How to Design Creative and Compliant CBD Labels
When it comes to complying with federal regulations, there is no room for error. CBD labels have specific mandates that compel manufacturers to include certain information on all labels and packaging.
Unfortunately, this means that the boilerplate requirements of CBD labels can detract from their eye-catching potential.
If you sell CBD products, you’re tapping into a niche market with massive revenue potential. It’s also a highly competitive market, so packaging matters. You need to satisfy the regulatory bodies, but you also need to express uniqueness to appeal to your target audience.
Let’s dive into the best ideas and tips you can use to ensure your label is both compliant and creative!
What Does a CBD Label Need to Say?
Because the CBD industry is relatively recent and lacks standardization, the rules can sometimes seem a bit murky, especially for CBD products containing even a tiny amount of THC.
Labeling requirements depend on the product’s intended use and how it is marketed. A lot of it has to do with the verbiage on the package itself and knowing what’s not allowed.
For example, you can’t call CBD a dietary supplement. You also can’t claim that it heals or cures any specific ailments.
Keep in mind that even CBD from a hemp source contains some THC. FDA mandates that only products containing 0.3% or less THC can be sold as CBD, so it’s vital to get the labeling right. That said, the formula is simple: The name of the product and quantity contained in the package must go on the front label. The rest of the info can be printed either on the front label or to the right of the label on the information panel.
You’ll also need to check both local and state guidelines to ensure you comply with them as well. Some states, for example, require a seal of approval or a QR code. It’s a good idea to check with the State Agricultural Department to ensure your CBD label design is compliant.
What Are the Federal Regulations for CBD Labels?
Here is a list of information that need to be on your CBD labels:
- Product information, or the type of product in the package (oil, tincture, topical ointment, beverage, etc.)
- Net quantity in the package
- Nutrition information, like the RDA panels you see on food products
- Ingredients, including everything used in the making of the product
- The name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer, distributor, or reseller
- Information on where the product was tested
Though CBD is an agricultural product and thus falls under the Farm Bill, it must also comply with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) and the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Based on the terms of these acts, you’ll also need to include:
- A statement saying the product has not been approved by the FDA
- A highly visible warning that reads “keep out of reach of children”
- FDA 740.10 safety warning stating the safety of the product has not been determined
- The THC content
- Any directions pertaining to the safe use of the product
- Milligrams of CBD in the product
Where Do the FDA Regulations Need to Be on the Label?
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with information and wondering how in the world you’re going to cram all that data onto a 3-gram jar of CBD ointment – take a deep breath! There are creative ways to legibly get all the info onto a label without making it look like gibberish.
Regulations say that the product’s name, dosage, and quantity must be on the front label. The nutrition label, ingredients, warning labels, and directions need to be to the right side of the front label.
If your product comes in a small package, consider packaging it in a box that can accommodate all the necessary information.
How to Design Creative and Compliant CBD Labels
It’s a lot to take in! However, the legality of CBD labels does not have to affect the creativity of the actual design.
Manufacturers can get creative by utilizing characters, colors, images, slogans, or funky product packaging to help their product stand out on store shelves.
Design is an open book and should appeal to your end-user. However, it’s crucial to ensure you don’t sacrifice your branding for the sake of compliance. Yes, certain elements need to be included, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show your true colors.
The OPH Health label above demonstrates how to isolate the front-label product information from the boilerplate regulatory language. This configuration keeps the front label clean and easy to read but still contains all the stuff the government wants you to say.
This Charlotte’s Web packaging is an excellent example of how you can preserve design elements and shift the regulatory noise and miscellaneous info to the box. It’s clean, elegant, and stylish without being busy in the least.
On the other hand, the Nature’s Therapeia label plays around with the brand’s emotional quotient. The pastel colors and clean imagery are calming and pleasant. All the required front-label FDA information is there, and additional info on the strip label around the sides of the package and on the box.
While these CBD labels are fully compliant, they also clearly highlight the brand and the nature of the product inside – appealing to a wellness-focused audience.
Design Your CBD Label with Stomp
Are you ready to design your CBD labels? Stomp Stickers makes it easy to create eye-catching labels and packaging that reflect your values and appeal to your target audience. Our web-based design tool is user-friendly and filled with pre-made templates ready for your artwork. We have many label materials, shapes, and sizes to choose from, including waterproof labels for liquids and paper labels suitable for a wide range of packaging types.
Need help? Our design experts are always available to lend a hand. Contact us and get started today.
- Marketing Team
