As cannabis products continue to expand in both number of offerings and sales, it is high time that you take the necessary steps to establish your brand identity. Package design is an integral part of this process, as you’re likely aware. And in an industry that faces many challenges, ranging from regulatory hurdles to the negative stereotypes some people associate with cannabis, your labeling and packaging choices have even higher importance attached to them. A trend that is gaining steam among cannabis brands is going for rustic and vintage label design—while this type of design is popular in a variety of industries, for cannabis brands it offers the benefits of differentiating your products and capturing the attention of a wider audience while turning stereotypes on their head.

One of the most common ways that cannabis companies are capitalizing on this trend is with stylized leaves as part of their packaging design. Using cannabis leaves as part of brand identity is ubiquitous across many cannabis companies. And it makes sense: customers are used to that particular imagery and looking for it when they are shopping for products. But you don’t want to be lost in the forest of basic cannabis leaves. Instead, consider selecting a vintage botanical stylized leaf, especially if it aligns with a larger vintage design to your packaging. Employing a vintage look in this way is not only aesthetically appealing, it also enables you to distance yourself from the controversial associations that sometimes come with cannabis imagery.

We’ve written elsewhere about the momentum of minimalist packaging design for cannabis companies, but what if you were to take a minimalist approach and add a bit of rustic character? When done right, the combination of the elegant and simple can have incredible aesthetic appeal. An easy way to accomplish this look is by using brown Kraft paper as your base material. By selecting one or two colors and using sparse design elements and text, you can communicate a comfortable yet refined feel. A rustic look for your packaging also gives a nod to the home-grown roots of many cannabis companies, and appeals to the many potential customers who are looking for local, organic, and sustainable cannabis products.

Cannabis brands are part of a market that has opportunity for massive success, but there are also many obstacles to negotiate. Don’t let having an eye-catching and on-brand label be one of those obstacles. Partner with Dion Label Printing, and the label you’ve dreamed of can be a reality. Contact a label specialist today to hear more, or request a free quote so we can get started on your next label project!