A practical guide to building cannabis packaging that strengthens product quality, brand identity, and compliance.
By Corey Knowles
Manufacturers come to us looking for packaging that protects their product, supports their brand, and meets regulatory requirements without complicating production. After more than eighty years of manufacturing tubular glass vials in the United States, we understand the demands cannabis companies face when selecting or designing custom packaging.
Selecting the Right Vial Size, Tubing Type, and Closure
The starting point for any custom cannabis packaging design is identifying the correct vial dimensions for the product. Our team works directly with manufacturers to determine diameter, length, tubing material, and appropriate finishes, ensuring the vial supports both the product and the brand. We manufacture vials from Type I borosilicate or Type III soda-lime glass tubing, with diameters ranging from 7.75 mm to 29 mm and lengths from 19 mm to 203 mm. These ranges cover everything from single pre-rolls to infused products requiring thicker-walled packaging.
Closure selection influences not only the customer experience but also regulatory compliance. Screw-thread vials remain one of the most versatile options, accommodating liner materials for odor retention and product stability. We also form shell (fire-polished) finishes, crimp-style necks, and display openings to support varied brand requirements.
Meeting Child-Resistant Capable Packaging Requirements
Child-resistant capable packaging is a central requirement in regulated cannabis markets. When customers ask how these mechanisms work, we clarify that child-resistant closures function similarly to prescription-style caps, requiring downward pressure while twisting. They are third-party tested to ensure they meet United States standards for the difficulty of access by young children. These closures pair well with screw-thread vial finishes, allowing manufacturers to meet regulatory expectations without compromising brand design. When discussing regulatory frameworks such as Health Canada cannabis packaging regulations, we emphasize the importance of selecting closures that meet the specific jurisdiction’s certified testing criteria.
Smell-Containment Considerations
Odor control is one of the most common concerns for brands working with cannabis flower or infused pre-rolls. Glass inherently offers strong odor retention. When paired with the correct cap and liner, the package prevents aroma from escaping when closed. This applies to many product categories, including hemp flower packaging for brands that require tight odor control during transport and retail display.
Custom Glass Vial Manufacturing Capabilities
Because we form every vial through precise tubing conversion rather than molded production, we maintain tight control over dimensions and consistency. The process involves heating, forming, shaping, and annealing glass tubing under controlled conditions, followed by inspection for dimensional accuracy and cosmetic quality. This approach allows us to manufacture custom lengths, diameters, and finishes without the tooling limitations associated with molded Glass.
Our facility in Paso Robles, California, continues the standards established by three generations of family leadership, supporting customers worldwide with factory-direct pricing and dependable lead times.
Branding, Color Options, and Labeling for Doob Tubes
Custom cannabis packaging design often requires visual consistency across a product line. Manufacturers typically customize doob tubes through labeling, color-matching, and printed brand elements. These options perform well for custom printed cannabis packaging that needs to differentiate strains or product types without redesigning the vial itself. Customers frequently request tinted Glass, colored caps, and label-ready surfaces that maintain adhesion and clarity during handling. Many manufacturers choose our standard screw threads because they accommodate a wide range of closures and labeling formats.
Cost Factors and Volume Considerations
Custom manufacturing is often more attainable than new brands expect. Pricing is tiered by quantity, so at higher volumes, the cost of a custom vial is often comparable to that of a stock item. The economics are straightforward: larger orders lower per-unit cost, allowing brands to justify custom dimensions, specialty finishes, or unique closure types. We support small and large production runs, which helps emerging brands transition smoothly from pilot batches to full-scale packaging programs.
Storage Performance and Shelf-Life Expectations
Glass remains one of the most reliable packaging materials for maintaining product integrity over time. Manufacturers packaging flower, infused pre-rolls, or oils often use Glass to support consistent moisture levels and protect product quality. Cannabis stored in a doob tube retains its condition for several months when kept in cool, dry conditions. Selecting the correct tubing type, cap liner, and closure tightness ensures the product performs as expected on the shelf.
Quality, Inspection, and Consistency in Production
Quality control is central to our manufacturing process. After each vial is formed and annealed, it is inspected for dimensional accuracy, proper finish formation, and cosmetic consistency. This process supports reliable cap fit, predictable labeling surfaces, and the uniform appearance necessary for cohesive cannabis packaging solutions. Our quality policy commits us to delivering products that meet or exceed customer expectations, backed by decades of operational experience and family stewardship.
Conclusion
Well-designed cannabis packaging begins with clear decisions about size, closure type, odor control, branding, and regulatory compliance. We support manufacturers at every stage, from initial specifications to full-production custom runs, with the precision and consistency expected from a U.S. glass manufacturer operating since 1942. To discuss a custom project, request a quote here.
Corey Knowles is the General Manager of Acme Vial & Glass, Co.