As the legal cannabis market matures across North America, businesses face the increasing challenge of staying compliant with a complex web of labelling laws. From THC percentages to tamper-evident features, what appears on a cannabis product label—and how it’s printed—can be the deciding factor between growth and penalties. Whether you're a cultivator, distributor, or retail dispensary, regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement, and strategic labelling is your first step toward meeting it.

In this blog, we’ll explore essential cannabis labelling regulations, highlight tamper-evident packaging requirements, discuss state-specific labelling rules, and share branding strategies. You’ll also discover how DuraFast Label Company offers industry-leading cannabis label printers and media—including premium Epson and Afinia models—that help you remain compliant while growing your brand.

The Regulatory Landscape for Cannabis Labelling

The cannabis industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in consumer goods. Government agencies require accurate labelling for consumer protection, product transparency, and public safety. Unlike other industries, cannabis labels must carry more than just branding—they must deliver dosage instructions, safety warnings, and traceability data.

Every label must reflect key regulatory elements including:

• Product name and type (e.g. flower, oil, edible)
• THC and CBD content per serving and per package
• Net weight or volume
• Batch number and expiration date
• List of ingredients and allergens
• Mandatory warning statements
• The license number of the manufacturer or distributor
• A universal cannabis symbol

Failure to include these items—or to present them legibly—can result in product recalls, fines, or worse, the suspension of business licences.

What complicates things further is that regulations vary between states and provinces. A label that’s fully compliant in California may be illegal in Colorado or British Columbia. That’s why flexibility in label printing is crucial. With DuraFast Label Company’s range of high-quality colour label printers, cannabis businesses can efficiently print compliant labels in-house, tailored to local regulatory needs.

The Role of Tamper-Evident and Child-Resistant Features

Beyond printed information, how your product is packaged and sealed plays a central role in regulatory compliance. Tamper-evident packaging is now mandatory in most jurisdictions across North America. It’s designed to alert customers if a product has been opened or altered, ensuring product integrity from producer to consumer.

Tamper-evident methods include shrink bands, breakaway caps, tamper-proof adhesive seals, and void-pattern security labels. For cannabis products like tinctures, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, and infused beverages, these features are essential.

DuraFast offers label solutions specifically designed for tamper-evidence, including compatible thermal transfer labels and direct thermal labels that show signs of tampering when removed. When combined with printers like the Epson TM-C3500 or Afinia L501 Pigment, these labels maintain durability while meeting industry safety standards. These printers use pigment-based inks that are resistant to smudging, fading, and oils—ideal for secure and legible labelling.

State-by-State Variations in Cannabis Labelling

Let’s take a closer look at how cannabis labelling rules vary between regions, and how printers from DuraFast can help businesses adapt with speed and precision.

California

Cannabis labels must include a universal cannabis symbol and printed health warnings in a minimum type size. Labels must be affixed securely and include clear THC/CBD content disclosures. The Epson TM-C7500 Series—specifically the TM-C7500 (matte) for chemical label stock—is an ideal match for these requirements due to its high durability and 1200dpi print resolution.

Colorado

Labels must list THC content, total cannabinoids, and contain warning language about impaired driving. Colorado also requires the universal symbol and unique identifiers for each product batch. The Afinia L701, with its mid-volume output and vivid dye-based colour, allows for flexible batch-specific printing without sacrificing compliance or print quality.

New York

Regulations demand child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, no graphics that appeal to minors, and strict labelling guidelines around medical warnings and dosage. The Afinia L901 offers advanced features like waterproof and UV-resistant printing—perfect for New York’s stringent outdoor storage labelling requirements.

Canada

Cannabis packaging must display health warnings, bilingual (English and French) messaging, THC symbols, and clear font hierarchy. The Epson TM-C7500G (gloss) printer meets Health Canada’s full-colour, durable packaging needs, with compatibility for glossy stock and crisp detail clarity even for bilingual labels.

