Can You White Label Cannabis? Your Ultimate Guide & Top FAQs!

white label cannabis

The cannabis industry as we know it today is still in its early stages. Even though recreational or medical use is legal in the majority of states, the industry is ever-evolving and expanding. That includes increased market entry points through long-established practices like white labeling. 

White-label weed products are the latest trend among manufacturers, current licensees, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want in on the cash king, which is cannabis. Especially since the total US market is expected to reach $27.7 billion this year alone. 

So if you’re just now considering white label vs. licensing to launch your cannabis brand, it’s likely you have a list of questions to be answered. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the most common cannabis white label FAQs. Keep reading to learn more and for help finding a THC white label manufacturer in California to get started. 

 

private label opportunities cannabis

Common FAQs about Cannabis White Label California Edition

As the largest cannabis industry in the US, it’s no surprise that California is booming in consumer sales and business. If you’re interested in getting your brand on the shelves of California dispensaries and taking a share of these sales, check out these FAQs about white-label weed products as a first step.

Can you white-label cannabis? 

Yes. Just like in the grocery, health, and beauty spaces, white label cannabis manufacturers exist to produce white label weed products that can be branded by others. That means gummies, pre-rolls, concentrates, oils, and more, may be manufactured by one producer and labeled as a variety of brands. 

What does “white-label” cannabis mean? 

By definition, white label cannabis refers to a product that’s made by a manufacturer that multiple brands can brand as their own. White-label weed products give brands the opportunity to forego the costs of licensing, setting up facilities, and manufacturing a product, which can exceed a million dollars for some. Not to mention, this process often takes over a year instead of less than a year with the cannabis white label route. 

Is white-labeling legal? 

Yes. As long as the manufacturer that is producing the white label weed products is licensed to do so, white-labeling cannabis is legal in California. Of course, exact laws and regulations do vary by state, so be sure to research all of the production and sale regulations before moving forward with cannabis white labeling in other regions. 

What is the difference between a white label and a private label? 

In conversations about cannabis white labeling, you’ll also come across the term “private label.” Private label opportunities, cannabis-wise, allow a brand to partner with a THC white label manufacturer to produce its own unique product. For instance, if you brand cannabis white label gummies with a manufacturer, you’ll only be able to choose from their catalog of white label weed gummies. 

In comparison, if you decide to private label a product, you’ll have a say in its formulation, flavors, appearance, etc. This gives brands the opportunity to differ from competitors or put their own individual twist on a popular consumption method. 

Is white labeling profitable? 

Yes. In fact, because white labeling has lower start-up costs, it can be more profitable and faster than traditional licensing methods. Even more, this frees up time and capital to allow brands to focus on the launch and marketing of their products. It also helps to partner with a THC white-label manufacturer that has retail sales connections or support to increase early profits.

Do brands matter in cannabis? 

If you’re considering cannabis white labeling, you might also be wondering: Do brands really matter in cannabis or to cannabis consumers? The short answer is yes. With so many options for similar consumption methods (think pre-rolls, gummies, chocolates, etc.), it pays for brands to stand out from the crowd. 

As we just said, your team can do more to build your brand and plan for its launch and long-term success by taking advantage of cannabis white label opportunities. 

What are the benefits of white labeling? 

Outside of getting on the shelves faster, and having more time and money to establish your brand, there are other benefits of cannabis white labeling to considering, including – 

  • THC white label manufacturers reduce the stress, time, and costs associated with maintaining equipment and running operations.  
  • THC white label manufacturers control and maintain compliance, which is highly complex for cannabis products specifically. 
  • THC white label manufacturers can supply you access to high-quality material, equipment and expertise, that might otherwise cost a pretty penny to get your hands on as a startup brand. 

White-label vs. licensing: what’s the difference? 

The biggest difference between white label vs. licensing is an obvious one. There’s no license for one, and there’s a long, intensive application process for the other. Traditional licensing for infused products in California, and other states, typically includes a long list of requirements like past financials, business plans, facility drawings, etc. Not to mention, licensing won’t just require an initial application fee, but once an application is approved, additional licensing fees which range from $1,000 – $75,000 alone for manufacturing licenses. 

