Packaging 101 - Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Roll Tubes

By Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-founder of Custom Cones USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Types of Pre Roll Tubes
   • Pop Top Doob Tubes
   • Child Resistant Glass Pre Roll Tubes
   • Plastic Pre Roll Tubes with Child Resistant Cap
   • Aluminum Screw Top Doob Tubes
   • Cork Top Pre-Roll Tubes
     • Champagne Cork Pre Roll Tubes
     • Silicone Cap Pre Roll Tubes
     • Taped and T-Shaped Cork Pre Roll Tubes
   • Super Seal Pre-Roll Tubes
   • Reclaimed Ocean Plastic Pre Roll Tubes
   • Recycled Plastic Doob Tubes
   • Compostable Plastic Doob Tubes
   • Multi-Pack Pre Roll Joint Tubes
   • Paper Pre Roll Tubes
2. Are Pre Roll Tubes Airtight? Will Pre Rolls stay Fresh?
3. Custom Branding Your Pre Roll Tubes
   • Doob Tube Display Boxes
4. Pop Top Tube Sizing
   • Plastic Pop Top Tube Sizes
   • Glass Pre Roll Tube Sizes
5. The Importance of Proper Storage for Pre Rolls
6. Compliance and Functionality of Pre Roll Tubes
   • Pre Roll Tubes Compliance in Different States
7. Eco-Friendly Pre Roll Tubes
   • Why Invest in Eco-Friendly Pre Roll Tubes?
   • How to Reduce Your Environmental Impact: Things to Consider
8. Your Perfect Pre Roll Tube

The pre roll industry never stops innovating. Today, there is a seemingly never-ending list of ways to package your pre-rolls. From tins and custom cigarette boxes, to child-resistant slider boxes and everything in between, there’s something that fits every brand and style.

But since the industry’s early days, one piece of pre roll packaging stood out among the rest and continues to be the pre roll industry's most popular piece of pre roll packaging today: the humble but handy pre roll tube.

Its low cost, functionality, and wide selection of style and colors has made the pre-roll tube attractive to cannabis consumers and companies alike. And with a multitude of branding options available, companies are able to make their pre-roll tubes uniquely their own. Pre-roll stickers, direct printing, and shrink wrap make it easier than ever to allow cannabis brands to customize the pre-roll tube to match any company’s colors or messaging.

When selecting your pre-roll tubes, consider these three things:

1. Which compliance regulations are in place in your state?
2. What type of aesthetic is your brand trying to achieve? Are you a luxury cannabis brand, or is your aim to be as budget friendly as possible? The type of tube you choose greatly depends on your aesthetic and overall branding.
3. What size and number of joints will you be loading into the tubes?

OK, with that out of the way let’s get into exactly what your options for joint tubes are.

Types of Pre Roll Tubes

Pop Top Doob Tubes

Pre roll tubes - or “doob tubes” - are far and away the most popular style of pre roll tubes. The easy function and low price point make this an economical choice that is popular all over the cannabis community. Simply squeeze, pop, and smoke!

Additionally, all of the pre roll pop top tubes offered here at Custom Cones USA are certified child-resistant in accordance with ASTM standards. The pop top tube design is easy for adults to use, but difficult to open for small hands. So not are they a reliable, inexpensive and familiar option, these pre roll tubes will keep you in compliance, no matter your market.

Our pre roll tubes are available in a variety of colors and opacities to meet different state regulations while providing packaging that can be kept in theme with your company’s branding.

This means the pre-roll tubes we offer here at Custom Cones USA are the perfect balance between child-resistance and functionality.

In today’s cannabis industry, there are multiple varieties and choices of pop top pre-roll tubes, including pre-roll multi-pack packaging options, as well as eco-friendly pre roll tubes made from reclaimed ocean plastic, recycled plastic and even compostable materials, all with the standard and familiar pop top.

And we’ll get to all of them.

Child Resistant Glass Pre Roll Tubes

For companies looking to stand out or create a more premium look, while still wanting a traditional doob tube feel, upgrading to glass pre roll tubes is a great option. We offer both child resistant and non-child resistant glass pre roll tubes with multiple cap styles, so there’s something for every brand and aesthetic.

