Demand for Child-Resistant Cannabis Packaging Increases Across the Globe

Child-resistant packaging bags are more than a good idea, increasingly, they are the law. This topic has a rarity aspect in the industry, as it is one in which the majority of voiced opinions agree. As packaging is a necessity, going the small extra step to ensure product stays out of little hands and mouths is becoming more accessible and eco-friendly every day. Demand is rising in the United States and beyond. According to a new Allied Market Research report titled, “Child Resistant Packaging Market,” the child resistant packaging market size was valued at $23.2 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $44 billion by 2031. Keep reading to learn why this matter demands the immediate attention of individuals and industry professionals alike.

Child-Resistant Cannabis Packaging

Multiple recent probes into figures from poison control centers across the country have determined an increasing number of young children consuming cannabis-infused foods. The smorgasbord-ish range in which edibles are available contributes to this issue. Stephanie Siete, who educates children and parents about drugs and vapes with the Arizona group Community Bridges, said the industry-wide evolution from the 1960s “joint” to the various consumption avenues of today has been especially dangerous to children under 12.

“One kid might just think it’s candy. A little toddler might pick that up. The family pet might grab that and chew on that.”

In Phoenix, the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center reported 127 calls in 2020 regarding children under the age of five exposed to marijuana. In 2021, the group took 201 calls, while thus far in 2022, they have received 150 calls.

“When we get these calls, it’s pretty much an automatic send-in for us. That these children need to be observed in an emergency room where they can get the assistance that’s needed,” said Maureen Roland, managing director at the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center.

Roland said the amount of THC, the main cannabis psychoactive compound commonly found in edibles today, can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems and nausea in young children. She says in rare cases complications have led to death.

Northern neighbor Canada is also experiencing increases in accidental cannabis poisoning among children. A recent New England Journal of Medicine study, published Aug. 25, found a 6.3-fold increase in Canadian hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisoning among the under-10 age group since recreational cannabis legalization in October 2018. Dr. Daniel Myran, the lead author of the study, said the average age of poisoning in kids is three and a half years old.

“These are busy preschoolers who are getting into places that, ideally, they shouldn’t be. They’re finding something that looks very appealing to eat with no understanding of the fact that it contains cannabis,” said Myran.

In Thailand, public health groups are working to keep cannabis away from the nation’s youth by asking the government to tighten cannabis regulations after the plant was removed from the national list of narcotics on June 9, 2022. Sittipong Phumchan, a coordinator of Youth Phitsanulok, said while cannabis and hemp are no longer considered narcotics, the government has yet to amend several related laws, which has the potential to lead to accidental consumption by minors.

“Given the absence of rules on labelling, many consumers actually have no idea how much THC [tetrahydrocannabinol — cannabis’ main psychoactive agent] they are consuming,” he said, noting under current regulations, only products containing less than 0.2% THC by weight can be legally consumed and sold.

Eco-friendly stand up pouches

With pressure mounting for packaging to share the burden of keeping kids out of cannabis inventory, new types of packaging are being introduced in the global market to increase product visibility and shelf life. Stand-up bags, Vaults and eco-friendly stand up pouches are some excellent examples of safe, flexible packaging that creates an essential barrier against light, oxygen, moisture and other environmental factors.

The Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the child-resistant packaging bags market over the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing demand for cannabis products in countries such as China, India and Australia, however, the North America cannabis packaging market is projected to account for the largest revenue share in the global market between 2021 and 2030 due to expanding legalization.

Do your part and educate your clientele:

• encourage edible consumption out of sight as kids often imitate adults 
• provide the phone number (800) 222-1222 to be connected to the local poison control center if ingestion is suspected
• keep products in child-resistant containers

HiSierra develops and manufactures superior earth-friendly, American-made, certified child-resistant packaging bags, eco-friendly stand up pouches and other cannabis packaging solutions that also elevate your brand. Shop our American-made cannabis packaging options today!