Colorado Cannabis Packaging Requirements: MED Compliance Guide
Colorado was among the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis, and its regulatory framework has matured significantly over the years. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) under the Colorado Department of Revenue sets the standards for how cannabis products must be packaged and labeled — standards that apply to retail dispensaries, medical centers, manufacturers, and cultivators alike.
If you're operating in Colorado's cannabis market, getting your packaging right is critical. Non-compliant packaging can result in fines, product holds, or license suspension. This guide outlines the key MED packaging and labeling requirements to help you build a compliance-first approach to your packaging operation.
Note: MED rules are updated regularly. Always confirm current requirements at sbg.colorado.gov/med before printing labels or ordering packaging.
Colorado MED Packaging Requirements
Child-Resistant Packaging
Colorado requires all cannabis products to be sold in child-resistant packaging that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). For multi-use products, the packaging must remain child-resistant after each opening. This means your zip-top pouches, concentrate jars, and edible containers must be certified child-resistant — not just difficult to open.
Opaque Packaging
All cannabis and cannabis-infused products must be sold in opaque packaging. The product must not be visible through the outside of the container. This prevents marketing to minors and keeps products out of plain sight during transport.
Tamper-Evident Features
Colorado MED requires tamper-evident packaging for cannabis products. The package must include an indicator — such as a heat shrink seal, breakaway cap, or tamper-evident band — that clearly shows if the product has been opened or altered before it reaches the consumer.
Single-Serving and Multi-Serving Packages
For cannabis-infused products (edibles), Colorado has specific rules about serving sizes (maximum 10mg THC per serving, 100mg per package for retail) and requires that multi-serving products be scored, perforated, or otherwise divided so consumers can clearly identify individual servings.
Colorado Cannabis Label Requirements
Colorado MED mandates specific information on all cannabis product labels. Here's what must appear:
- Universal Symbol: The Colorado-approved universal cannabis symbol must be displayed on the label or package. For edibles, the symbol must also appear on each individual serving or piece where feasible.
- MED License Number: The license number of the manufacturer, cultivator, or retail business must appear on the label.
- Product Name and Type: The name and the type or category of the cannabis product (flower, concentrate, edible, etc.).
- Net Weight or Volume: Total net weight or volume of the product, including both cannabis content and any carrier ingredients.
- Potency Information: Total THC and CBD content expressed as milligrams per serving and per package. Percentage THC/CBD is also required for flower and concentrates. Actual (tested) potency must be listed, not estimated.
- Serving Size: For edibles and infused products, the serving size in milligrams of THC must be clearly stated.
- Batch Number / Lot Number: A traceable batch ID linking to lab test results.
- Manufactured Date: Date the product was produced or packaged.
- Expiration Date: Required for edibles and perishable products.
- Warning Statements: Colorado requires specific warning language including: "This product contains marijuana. Keep out of reach of children," statements about driving impairment, and health risks for pregnant and nursing women. The exact language is defined in MED rules — do not paraphrase.
- "Colorado Only" Designation: Products must be labeled for sale in Colorado only.
- Ingredients List: Required for manufactured/infused products.
- Allergen Information: Must include common allergen declarations per FDA food labeling standards.
Colorado MED Packaging Compliance Checklist
- ☐ Child-resistant closure (reclosable if multi-use, CPSC-certified)
- ☐ Opaque — product not visible through packaging
- ☐ Tamper-evident seal or indicator
- ☐ Colorado universal cannabis symbol on label (and on each edible serving where feasible)
- ☐ MED license number displayed
- ☐ Product name and type clearly identified
- ☐ Net weight / volume listed
- ☐ Potency — THC & CBD in mg/serving and mg/package
- ☐ Serving size stated (infused products)
- ☐ Batch/lot number included
- ☐ Manufacture date and expiration date
- ☐ Full MED-required warning statements
- ☐ "Colorado Only" designation
- ☐ Ingredients list (manufactured products)
- ☐ Allergen declarations where applicable
How Dragon Chewer Helps Colorado Cannabis Operators
Dragon Chewer stocks a wide range of MED-ready packaging solutions — child-resistant mylar pouches, opaque exit bags, tamper-evident vials, and concentrate containers that meet Colorado's strict packaging standards. Our products ship fast from our US-based warehouse with no tariff markups and free shipping on eligible orders.
We carry 900+ products across every cannabis packaging category: pre-roll tubes, edible pouches, flower bags, extract containers, and more — all at wholesale pricing starting at $0.04/unit. Whether you're a small craft grow or a multi-location MSO, we scale with you.
Shop compliant packaging built for Colorado operators at dragonchewer.com.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Colorado MED cannabis packaging regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division at sbg.colorado.gov/med and consult a qualified compliance professional before finalizing your packaging.