 

cannabis kitchen

Where to Find a THC White-Label Manufacturer

With the information you’ve gained today, you’re well equipped to start your white-label weed brand development. The only question left is: where can you find a THC white label manufacturer near you? 

In California, My Green Network (MGN) is the premier provider of private label opportunities cannabis-edition and white label manufacturing. We’ve helped launch over 20 brands this year alone, all with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds. From current licensees to former professionals, consumers with a dream, and budding entrepreneurs, we offer top-shelf white-label weed products to help every brand succeed! 

Learn more about MGN, business growth opportunities, and more by scheduling a discovery call with our team or a tour of our facility. Or, check out our full collection of educational guides and resources to start building your cannabis business now! 

 

The Beginner’s Guide to California Cannabis Compliance + 3 Ways to Succeed!

How to start a cannabis business in california

After one of the Golden State’s biggest gummy producers recently received a $128 million fine for illegally producing their flagship good, California cannabis compliance has never been more crucial. 

If you didn’t already know – all licensed cannabis manufacturers are required to adhere to the rules set forth by the California cannabis regulatory agency. Rules that are as rigorous as they are complex. So if you’re just learning how to start a cannabis business in California, how should you prepare to stay in compliance? 

Start with this ultimate guide to learn more about California cannabis regulation with three expert tips on getting California cannabis packaging requirements, and others, right from the start. 

 

california cannabis regulatory agency

Who is in Charge of California Cannabis Control?

The first question to answer on California cannabis compliance is: who’s in charge of enforcing regulations? The state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is charged with overseeing the cannabis market through “routine inspections and investigations.” 

When a facility is found to be non-compliant, the California cannabis regulatory agency’s staff first informs the licensee of the issue and provides instructions on how to fix it. Sometimes, they’ll issue a “Notice to Comply,” which outlines the specific violations found and provides a deadline for the issue’s correction. 

However, for more serious violations or repeated issues, compliance issues can become detrimental fast and subject to the following consequences – 

  • Monetary fines – up to $5,000 per violation for licensees or $30,000 per violation of unlicensed persons.
  • Order of abatement
  • Embargo, a.k.a “preventing cannabis and cannabis product from being moved”
  • License suspension
  • License revocation
  • Additional fines based on disciplinary guidelines

Now, to avoid fines that can reach up to $128 million for notable brands like Kushy Punch, it helps to take California cannabis regulation seriously from the start. So, next, let’s review the top ways cannapreneurs can ace compliance when learning how to start a cannabis business in California.

How to Start a Cannabis Business in California: Top 3 Ways to Stay Compliant

Mitigating risks is a large part of the entrepreneur’s process when starting a new business. For cannabis, that means learning as much as possible about California cannabis compliance before a mistake is made and it’s too late to recover. So without further ado, here are some of the top ways to ensure your cannabis business stays compliant: 

  1. Include compliance in your business plan & SOPS 

What’s the best way to avoid a problem? Properly plan your operation to function with California cannabis regulations in mind. No matter what type of license you receive, every step of the cannabis production process is monitored and highly regulated through the METRC system. METRC stands for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking and Compliance, and one mistake can raise red flags. 

You will want to make sure that your business’s initial plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) spell out your compliance and METRC procedures from start to finish. For instance, California cannabis packaging requirements are highly complex. Even down to the size of the CA compliant cannabis logo, which must be at least ½ inch by ½ inch in size. At the end of production, if you purchase labels or packaging that aren’t compliant, you could be stuck with reprinting costs, product recalls, and delayed sales, affecting your bottom line. 

  1. Regularly audit 

Like taking a practice test, running your own internal audits are the best way to make sure that your facility is in compliance. These too can be outlined regularly within your operation’s SOPs, and you should also appoint a position or point person for compliance who is responsible for executing them. It can also be beneficial to bring in an outside third-party to review your processes in order to gain their expertise and ensure there are no blind spots or biases when it comes to meeting regulations. 