Custom Cones USA offers multiple types of certified child resistant Glass Pre-Roll Tubes. These glass pre roll tubes come in multiple sizes, including 100mm, 115mm and 125mm, as well as in extra wide 90mm mini jars that are perfect for creating pre roll multipacks, which is rapidly become one of the hottest product types on the market.

Our certified child-resistant caps come in a variety of colors including ridged, non-ridged, wooden, metallic, alumite, and more. We also have a broad range of colors including black, white, red, orange, green, blue, pink, purple, yellow, metallic silver, metallic gold and rose gold.

Plastic Pre Roll Tubes with Child Resistant Cap

Custom Cones USA also offers a range of plastic pre roll tubes that come with a child resistant cap for businesses that want something different from the traditional doob tube but are not ready to make the leap to glass pre roll tubes.

Available in the 115mm size, these plastic pre roll tubes come in white, black, silver, gold and clear – so you’re covered whatever your state’s regulations are – and have a similar look as the glass pre roll tubes, but are made with PET plastic.

The certified child push-and-turn caps come in a variety of color (see above) and finish options, as well as smooth and ridged versions, giving producers a wide range of options for making their pre rolls and pre roll brands stand out on dispensary shelves.

Aluminum Screw-Top Doob Tubes

We carry three non-child-resistant glass tubes with aluminum screw tops in black, gold, and silver. These are popular choices in lenient markets that do not have strict child-resistance compliance restrictions, or for companies willing to add secondary packaging/child-resistant measures to the tube.

States that do not currently require child-resistant pre-roll packaging include Oregon, Washington and Vermont (though Vermont’s laws do require “child deterrent” pre roll packaging, which is defined as “tear-resistant packaging that can be sealed in a manner that would deter children under five years of age from easily accessing the contents of the package within a reasonable time and not difficult for adults to use properly”).

If your market has child-resistant restrictions but you still want to utilize the unique aesthetic of these tubes, you can add other child-resistant packaging measures like exit bags to keep in compliance.

Cork-Top Pre-Roll Tubes

Cork-Top Glass Pre-Roll Tubes are sleek and classy, making for a luxury smoking experience. It is important to note that, while these tubes are attractive and the most air-tight option available, they are not child-resistant. The cork stopper is the only sealing mechanism for the tube, and it is easy enough to get open that a child could potentially do it.

In order to be compliant in their markets, some brands will put these cork-top tubes into child-resistant boxes or bags, if their state requires child-resistant containers for pre-rolls. Some states do not require pre-rolls to come in child-resistant containers, and some allow exit bags to be used at the dispensary. In these cases, the cork-top pre-roll tubes are a great option.

We offer three different types of cork top pre roll tubes: champagne corks, silicone corks and shaped corks.

Champagne Cork Pre Roll Tubes

Called champagne corks because of the familiar “popping” sound when they are removed from pre roll tubes, these corks look great and truly present as a premium item.

At 20mm wide, they pair perfectly with 125mm tubes to create an airtight seal that helps keep your prerolls preserved and fresh in their tubes so that your customers experience your pre rolls they way they were intended.

However, it is important to note that the champagne corks are not child resistant, so it is important to know your state’s regulations.

Silicone Cap Pre Roll Tubes

More pliable and colorful than cork, these silicone cap pre roll tubes are clear and come in two different sizes with a variety of cap colors to choose from, including pink, green, yellow, blue, red, white, black and purple, perfect for brightening up our glass pre roll tubes.

These silicone caps come in two sizes, in 20mm and 22mm to fit the 125mm single width and extra wide glass pre roll tubes, respectively.

But again, these silicone capped pre roll tubes are not child resistant and may require an additional bag or shrink sleeve to be compliant with state regulations.

Tapered and T-Shaped Cork Pre Roll Tubes

Finally, we offer traditional cork-topped pre-roll tubes, available in two distinct shapes: tapered and t-shaped.

Familiar to just about everyone, these cork pre roll tubes are not child resistant but simple to use and a great compliment to brands looking for a “natural” or “eco-friendly” vibe. They are also recyclable.

Both the taped cork and t-cork are available in two sizes – 20mm and 22mm – and work perfectly with our 120mm and 125mm single-width and extra width glass pre roll tubes, respectively, to form an airtight joint tube. These corks provide an upscale look and feel to any pre roll product and work particularly well with pre rolled blunts, as well as premium filter tip options like wood, glass or ceramic.

