Why Security Matters in the U.S. Cannabis and CBD Supply Chain

March 26, 2025|Cannabis, Exclusive Features, Markets

Tamper-evident void labels reveal a VOID/OPEN message when tampered with; these self- adhesive labels can be customized with logos, messages, consecutive numbering and barcodes. Image courtesy of Cambridge Security Seals

By Robin H. Lebovitz, Marketing Specialist at Cambridge Security Seals

As of 2025, cannabis is legal for recreational use in 24 states and for medical use in 39 states. Hemp-derived CBD, federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, remains subject to varying state restrictions. This complex regulatory landscape has contributed to a rapidly expanding market, requiring businesses to navigate intricate compliance and security challenges.

A significant concern for businesses operating in this sector is ensuring compliance with stringent state laws while protecting against theft, counterfeiting, and product tampering. Security seals play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by safeguarding cannabis and CBD products throughout the supply chain — from cultivation and processing to retail distribution. This article explores the importance of security seals in the U.S. cannabis industry, the various types of seals used, and how businesses can ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining product integrity.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance with Security Seals

Unlike traditional consumer goods, cannabis and CBD products are subject to extensive state-by-state regulations. Many states mandate that cannabis shipments remain secure and tamper-evident during transportation — requirements that security seals fulfill.

In California, regulations require cannabis goods to be transported in locked, secure containers sealed with tamper-evident features. Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division mandates the use of METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting & Compliance) tags, which must be affixed securely to cannabis products throughout the supply chain. In Michigan, Massachusetts, and Illinois, transportation security measures include tamper-evident exit packaging and detailed tracking protocols to prevent diversion into the illicit market.

For CBD, federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) impose additional packaging and labeling requirements. The FDA requires tamper-evident packaging for CBD edibles and tinctures to ensure consumer safety and product consistency. The USDA regulates hemp-derived CBD to ensure compliance with THC thresholds and mandates secure transport for bulk shipments to prevent unauthorized distribution. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to fines, product recalls, or even license revocations. In 2023 alone, the California Department of Cannabis Control seized over $200 million in illegal cannabis due to regulatory violations, demonstrating the importance of strict compliance measures.¹

Preventing Theft in the Cannabis and CBD Supply Chain

Due to their high value and continued restrictions on banking access, cannabis products remain prime targets for theft. Dispensaries operating primarily on a cash basis are especially vulnerable. According to the FBI’s 2023 Uniform Crime Report, cannabis-related burglaries in legal states increased by 15% over the past two years.²

The lack of federal banking protections forces many businesses to store cash on-site, making security seals a vital tool in preventing unauthorized access to cash transport bags and ensuring transaction integrity.

Transportation theft is another major concern. Cargo theft of cannabis products has been reported in multiple states, with organized crime groups targeting shipments due to their resale value. In Colorado, law enforcement intercepted a theft ring attempting to divert over $1 million in cannabis from a distribution facility in Denver, according to local news reports. Proper security protocols, including tamper-evident cable seals on transport vehicles, reduce the risk of such incidents and help businesses comply with mandatory tracking regulations.

Protecting Consumer Safety and Brand Trust

Tampering with cannabis or CBD products presents significant health and safety risks. Counterfeit vape cartridges containing dangerous additives, such as Vitamin E acetate, were linked to a 2019 outbreak of vaping-related lung illnesses that led to 68 deaths across the U.S according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).³

In response, states like California and Washington now require stronger tamper-evident packaging for all cannabis vaping products to prevent unauthorized alterations. Security seals play a crucial role in maintaining consumer trust. A 2024 survey conducted by the National Cannabis Industry Association found that 78% of consumers consider tamper-proof packaging essential when purchasing cannabis products⁴

Brands that implement clear, reliable security features signal to customers that their products are safe and legitimate. Void labels and serialized seals not only protect against counterfeiting but also reassure buyers that their products have not been compromised between production and sale.

A Heavy Duty Pull Tight Seal (HPT) by Cambridge Security Seals has wide applications to maintain compliance and identification in the cannabis and CBD supply chains. Image courtesy of Cambridge Security Seals

Where Security Seals Are Used in the Cannabis and CBD Supply Chain

Security measures are applied at multiple stages of the supply chain, from cultivation to retail. Tamper-evident tapes and labels secure raw cannabis before transport to processing facilities, while METRC and BioTrackTHC tracking seals ensure regulatory compliance. In manufacturing, tamper-evident seals are applied to vape cartridges, tincture bottles, and edibles to prevent unauthorized resealing. Security tape and void labels further protect bulk cannabis flower packaging, ensuring that product integrity is maintained throughout storage and transit.

During distribution and transportation, bolt and cable seals secure cannabis containers in compliance with transport laws, while plastic indicative seals with barcodes or sequential numbering verify that shipments remain unopened. At the retail level, dispensaries are required to use tamper-evident exit packaging to prevent product consumption before leaving the store. High-value CBD products, including premium tinctures and topicals, often feature security seals and void labels to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized resale.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis Security

As the cannabis and CBD industries continue to expand, security challenges will evolve. Emerging trends in security solutions include smart security seals equipped with RFID tracking, which provide real-time monitoring of cannabis shipments. Blockchain-integrated security tracking is also gaining traction, enabling manufacturers and regulators to verify the authenticity of every step in the supply chain. In 2024, a pilot program in Canada tested blockchain-based cannabis tracking, reducing diversion by 30% according to the Canadian Cannabis Tracking Report.⁵

Sustainability is another key consideration. With the industry facing growing pressure to reduce plastic waste, companies are developing biodegradable and eco-friendly tamper-evident packaging. A 2023 study by the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition found that 65% of cannabis consumers prefer brands that use sustainable packaging.⁶

As regulations continue to evolve, businesses that proactively invest in advanced security solutions will be best positioned to maintain compliance, protect their products, and build long-term consumer trust. The cannabis and CBD industries require stringent security measures to remain compliant with state laws, protect against theft and tampering, and ensure consumer safety. With the market projected to grow significantly in the coming years, businesses must prioritize high-quality security seals and tamper-evident solutions to stay ahead of evolving threats. For companies operating in this space, security and compliance are not just regulatory requirements—they are essential for long-term success.

About the Author

Robin H. Lebovitz is a Marketing Specialist at Cambridge Security Seals, a NY-based leading manufacturer and supplier of high-performance tamper-evident, high-security, and electronic seals. To learn more about CSS and its high-performance products and outstanding service, please email info@cambridgeseals.com or visit https://www.cambridgeseals.com

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