In an era where sustainability and product purity are becoming paramount concerns, many consumers and businesses are unaware of the hidden danger lurking in everyday packaging—microplastics. While most conversations around microplastics focus on water pollution and food packaging, the cannabis industry is not exempt from this growing environmental and health concern.

Cannabis packaging, often made from plastic, is contributing to a problem that goes beyond just environmental harm—it may also be affecting the very quality and safety of the cannabis products people consume.

What Are Microplastics and Why Are They a Problem?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often smaller than 5mm, that break off from larger plastic products over time. These particles can end up in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Recent studies show that humans are widely exposed to chemicals leaching from plastic packaging materials—ranging from bisphenol A (BPA) to other harmful food contact chemicals (FCCs).

For cannabis consumers, plastic-based packaging presents similar risks. As cannabis sits in plastic containers or pre-roll tubes, chemical leaching can occur. Over time, the plastic can shed tiny particles directly onto the product, potentially releasing toxins that may be ingested or inhaled.

How Cannabis Packaging Can Affect Product Quality

For the cannabis industry, the implications of microplastics and chemical leaching are particularly concerning. Here’s how plastic packaging can negatively impact cannabis products:

• Terpene Absorption: Cannabis’ aromatic compounds, known as terpenes, can interact with plastic packaging. Over time, these compounds may be absorbed by the plastic, diminishing the product’s aroma, flavor, and overall quality.
• Chemical Leaching: Research has shown that plastic packaging can release harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA into products. While this has been widely studied in food packaging, similar materials are used for cannabis, meaning these toxins can leach into cannabis buds, oils, or edibles.
• Environmental Impact: Beyond the consumer, discarded plastic packaging contributes heavily to global plastic waste. Plastics break down into microplastics, polluting ecosystems and water supplies, which compounds the overall environmental footprint of the cannabis industry. 

Check here for more negative impacts of plastic.

The Hidden Costs: Chemicals Migrating from Packaging to Product

A systematic study from the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology on food contact chemicals (FCCs) reveals that thousands of these chemicals are present in the materials used to package consumer goods. Of the roughly 14,000 chemicals found in packaging, over 3,600 have been detected in the human body. This includes chemicals that disrupt hormones, have cancer-causing properties, and pose reproductive risks. While this study was focused on food, the packaging materials used in cannabis—such as plastic and recycled paper—raise the same concerns.

Even though cannabis packaging hasn’t yet been as rigorously studied, it’s clear that using plastic materials with direct product contact could introduce toxins into the very products consumers use for wellness or recreation.

Solutions: Moving Toward Sustainable and Safe Packaging

So, what can cannabis brands do to mitigate these risks and deliver both safe and environmentally responsible products?

1. Switch to Metal Packaging: Metals such as aluminum or tin are highly durable, recyclable, and provide an excellent barrier to protect the freshness and potency of cannabis products. They don’t absorb terpenes or leach harmful chemicals, making them ideal for premium packaging.
2. Glass Jars for Premium Products: Glass is not only recyclable but also reusable, giving consumers an eco-friendly option that maintains product integrity. Glass doesn’t interact with the contents inside, ensuring that the cannabis retains its original flavor and potency.
3. Biodegradable Materials: Plant-based or biodegradable packaging options, like those made from hemp, corn, or other natural materials, are rising in popularity. They break down more easily and quickly, reducing plastic pollution and lowering the overall environmental footprint of cannabis packaging.

Why This Matters for the Future of Cannabis

As consumers become more aware of the impact of plastic on their health and the environment, they will begin to demand more sustainable, chemical-free packaging solutions. Brands that adopt eco-friendly alternatives now will not only position themselves as industry leaders but also contribute to a healthier planet.

For cannabis consumers, microplastics and harmful packaging chemicals are invisible threats. However, as the industry continues to grow, it’s crucial for brands to prioritize sustainability and safety. Switching to eco-friendly packaging solutions is not just about staying compliant—it’s about protecting the quality of the product and the well-being of the consumer.

By reducing reliance on plastic packaging, the cannabis industry can take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, safer future—where both the product and the packaging reflect a commitment to quality, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ready to elevate your cannabis packaging? Contact us today to learn more!