Though once again, neither the tapered cork nor the t-shaped cork are a child-resistant pre roll joint tube option.

Super Seal Pre-Roll Tubes

Our Super Seal Pre-Roll Tubes are another option for our certified child-resistant tubes. They use another push-and-turn style lid similar to the other child-resistant tubes, but these also feature a tamper-evident band that automatically attaches when the cap is sealed during production.

These doob tubes are air-tight, keeping your product sealed and fresh for longer on the shelf, and resealable, providing a good multi-pack option for smaller pre-rolls.

We have a wide selection of super seal pre roll tubes available, from traditional cylinder shapes, to pre roll tubes with rounded bottoms and even tapered tubes that match the shape of your pre rolled cones, all with the unique, airtight super seal cap. These super seal pre roll tubes come in four different sizes: 95mm, 100mm, 115 mm and 120mm.

Our Super Seal tubes are available in clear, black and white, with different shapes depending on the size of tube you choose.

It is important to note, however, that super seal caps must be used with super seal jars and that the caps come bundled with the jars and are not mix-and-match.

Reclaimed Ocean Plastic Pre Roll Tubes

For brands with a “green” bend, these plastic doob tubes are made from reclaimed ocean plastic! This eco-friendly option helps take plastic out of our oceans and breathes new life into it. All of the plastic sourced for these tubes is made from plastic pulled from ocean-bound waterways, helping keep as much plastic from getting in our oceans as possible.

We have two versions of this reclaimed plastic tube, and they are all child-resistant and opaque, making them compliant in even the strictest markets.

The first option is a classic pop-top doob tube, familiar to pre roll smokers in every market. These plastic pre roll tubes come in black and white and are available at 116mm, so they hold any size pre rolled joint, from the smallest dogwalkers all the way to a 109mm full gram king size smoking cone.

The second option featuring reclaimed ocean plastic has a lid that requires users to align the edges on the cap with the dots to be able to open, similar to some medications like aspirin. It’s easy for adults, but complicated for tiny hands. These reclaimed plastic pre roll tubes have a rounded bottom and are available at both 116mm and 78mm, each with the same certified child resistant cap.

These tubes provide great opportunities to achieve compliance while helping clean up the most fragile ecosystem in the world!

Recycled Plastic Doob Tubes

Another green pre roll tube option for producers are to buy joint tubes made from recycled materials, including plastic. In fact, New York requires that all plastic joint tubes are made from plastic that includes at least 25% post consumer recycled plastic.

Post consumer recycled plastic is plastic made in part from items that have already been recycled by everyday people (as opposed to corporations, which is called “post-industrial content”), such as plastic bottles and other packaging. New York State’s pre roll packaging regulations specifically define it as “new material produced using material resulting from the recovery, separation, collection, and reprocessing of material that would otherwise be disposed of or processed as waste and that was originally sold for consumption.”

For New York companies looking for a pre-roll tube that works for them, our Eco-Line R tubes are a perfect fit! Made with 25% post-consumer recycled material and available in black or white, these pre roll tubes can be used in New York and anywhere else you want to show off how earth-friendly your brand is!

Compostable Plastic Doob Tubes

The first of its kind, this new pop-top pre-roll tube is revolutionizing the cannabis packaging industry! While they may look and feel like a standard, child resistant pop top doob tube, the pre roll tubes are made in the U.S.A. from backyard-compostable, naturally occurring bio-polymers known as PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) that fully break down in your home-compost pile, making these doob tubes are among the most eco-friendly pieces of pre-roll packaging available today.

Available in black, white and a “natural” cream-like color, these plastic pop top doob tubes look and feel like every other plastic pop top tube, but are designed to breakdown within 2 years in a home compost pile, leaving no micro-plastic particulates or harmful chemicals. Plus, these natural plastic pop-top tubes are not only better for the environment, but they preserve the full functionality of our plastic pop-lock child-resistant tubes that your customers expect.

If your brand plays up its eco-friendly nature, these compostable pre roll tubes will help you put your money where your branding is. But be careful when purchasing “biodegradable” or “compostable pre roll tubes because not all biodegradable pre-roll packaging is the same. Biodegradable only means it can be broken down naturally, but certain biodegradable plastics only get broken down into microplastics - thus causing more harm to the environment.

