Florida Cannabis Packaging Guidelines: What You Need to Know in 2025

As Florida’s cannabis and hemp markets continue to grow, businesses must adhere to strict packaging rules to ensure consumer safety and legal compliance. Whether you’re a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) or a hemp-derived product manufacturer, understanding Florida cannabis packaging guidelines is essential to avoid fines and maintain consumer trust.

In this article, we break down the current packaging requirements, labeling expectations, and recent legislative changes affecting cannabis and hemp products in the Sunshine State.

Regulatory Framework

Florida divides oversight of cannabis packaging between medical marijuana and hemp extract products:

• Medical cannabis rules are handled by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) under Florida Statute 381.986 and emergency rule 64ER20-32. These set packaging standards, such as child-resistant containers, opaque wraps, clear labels, and retaining original packaging for transport.
• Hemp extract products fall under the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) and Rule 5L-4.034. This rule was updated effective March 12th, 2025, with enforcement starting June 16th, 2025.

What’s New for Hemp?

The 2025 updates bring two key changes:

• Child-resistant packaging – Products must now meet ASTM D3475-20 standards for child safety.
• Additives banned – A total of 66 additives can no longer be used. This list includes 37 prohibited color additives (like FD&C dyes and cochineal) and 29 flavor or spice-based colorants (like beet powder, turmeric, spirulina) when used as colorants.

Packaging Requirements

All cannabis and hemp products sold in Florida must follow strict safety standards:

• Packaging must be child-resistant, meeting the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) and applicable ASTM International safety standards.
• It must also be tamper-evident, meaning it clearly shows if it has been opened before purchase.
• For products with multiple servings, a resealable child-proof closure is required to maintain safety after the first use.

These rules help prevent accidental ingestion and protect consumers from potentially compromised products.

Florida also requires plain packaging for medical cannabis, with similar expectations applied to ingestible or inhalable hemp products:

• Packages must be either one solid color or white.
• Bright, metallic, neon colors or cartoon-styled graphics are not allowed.
• All packaging must be opaque and designed to avoid drawing the attention of children.

The presentation rules aim to keep the packaging professional. Furthermore, neutral white minimizes youth appeal.

Labeling Requirements

Florida cannabis labeling regulations differ between medical marijuana and hemp products:

Cannabis Products (Dispensaries/MMTCs)

• MMTC name and license number
• Patient and physician name
• Dispensation date and batch number
• Product name, type, and form (i.e., edible, tincture)
• Total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, in both milligrams and percentage
• Recommended dosage and usage instructions
• Health warnings, including a statement for medical use and safety risks
• Universal cannabis symbol covering at least 10% of the front label

Hemp Extract Products

• Scannable QR code or barcode that links directly to a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) in three steps or fewer
• Batch or lot number for traceability
• Expiration date, ensuring freshness and safety
• Confirmation of THC content being less than 0.3%, as required by statute

Additional label requirements also include household-friendly serving sizes (i.e., teaspoons, drops) and confirmation that the product does not contain unsafe contaminants or pathogens.

Special Rules for Edibles and Derivative Products

Florida imposes strict standards for edible cannabis to ensure safe use and prevent accidental ingestion.

• THC limits – Each serving can contain up to 10mg THC, and multi-serve packages must not exceed 200mg THC total.
• Individual wrapping – Each serving must be individually sealed in plain, opaque white wrapping. This applies even in multi-serving formats.
• Universal cannabis symbol only – Packaging may only display the universal cannabis symbol, sized according to Florida rule (see below). No other graphics or colors are allowed.
• Food safety labeling – Labels must include:
  • List of ingredients and allergens.
  • Food safety disclaimers (i.e., not produced under federal standards).
  • Storage instructions (i.e., “Store in a cool, dry place”) and expiration date.

Florida also bans edibles shaped like animals, cartoons, or other child-appealing forms and forbids bright colors or toppings that imitate candy.

Warnings and Universal Symbol Requirements

Florida requires specific health warnings and a standard cannabis symbol on all cannabis products:

• Required warnings on packaging must include:
  • “This product contains cannabis.”
  • “Keep out of reach of children.”
  • “Cannabis use can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment.”
  • “This product has not been approved by the FDA.”

• Universal cannabis symbol rules:
  • Minimum size of at least ¼ inch (6mm) tall, matching symbol standards.
  • Placed on a contrasting background for readability.
  • Symbol must cover at least 10% of the front-facing label.

These rules aim to clearly communicate risks, prevent accidental use by children, and maintain consistent labeling across the market.

Receptacle (Primary) vs. Outer (Secondary) Packaging

Florida law makes a clear distinction between the product receptacle (the container holding the cannabis or hemp product) and the outer packaging (any additional box or wrapper):

• Receptacle (Primary) Packaging
  • Must be child-resistant and tamper-evident to prevent accidental opening.
  • Can display the MMTC logo and product label with key information.
• Outer (Secondary) Packaging
  • If used, must follow the state’s plain packaging rules (limited colors, no flashy designs).
  • Must also show the universal cannabis symbol clearly and prominently.

In addition, every product must include a Patient Package Insert (PPI) inside. This insert provides important details, such as:

• Proper dosage instructions
• Possible contraindications
• Known adverse effects

This separation helps ensure safety, clear labeling, and easy access to product information for patients.

Recent Legislative Changes (Updated 2025)

In March 2025, FDACS updated hemp extract regulations to bring them closer to cannabis rules. Key changes include:

• Stricter limits on color additives to reduce misleading or flashy packaging.
• More detailed QR code labeling that links directly to product certificates of analysis.
• Improved child-resistant standards to increase safety for hemp products.

Additionally, House Bill 555, introduced in February 2025, proposes further rules for both cannabis and hemp products:

• Mandatory opaque packaging for all smoking products and edibles to reduce visibility and appeal.
• Stronger warning labels and wider use of the universal cannabis symbol on packaging.
• Sealed, tamper-evident primary containers for all products to protect consumers from contamination or tampering.

These updates reflect Florida’s effort to improve safety, transparency, and consistency across the cannabis and hemp markets.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis Packaging in Florida

Florida is likely to keep strengthening rules to improve consumer safety and prevent child access. We can expect hemp and cannabis packaging laws to become even more aligned over time.

There is also growing interest in eco-friendly packaging within the industry. However, regulations currently make it challenging to fully adopt sustainable materials.

On a national level, efforts to standardize cannabis packaging could bring wider use of ASTM-approved cannabis symbols. This would be similar to how nutrition labels work on food products: clear, consistent, and easy to read.

These changes aim to make cannabis products safer, more transparent, and environmentally responsible.

Final Word

Staying compliant with Florida cannabis packaging guidelines isn’t just a legal necessity; it’s a business imperative. Be proactive. Stay informed. And when in doubt, consult the OMMU or FDACS directly to ensure your packaging passes inspection.

Do you own a cannabis business in Florida and aren’t sure where to begin? Custom 420 Supply is here to help! Our team ensures custom packaging and labeling designs that are 100% compliant with the Sunshine State’s regulations. We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.

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