Reviewed August 29, 2026. This is a packaging planning summary, not legal advice. Always verify the current official requirements for the exact cannabis product and package configuration.
1. Start with the immediate container
Health Canada’s current packaging and labelling guide states that cannabis products must be packaged in a child-resistant container, except cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds. The immediate container is the package in direct contact with the cannabis or, when a permitted wrapper is used, with that wrapper.
2. Child resistance is not the only requirement
The current guide also summarizes requirements for contamination protection, keeping dried cannabis dry, a security feature that provides reasonable assurance the package has not been opened before receipt, and opacity or translucency for applicable classes.
3. Label space has to be designed in
Required label information can be extensive. Confirm the usable principal display area before approving a small tube, pouch or carton and before final artwork is built.
4. Co-packs have their own rules
Health Canada’s guide includes a dedicated section on co-packing cannabis with multiple immediate containers inside an outermost container. If you are building a multi-pack, review that section specifically rather than assuming the rules for a single immediate container are identical.
5. Use official sources
Health Canada — Packaging and labelling guide for cannabis products ↗
Justice Laws — Cannabis Regulations, section 108 ↗
Health Canada states that it does not review or pre-approve cannabis packages and labels; licence holders remain responsible for compliance.