Remember: there is a difference between biodegradable and compostable, so make sure to do your research and ask your packaging suppliers for all the proper documentation, which we at Custom Cones USA always have on hand.

Multi-Pack Pre Roll Joint Tubes

The versatility, familiarity and wealth of options of the pre roll tube means that they can be made not only in multiple colors and lengths, but in multiple widths as well. That makes pre roll tubes perfect for creating pre roll multi-packs too! And this year, 19 of the top 20 pre-roll products sold are multi-packs, accirding to data from cannabis analytics firm headset. We have seen this trend over several years now, as customers appreciate the convenience and cost savings of not having to return over and over to the dispensary and expect the segment will only continue to grow.

Unlike standard doob tubes, multipack pre roll tubes and jars are wider, allowing for multiple pre rolled cones in every package.

From classic doob tube-style plastic pop top tubes in a variety of colors to glass mini jars and even super seal jars, there is a multi-pack pre roll tube for every brand and business.

Available in sizes ranging from 90mm (perfect for 70mm dogwalker mini cones and half gram pre roll smoking cones) up to the 135mm-sized 60 Dram pop top multipack tubes (capable of holding up to 10 full gram 109mm pre rolled cones), as well as premium glass and super seal options, you can’t go wrong with a multi-pack pre roll tube.

There are pop top tubes that will hold 3, 5 and even 10 or more pre rolled cones available in a variety of colors and all with options for customization, like labels. For example, the 13 Dram pop top multi-pack will hold eight Dogwalker mini cones and is available in 12 different color options while the 30 Dram pop top tube will hold a whopping 19 dogwalker mini joints and is also available in 12 colors.

And for options that are not child resistant, we, of course, offer mylar bags and tamper-evident shrink bands to help you meet compliance in your state.

Paper Pre Roll Tubes

Another eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastic joint tube is a paper pre-roll tube.

Made from paper instead of plastic, these sturdy tubes are fully recyclable, making them a more sustainable option for pre-roll producers concerned with reducing the quantity of single-use plastics they use.

These tubes come in black and white and are fully customizable, including labels and printing directly on to the pre roll tube itself. They come with a removable plastic cap that is certified child resistant.

Available in both single sizes and multi-packs, these air-resistant tubes are an easy way for manufacturers to cut their carbon footprint and demonstrate the earth-friendly nature of their brand while keeping their packaging familiar to pre-roll smokers in any market.

We expect to have these exciting new tubes in stock in October 2024 so be sure to check back, stock up and show your customers just how green your greens can be!

Are Pre Roll Tubes Air-Tight? Will Pre Rolls Stay Fresh?

One of the main questions for businesses looking for pre roll tubes is if they are airtight.

The simple answer, of course, is “Well, that depends.” The more complicated answer involves the specifics of the pre roll tube in question, as well as what exactly is meant by “airtight.”

THC degrades when exposed to oxygen, which means that the pre roll your customers are getting might only be a shadow of the one you put in the tube, if it is not sealed properly. When oxidized, THC converts to CBN. A U.N. study from 1999, for example, found that after one year, the ratio of CBN to THC increased by 2.5%. After two years, it increased by 6.7%, rising to 14.2 after four years.

With shoppers often focused on potency, this could cost you customers if your pre-rolls don’t provide the high they expect by reading lab results from when your flower was fresher.

On top of a drop in potency, exposure to air can simply dry out the flower in your prerolls, causing them to burn quicker and creating a less user-friendly experience. Moisture also affects the potency, flavor and aroma of cannabis flower.

This is because cannabinoids and terpenes – which give cannabis strains their characteristic aromas and flavors – are created in the trichomes, the sticky tube-like structures that grow on the surface cannabis plants. When exposed to air that’s too dry, trichomes can dry out, become brittle and break off, leaving the flower without any of the components modern cannabis consumers seek out.

However, believe it or not, there is no official standard for what “airtight” means. There are codes for “permeation testing,” but those are usually for pharmaceutical products, not pre-roll packaging. However, the nonprofit organization United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has a standard that can used to classify containers as “tight” if they pass a strict vapor transmission test and is also capable of tight reclosure or "well closed" if they meet the same standards, but cannot necessarily be re-closed as tightly.

