The Medical Marijuana Industry is one of the fastest growing enterprises in the United States. In 2014 the MMJ industry pushed an annual revenue of over 2.7 billion dollars. That is serious money!
Medicinal cannabis has progressed from a small, regional movement to a serious, billion dollar business. Currently, there are four states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use: Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Alaska.
There are also 23 states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes.
This surge of new cannabis-related businesses has created a need for cannabis labels and label printers. States with MMJ or legalized cannabis have very strict labeling requirements that MUST be met. Here is a chart with all the requirements, broken down by state.
These MMJ labeling requirements are not to be taken lightly by the owners of cannabis-related enterprises. Any mislabeled product has the risk of falling into the wrong hands. In addition, properly labeled cannabis can contribute to a positive customer service experience.
At PLS, we take labeling very seriously. This is why we’ve decided to blog about cannabis/MMJ labeling, and the best labels and printers to use for this type of application.
The Guide to MMJ Labeling
The world of label printers and labels can be very confusing to a business owner who specializes in cannabis/MMJ related products. Their job is to provide a clean, safe customer experience, as well as to meet the local regulations regarding their product. A perfectly paired label printer with the correct labels can help them accomplish this.
Here are some tips that will help business owners to better understand the world of MMJ labeling.
Cannabis and MMJ Dispensaries provide a clean, safe place for customers to get their product.
We Recommend You Print with a Direct Thermal Printer
There are two types of label printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer. You can read more about these two methods here.
Direct thermal printing is when a print head uses heat to print onto each label. The label itself is sensitive to light and heat, and it does not require a ribbon. Direct thermal printing is best used in certain retail environments, as well as mobile printing and shipping applications.
Thermal transfer printing is when a printer uses a thermal ribbon to print onto each label. This is typically the method used when printing onto synthetic labels. The labels themselves are not sensitive to heat or light. Also, there are a variety of different ribbon materials, which work best for different applications.
Each printing method has it’s pros and cons. A direct thermal printer is generally cheaper and easier to operate. This is why we recommend all cannabis/MMJ owners and managers to invest in a direct thermal label printer to print out their MMJ labels.
You will save money on supplies, and your staff will be able to operate the printer with minimal training.
The Zebra LP 2824 Plus is one of the most popular direct thermal label printers currently being used in the MMJ labeling industry. This printer features a 2.25″ print width, as well as a variety of interface options. It can be easily integrated into your POS system, and is very affordable.
We also recommend the Zebra ZD410 for cannabis/MMJ labeling applications. This ultra-compact printer is very user friendly, offers a variety of interface options, features a 2″ print width, and can accommodate a variety of different sized media.
Lastly, the Zebra GC420D is a budget friendly Desktop Label Printer that features a 4″ print width. The GC420D would be a good option if you intend to print labels that are wider than 2.25″. This printer also features a variety of different interface options.
Use a Zebra Brand Label Printer
Simply put, Zebra brand label printers are worth investing in. We’ve seen many cannabis/MMJ business owners invest in cheaper label printers like Dymo, only to have a variety of problems that arise shortly after they’ve set up their systems.
Any problems or delays in the MMJ industry will mean less money in your pocket. A high volume of sales results in a happy staff and management.
This is why we recommend Zebra label printers.
Zebra printers are very user friendly, offer a variety of interfaces, and are reliable and durable. In addition, Zebra Technologies offers unbeatable support through their website, and through a network of resellers like PLS.
Don’t buy a printer because it’s dirt cheap; buy one because it’s tough as nails and will get the job done right.
Use Zebra Brand Direct Thermal Labels
It’s important to use Zebra brand direct thermal labels in your MMJ labeling application. There are a few reasons for this.
- Zebra print heads will last longer with genuine Zebra media.
- The cost of stock brand labels isn’t always lower than Zebra media.
- Zebra media offers a variety of adhesives, sizes, and materials that are ready to order.
- Zebra also offers synthetic direct thermal labels.
PLS offers an enormous selection of Zebra direct thermal labels. Remember, you will want to use direct thermal labels on in your MMJ labeling application.
Direct thermal labels are less expensive and are easier to use in a retail environment.
Here are some labels that are commonly used in cannabis/MMJ labeling applications:
- Zebra Z-Perform 2000D 2″ x 1″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10010028) for Zebra Desktop Printers
- Zebra PolyPro 4000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10010028) for Zebra Desktop Printers
- Zebra Z-Perform 2000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10015781) for Zebra Desktop Printers
- Zebra Z-Select 4000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10015341) for Zebra Desktop Printers
Don’t Worry About Colored Labels
Many dispensaries think they need brightly colored labels to use in their MMJ labeling applications. This is simply not the case.
You are in a better position if you use black and white direct thermal labels.
You will not have to invest in a costly full colored label printer, and you will be able to print out labels and barcodes on demand.
Colored labels can be purchased from third parties online, but these labels are not available as an “on-demand” option. You will have to incur more expenses as you order labels for strains you might not use.
On-demand MMJ labeling applications are more efficient for your cannabis/MMJ business.
An on-demand labeling application can be easily implemented with Zebra label printers and Zebra media.
Trust the Experts. Ask Us Anything.
Efficiently implementing a MMJ labeling application can be a daunting task. It can be a hassle to put pair the best label printer with the right label.
Our reps at PLS have a great deal of experience with retail labeling applications.
Feel free to contact us anytime at info@professionallabelsolutions.com, or call our office at 1-844-458-1078. We will gladly address any questions or concerns that you might have, and can help you put together the best package for your cannabis/MMJ labeling application.
