When you're packaging your weed in bags, most companies fall back on plain or white bags because they're inexpensive and convenient. But in a world becoming increasingly saturated by the minute, even plain bags are cutting into your bottom line through lost branding and customer loyalty.

At the other end of the spectrum are custom weed bag: branded, attention-grabbing, and meant to tell your story. In this blog we will balance the advantages and disadvantages of plain versus customizable weed bags and assist you in determining which side of the war you would like to be on.

Why Packaging Matters in the Cannabis Industry

Cannabis packaging is a quick first impression of your company, your brand and consumer. Any old bag will suffice to keep contents contained, but a branded one builds trust and recall. It's marketing, security, and compliance all wrapped up.

If the consumer cannot smell the flower at point of sale, what they can see is all that counts. Design is your envoy.

The Plain Weed Bag

Be honest and call it what it is, plain weed bags are the bare minimum. Typically blank Mylar, occasionally stamped with a compliance stamp, they serve one purpose: cut costs.

Good points:

• Costs barely anything
• Works easily type of strain with issue
• Easy to pop occasional extras when you want it

Not-so-good points:

• No real face or character or branding involved
• Is bland and forgettable
• Transfers bargain-bin taste to your flower or product
• Completely remains silent about what's inside

Plain bags are a shrug of package form. They'll do the job, yeah sure, but they whisper, not scream. They may be content with a test batch or first shipments on opening, but never really win the devotion of a customer. People forget them as easily as they throw them away.

The Custom Weed Bag

And chart on over to the other side, the side that is worth remembering. Custom weed bags are where creativity meets marketing. They show your name and your brand's beat. Sometimes they sparkle with soft matte finish or rainbows in store lighting with holographic foil. Some bellow with metallic ink, then others whisper with refinement.

Perks:

• Enters into an instant the moment it finds itself on a shelf
• Howls premium quality ahead of schedule before even a customer can get to touch it
• Sows your brand in a consumer's mind, and customers come back for more
• Provides you with the convenience of adding the state regulation and compliance, and all the information into the art and design
• Translates plain packaging into one that is collectable

Yes, sure, there is a bit more startup expense. But the extra couple of pennies are worth it for the reward of being noticed. With every client that picks up your sack, it's another way you get to jam your brand into someone's mind. In a company as tight as a jar of buds, appearance counts. A run-of-the-mill pouch fits in. An individually designed baggy advertises itself.

The Cost Debate

Plain bags are inexpensive to purchase, but they cost you more: attention. Custom bags are higher per unit, but they give your company a high end image, allowing you to charge more.

The small farmer may spend 10 cents on plain bags, but custom printed Mylar will cost 20 to 40 cents. That little bit of extra will pay itself easily when your packaging is getting higher margins and repeat business.

How Consumers Really Make Up Their Minds

That's what retail research and data have to say:

72% of consumers say packaging design drives what they buy.

Brand names with unique packaging see up to 30% higher repeat purchase.

60% of consumers think high-end packaging translates to higher-quality cannabis.

Waste can be trimmed as much as 40% with custom Mylar bags, making brands appear eco-friendly.

Almost 80% of customers read color first, before text or logo.

That means your graphics are going to sell it before they even see the name of the strain.

When Plain Makes Sense

If you’re testing new products, managing low inventory, or even just working with strict budgets, plain bags can still play a role. They’re practical for small drops or use for samples. Just don’t let them become permanent if you’re trying to scale.

When to Switch to Custom

1. You’re already selling in dispensaries or online and need to stand out.
2. You’re trying to build brand loyalty or influencer marketing.
3. You need to have consistency with multiple lines of products. 
4. Compliance statements must be put on your canna-packaging.

Plain packaging is thus a missed opportunity and not an attempt at cost reduction at the moment.

Custom Packaging as a Marketing Tool

Every square inch of an imprint bag is luxury real estate to communicate your story. Put your strain's personality, your logo and design, your badge of purity on it. Use color psychology to create emotion. Build a collector-friendly lineup. Limited drops make plain bags desirable product.

Your packaging is the only marketing material that goes into every customer's pocket. Don't waste it.

Learn more.