At Custom Cones USA, we conducted our own airtight test on several plastic tubes, using a method found in the USP 671 protocols.

We placed water-absorbing beads inside the tubes, weighed them dry, closed them and put them in a humidity-controlled environment. We followed a strict regiment of opening and closing the containers and then weighing them every few days to see which ones absorbed water from their environment.

What we found was that plastic pop-top tubes will not only rotect your pre-rolls from the elements, but that our J-line plastic pop top tubes with their rigid, tight-fitting tops, are, in fact, airtight as well, earning a "tight" rating under the USP standards, even after multiple openings.

Most of our other pre roll tubes classify as airtight as well, particularly the Super Seal tubes which have a soft plastic gasket on the inside of the lid that when screwed down creates an air-tight and water-tight seal.

Our Aluminum Screw-Top Pre-Roll Tubes also have padding in the lid to create a tighter seal and keep your product fresher for longer.

On the other hand, our Child-Resistant Glass Pre-Roll Tubes prevent airflow, but they are not completely airtight. While they may be most aesthetically pleasing, they may not keep your product as fresh for as long as some of our other options. To help resolve this issue, many companies include moisture packs with their pre-rolls.

Our Cork-Top Glass Pre-Roll Tubes work best with a shrink-wrap sleeve in order to be more airtight.

Additionally, you can always further enhance the freshness of your pre-rolls by including a moisture pack inside the tube, or by adding a tamper-evident heat-shrink band around the lid.

Custom Branding Your Pre Roll Tubes

Once you’ve selected your pre roll tube, however, you are only halfway there. After all, until you add your branding, product name and the required warnings, your products still can’t be sold.

• The Pre-Roll Tube Label is the most versatile option because companies are able to customize their stickers in almost any way they want. Stickers are available as half-wraps or full-wraps, and customizable die-cuts allow for unique shapes and styles! Gold foil, embossing, spot-UV, soft-touch, and many other style options are available for a special touch. Here at Custom Cones USA, we offer a labeling service, so you can have your tubes delivered with your label already applied and ready to load with product!
• Direct-Printing on your pre-roll tube is another customization option! This can be achieved through hot-stamping or UV-printing. The small size of the tubes makes it a little tricky to get a full print on, which makes the cost higher than the other customization options. However, direct-printing does give the pre-roll tubes a more premium look and will impress customers!
• In-Mold Labeling is a brand-new customization option we recently introduced at Custom Cones USA! In-Mold Labeling turns a company’s branded label into a 3D model to be produced as a part of the tube, made from the same polypropylene plastic as the rest of the tube. This one-step process produces the tube, branding, and lid as one piece of plastic that is sustainable, cost-friendly, and easily customizable.
• Shrink sleeves may also be added to your pre-roll tubes. A shrink sleeve is a plastic sleeve you place the tube in, and then apply heat through hot air or steam to shrink the plastic sleeve tightly around the tube. The shrink sleeve is able to cover the tube in its entirety, allowing for more branding space than other options. It is also much faster than traditional sticker labeling—it takes just 2-3 seconds to shrink sleeve a tube! In addition, it provides a tamper-evident seal and an extra barrier to keep air out, keeping your pre-roll fresher for longer.

Doob Tube Display Boxes

Display boxes provide another opportunity for merchandising and branding your pre rolls and pre roll tubes.

A custom display box can really help your pre roll tubes stand out, as well as help dispensaries know when it is time to re-order. Commonly referred to as Shipper Display Boxes, POP Displays (Point of Purchase), or Retail Countertop Displays, a custom display box can hold your packaging perfectly and custom printed with all your brand colors and logo. We offer three different types of display box, all completely customizable.

There is a cardboard display box that holds plastic pop top tubes vertically, available in black or white and in two different shapes, or with a custom die cut to better represent your business.

We also offer cardboard gravity displays that fold together easily to form a vertical box with an open bin at the bottom. They are easily filled with pre roll tubes that simply fall into place when others are removed. They are easy and convenient and simple to refill. With an easy setup, limitless customization options, premium-quality display and the ability to hold up to 75 pre-roll tubes, these pre-roll custom display boxes are the perfect way to upgrade your pre-roll brand!

