Blog

What is cannabis co-packing?

Cannabis co-packing is when one licensed company helps another (licensed or not) with equipment, production, packaging, or distribution of cannabis products. Of course, co-packing regulations vary from state to state, but here in California, cannabis co-packing can include all of the above and even the co packing and manufacturing of marijuana infused products. 

That means, as long as you find cannabis manufacturing companies that are licensed for the manufacturing, production and distribution of products, you can partner with them for your own branded product. The most common ways to co-pack marijuana infused products with cannabis manufacturing companies is through – 

• White label cannabis products – Just like in other industries, white label marijuana edible manufacturers have a collection of products they produce that other companies can brand as their own. 
• Private label cannabis products – Private label cannabis products are similar to white label cannabis manufacturing, however the brand can have a say in the formula, recipe or manufacturing. For instance, a marijuana edible manufacturer may make a standard solventless gummy that others can brand as a “white label”. If you wanted to make the solventless gummy, micro-dosed, extra-strength, or a seasonal or special flavor – you could make a “private level” version which gives you the benefit of customizing an already successful, and cost-effective product that has streamlined manufacturing for fast launching onto the shelves. 
• Shared manufacturing – Shared manufacturing refers to partnering with a cannabis manufacturing company and using their equipment for the manufacturing of your brand’s individual products. 

Next, let’s get caught up with the most common types of marijuana infused products that cannabis manufacturing companies produce for cannabis co-packing. 

How to Start an Edibles Business – Compliance Edition 

Outside of learning how to formulate recipes and build a business plan, starting an edibles business also requires knowing how to legally operate. In cannabis, it’s not just everyday business regulations you’ll need to adhere to but also those of the DCC. To get you started, here are the five most important factors to consider when setting up your future business. 

#1 – Licensing 

In California, getting a license is the first step to starting an edibles business that is compliant. The state requires you to get a Type N, Type 6, or Type 7 manufacturing license if you want to make edibles in your own facility. However, California also offers a Type S license that allows you to manufacture edibles in a primary Type S licensed facility. 

What’s the difference? Type S licensing has a much faster approval process and costs far less, especially when accounting for start-up location costs. But licensing isn’t the only way to legally sell edibles in compliance with DCC regulations. You can also explore white-label and private label opportunities, where your business won’t require a license but the contract cannabis manufacturing partner you choose will. 

#2 – Location Matters 

Speaking of location, to be fully compliant, you’ll need to understand and follow not only DCC regulations but those of local jurisdictions, too. This will require finding out the local laws and regulations of the city you plan to set up shop in. 

In fact, it’s best to know this before you start scouting locations to make sure that the building you choose is properly zoned for cannabis manufacturing. This is another perk of starting an edibles business with a cannabis contract manufacturing partner or a Type S facility where the primary license holder will have already done so. 

#3 – Compliance SOPs 

From security to storage and everything in between, each step of the cannabis manufacturing process is highly regulated and monitored. One slip-up during an inspection or through monitoring, can put your business at risk for violations, potential fines, and even license suspension. That means you’ll need to include the requirements for California cannabis compliance in your working SOPs and stay in tune with any changes to make revisions when they arise. 

Because regulations change so frequently, this often requires the help of an in-house hire (e.g. compliance manager) devoted to the task, or the hiring of outside help—two costs to consider when starting an edibles business and deciding which route is best for you. 

#4 – METRC

METRC or Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting and Compliance, is the universal system that’s used to track cannabis from seed to sale to prevent loss and uphold community safety. To do so, the system tracks everything from the base oils you use for infusion to the finished product, transport, and sales. 

When starting an edibles business, you’ll need to become well-versed in METRC or, again, partner with a contract cannabis manufacturing partner, or Type S facility, that is. 

#5 – Required testing 

Speaking of safety, it’s no surprise that there are just as many requirements for the testing of cannabis edibles to ensure they’re safe to consume. To hit store shelves, DCC regulations require that all cannabis products are tested for – 

• Cannabinoids 
• Residual solvents and processing chemicals
• Residual pesticides
• Heavy metals
• Microbial impurities
• Mycotoxins
• Moisture content and water activity

The lab must also be ISO-accredited and follow the rules set by California’s cannabis compliance requirements. To further ensure compliance, both you and the lab you choose should be well-versed in how to collect samples from batches for testing to avoid any issues that could raise red flags with regulators. 

#6 – Packaging and labeling 

While we touched upon the basics in our first edition of the How to Start an Edibles Business series, we didn’t get into the full scope of requirements for the actual content. In addition to what you learned about the type of packaging to be used (child-resistant, resealable, etc.), you’ll also need to get a process down for what you need to include on the label. That includes over 20 different subjects like ingredients, net weight, and usage warnings, in addition to requirements like font point size and weight. 

