The short answer
Child-resistant (CR) packaging is packaging certified under the federal Poison Prevention Packaging Act test in 16 CFR 1700.20 and meeting 16 CFR 1700.15: at least 85% of children under five can't open it without a demonstration (80% after one), and at least 90% of senior adults can open it. California requires all cannabis goods to be sold in CR packaging, and New York requires every retail package to stay child-resistant for the product's useful life. A printed promo container is not CR unless the manufacturer certifies it.
The federal test, in plain terms
- Panels of children aged 42–51 months try to open the package; it passes if at least 85% fail before being shown how and at least 80% fail after (16 CFR 1700.15(b)).
- Panels of adults aged 50–70 must be able to open and properly close it; at least 90% must succeed, so CR can't mean 'impossible to open'.
- A package is certified as a design. Ask for the manufacturer's test certificate for the exact closure you are buying.
How states apply it to cannabis (examples)
- California: 'all cannabis goods' must be sold in CR packaging. Qualifying options include packaging certified to 16 CFR 1700.15(b)(1), a pry-off crown cap for single servings, and heat-sealed plastic at least 4 mils thick with no easy-open tab for single-use packages. Multi-serving edibles and orally consumed concentrates need packaging that stays CR after reopening. Flower, pre-rolls and vape cartridges may use single-use CR packaging labeled 'This package is not child-resistant after opening' (DCC; 4 CCR §17412).
- New York: every retail package must be child-resistant 'for the duration of the useful life of the product', multi-serving packages must be resealable, and licensees must keep documentation showing compliance with 16 CFR 1700.15 and 1700.20 (OCM Part 128, §128.2).
- Other states differ. Always confirm with your state regulator before you buy packaging.
What this means for branded items
- A standard pop-top doob tube, a tin or a silicone dab container is branding, not compliance packaging.
- If the tube is the retail package, use a certified CR tube such as our Childproof Blunt Tubes, and ask us for the manufacturer's certificate before ordering.
- Promo items handed out separately from the product (lighters, trays, grinders) aren't cannabis packaging, so the CR rule doesn't apply to them.
Sources
- 16 CFR 1700.15 (effectiveness specifications)
- California Department of Cannabis Control: child-resistant packaging
- California Code of Regulations, Title 4, §17412
- New York Office of Cannabis Management: Parts 128 and 129
Summary as of 2026-10-27. This is general information, not legal advice; regulations change.
Frequently asked
Are doob tubes child-resistant?
Standard pop-top doob tubes are not. Squeeze-to-open tubes certified to 16 CFR 1700 are.
What is the 16 CFR 1700 child-resistant standard?
Under 16 CFR 1700.15, at least 85% of children under five can't open the package without a demonstration (80% after one), and at least 90% of senior adults can open and close it, tested per 16 CFR 1700.20.
Does exit packaging count as child-resistant in California?
California's current rules put the CR requirement on the cannabis goods' own packaging. Check the DCC's guidance for your product type.