rolls.

From ensuring compliance to creating visually appealing designs, the packaging of pre-rolls plays a significant role in branding and functionality. Pre-roll packaging is one of the paramounts aspects of branding & functionality in terms of aesthetically-pleasing designs and compliance & regulations. According to average daily active users, 63% of brands currently sell the 1-gram pre-roll and 43% of the brands sell the 0.5-gram Joints. So, let’s dive into the world of pre-roll packaging and see how it is possible to make a regular product stand out from the crowd.

What is Pre-Roll Packaging?

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Pre-roll packaging is intended for the protection of cannabis pre-rolls, which should remain both fresh and secure while visually appealing. It is not just about covering a product when packaging for pre-rolls, it is a strategic technique of how to balance between meeting legal requirements and creating brand identity. Pre-roll packaging can be as simple as just the tube, or as complex as a box or multi-pack, and may include options such as childproof pre-roll tubes, biodegradable materials, and higher-end packaging for connoisseur pre-rolls. Regardless of whether it is a simple single pre-roll or a more costly multi-pack, the purpose of pre-roll packaging is to improve the user experience.

Stats: The Market Preference in Pre-Roll Sizes and Packs

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When it comes to brands that are interested in addressing their target market appropriately, it is important to familiarize with the market’s tendency in terms of pre-roll sizes. As noted:

  • 1-gram pre-rolls are the most common and available in stores from 63% of brands.
  • Equally popular are smaller 0.5-gram joints, accessible at 43% of the shops.
  • Single, half-gram packs, and 2-packs of pre-rolls are the new economic choice, whereas ‘dog-walkers’ or packs of smaller pre-rolls are also getting popular.
  • Notably, infused and connoisseur-grade pre-rolls comprise 41% of the market, up from 30% in two years.

The market demonstrates that the trend is shifting towards product variety and luxury, mainly evident with the multi-packs and infused pre-rolls.

Types of Pre-Roll Packaging

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Selecting the right type of pre-roll packaging not only satisfies the consumers’ needs and wants but also corresponds to your company’s and product’s image. Here’s a look at the types available:

Pre-Roll Tubes

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These are the traditional type – single, child proof tubes which come in different materials including plastic, glass and metal. To cater for the growing environmentally conscious consumer, brands can source tubes from biodegradable material.

Boxes and Tins

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Boxes and tins are mostly used on multipack products; they are very strong and can accommodate additional graphics storytelling on the packaging. These are perfect for dogwalker packs or really high end, gourmet-grade joint rollers.

Eco-Friendly Options

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With increased concerns with the environment, organic products like paper or plant-based packing material is the choice now. Not only do they target a rising number of customers who are conscious about the environment, but it also shows customers how a brand can reduce its environmental impact.

Advantages of Pre- Roll Packaging

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Pre-roll packaging goes beyond the basic function of protecting a product and enhancing the brand; it also provides functional value.

Product Protection

Packaging preserves pre-rolls from environmental conditions such as moisture, light and air which are detrimental to the quality of the product.

Compliance

Two important aspects that have direct relation to the cannabis brand’s packaging and labeling include child-resistant packaging and labeling laws. This is important to legally sell in various markets and the right packaging will guarantee compliance.

Brand Recognition

The packaging is the first brand touch point that a consumer is exposed to. Custom pre-roll packaging with different colors, designs, and logos help people to remember brands that they use. In an industry that is budding as fast as cannabis, unique packaging ensures that consumers can easily identify your product. 

Legal requirements and Standards for Pre-Roll Packaging

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Cannabis packaging regulation differs from one jurisdiction to another but is mainly based on child access proofs, proper labeling and any feature that shows that the package has not been tampered with. Pre-roll packaging has to meet legal requirements so that people can safely consume them and conform to the legislation. They can also lead to significant penalties meaning that brands must follow the most current regulations.

  • Child-Resistant Requirements: Packaging should be hard to open for kids but easy to open for the adults, thus it needs to meet certain tests.
  • Labeling Standards: These include THC content, warnings, and other product related information that have to be written in a given font size and color.