Finally, we offer the visually striking acrylic gravity display. These clear, hangable display boxes come in two stock sizes (50 or 100 pre-roll capacity) and arrive fully assembled and ready for use. Our displays are made from durable, clear acrylic so customers can see the product inside and are fully customizable, so your brand stays at the forefront. Plus, the clip on the back makes our acrylic gravity dispensers compatible with standard slat and grid walls—making it easy for dispensaries to display and restock your products. And of course, they too are customizable with labels so everyone can see exactly whose pre rolls they want to buy.

Pre Roll Tube Sizing

Pre-roll tubes come in many different sizes with a variety of lengths and diameters. However, there are some industry-standard sizes that pair well with many of the common pre rolled cone sizes.

Plastic Pop Top Tube Sizes

The standard diameter for a single joint pop-top pre-roll tube is 16mm. This allows ample room for the pre-roll to fit in the tube, while still being slim enough to easily fit in a user’s pocket. However, we do also carry wide-mouth tubes to fit multiple pre-rolls. For example, a 22m wide-mouth tube can hold up to three pre-rolls, and a 30mm extra wide-mouth tube can hold up to five pre-rolls.

Standard lengths for pre-roll tubes include 90mm, 98mm, and 116mm. But we also offer pre roll tubes in the following lengths: 92mm, 110mm, 115mm, as well as 98mm wide tubes, 98mm extra wide tubes and 114mm wide tubes.

Additionally, we offer multipack pop top tubes in the 13 dram, 19 dram, 30 dram (all 70mm tall and perfect for mini “dogwalker” pre rolled cones) and 60 dram (135mm tall so it will hold any size pre roll including full gram king size cones) sizes.

The 90mm pre-roll tube works well for the 84mm pre-rolled cones, also known as half-gram joints. We see a number of brands who use the 90mm tube for a half-gram pre-roll that can sit right next to the register at the dispensary. It is very beneficial for a dispensary to have grab-and-go options that can easily be upsold to the customer as they make their purchase, especially since pre-rolls are the No. 1 add-on item at dispensaries around the country.

The 98mm pre-roll tube works well for the 98mm pre-rolled cones, also known as the .75-gram joint. This is a nice in-between size for those who think a half-gram is too short and stubby, but a full-gram joint is too much.

Another option for the 98mm pre-roll tube would be to put in two 98mm reefer cones. Reefer cones are slimmer versions of the .75-gram cones, fitting a half-gram instead. This allows a full gram to be put into a tube—a user can buy a full gram, but split it into two toke sessions. Many consumers find this to be appealing over the full-gram king-sized cone.

The 116mm pre-roll tube works well for the 109mm pre-rolled cone, which is also known as the king-size cone. It holds a full gram of flower, and this is the most common single pre-roll product in dispensaries. A creative idea with the 116mm pre-roll tube that we have seen is including a mini-bud with the joint as a nice bonus for the customer’s pipe, bowl, or bong!

There are also wider pre-roll tubes which are designed to fit a higher number of pre-rolls per package, which are great for multi-packs!

Glass Pre Roll Tube Sizes

Glass pre-roll tubes have slightly different measurements than their plastic pop-top counterparts.

Cork-top tubes tend to be longer in order to accommodate the cork going into the tube. The glass cork tubes we offer are 120mm in length – this is intended to act like a 116mm tube, with extra length to compensate for the cork. We offer a standard 15.8mm-wide cork-top tube, as well as a 17.7mm wide-mouth option.

Child-resistant push-and-turn cap glass tubes come in 125mm and 115mm lengths. They don’t need any extra height, as it uses a cap rather than a cork. They have a smaller-diameter opening due to the child-resistance mechanism. This tube size nicely fits blunts and hemp wrap blunt cones as well as full gram king size pre roll joints.

The Importance of Proper Storage for Pre Rolls

Freshness is an important factor when it comes to enjoying a pre-roll and will be a major factor for premium brands and retailers in the near future. Light, heat, air, and moisture can make cannabis material undesirable and, at worst, unusable, so your choice of pre roll packaging is an important one.

It's up to manufacturers to maintain product quality as joints make their way to the market. That being said, choosing the right pre-roll packaging is critical for any producer. When picking the packaging for your pre-roll brand, you should always consider the seal, humidity packs and overwrapping.