Rather than listing each one individually here, we’ve created a comprehensive guide for tracking edibles’ packaging and labeling requirements in an all-in-one checklist.

What is white label cannabis? 

White label cannabis manufacturing is exactly the practice we described in our introduction. For cannabis, it means one licensed manufacturer manufactures a portfolio of cannabis product types that can be individually branded. The most unique part of cannabis white labeling is that the brand does not own a cannabis license. 

The main disadvantage of white label cannabis is that you’ll have no control over the formulation or production of the product. However, for some entrepreneurs, this could also be an advantage. Especially when you’ve tested the white-label product, know its quality, and can take the stress and efforts of product manufacturing off your plate. 

In fact, even current manufacturers and licensees are seeking out white label producers to manufacture new product lines that align with their quality standards because they don’t necessarily have the expertise or experience in manufacturing themselves. For example, cultivators white-labeling vape carts, or concentrate brands white-labeling edibles. 

Another disadvantage associated with certain white-label cannabis manufacturers is a limit on product types. i.e., some might specialize in white-label cannabis edibles but can’t produce vape carts, concentrates, or pre-rolls. So, if you want to keep growing your brand, it’s best to find a white-label cannabis manufacturer like My Green Network that can offer a wide range of products. 

What is private label cannabis? 

White Label Cannabis California Partners: 6 Must-Haves

To ensure your launch isn’t a flop or a costly mistake, here are the top six things to look for when selecting a cannabis white-label California manufacturer. 

#1 – Capacity 

One thing that can quickly lose white-label pre-roll or white-label cannabis edible customers is not having a consistent stock. As soon as your white label cannabis product is out, they’ll just buy another and might not ever come back for that return purchase. In an industry with so many options, brand loyalty is important, so make sure your white-label cannabis California partner can keep up with your sales plans and schedule. 

#2 – Capabilities 

Along with capacity, there are capabilities that will differ from one THC white label manufacturer to another. For instance, do they offer solventless products, an increasing category in sales? Do they offer a wide range of white-label cannabis products to allow your brand to scale and diversify over time? Do they have state-of-the-art equipment that efficiently produces consistent quality and dosage? 

#3 – Support 

One of the biggest benefits of partnering with a contract manufacturer to produce popular goods like white-label pre-rolls or white-label cannabis edibles is the time you’ll get back as a business owner to plan and strategize your product’s launch. The time that’s going to be necessary in the somewhat cutthroat industry of purchasing and sales among California retailers and delivery services. 

That means one thing to look for in a potential cannabis white label California partner is additional support for sales and branding. Even though you will still have to put in effort to launch your brand, simply having it on any shelves will get you started and give you credibility to sell others. Other benefits would include help with labeling or packaging to make sure your brand follows all of the state’s complex regulations. 

#4 – Expertise 

Expertise doesn’t just come in the form of capabilities or industry connections, it also comes with the caliber of the facility and staff. Technically, anyone can set up shop with a few pieces of equipment and manufacture white label cannabis products. But you don’t want just any product to go to sale in this market. You’ll want the best product possible to grow a returning customer base. 

So, learn everything you can about your potential cannabis white-label California partner’s legal manufacturing experience, from prior professional experience to equipment types or even SOPs for regularly maintaining critical equipment for production. 

#5 – Compliance 

Cannabis is a highly regulated market, which means your new white-label cannabis brand can’t afford to make any mistakes with fines reaching up to $128 million. So, you’ll want your THC white label manufacturer to know about more than just packaging and labeling rules. They should also know about all the requirements the product must meet as it goes through METRC. 

METRC, which stands for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting and Compliance System, is in charge of tracking and tracing efforts of products throughout their journey in the market. Any problem along the way with storage, waste, etc., can cause production delays, which can hurt your brand’s ability to keep loyal customers coming back. 

#6 -Experience 

Everyone can talk the talk, but can your white-label cannabis California partner walk the walk? Before you sign any contracts or move forward with a THC white label manufacturer, be sure you ask to see their work or speak with other brands they’ve produced for. 

Starting an Edibles Business – Step by Step

Let’s waste no time and get right into our step-by-step guide on starting an edibles business in California. 

#1 – Research markets

Researching the market you’re about to enter is critical for any new product or business, but even more so with cannabis due to its fast-paced nature. For instance, in the past two years, we’ve seen a trend toward an increase in solventless cannabis goods. In addition, consumer preferences are trending toward consumables that don’t need to be inhaled because of health concerns or other problems. 

For edibles specifically, vegan, gluten-free, and specialty goods, like fast-acting effects, are just on the cusp of rising in sales and should all be considered when you’re learning how to start an edibles business, especially in a health-conscious market like California. 

