California Cannabis Packaging Guide
California's Department of Cannabis Control enforces some of the strictest cannabis packaging requirements in the country. Local permitting is required before state licensing. Two-panel labeling system with nutrition facts panel. AB 1894 prohibits "disposable" labeling for vape products.
Packaging Requirements
California Compliance Rules
Physical Packaging
- Child-resistant: Must meet federal PPPA standards
- Tamper-evident: Seal must clearly show if packaging has been opened
- Opaque for edibles: Edibles must be in opaque packaging that prevents product visibility
- No appeal to children: No packaging attractive to children or that resembles candy/branded food products
- Transparency allowed for non-edibles: Non-edible products may use transparent packaging if otherwise compliant
Labeling Requirements
- California universal cannabis symbol: State-mandated symbol required on all packages
- THC/CBD content: Per serving AND total package amounts required
- Net weight/volume: Required in appropriate units
- Ingredient list: Complete ingredient list required for edibles
- Allergen disclosures: All major allergens must be disclosed
- Manufacturer/packager information: Name, license number, and contact information
- Government warning statements: California-mandated health and safety warnings
- No misleading claims: Terms like 'organic' prohibited unless certified by appropriate agency
Prop 65 Warning Required
California requires a Proposition 65 warning on all cannabis products. THC is listed as a reproductive toxin and cannabis as a carcinogen. This is in addition to standard cannabis health warnings. Failure to include Prop 65 language can result in civil penalties.
THC Limits
Edibles: 10 mg THC per serving
For California Operators
Compliant Products
Every order ships with compliance documentation for your state. These products meet California's packaging requirements.
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Know the Rules. Now Get the Packaging.
Factory-direct, DCC-compliant packaging for California operators. Compliance documentation ships with every order.
What the DCC Requires on Every Package
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) sets the most detailed packaging requirements in the US market. Every cannabis product sold at retail must meet these standards — no exceptions, no grace periods.
Child-resistant packaging is mandatory for all cannabis products. Packaging must meet CPSC testing standards under 16 CFR 1700.15 and 1700.20. For single-use products, the package itself must be CR. For multi-use containers, the package must be resealable and maintain CR function after opening.
The universal symbol — the DCC's THC warning symbol — must appear on every retail cannabis package. It must be at least 0.5" x 0.5" and printed in black on a white or light background, clearly visible on the primary display panel.
Opaque or exit packaging is required for all cannabis goods. The product cannot be visible through the packaging, or it must be placed in an opaque exit bag at the point of sale. Our colored PET tubes and UV glass jars meet this requirement without secondary packaging.
Labeling requirements include: batch/lot number, manufacture and expiration dates, net weight, licensee name and license number, list of all ingredients, allergen warnings, THC/CBD content per serving and per package, and government warning statements. Labels cannot make health claims or use imagery that appeals to children.
Every licensed operator in California.
Cultivators, manufacturers, processors, and distributors all have packaging obligations under DCC regulations. If you're producing or distributing cannabis products for retail sale in California, your packaging must be DCC-compliant before it reaches a dispensary shelf. Non-compliant packaging means your product gets rejected at distribution — costing you product, time, and credibility.
We supply factory-direct packaging that meets California's CR and opacity standards. Every order ships with CR certification documentation. For the complete packaging breakdown across all legal states, see our state-by-state CR packaging guide.
Common Questions
The California DCC requires child-resistant packaging (CPSC certified), the universal THC symbol (0.5" minimum), opaque packaging or exit bags, and detailed labeling including batch numbers, THC/CBD content, ingredients, and government warnings. All packaging must be tamper-evident.
Yes. Cannabis products cannot be visible through the package at retail. You can use opaque packaging (colored PET tubes, UV glass jars) or clear packaging placed in an opaque exit bag at the dispensary. Using opaque primary packaging eliminates the exit bag requirement and simplifies the retail process.
DCC labeling requirements include: universal THC symbol, batch/lot number, manufacture and expiration dates, net weight, licensee name and license number, all ingredients, allergen warnings, THC/CBD content per serving and per package, and the required government warning statement. Labels cannot include health claims or imagery appealing to minors.
HIGHER Packaging supplies CR-certified, opaque-option packaging at factory-direct wholesale pricing. PET tubes, glass tubes, PET jars, glass jars, and UV glass jars — all with CR certification documentation included. No distributor markup. Volume pricing at 250K, 500K, and 1M+ units.
Products that meet California requirements.
Every product ships with CR certification and compliance documentation. Factory-direct — no markup.
Read our full state-by-state CR compliance guide for requirements across all legal markets.
Ship Compliant to California
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Compliance docs included with every California order. Shipping included. 15-30% below distributor pricing.