When brands maintain compliance, they create a favorable image for consumers, and also do not offend the law.

Choosing the Right Materials

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Currently consumers are more conscious of the environment and with this in mind, many cannabis brands have no option but to opt for sustainable packaging. This is not just appealing to consumers but also makes brands unique in the market, or a particular industry. Consider using:

  • Biodegradable Plastics: long lasting and safe for the environment. 
  • Glass: Luxury, reusable, and does not affect the quality of the product.
  • Recycled Paper: Naturally beautiful while at the same time being environmentally friendly.

Choosing environmentally friendly products suits the consumers’ needs and gives an additional bonus to your company.

Customization Features in Pre-Roll Packaging

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Pre-roll packaging cannot be complete without customization, as it occupies a very crucial place in the process. Logos, bright colors, distinctive forms and some other extras like embossing or UV printing can be used by brands to design the attractive packaging. Customization options allow brands to:

  • Reflect Brand Identity: Consistent colors, logos and design projects the brand image.
  • Appeal to Target Demographics: A simplistic packaging design may tend to lure the upper stratum while a packaging that is bright and striking may attract the younger generation.
  • Stay On-Trend: Customize your design according to the trends such as classic look will appeal to sophisticated consumers while eco-friendly themes will attract green customers. 

Branding and Design: How to Make Your Pre-Roll Packaging Unique 

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Branding is about creating a memorable image and pre-roll packaging design could help do just that. Here’s how to make your packaging stand out:

Unique Shapes and Finishes

Experiment with round tins, square boxes, or hexagonal packaging. Different textures like matte, gloss, or metallic finishes add a premium feel.

Color Psychology

Use colors strategically to convey brand personality. Bright colors can indicate a casual, fun product, while sleek blacks or metallics often signal premium quality.

Storytelling Through Packaging

Let your packaging tell a story about your brand values, be it through eco-friendly materials, unique art, or messaging on the packaging.

By incorporating these elements, your pre-rolls can create a brand image that appeals directly to your target audience.

How to Make Custom Pre-Roll Packaging

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Creating custom pre-roll packaging involves thoughtful decisions about your brand’s goals, materials, and design elements. Here’s a simple process to guide you:

Define Brand Goals

Choose if you want your product and service to be sustainable, luxurious, or affordable. It will affect the material to be used, the color and the general appearance of the products.

Choose Materials

Think about the materials which you can afford and which will also be in line with your company’s image. Biodegradable and recyclable products are very suitable for brands that are environmentally sensitive.

Integrate Innovation in Design

From logos to embossing, the addition of extra special touch guarantees your product is distinct. Custom designs also help in increasing perceived value since customers will prefer to purchase your product over others.

Work with Professionals

Consulting packaging specialists is always helpful and will help you to shape your concepts into functional and easily marketable products.

This way, you will be able to design, and create attractive packaging that does not violate the requirements and is handy at the same time.

The Future of Pre-Roll Packaging

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The future of pre-roll packaging is also expected to be more sustainable and innovative than what is currently being seen on the market. As the industry grows, expect to see:

Increased Use of Eco-Friendly Materials

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With increasing concern toward the environment, biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials will be widely used.

Smart Packaging Technology

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One new trend is using QR codes and interactive packaging to provide information about the product or a brand’s history.

Compact Multi-Packs

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As more and more people turn to compact and affordable designs, “dogwalkers” and similar multi-pack layouts are inevitable.

As the focus remains on higher quality pre-rolls and individual consumer experience, brands will not cease exploring the possibilities in the packaging design.

Conclusion

In a competitive market, pre-roll packaging is not simply a vessel to hold the product – it is a marketing asset, and a regulatory necessity. Picking the right material, comprehending the legal requirements, and appreciating the potential for creative customization can help brands design packaging that will matter to the consumers and enrich the brands themselves. Therefore, if you are willing to make a statement with effective pre-roll packaging, discover your possibilities and let your packaging convey your brand’s message with The Box Lane