Is Your Cannabis Packaging Ready for Rising Senior Use?
Why Accessible Cannabis Packaging Matters More Than Ever
Over the past three years, cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older has surged by more than 40%, according to JAMA Internal Medicine. This shift reflects a growing recognition of cannabis as a viable option for managing chronic illnesses, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. For cannabis brands and manufacturers, this trend opens new opportunities to cater to a previously overlooked segment of customers.
However, with opportunity comes responsibility. Seniors often face unique challenges when using cannabis products, and packaging plays a critical role in ensuring accessibility, safety, and ease of use. If your packaging presents unnecessary barriers, you risk alienating this rapidly growing customer base.
The Changing Cannabis Consumer Demographic
The stereotype of the “typical” cannabis consumer is outdated. Today’s users are diverse, and seniors are at the forefront of this evolution. Research shows that seniors increasingly turn to cannabis for relief from conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and insomnia.
This demographic shift presents a significant market opportunity. Seniors are not only more likely to use cannabis for medicinal purposes but also tend to have higher disposable incomes. However, they also encounter unique challenges, such as reduced hand strength, arthritis, and visual impairments. These factors make user-friendly packaging a critical consideration for brands looking to attract and retain this segment of customers.
Challenges with Current Cannabis Packaging
While all cannabis packaging must meet child-resistant requirements to comply with regulations, many current designs remain difficult for seniors to open. Features like tightly sealed lids, complex mechanisms, or hard-to-read labels can make using cannabis products frustrating or even impossible for older adults.
Failing to address these issues not only creates a poor customer experience but also signals a lack of inclusivity. Senior-friendly packaging ensures that your products are not just compliant but also accessible to all users.
How to Make Cannabis Packaging Senior-Friendly?
Incorporate Easy-Open Features
Accessible packaging starts with easy-open mechanisms that don’t compromise on safety. AssurPack’s AssurTin® exemplifies this approach. Featuring a press-tab lid, it allows for single-handed operation while maintaining child resistance. This simple yet effective design minimizes frustration for seniors while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Similarly, the AssurSeal® line offers easy-open operability with laboratory-tested airtightness, keeping products fresh while remaining user-friendly. These features are ideal for seniors who may struggle with traditional packaging.
Use Clear and Legible Labeling
Older adults often experience difficulty reading small fonts. Make your packaging senior-friendly by:
Selecting packaging with plenty of space for copy
Using larger, high-contrast fonts.
Avoiding overly complicated text or technical jargon.
Including clear dosage instructions and warnings.
AssurPack purposefully designs packaging keeping branding space top-of-mind. Pairing easy open innovative design, AssurPack can pair all packaging with flat labels, 360-degree wrap labels, and direct print options which allows brands to expand labeling space while promoting clarity.
Ensure Durability and Sustainability
Durable materials not only ensure product integrity but also accommodate seniors who may struggle with flimsy or easily damaged packaging. AssurTin, crafted from metal and equipped with a polypropylene top, provides an ideal combination of toughness and ease of use. Bonus points for sustainability, as these materials are readily recyclable.
Build Trust with Accessible Packaging
Senior consumers value brands that prioritize their unique needs. By designing intuitive and inclusive packaging, you send a message that your company cares about their experience. This fosters trust, encourages repeat business, and strengthens your position in a competitive market.
Accessible packaging also mitigates the risk of incorrect product use. Clear labeling, easy-open designs, and educational materials reduce the likelihood of dosing errors, improving customer safety and satisfaction.
Drive Sales With Senior-Friendly Cannabis Packaging
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly, and senior consumers are driving much of this change. Brands that adapt to meet their needs will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Senior-friendly packaging isn’t just about compliance; it’s about delivering an excellent customer experience for a demographic that is redefining what it means to be a modern cannabis consumer.
If your current packaging isn’t up to the task, now is the time to make a change. At AssurPack, we specialize in creating innovative, compliant, and accessible packaging solutions designed to meet the demands of today’s diverse consumers. With features like AssurTin’s intuitive press-tab lids and AssurSeal’s airtight, one-handed designs, we provide tools to help your brand stand out.
Contact AssurPack today for a free consultation and discover how accessible packaging can transform your business. Together, we’ll create solutions that resonate with EVERY consumer.