Maryland Cannabis Packaging Regulations: A Complete Compliance Guide

Maryland cannabis packaging regulations govern one of the most scrutinized aspects of the state’s legal cannabis market. Whether you’re a cultivator, processor, manufacturer, or dispensary, failing to meet these requirements can result in product seizures, fines, or even license suspension.

This guide breaks down everything Maryland requires for cannabis packaging and labeling. You’ll learn about child-resistant standards, edible-specific rules, prohibited designs, and enforcement practices, so you can stay compliant and protect your business.

The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) regulates cannabis packaging in Maryland, with enforcement support from the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Commission (ATCC). The primary legal authority comes from:

• COMAR 14.17.18 – Cannabis Packaging, Labeling, and Advertising: This regulation outlines specific requirements for child-resistant packaging, required label information, prohibited marketing claims, and advertising restrictions for all cannabis products.

• Title 36 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article: This statute establishes the legal framework for cannabis operations in Maryland, including licensing requirements, operational standards, and penalties for non-compliance.

These regulations apply to all adult-use and medical cannabis products sold in the state. They prioritize consumer safety, prevent youth exposure, and ensure transparency.

All cannabis products sold in Maryland must meet baseline packaging standards, regardless of product type. Here’s what you need to know.

Cannabis products must use child-resistant containers that meet federal standards under 16 C.F.R. §1700.15. Maryland cannabis packaging regulations require containers that:

• Are difficult for children under five to open
• Can be reasonably opened by adults
• Remain child-resistant after multiple openings (if resealable)

This requirement applies to all finished cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals.

Maryland requires cannabis packaging to be tamper-evident. The package must clearly show if it’s been opened or altered before purchase. Acceptable features include:

• Heat seals
• Breakable tabs
• Security stickers or bands

If the tamper-evident feature is compromised, the product may be deemed non-compliant and subject to removal from sale.

Cannabis packaging must be fully opaque. You can’t use transparent windows or cutouts that reveal the product inside. Additionally, packaging must be plain: free from excessive decoration or promotional imagery that could attract minors.

Any cannabis product containing multiple servings must use a resealable, child-resistant container. The container must maintain its safety features after opening.

In addition to packaging standards, Maryland cannabis packaging regulations require detailed labeling disclosures. These labels ensure consumer awareness and product traceability.

Each cannabis product must include:

• Product name
• Finished product lot number
• Expiration date (if applicable)
• Name, address, and phone number of the dispensary
• Universal cannabis symbol clearly displayed
• Government warning statements, including:
• “This product contains cannabis”
• Impairment and operating machinery warnings
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings
• “Keep out of reach of children”

Labels must also disclose:

• Total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content in milligrams
• A breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes, where applicable
• All non-cannabis ingredients, listed clearly and accurately

Misrepresenting potency or ingredients is a serious compliance violation. The MCA can issue fines, order product recalls, or suspend licenses for inaccurate labeling.

Edible cannabis products face additional restrictions due to ingestion risks and their potential appeal to minors.

Maryland caps edible cannabis products at:

• 10mg THC per serving
• 100mg THC per package

Each serving must be clearly defined and labeled. This means products containing multiple servings need visible score marks, perforations, or individual wrapping to distinguish each 10 mg dose.

Edible labels must also include a warning stating:

“The intoxicating effects of this product may be delayed.”

This warning must be prominent and easy to read.

Furthermore, edible packaging must disclose:

• Ingredient lists in descending order by weight
• Allergen information (when applicable)
• Nutritional information, which may be provided via:
• A traditional nutrition panel, or
• A QR code linking to the required information

QR codes offer flexibility for smaller packages where space is limited, but the information must remain accessible and accurate.

Maryland strictly prohibits packaging designs that could mislead consumers or appeal to underage individuals.

Cannabis packaging may not include:

• Cartoons, mascots, or animated characters
• Candy-like imagery or branding
• Neon colors or designs resembling non-cannabis consumer products
• Any imagery or language that targets or appeals to minors

These restrictions apply to all product categories, including edibles that might otherwise use playful branding common in the food industry.

Furthermore, packaging must not:

• Suggest government approval or endorsement
• Imitate official seals or insignias
• Make false health or therapeutic claims
• Misrepresent potency, effects, or contents

Even truthful health statements can trigger violations if they’re not supported by FDA-approved research or imply medical benefits beyond what’s legally permitted. When in doubt, stick to factual cannabinoid content and avoid wellness language.

Cannabis seeds sold in Maryland must comply with separate packaging standards, including:

• Secure, dry packaging that prevents premature germination
• Clear labeling of:
• Licensee name
• Seed count or weight
• “For use by adults 21 and over” warning

These requirements ensure seeds remain viable until the consumer is ready to cultivate and prevent accidental exposure to minors who might mistake them for food or novelty items.

The MCA and ATCC have the authority to inspect cannabis products and enforce packaging rules. Violations of Maryland cannabis packaging regulations may result in:

• Product recalls or seizures
• Civil penalties and fines
• License suspension or revocation
• Criminal penalties for egregious or repeated violations

Packaging compliance isn’t optional; it’s a foundational requirement for operating legally in Maryland’s cannabis market. Regular internal audits and staff training can help you catch issues before regulators do, protecting both your license and your revenue.

To reduce risk and streamline approvals:

• Use pre-certified child-resistant containers
• Work with packaging vendors experienced in Maryland compliance
• Conduct internal label audits before product launches
• Monitor COMAR updates and MCA guidance regularly
• When in doubt, consult compliance counsel before printing packaging

Building these practices into your standard operating procedures saves time and money by preventing costly redesigns, product holds, and regulatory delays.

Maryland cannabis packaging regulations protect consumers while holding operators to clear, enforceable standards. By understanding and implementing these requirements (from child-resistant packaging to edible-specific labeling), you can avoid costly compliance issues and build trust with both regulators and customers.

Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. Custom 420 Supply offers packaging and labeling services specifically designed for cannabis brands operating in Maryland. We ensure your products meet 100% of the state’s requirements, so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about regulatory details.

Contact us today to learn how we can simplify your compliance process.