#2 – Create a business, funding, and licensing plan 

The next step is similar to starting any other type of business, outside of having to become licensed to manufacture and sell edibles. To learn more about what you’ll need in a business plan and for funding and licensing to start an edible company, check out our in-depth guide here. 

As for funding, it’s important to note that because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug federally, not all traditional lending options will be available. Luckily, as the industry has legitimized itself over the last decade, there are now more available loans and funding sources for starting a cannabusiness than ever before. 

In regards to licensing, California is unique in offering a Type-S license that allows for contract cannabis manufacturing or shared manufacturing opportunities. Another streamlined market entry point is cannabis white-label or private-label goods, which has its benefits for new cannapreneurs, too. 

#3 – Selecting ingredients

When you’re starting an edibles business, it’s likely that you have one, or a small collection of products, in mind based on your market research and business plan. The next step in making that a reality is selecting the ingredients that will best support that unique cannabis edible. 

For example, is the goal of your business to make clean, organic gummies with locally-sourced California ingredients? Then you’ll need to find suppliers and research which ones are most cost-effective for your forecasted financials.

#4 – Formulating recipes and manufacturing

Now’s the fun part! Starting an edible company will require a lengthy R&D process that tests recipes for flavor, texture, dosage, and overall quality. In this process, you’ll seek out and purchase equipment and supplies while troubleshooting all the unique quirks in manufacturing to ensure the initial recipe is all smoothed out before heading to mass production. 

#5 – Packaging and labeling 

If you think it’s even more fun and games when you’re done manufacturing, you’d be wrong. Not only are there strict rules for getting a license and making edibles, but the packaging of the products is just as scrutinized. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the state’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) requirements, which we’ll go into more in-depth in the second part of our starting an edible company series – 

Cannabis packaging must be – 

• Child-resistant
• Tamper-evident
• Resealable (if more than one serving)
• Opaque (if an edible cannabis product)

For labeling, there’s an even longer list of requirements that must all be adhered to before going to sale. Back to thinking about what kind of license will work best for your business: an experienced cannabis contract manufacturer can help with compliance in a way that saves time and effort and keeps your business from losing money because of mistakes. 

#6 – Selling 

The last step in starting an edibles company is selling the product you’ve worked so hard to manufacture. Of course, this is a step that’s easier said than done. Keep in mind that it’ll take a significant amount of legwork to contact retailers and purchasers to pitch and sell your products. This point highlights yet another benefit of partnering with a cannabis contract manufacturer, who often has ties or connections to local retail storefronts. 

The Top 3 White Label Cannabis Products to Launch

As consumer tastes change, so should the products you think about putting on the market in California. So, let’s take a look at the four fastest-growing product categories available for white-label cannabis manufacturing. 

White Label Concentrates

Another consumer trend is the desire for potency, which concentrates deliver. Solventless and solvent-based concentrates like live resin, live rosin, badder, and budder can contain THC with percentages in the 90% range, more than three times the strength of most flower. As consumers have become more familiar with dabbing, and concentrate consumption, sales have grown by over 40% for the product category. 

Even better, concentrate prices are on the rise, with an average 7.3% increase for a gram from 2019 to 2020. It’s also important to note that consumers are seeking solventless concentrates (e.g., ice water hash and live rosin) and solventless vapes, specifically, as health concerns over non-solventless vape carts grow, too. 

White Label Edibles 

Again, as consumers shift towards ‘smokeless’ or healthier ways to consume, white-label edibles are another growing product category to consider. Recently, the edibles product category, led by gummies and chocolates, reported a 20.4% YOY growth in sales, more than 2% more than the total market share altogether. 

Cannabis manufacturers in California with proven skills and abilities can help brands meet rising consumer demand for high-quality edibles faster than traditional routes. 

White Label Pre-Rolls

In addition to potency and healthier ways to consume, consumers are also showing their love for convenience through the growth of white-label pre-rolls. In fact, infused pre-rolls deliver on two of these preferences with the added infusion of cannabis oil, which increases flower potency from 15–30% up to 40–50%. 

The pre-roll category has also experienced recent growth, with a 38.9% YOY increase from 2020. Of course, since pre-roll manufacturing is the newest of them all, it’s crucial to vet a white-label manufacturer’s ability to produce quality, smooth smoking, and flavorful products. As you can lose repeat customers quickly on pre-rolls that sideburn or canoe, extinguish completely, or are clearly made with shake or trim. 

Last but not least, as reported by Forbes, a recent survey shows cannabis consumers are also more focused on price in light of rising costs and inflation. Meaning, it pays for brands to explore alternative product production methods like cannabis white labeling, which reduces the amount of overhead and startup costs that new brands would typically have to markup prices to make up for.3

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. 

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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

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.

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.