On the same note, there should also be processes put in place to keep up with ever-evolving and ever-changing regulations. The California cannabis regulatory agency often makes changes to guidelines and requirements, and being in tune with these changes is crucial for ensuring you don’t make a mistake. 

  1. Hire an expert 

In addition to hiring a professional for internal auditing, it can be helpful to hire an in-house chief compliance officer or think about other ways to get into the California cannabis market that already have compliance figured out. Partnering with an already established infused product manufacturer or cannabis white labeling and private labeling are also becoming popular ways for new brands to enter the market with less risk, reduced costs, and advanced compliance processes. 

All in all, it’s not just California cannabis regulations that you’ll have to adhere to; there will be local and federal requirements like OSHA that you’ll have to plan for too. When you account for all of the moving parts and the cost it might take to monitor and stay on top of them, outsourcing production or partnering with an experienced contract manufacturer can often offer a higher ROI. 

 

My Green Network Facility

California Cannabis Compliance: The Final Word

Finding strategic partners to help your business reach its goals is another important part of starting a business. So, if you’re considering getting a California cannabis business license to launch your own pre-rolls, infused oils, edibles, or beyond, it’s time to consider whether an established strategic partner is the way to get your start. 

My Green Network is the premier Type-S license shared facility and cannabis white-label and private-label manufacturer in southern California and has compliance down to a T. Co-founded by attorneys and backed by experience, the facility has helped over 20 brands launch cannabis-infused products onto the market in 2022 alone. 

Be the next to snag your slice of success and learn more about the business growth opportunities that My Green Network has to offer aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to learn how to start a cannabis business in California. 

Schedule a discovery call or tour of our facility with our team today! 

Finding a Cannabis Kitchen Near Me: What to Look For & Best Practices

It’s not just big-time producers with easy access to capital who are hitting the cannabis edibles shelves. In today’s cannabis market, solopreneurs and small-time brands are able to tap into the growing market just as easily. Many, getting their start in shared canna kitchens.

These innovative facilities make it possible for aspiring infused product manufacturers to enter the market without hefty start-up costs for things like cannabis kitchen equipment. In addition, to streamlining the process of receiving cannabis infusion (e.g. cooking) licenses, from the city and state in which they operate.

So, if you have dreams of becoming the next best edible manufacturer in California, this is the guide for you. Keep reading to learn more about canna kitchens, and how to find a commercial cannabis kitchen for rent near you.

commercial cannabis kitchen for rent

What is a Canna Kitchen? 

In general, a “canna kitchen” refers to a kitchen where THC edibles are made or sometimes refers to an establishment where they can be consumed. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll be discussing the term in reference to edible manufacturing since that’s the definition that’s rising in use and popularity the most. 

Shared cannabis kitchens are similar to commercial kitchen spaces that caterers or small-batch producers would rent for the culinary and food industries. Of course, with cannabis, you’ll need a special license to do so, which in California is the Type-S license. This allows a Type-S licensee to make their cannabis-infused product in the facility of a primary Type-S licensee. 

These canna kitchens will vary from location to location, but for the most part, they are equipped with all the cannabis kitchen equipment you need to get started making a variety of edibles. Including – 

  • Gummies
  • Chocolates
  • Baked goods
  • Candies
  • and beyond

All in all, cannabis kitchens are ideal for budding entrepreneurs who just need the space and guidance to get their start in the budding cannabis industry. So, now that you know more about what a canna kitchen is, let’s learn more about how to get started on building your own cannabis cooking company. 

 

How to Start a Cannabis Cooking Company

To start your own cannabis cooking company that produces THC-infused edibles, you should first start with a detailed business plan. The business plan should include

  • Executive summary
  • Company description
  • Market analysis
  • Organization and management
  • Product line
  • Marketing and sales
  • Financial projections

Many business plans will also include a request for funding. For cannabis, most entrepreneurs have to get a bit creative with restrictions on federal funding due to the current Schedule 1 classification of the plant. Canna kitchens, fortunately, allow entrepreneurs to enter the market at a much lower cost than traditional licensing and production startups.

