Custom CBD Boxes: Complete Compliance & Packaging Guide
You have a great CBD product and a growing customer base. But your packaging needs to do something most product categories do not require: satisfy a patchwork of state-by-state regulations while still selling on a crowded shelf. The US CBD market hit $6.4 billion in 2025 (Brightfield Group), and packaging compliance remains the #1 operational headache for brands.
This guide covers everything you need to know about custom CBD boxes: materials, child-resistant requirements, labeling regulations, printing, and costs.
Child-Resistant Packaging: When You Need It
Child-resistant (CR) packaging is required for ingestible CBD products in most US states. The standard is 16 CFR 1700.20, enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Products That Require CR Packaging:
- CBD gummies and edibles
- CBD capsules and softgels
- CBD tinctures and oils (in most states)
- Any product with THC content above 0.3%
Products That Usually Do NOT Require CR:
- CBD topicals (creams, balms, salves)
- CBD skincare products
- CBD pet products (varies by state)
How CR Packaging Works
Our child-resistant boxes use push-tab mechanisms built into the folding carton structure. The mechanism requires simultaneous push-and-lift actions that children under 5 cannot perform, while remaining accessible to adults including seniors. Each design is tested to meet the 80/90 threshold: at least 80% of children in a test panel cannot open the package, while at least 90% of adults can.
Required Labeling Elements
CBD packaging labeling requirements vary by state, but the following elements are near-universal:
- Product Identity — Clear statement of what the product is
- THC/CBD Content — Milligrams per serving AND total milligrams
- Full Ingredient List — INCI format, descending by concentration
- Batch/Lot Number — For traceability and recall capability
- Manufacturer Info — Name and address of responsible party
- Net Weight/Volume — In both US and metric units
- QR Code to COA — Links to third-party Certificate of Analysis
- Warning Statements — FDA disclaimer, age restriction, pregnancy warning
- Expiration Date — Or manufacturing date with shelf life
Design Restrictions
Most states prohibit:
- Cartoon characters or imagery appealing to children
- Health claims not supported by FDA-approved research
- Misleading product representations
- Cannabis leaf imagery (in some states)
Material Selection Guide
SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) — Most Popular
White coated paperboard at 18-24pt thickness. Best for:
- Full-color CMYK artwork with sharp regulatory text
- Retail shelf presence and premium brand perception
- Cost-effective at scale (500+ units)
Kraft Board — Natural and Organic Positioning
Unbleached brown kraft at 18-24pt. Best for:
- Brands emphasizing natural, organic, or farm-to-bottle positioning
- Eco-conscious consumers (no bleaching chemicals)
- Cost savings of 15-20% vs SBS
Hemp-Blend Board — The Brand Story Material
Paperboard with recycled hemp fiber content. Best for:
- Brands wanting to use the plant itself in packaging
- Unique texture and visual differentiation
- Premium positioning with sustainability narrative
Black Matte Board — Premium Cannabis Aesthetic
Pre-colored black paperboard. Best for:
- Luxury cannabis and CBD brands
- Eliminating full-coverage black ink costs
- Gold or silver foil accents on dark backgrounds
Cost Breakdown
| Quantity | 18pt SBS | 24pt SBS | Kraft | Hemp-Blend | Black Matte |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 units | $0.95 | $1.25 | $0.85 | $1.15 | $1.10 |
| 500 units | $0.65 | $0.85 | $0.58 | $0.80 | $0.75 |
| 1,000 units | $0.55 | $0.70 | $0.48 | $0.68 | $0.62 |
| 5,000 units | $0.38 | $0.52 | $0.35 | $0.50 | $0.45 |
Add $0.10-0.20 for child-resistant mechanism, $0.05-0.10 for tamper-evident seals.
Tamper-Evidence Options
Tamper-evident features prove your product has not been opened:
- Tear strips — Perforated strip that breaks on first opening ($0.05/unit)
- Shrink bands — Heat-shrink film over box closure ($0.08/unit)
- Pop-up indicators — Built-in tab that changes position permanently ($0.10/unit)
Getting Started
Design your custom CBD boxes with our instant quote tool or explore our full CBD packaging catalog. MOQ 100 units, free design support, and NDA available.