QR codes on CBD packaging and labeling are the key to legalization in Utah, Indiana & Oregon

Beaconstac was named the #1 QR Code Generator for CBD companies by Street Fight. Scroll down to read more.

CBD packaging regulations in 2019 and beyond

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) recently announced that all hemp products, including CBD oils, will be legal for purchase only when labeled. The label should include a QR Code that informs consumers about the ingredients used and a certificate of analysis done by a third-party lab. With this announcement, Utah joins the bandwagon of states with similar label requirements – Indiana and Oregon. With growing CBD markets, the other States are expected to join them soon. 

Table of Contents

1. CBD packaging regulations in 2019 and beyond
2. Concerns with CBD products
3. Adoption of QR Codes as a technology in the US
4. QR Code solution build for CBD companies
5. FAQs

In 2019, not all states in the U.S. require QR codes on them. However, most reputable CBD companies have either switched or are switching to QR codes on labels to ensure customer delight. Not just that, adding a QR code to a physical product unlocks a host of opportunities for the brand, which we will touch upon later in the article

CBD product label requirements

Concerns with CBD products

1. Product packaging is often inaccurate or misleading
2. Products might contain other additives that alter health conditions
3. Metals, pesticides, bacteria and solvents from cannabis plants might surface in products.
4. Concentrations of CBD are lower than advertised
5. Many products for sale remain untested
6. THC content might not be lower than the recommended standards of 0.3%

How to design your cannabis product label

The first step is to identify if your CBD product falls under food and beverage, or supplements. Based on this categorization, you need to follow different sets of CBD label guidelines.

If you identify yourself as a food and beverage CBD product, then refer to FDA food labeling guide and if you are a CBD isolate (supplement) then refer to FDA labeling regulations for dietary supplements.

Based on my research and borrowing from the best in the industry, I have put together an ideal way of designing a CBD product label.

How QR codes are helping ensure product standards & safety

QR codes on CBD packaging labels not only help consumers make informed decisions about the product that they are consuming but allow brands to assure quality. A QR code on the label can be linked to one or more of the requirements – 

1. It can indicate the ingredients used and its influence on health
2. the concentration of CBD being sold
3. the expiration date
4. product’s certificate of analysis

Adoption of QR codes as a technology in the United States

QR codes are a decade-old-technology that witnessed a massive resurgence across the globe in the last couple of years. This can be attributed to two major reasons – 

1. Apple announced a native integration of QR scanning capabilities in the camera app. Android followed,
2. Major consumer brands like Snapchat, Pinterest, Google Pay, and Amazon made QR scanning a natural phenomenon for millennials. In the United States especially, PayPal, Target, and Walmart created a similar impact.

RELATED: What Marketers thought about QR code usage in 2019

According to GlobalWebIndex, the United States, especially North America have shown significant growth in QR code usage in the last year (2018)

QR code solution built for CBD companies

At Beaconstac, we have been working with a growing number of CBD companies to do a lot more than comply with the labeling regulation.

#1. Create QR customized codes with logo

Attract more scans with an attractive looking QR code – add brand colors, logo and choose from our shape-shifting QR codes templates. A customized QR code not just boosts scans, but also reinforces your branding.

#2. Deliver information dynamically with QR codes

Rotate, update or switch to temporary campaigns linked to the QR code. With Beaconstac’s dynamic QR codes you can reuse them for multiple campaigns without having to reprint them on packages.

Convert your marketing campaign’s PDF to QR Codes

#3. Age Gated QR Codes

You can restrict your content by using our built-in feature that asks users to confirm their age and their date of birth to help you comply with local laws.
This is super easy to set up. Read our feature announcement on age gated QR Codes to know how.

#4. Use a cascade of landing pages to stitch multiple pieces of information together

Landing pages are creative advertisement cards that you can craft on Beaconstac’s editor. These cards can contain text, media, and CTAs. One idea at a time is a great way of communicating with consumers. Link them in series to deliver multiple pieces of information in one session, for eg, the ingredients in the package and then the certificate of analysis and finally advertise your latest products.

Similar to how you use drag and drop options on WordPress to create your websites, landing pages are great for mini websites or running specific marketing campaigns.

#5. Track the usage of QR codes

Measure the campaign performance to fine-tune the positioning and size of the QR code on the CBD packaging. Beaconstac QR codes also have a frame around with a call-to-action. Set up A/B tests with different call-to-action copies and go ahead with the best performing one.

#6. Beaconstac QR codes are highly secure

With Beaconstac’s QR solution, enjoy robust security standards and framework to deliver unlimited secure and seamless campaigns. Once your campaigns are over, you can always redirect to a default URL (your website)

Still, confused about how to choose the right QR Code generator?

#7. Retarget consumers on Facebook and Google

Reconnect with consumers on online channels even when they are not in your business location. Beaconstac allows you to retarget consumers who scanned QR codes – on Facebook and Google. 90% of the companies have seen 3X better conversions with retargeting ads.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a CBD QR Code?

A CBD QR Code is a packaging label where QR Codes are placed on CBD products to display the contents of the product. A CBD QR Code shows the amount of THC oil present in the product, missing cannabinoids, and if the product is lab-tested for authenticity. 

To learn about the product ingredients, simply scan the QR Code on the CBD product and click on the link. 

2. Are QR Code requirements a future for CBD products?

Yes. CBD QR Codes is imperative to learn about the product and its ingredients. In fact, states like Utah, Indiana, and Oregon have made it compulsory to include CBD QR Codes on all products containing THC. 

3. Do you need a license to sell CBD oil in Indiana?

Yes. In addition to the license, CBD oil merchants must also include QR Codes on all their products to avoid facing stiff penalties. 

4. What should you include in your CBD QR Codes?

A CBD QR Code should contain the following items – 

1. Amount of active CBD per serving
2. Supplement Fact Panel, including other ingredients present in the product
3. Net weight
4. Manufacturer/distributor name 
5. Suggested use
6. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate
7. Batch or data code

5. How does the FDA regulate CBD products and labeling?

The FDA has a set of 26 common questions and answers that allows the regulation of CBD products and labeling. In inclusion to that, the FDA regulates by keeping the following items in check – 

1. Not to be false or misleading
2. Provide the required information (identity statement, statement of the quantity of the contents, distributor name, materials, and warning labels)
3. Display information correctly
4. Not violate the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970

Try Beaconstac’s QR Code Solution built for CBD companies. Schedule a demo to get customized QR Codes today!

• Author Details
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Author Details

Monika Adarsh

Product Marketing Manager – Beaconstac

I am fascinated by tech-driven marketing. Love to read & write about entrepreneurship and tech-driven business strategies for B2B and B2C companies. Have b(e)acon and eggs for breakfast and always up for doughnuts!

https://www.beaconstac.com/qr-code-generator

monika@mobstac.com

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  QR codes on CBD packaging and labeling are the key to legalization in Utah, Indiana & Oregon

This blog was originally published on September 6th, 2019 at 04:13 pm