When you work with a well-established commercial cannabis kitchen for rent, you also get a partner with experience who can help you navigate the complicated world of legal cannabis. For example, My Green Network has a streamlined process for METRC track and trace (which is required by the state), compliant packaging and labeling, and even connections for seamless retail or delivery sales.

That means taking your time to vet canna kitchens is also highly recommended. So, last but not least, let’s review what to look for when choosing a canna kitchen to begin your journey as an infused product manufacturer on the right foot.

 

Finding a Reputable Cannabis Kitchen Near Me

Like most things in cannabis, not every canna kitchen can be treated the same. Each will vary depending on their own capabilities, prior success, cannabis kitchen equipment, and other factors that will affect the quality, compliance, and sales of your end product.

So, next, let’s cover the most important things to look for when selecting a commercial cannabis kitchen for rent to use for your edible manufacturing.

  1. Experience – Because the cannabis industry is highly regulated, it’s recommended to select a canna kitchen that’s well-versed in the regulatory agency’s requirements. Even the most minor infractions can turn into major consequences, like license suspension, revocation or hefty fines. You’ll also want to explore or inquire, on a canna kitchen or shared facility’s ability to source material, like solventless rosin that’s quickly rising in consumer demand.
  2. Equipment – For infused product manufacturers, not just any kitchen will do. It pays to be sure the canna kitchen you select has state-of-the-art equipment to help craft the highest quality edibles possible, consistently without mechanical errors or issues. As an example, not every facility will have a sugar tumbler, or a Baker Perkins depositor, one of the most advanced gummy manufacturing machines available on the market today.
  3. Sales – So, you have your edibles produced… now what? Some canna kitchens and Type-S shared facilities will offer retail placement support, which is incredibly beneficial for newcomers to the scene that often struggle with breaking into cannabis storefronts. Some will also offer introductions to other cannabis companies in need of white-label and private-label services.

All in all, commercial cannabis kitchens for rent are fairly new to the scene, so trust and credibility should remain high on your list of priorities when selecting which to use for your cannabis cooking company.

Canna Kitchens: The Final Word

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so will its accessibility and the players that can get into the game. So, why not be the one to score big by becoming an edible manufacturer in California with canna kitchens? 

My Green Network is the premier cloud cannabis kitchen and Type-S facility that facilitates cannapreneurs’ dreams of getting their goods on store shelves. We help our Green Leaders with every step of the process, from getting a license to making the product, from packaging to labeling, and even with business growth opportunities like cannabis white labeling and retail placement.

If you’re interested in finding a “cannabis kitchen near me” or exploring cannabis white-label products with the reputation and experience you need to succeed, look no further. Download My Green Network’s complete guide on How to Start an Edibles Business in California now, or schedule a discovery call to meet our team and learn more! 

White Label Cannabis & Co-Manufacturing 101: Top Things for Cultivators To Know

If you’re a cultivator in California, you’re very familiar with the pain points of the industry. In fact, it’s likely that, over the years, you’ve made tweaks to your operations and expenses to squeeze out every last bit of profit you can.

While the smallest gains are nice, it’s the bigger tweaks to your strategic plan that offer bigger rewards.

So, if you’re tired of being stuck in the mud and unable to scale in the industry like you had hoped, this is the guide for you. First, we’ll review how you’re not alone, and second, we’ll teach you how to capitalize on accessible and affordable market entry points to expand production and product offerings.

The Current State of California Cultivation

Crop values are dropping, flower sales are falling, and California cultivators are facing the reality of losing even more in profits each year. As the early market experiences extreme supply and demand fluctuations that are depressing prices, some cultivators even cut back on production this year, riding it out until it improves.

If the economy wasn’t enough to combat, local law and regular regulatory changes also play a part in threatening the livelihood of cultivation operations. For example, outdoor farms in Santa Barbara County are now in jeopardy of losing land and material because of a new ordinance recently put in place due to resident odor concerns.

This means cultivators are now getting more creative than ever before to increase their bottom lines and their ability to scale. So, now that we’re past the hard truths of California cannabis cultivation, let’s look at the positives.

