Buying Pre-Roll Tubes Wholesale: What Dispensaries Need to Know

When you buy pre-roll tubes wholesale, you choose packaging that impacts cost, workflow, customer experience, and legal compliance. This guide explains the essentials, including material options, child-resistant features, supplier checks, and ordering tips, so your dispensary can make informed and cost-effective choices.

DISCLAIMER: This guide focuses on single pre-roll packaging options. While multi-pack pre-roll packaging is also a popular choice for dispensaries, it involves different considerations and is not covered in this article.

Why Buy Pre-Roll Tubes Wholesale?

Buying wholesale pre-roll tubes offers more than a lower price per unit, though that is a key advantage. Wholesale orders give dispensaries:

• Consistent supply – Reduce the chance of stock shortages during busy seasons.
• Operational efficiency – Speed up packing and cut down on frequent reorders.
• Scalability – Support big promotions, special events, and a wide range of SKUs.

Many suppliers lower the cost per tube at higher volumes, such as case or pallet orders. Over time, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars while keeping inventory levels steady and predictable.

Must-Know Tube Types and Materials

The right pre-roll tube does more than look good. Its material, size, and closure type affect freshness, compliance, and the customer’s experience.

Common Materials

• Plastic (Polypropylene) – Low cost, durable, available in many colors, and offers good odor control.
• Glass – Premium feel, reusable, but heavier and breakable.
• Aluminum – Lightweight, sleek, and blocks light and odor well.
• Paper/Cardboard – Eco-friendly option, though often needs liners to protect against odor and moisture.

Tube Sizes

• 98mm – Fits most half-gram and shorter cones.
• 109–116mm – Standard size for 1-gram king pre-rolls.
• 78mm – Best for mini pre-rolls or specialty items.

Closure Types

• Pop-top – Child-resistant and quick to open.
• Screw-cap – Creates a tight seal for freshness.
• Snap-cap – Fast and easy, usually for non-child-resistant products.
• Hinged lid – Convenient, but less common in cannabis retail.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Compliance is not optional for cannabis packaging. State laws often set specific rules for pre-roll tubes, and these rules can differ greatly from one market to another. Understanding them before placing an order can save you from costly mistakes.

Child-Resistant Standards

In many states, pre-roll tubes must pass Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) child-resistant testing. Ask your supplier for official CR certification before you buy. This ensures your packaging meets safety laws and avoids compliance issues.

Labeling Requirements

Label rules vary, but common requirements include:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) symbols and potency levels
• Batch and lot numbers
• State-approved warning statements
• Expiration or best-by dates

Choose a tube size that leaves enough space for these labels without crowding or covering important brand elements.

Odor Control and Transport Rules

Some states require odor-proof packaging for transportation. This may influence your choice of materials, especially if you ship pre-rolls between locations or to multiple dispensaries.

Pro Tip: Keep a digital and physical file with all your suppliers’ CR test certificates, label templates, and compliance documents. Inspectors may request these during audits, and having them ready can speed up the process.

Branding and Customization Options

Plain tubes work, but custom packaging can increase the perceived value of your pre-rolls and help your brand stand out. A well-designed tube can attract attention in-store and leave a lasting impression on customers.

Printing and Decoration

• Screen printing – Applies durable ink directly to the tube for a polished, long-lasting finish.
• Full-wrap labels – Flexible and cost-effective, especially for smaller production runs.
• Shrink sleeves – Offer full-color, edge-to-edge graphics with the added benefit of tamper-evident protection.

Design Considerations

Many states prohibit designs that appeal to children, such as cartoon characters or bright candy-like colors. Instead, use clean, professional visuals that match your dispensary’s brand identity. Consistent use of fonts, colors, and logos helps build recognition and trust.

ROI Tip: Custom tubes can support higher retail prices, increase brand loyalty, and make your products stand out on crowded shelves. Over time, strong packaging design can boost both sales and repeat purchases.

Ordering Logistics

Buying pre-roll tubes wholesale involves more than selecting the right style. You’ll need to plan for minimum order quantities (MOQs), production timelines, and storage needs.

MOQs and Lead Times

• Stock tubes – MOQs often start around 1,000 units, which is one case. These are usually ready to ship within a few days to two weeks.
• Custom-printed tubes – MOQs can range from 1,000 to 5,000 units or more. Production and delivery may take 4–12 weeks, depending on design complexity and production type.

Shipping and Storage

Tubes are typically shipped in bulk cases or on pallets. Before ordering, confirm you have adequate storage to keep them clean, organized, and easy to access. While bulk orders reduce the cost per tube, they require careful planning for freight charges and warehouse space.

Sustainability and Material Choices

Consumer demand for eco-friendly cannabis packaging is growing. Offering sustainable packaging not only shows environmental responsibility but also builds customer trust and loyalty.

• Recyclable Plastics – Some polypropylene (PP) tubes are fully recyclable. These tubes offer the same convenience as standard plastic but can reduce your environmental footprint. Adding a note like “Please recycle” helps educate customers and encourages proper disposal.
• Glass – Glass stands out for its premium look and its ability to be cleaned and reused. It also recycles cleanly when disposed of properly. Glass lets you highlight a high-end brand image while appealing to green-minded buyers.
• Compostable Paper Tubes – Paper tubes made from compostable or biodegradable materials offer an eco-sensitive option. If properly composted, they return to the earth with minimal waste. Keep in mind, they may extend lead times or have extra costs compared to standard tubes.

Sustainable options may cost more upfront than traditional plastic. But these materials tap into a growing segment of eco-conscious shoppers. Customers who prefer green products often show loyalty, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth support.

Implementation Tips

• Calculate the cost difference and track if sustainable products generate a measurable boost in sales or engagement.
• Highlight your eco-friendly choices in marketing and on the shelf, call out “recyclable,” “glass,” or “compostable” clearly.
• Offer product recycling tips or a take-back program to enhance customer experience and reinforce your brand values.

Final Word

Buying pre-roll tubes wholesale is about more than getting the cheapest option. The right choice of supplier and packaging can help you stay compliant, improve workflow, and create a stronger brand presence in the market.

By considering material, size, closure type, and compliance rules, you can select packaging that protects freshness and meets legal standards. Looking at customization and sustainability options can further boost your product’s appeal and customer loyalty.

Looking for a pre-roll tube wholesale supplier? Custom 420 Supply has you covered! We invite you to reach out through our contact page to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)