Why Coding and Marking Matters in Cannabis Packaging

Cannabis products face some of the strictest state and local labeling regulations of any consumer packaged goods category. Every package must carry clear and accurate information to remain compliant, protect consumers, and build brand trust. Proper coding and marking ensures:

• Compliance with labeling laws: Batch numbers, production dates and expiration dates are required in most states.

• Traceability: Enables recalls and quality assurance by tying products to specific lots.

• Product safety: Clear labeling reduces the risk of accidental use, especially in households with children.

• Brand trust: Crisp, legible codes signal professionalism and reinforce consumer confidence.

Key Coding Requirements in the Cannabis Industry

While requirements vary by state, cannabis packaging typically must display:

• Product name and type (flower, concentrate, edible, vape cartridge, etc.)

• THC and CBD content

• Batch or lot number

• Manufacture date and expiration date

• Compliance statements and warning labels

• QR codes or barcodes for track-and-trace

These codes must remain durable and readable for the full shelf life of the product, regardless of the packaging material. That makes the right choice of printer and ink technology critical.

Choosing the Right Printing Technology

Cannabis brands use a wide variety of packaging: glass jars, plastic tubes, metal tins, cardboard cartons, flexible mylar pouches and corrugated cases. No single printing technology is perfect for every application, which is why understanding the strengths of each system matters.

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) – Norwix UC22, Squid Ink Viper

• Best for: Cartons, pouches, folded boxes, labels and short-run applications requiring crisp detail.

• Advantages:

  • High resolution up to 600 dpi for barcodes, nutrition panels and compliance text

  • Minimal maintenance since each cartridge contains a new printhead

  • Compact size and easy integration on labeling or cartoning lines

• Ink compatibility:

  • Water-based inks for porous paper and cardboard packaging

  • Solvent-based formulations for semi-porous materials and specialty coated substrates

• Why it fits cannabis: TIJ excels at delivering regulatory text in small spaces, ensuring THC content, batch codes and QR codes remain sharp and scannable.

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) – LEIBINGER

• Best for: High-speed lines coding directly on bottles, jars, tubes and flexible packaging.

• Advantages:

  • Prints reliably on glass, plastics, foils and metal caps

  • Handles irregular and curved surfaces at production speeds exceeding 300 m/min

  • LEIBINGER’s Sealtronic technology prevents clogs and starts instantly after downtime

• Ink compatibility:

  • MEK-based inks for fast-drying performance on non-porous surfaces

  • Ethanol- and acetone-based inks for specialty applications

  • Pigmented inks for dark or opaque packaging

• Why it fits cannabis: CIJ offers speed and flexibility for direct coding on containers, keeping lines efficient without slowing production.

Drop-On-Demand (DOD) Large Character Printing – Squid Ink

• Best for: Shipping cases, outer cartons, bulk transport packaging.

• Advantages:

  • Bold, scannable text and logos visible across the supply chain

  • Rugged construction for dusty warehouse or grow facility environments

  • Simple bulk ink systems keep operating costs low

• Ink compatibility:

  • Oil-based inks for corrugated cartons

  • Solvent-based and pigmented inks for secondary packaging with higher durability needs

• Why it fits cannabis: Ensures cases of flower jars, edible cartons or vape pens are clearly labeled with branding and tracking codes for wholesale distribution.

UV LED Curing and Laser Coding – Squid Ink

• Best for: Premium branding and permanent identification.

• UV LED: Provides instant curing, vibrant colors and adhesion on coated cartons, plastics and glass while remaining low-VOC for sustainability.

• Laser: Produces tamper-proof, permanent codes without ink or consumables, ideal for compliance marks on glass bottles or high-value packaging.

• Why it fits cannabis: Both UV and laser deliver durability and brand distinction, useful in premium edible, concentrate and beverage lines.

Inks and Solvents That Meet Industry Needs

Usinks.com supplies a full range of inks and solvents designed for cannabis packaging applications:

• Solvent-based inks:

  • Fast-drying and durable on glass jars, metal tins, plastic tubes and mylar bags.

  • Excellent adhesion for high-touch consumer goods.

• Water-based inks:

  • Eco-friendly and ideal for porous substrates such as cartons, paperboard and case packaging.

• Fast-dry and high-contrast formulations:

  • Prevent smudging, fading or rub-off in humid or refrigerated environments.

• Pigmented inks:

  • Provide contrast on dark or opaque packaging materials, common in cannabis retail products.

• OEM and compatible options:

  • Available for LEIBINGER, Squid Ink, Norwix and other major printer brands.

Why Buy from Usinks.com

When cannabis manufacturers choose Usinks.com for coding and marking supplies, they gain:

• In-stock OEM and compatible inks and solvents for LEIBINGER, Squid Ink, Norwix and more

• Fast shipping to keep production running without costly downtime

• Competitive pricing that reduces operating costs without compromising performance

• Expert guidance to match the correct ink and printer to packaging substrates and compliance needs

Stay Compliant and Build Brand Strength

In the competitive cannabis market, every detail counts. Clear, compliant and durable codes protect your consumers, keep you in line with strict regulations and enhance brand credibility. From TIJ and CIJ to DOD, UV and laser solutions, Usinks.com provides the inks and expertise needed to keep your cannabis packaging lines running efficiently.

Visit Usinks.com today to find the right inks and solvents for your cannabis operation.

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