The Latest Moves from California Cultivators

In order to not only survive but thrive, several cannabis cultivators in the state are already working to diversify their portfolios. Here are just a few of the most notable examples – 

  • Lowell Family Farms, known for cultivating artisan craft cannabis, now offers infused pre-rolls, vape carts, and concentrates. A move that was made to directly “enhance the value of the brand”. 
  • Glass House Farms, a top-shelf and top-selling flower producer, recently launched infused pre-rolls and a line of tinctures. 
  • Jungle Boys, a name that’s synonymous with elite weed, offers rosin concentrates and vape cartridges, as well as edibles. 
  • Wonderbrett, who Leafly calls one of southern California’s premier cannabis cultivators has expanded their collection to include live rosin carts, fruit chews and pre-rolls. 

Now if you’re wondering how these brands and other small-time cultivators have the cash flow to apply for additional licensing, build out facilities, and afford supplies, not all of them do so traditionally. Growers, extractors, and even newcomers are starting to use different ways to get into the market, like partnering with cannabis white-label producers in California and cannabis contract manufacturers.

So, up next, are the benefits of doing so.

Benefits of Cannabis Contract Manufacturers for Cultivators

When partnering with an established, infused product manufacturer, cultivators gain unique advantages for increasing profits and expanding their customer base seamlessly. 

The top being – 

  1. The ability to turn your trim, smalls, kief, and leftover material, into profitable solventless edibles, high terpene extract (HTE) oil, infused pre-rolls, capsules, and beyond. 
  2. Access to state-of-the-art equipment that you might have to cheap out on otherwise. 
  3. Connection to a network of retail and delivery partners, you might not yet have tapped into. 
  4. Reduced stress and wasted money on costly mistakes by streamlining METRC, compliance, packaging, and labeling. 

Cannabis contract manufacturers are not only benefiting in-state brands and cultivators but also out-of-state producers too. In fact, it’s one way some brands are able to scale so quickly from state to state. As brands continue to do so, this should only create more of a sense of urgency for California brands seeking to increase their market share. 

So, before we go, let’s review white-label cannabis and contract manufacturing to get a full understanding of how they work and how you can get started.

White Label Cannabis & Contract Manufacturing 101 

Last but not least, below is a breakdown of the basics of white-label cannabis production and cannabis contract manufacturing. 

Cannabis White Label 

White-labeling is not uncommon in the retail space. Across the industry, everyday products like shampoo, dish soap, and even food are white-labeled. That means one manufacturer produces the product with a “white label” for brands to then brand it as their own. In California, cultivators can partner with white-label cannabis producers to put their brand on products the producers already manufacture. Compared to contract manufacturing services, this does limit the range of products cultivators can choose from. 

Of course, if your brand has an idea in mind for its own unique product or good, contract manufacturing services would be the ideal route to take. 

Cannabis Contract Manufacturer 

In 2018, California’s Department of Cannabis Control created the Type-S Cannabis Manufacturing License, which allowed the creation of cannabis shared kitchens and co-manufacturing spaces. As a Type-S licensee, you can make your own unique product for sale in the facilities of a primary Type-S license. 

The Type-S license is far more cost-effective than traditional licensing and has a faster approval time. It also lets companies make private-label edibles, pre-rolls, and if they have the right equipment and expertise, a wide range of other cannabis products. 

My Green Network Facility

How My Green Network Can Help – The Final Word

My Green Network (MGN) is Southern California’s premier cannabis cloud kitchen, white-label cannabis partner, and cannabis contract manufacturer. At MGN, cultivators can take advantage of both white-label services and contract manufacturing services. This allows them to tap into our unique network of members to create any product they want, since our members each have their own specialties, from pre-rolls to gummies to live rosin and beyond. 

Founded by a team of attorneys just this year, the Type-S licensee has already helped over 20 existing and new brands produce their product lines, hit the shelves, make sales, and increase profits. 

If you’re a cultivator looking towards the future, it’s time to consider how you’ll scale the ever-changing market landscape. Get in touch with the My Green Network team today to schedule a discovery call or tour and begin diversifying your portfolio to protect the pulse and profits of your business.