And as we learned during our airtight tests, the seal on a pop top tube, for example is quite good, as are the airtight push-and-turn style caps. Adding a humidity pack is also a great way to lock in freshness and most pre roll tubes have enough room inside to add a small pack with your pre rolls, if you choose.

It’s also important to note that different types of pre-rolls work better with different pre roll tubes. Hemp wrap blunts and blunt cones, for example, will dry out quicker than traditional rolling paper and need a tighter seal or humidity pack.

Compliance and Functionality of Pre Roll Tubes

More than anything else in this business, the most important thing for any pre-roll producer to be focused on is making sure they stay in compliance with all of their state laws and regulations.

However, it is important to `note that every state and province has its own regulations regarding packaging, so make sure you read and understand the pre roll packaging rules in your market.

Beyond making sure there is state-required information on your pre roll packaging labels, such as lab testing results and any necessary warnings or symbols (all of which can be done with custom labels, of course), the most common compliance issues surrounding pe roll tubes are usually child resistance, tamper-evidence and opacity. Some states, like New Mexico and Rhode Island, also require the packaging to be re-sealable if it’s a multipack.

Not all pre-roll tubes are certified child-resistant, and even tubes that claim to be child-resistant may not be certified according to the ASTM D-3475 standards. ASTM standards require that a package is tested with 100 children under the age of 5, and a passing grade requires that 85 out of the 100 children are unable to open the product without a demonstration, and 80 out of the 100 children are unable to open the product even with a demonstration.

Equally as important is that at least 90 out of 100 adults between the ages of 50-70 years old are able to successfully open the pre-roll tube. It isn’t uncommon to see pre-roll tubes that are child-resistant, but also seem to be adult-resistant, being nearly impossible to open without use of extreme force.

Many states regulations require that cannabis products be tamper evident. Pop-top pre-roll tubes on their own are usually not tamper-evident, so manufacturers must add a tamper-evident mechanism. There are two main ways of making pop-top tubes tamper evident: the first way is using tamper evident shrink bands, and the second way is to use a paper sticker.

A tamper evident band is similar to a shrink sleeve – however, it is a smaller clear plastic band, rather than a sleeve, which only goes around the cap or lid. This is then tightly shrunk around the lid/cap, meaning the only way to open the container is to rip the tamper-evident band off of the lid. This allows consumers to tell if the products have been tampered with.

The second way to make a pre-roll tube tamper evident is to use a paper sticker which goes over the lid or cap. This paper sticker must be ripped off/torn in order to open the lid – sometimes just turning the cap is enough to tear the sticker, so if done properly the customer doesn’t even have to remove the sticker.

Many brands will make the mistake of using plastic stickers instead of paper. Plastic stickers are extremely difficult to tear and can be removed and reapplied to the container with little residue/evidence. This doesn’t really provide tamper evidence as a person could easily lift up the sticker, tamper with the contents and then reapply the sticker without the consumer being any the wiser. A paper sticker, on the other hand, will easily rip if someone tries to remove and reapply the sticker to the container. This makes it clear if the container has been tampered with or not.

Pre Roll Tubes Compliance in Different States

Though some states, such as Vermont, New Mexico and New York have specific regulations regarding the materials used to make pre roll tubes. Vermont, for example, does not allow plastic, while New Mexico requires packaging to be compostable and recyclable or made from recycled materials. New York only allows plastic that is at least 25% post consumer recycled material.

One of the biggest splits between state regulations comes on opacity requirements for pre roll packaging, including pre roll tubes. The following markets, for example, require opaque packaging:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota

• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virgina

At Custom Cones USA we carry pre roll tubes for every state and every market and our Pre Roll Experts are always available to help make sure you always stay in compliance.

Eco-Friendly Pre Roll Tubes

The dirty secret of the cannabis industry is, of course, its heavy reliance on plastic. That’s due not only to the inexpensive nature of plastic, but also the variety of regulations around child-proofing and labeling and opacity.

As noted, some states – like Vermont and New York – have written their regulations to try and address this issue, and shoppers continue to tell us that eco-friendly packaging options are important to them.

And even though most of the plastic pre-roll packing is technically recyclable, not every municipality will accept doob tubes among their recyclables. Colorado recycling centers, for example, will not recycle anything that’s held cannabis because the product is still federally illegal, so all pre roll tubes in the Centennial State end up in landfills, no matter. Similarly, Seattle Public Utilities will not accept any packaging with a lid smaller than 3 inches in diameter, meaning, again, that all pre roll tubes find their way into the trash instead.

