How to Create Custom Cannabis Packaging

Sep 23, 2024

Choosing the Right Printer for Custom Cannabis Packaging

In the ever-growing cannabis industry, custom packaging has become essential for brands looking to stand out on dispensary shelves. Eye-catching, durable, and informative packaging not only attracts customers but also communicates the quality of your product.

The key to creating impactful cannabis packaging lies in choosing the right printing equipment. In this guide, we'll cover how to choose the best cannabis packaging printer for your business, along with tips for achieving high-quality results.

Why Custom Cannabis Packaging Matters

Custom packaging plays a crucial role in branding and compliance. From mylar bags to custom labels for jars and tubes, the design and print quality can set your products apart in a competitive market.

Creating professional packaging requires more than just a great design; you need the right printer to bring your vision to life. Learn more about the importance of cannabis labels in our blog post "Cannabis Labels: What You Need to Know".

In-House Printing Can Save You Time & Money

Check out this video to see examples we printed in-house and how it can give your cannabis brand a competitive edge:

When it comes to selecting the ideal printer for cannabis packaging, you'll want to consider factors like material type, color accuracy, and printing speed. Here are some key features to look for in a printer:

Media Compatibility: Ensure the printer can handle various media, such as mylar bags, labels, and stickers. Read more about mylar bag printing in our detailed blog "Mylar Bag Printing".
Color Gamut: For vibrant, eye-catching packaging, choose a printer with an extended ink set, including gloss and white inks.
Cutting Capabilities: Integrated cutters allow you to create custom shapes for your labels, stickers, and other packaging elements.
Eco-Friendly Inks: Using eco-solvent or UV inks ensures your packaging is not only attractive but also environmentally responsible.

Top Printer Options for Custom Cannabis Packaging

Here’s a look at some of the best printers for creating cannabis packaging labels and stickers:

1. Roland TrueVIS VG3 Series Printer/Cutter (Eco-Solvent)

The Roland TrueVIS VG3 Series is a powerhouse for creating custom die-cut labels in vibrant colors. Its eco-solvent ink set, including gloss, white, green, and orange, produces high-quality labels for cannabis packaging that stands out.

Why It’s Great: Ideal for brands that need flexibility in producing die-cut labels with diverse colors. The 54-inch and 64-inch models cater to a range of packaging sizes, offering the versatility needed in cannabis branding.

Learn More:

2. Mimaki CJV200 Series (Eco-Solvent)

The Mimaki CJV200 Series offers a wide color gamut and eco-friendly GBL-free SS22 inks, perfect for creating vibrant, durable packaging labels. Its integrated cutting capabilities allow for producing custom labels, signs, and promotional goods efficiently.

Why It’s Great: Best suited for businesses in retail, advertising, and cannabis packaging looking to upgrade their printing equipment. With sizes ranging from 31 to 64 inches, this printer can handle anything from small labels to large signage.

Learn More: Mimaki CJV200 Series Eco Solvent Printer/Cutter

3. Roland TrueVIS MG Series UV Printer/Cutter

If you're looking to create packaging with holographic, chrome, or textured finishes, the Roland TrueVIS MG Series UV printer is your go-to choice. Its ability to print with white ink underbases, clear accents, and raised textures makes it ideal for premium cannabis packaging.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for brands wanting to add unique finishes to their labels. The UV ink options offer flexibility and durability, creating eye-catching packaging that makes a statement.

Learn More: Roland TrueVIS MG Series UV Printer/Cutter

4. Roland VersaOBJECT MO-240 Benchtop UV Flatbed Printer

For brands interested in direct printing onto jars, tubes, and cylindrical objects, the Roland VersaOBJECT MO-240 is an excellent choice. This UV flatbed printer allows for printing directly onto various surfaces, perfect for unique and custom cannabis packaging.

Why It’s Great: Ideal for businesses looking to brand packaging beyond traditional labels. It offers flexible ink configurations, including a primer for glass and acrylic surfaces.

Learn More: Roland MO-240 UV Flatbed Printer

How to Print Custom Cannabis Packaging with Your Chosen Printer

Once you've selected the right printer for your business, it's time to start printing. Here’s how to get started:

Design Your Packaging: Use a design software like Adobe Illustrator to create your custom labels, mylar bag designs, or direct-to-jar branding. Make sure to include necessary information such as strain names, THC/CBD content, and compliance warnings.
Select the Right Media: Depending on your printer, choose media that works best for your packaging needs. For labels, consider durable materials like vinyl or PET. For direct printing, ensure your objects are compatible with UV or eco-solvent inks.
Set Up Your Printer: Configure your printer settings for optimal color accuracy and cutting precision. This may involve adjusting the ink set, cutting parameters, and print resolution.
Print & Cut: Load your media into the printer and begin the printing process. For printers with cutting capabilities, set up the cut lines for custom shapes to enhance your packaging.

Looking for More Options?

If you’re exploring more printer options for custom cannabis packaging, be sure to check out our UV Printer Collection and Eco-Solvent Printer Collection featuring models from Roland, Mimaki, and more.

Final thoughts

Custom cannabis packaging is key to making your brand memorable and compliant. By choosing the right printer—whether it's a versatile eco-solvent printer or a UV printer for unique finishes—you can create stunning, high-quality packaging that stands out. Invest in the right equipment today to elevate your brand’s packaging game.