Why Label Durability and Ink Type Matter 

The materials and inks used for printing cannabis labels play a major role in compliance and product presentation. Many cannabis products contain oil or must be stored in humid environments. Labels that smudge, fade, or peel off compromise both compliance and consumer trust.

DuraFast’s selection of pigment- and dye-based label printers gives cannabis businesses the power to choose what’s best for their product line.

• Pigment-based printers, like the Epson TM-C7500 and Afinia L501 Pigment, are better suited for industrial use and high durability.
• Dye-based printers, like the Afinia L301 and Afinia L501 Dye, produce vibrant, eye-catching graphics ideal for shelf appeal and consumer-facing branding.

Pairing the right ink type with appropriate label stock ensures your labels remain compliant, durable, and professional from production to consumer.

Epson Cannabis Label Printer Highlights

DuraFast proudly offers several high-performance Epson printers optimised for cannabis product labelling:

Epson TM-C3500

A compact, mid-range option, this printer delivers 720dpi full-colour labels on a wide range of media types. It prints up to 4 inches wide and features built-in cutting for continuous rolls. Its pigment ink ensures resistance to moisture and oils, making it perfect for CBD oil bottles and pre-roll pouches.

Epson TM-C7500 Series

This high-speed series includes:

• TM-C7500 (matte): Exceptional for matte label media with best-in-class UV protection.
• TM-C7500G (gloss):Ideal for glossy label stock, producing vibrant finishes for edibles and vape cartridges.
• TM-C7500GE (Graphics Edition): Bundled with Wasatch SoftRIP and Epson’s on-site warranty, ideal for advanced colour matching and operational peace of mind.

Each model delivers up to 1200dpi resolution and prints nearly 12 inches per second—ideal for high-volume cannabis operations.

Afinia Cannabis Label Printer Highlights

Known for print quality and speed, Afinia's lineup includes:

Afinia L301

An entry-level solution for boutique dispensaries, this compact printer handles labels up to 6 inches wide and produces high-resolution images at 4800dpi, ideal for eye-catching branding.

Afinia L501 Series

Featuring Duo Ink Technology, these printers let users switch between dye and pigment printheads:

• L501 Dye: Perfect for vivid product labels where water-resistance isn’t a primary concern.
• L501 Pigment: Designed for long-lasting, compliant industrial labels, including GHS-compliant chemical labelling.

Afinia L801 and L901

Both printers use Memjet technology to print at lightning speeds (up to 60 feet per minute) with sharp 1600dpi resolution. The L901 stands out with upgrades like built-in memory, longer printhead life, and improved water and UV resistance—essential for outdoor cannabis packaging or long shelf-life products.

These printers offer low total cost of ownership, especially for operations printing over 3,000 labels monthly.

Accessories, Label Media, and Support

DuraFast doesn’t just sell printers. They provide the full ecosystem required to launch and scale a cannabis labelling workflow:

• Blank label media for all Epson and Afinia printers
• Replacement ink cartridges and printheads
• Label design software such as Wasatch SoftRIP (included with TM-C7500GE)
• Consultation support for selecting label materials and hardware
• Same-day shipping for stocked items
• Maintenance and warranty options

Whether you're printing child-resistant pouches for edibles, oil-resistant labels for tinctures, or weatherproof tags for greenhouse cannabis cultivation, DuraFast has the supplies and expertise to make it happen.

Building a Compliant and Memorable Cannabis Brand

In today’s highly regulated cannabis market, labelling compliance is more than a legal requirement—it’s a competitive advantage.

At DuraFast Label Company, we understand the challenges you face, which is why we provide the industry's most reliable cannabis labelling solutions. From high-speed Epson and Afinia printers to durable, tamper-evident label media, we help you meet regulatory demands while elevating your brand. Whether you're printing CBD oil labels, edibles packaging, or greenhouse product tags, our high-quality colour label printers are designed to ensure precision, quality, and peace of mind. Trust us to help your cannabis business stay compliant and thrive in a growing industry. Contact us today to find the best product as per your needs.