Cannabis packages with transparent windows are finally making their way to some shelves in Canada, a month after new rule changes from Health Canada came into force.
In March, the federal cannabis regulator finalized a range of rule changes for cannabis producers, including several that will be noticeable to consumers, such as larger cannabis pre-rolls, streamlined labelling requirements for THC and CBD, multi-coloured packaging, QR codes, and see-through windows for cannabis flower.
At least two producers were fully prepared for these changes and have products on shelves or coming to shelves soon that feature those cut-out windows, satisfying a demand from both the industry and consumers alike since cannabis was first legalized in Canada.
Josh Gadowski, the owner of a micro producer in Alberta called Kosyak Cannabis Group, recently introduced some of his own recently harvested cannabis in packaging that allows consumers to see the flower. The products are currently available in the Alberta market.
The changes are a good step forward, he says.
“[I’m] so happy about it, the window is actually a core part of my business plan,” says Gadowski. “Simplified THC numbers are great as well because most consumers don’t understand the THC/THCA distinction. Trust me, I was a budtender for two years. QR codes increase information flow to budtenders and customers and are a no-brainer.”
It’s also a way for quality flower to distinguish itself from lower-quality product better, he adds.
“Some of the flower selling right now wouldn’t move if people could see it before they bought it. With top shelf flower, putting it in a clear bag or jar will set those brands apart. Either you have flower worthy of being seen, or you have something to hide. It’s called bag appeal, and it’s how it used to be sold.”
Chris Crosbie, the founder and chief operating officer of Atlantic Cultivation Ltd., a cannabis producer in Newfoundland, has similar packaging for his products that he hit the ground running with as soon as Health Canada made the new rules official. He says he expects them on shelves in the coming weeks.
Overall, he shares similar sentiments to Gadowski.
“There’s always value for me in letting consumers see the flower,” explains Crosbie. “Our flower presents really well and has good bag appeal, so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. The consumer wants to know what they’re smoking. Especially with a premium brand, people want to know what they’re paying for.”
Still, he says he does see how the issue could be a challenge for some retailers, especially those in busier locations.
“At the retail level, it could definitely cause a shift in consumers. People are going to want to select their nugs, so I can see consumers coming in and wanting to see several packages, which I think is something the retailers are going to have to learn how to handle. I think the customer will be a lot happier at the end of the day, but if you’re in a high volume store and there are people lining up behind you, that definitely puts pressure on the retailer.
“I think it’s good for the industry overall. Retailers will figure out their procedures and what they allow customers to do, but I can see that being a bit of a hurdle that could create some initial difficulties for retailers.”
Atlantic Cultivation products are sold across Canada.
Ian Scott, VP of operations at Plantlife Cannabis, with 42 retail locations in the Alberta market, says he has seen a few other products on shelves with clear packaging, including Natural History, Super Toast, and Space Race.
“Consumers are excited,” Scott tells StratCann. “Most cannabis shops do not have products visible (such as sensory jars) as they did in the early days of legalization. Being able to see the physical product prior to purchase and not hidden in a bag only creates trust and transparency when guests are making a buying decision.”
Featured image via Atlantic Cultivation.