But in the end, it is still generally up to the producer to decide just how “green” they want their “greens” to be.

Why Invest in Eco-Friendly Pre Roll Tubes?

The simple answer is that it’s the right thing to do for the planet, but the fact is, it might be the right thing to do for your business as well.

For example, using greener materials can set your brand apart from the crowd and give customers another reason to pick up your product instead of a competitor’s.

In fact, a May 2024 survey from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited), shows that 46% of consumers are buying more sustainable products as a way to help offset their impact on the environment and a full 80% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced or sourced goods.

How to Reduce Your Environmental Impact: Things to Consider

By embracing sustainable pre-roll packaging practices, the cannabis industry can minimize its carbon footprint and reduce its impact on the environment.

One of the simplest and most effective ways for cannabis pre-roll joint manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly packaging is by using recyclable materials. While paper tubes are not available and plastic tubes may not be recyclable (see above), glass is a solid eco-friendly packaging choice since it is one of the most easily recycled materials. Glass pre-roll tubes are a great option for sustainable packaging. It also appeals to consumers looking for quality and durable choices and signals a premium pre roll product inside. And unlike many plastics, you can recycle glass just about anywhere.

Among plastic options, the Eco-line R tubes are made with 25% post-consumer recycled content, which me and that these joint tubes are not only an eco-friendly product, but are available for use in New York, where regulations require post-consumer recycled material in its plastic pre roll packaging.

Opting for biodegradable or compostable materials such as plant-based plastics or paper packaging can reduce the impact of doob tube and other pre-roll packaging waste on landfills. These materials break down more easily, reducing the time they persist in the environment. But not all biodegradable pre-roll packaging is the same.

“Biodegradable” only means it can be broken down naturally, but certain biodegradable plastics only get broken down into microplastics - thus causing more harm to the environment.

There is also a difference between biodegradable and compostable. Compostable means is made of organic matter and the product will break down fully in a home compost pile. So make sure to do your research and ask your packaging suppliers for all the proper documentation. The best way to make a positive impact is to ensure you are using the right materials in the first place.

Custom Cones USA offers a wide selection of eco-friendly pre roll tube options, including the Eco-Line series of joint tubes.

Child-resistant and available in both black and white, Eco-Line tubes are a great way for any pre roll brand to reach earth-friendly consumers in any market!

Your Perfect Pre Roll Tube

With so many options, a company needs to be particular about choosing which pre-roll tube is right for their brand.

The size and quantity of the pre-rolls you’ll be storing in your tubes is an important starting point. You don’t want to squeeze and stuff a pre-roll in, only for your customer to struggle getting it out. But you also don’t want your product to be damaged from rolling around in a jar that is too big for it, resulting in another poor experience for your customer.

Choose your color wisely as well, to make sure you match your company branding and help your pre roll doob tube stick out from the competition.

Beyond size and color, your company may be located in a state with strict compliance regulations, so your options may be a little more limited. Some states require child-resistant packaging. Others require that any packaging that holds cannabis products must be completely opaque. Some may prohibit the use of graphics and cartoons, and many require the dangers of consuming cannabis on the labeling. We have something for everyone!

If your brand is known for producing premium products for an especially luxurious smoking experience, it may be worth considering glass screw-top tubes, or our Super Seal tubes. Think about the colors of your logo and branding, and select something that complements it well. If you are interested in custom branding, we have many options to help!

Or consider our large line of Earth-friendly options, from biodegradable joint tubes to a compostable pre roll tubes to pre roll tubes made with post-consumer recycled material, there is a pre-roll tube for every brand!

Contact the Pre-Roll Experts today to find the right pre roll tube for your brand, products and customers!

Harrison Bard is the co-founder and CEO of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers. From custom branded and wholesale pre rolled cones to completely customized packaging projects and pre roll machines, Custom Cones USA helps companies bring their pre-roll projects to life. Harrison is an expert in all things related to pre rolls, from rolling paper science, to pre roll manufacturing best practices, to pre roll packaging laws and trends. Harrison has spoken at Benzinga, CannaCon, CWCB, and on multiple cannabis industry podcasts.