Blog

How to Choose the Right Pre-Roll Tube Size (98mm vs 116mm vs 120mm)

The right pre-roll tube does more than simply hold a cannabis joint. It protects freshness, prevents damage during transportation, supports regulatory compliance, and creates a professional presentation that customers notice. Choosing the wrong tube size can lead to loose-fitting products, crushed pre-rolls, higher packaging costs, and a poor customer experience. For cannabis brands, dispensaries, cultivators, and contract manufacturers, understanding pre-roll tube sizes is essential before placing a wholesale packaging order. The three most common sizes used across the United States are 98mm, 116mm, and 120mm. Each size is designed for different pre-roll styles, paper lengths, and filter combinations. In this guide, we'll explain how each tube size compares, which products they fit best, and how to select the right option for your brand. Why Pre-Roll Tube Size Matters A pre-roll tube should provide a secure fit without leaving excessive empty space or compressing the product. Proper sizing helps: Protect pre-rolls from crushing Maintain freshness and aroma Reduce product movement during shipping Improve shelf presentation Support child-resistant packaging requirements Increase customer satisfaction Even a few millimeters can significantly affect how well your product fits inside the package. Understanding the Most Popular Tube Sizes 98mm Pre-Roll Tubes 98mm tubes are among the most common options for standard-sized pre-rolls. They work well with traditional king-size rolling papers and standard filter tips. Browse our 98mm PreRoll Tubes collection for wholesale options. Best for: Standard pre-rolls 0.5g cannabis Prerolls Single dispensary products Everyday retail sales Advantages: Compact packaging Lower shipping volume Cost-effective wholesale option Widely compatible with automated filling equipment 116mm Pre-Roll Tubes 116mm tubes have become increasingly popular because many premium cannabis brands prefer longer pre-rolls with larger filter tips. Explore our 116mm Custom Preroll Tubes for bulk ordering. Ideal applications include: Premium flower products Longer filter tips Luxury branding Infused pre-rolls Specialty cannabis products Benefits: Premium appearance Better product visibility Additional branding space Improved protection for longer joints Many growing cannabis brands choose 116mm packaging because it provides a higher-end presentation without dramatically increasing packaging costs. 120mm Pre-Roll Tubes 120mm tubes are designed for larger and premium-format pre-rolls. They provide additional room for oversized products while maintaining protection. Shop our 120mm PreRoll Jars collection for wholesale pricing. Common uses: Large infused pre-rolls Multi-gram joints Specialty products Limited edition releases Luxury cannabis collections Advantages: Extra protection Premium shelf appeal Suitable for larger filters Ideal for thicker pre-rolls 98mm vs 116mm vs 120mm Comparison Feature 98mm 116mm 120mm Standard Pre-Rolls Excellent Good Good Premium Pre-Rolls Limited Excellent Excellent Larger Filter Tips Limited Excellent Excellent Branding Space Moderate High Highest Shipping Efficiency Excellent Very Good Good Luxury Presentation Good Excellent Excellent Which Tube Size Fits Different Pre-Roll Types? 0.5g Pre-Rolls Most standard half-gram pre-rolls pair well with 98mm tubes. 1g Premium Pre-Rolls Many cannabis brands select 116mm tubes because they comfortably accommodate longer papers and filters. Infused Pre-Rolls Infused products are often thicker and slightly longer, making 116mm or 120mm tubes a better choice. Specialty Products Luxury or limited-edition pre-rolls frequently benefit from 120mm tubes because they provide additional space and a premium appearance. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Tube Size Product Length Measure the complete pre-roll including the filter tip—not just the rolling paper. Diameter Thicker infused joints require a tube with an appropriate internal diameter. Packaging Regulations Choose child-resistant packaging that complies with your target state's cannabis regulations. Branding Goals Longer tubes provide more printable surface area for: Logos Product information Compliance labels QR codes Marketing graphics Shipping Costs Larger packaging slightly increases shipping volume, so balancing presentation with logistics is important for wholesale orders. Child-Resistant Packaging Considerations Many U.S. states require cannabis packaging to be child-resistant. Selecting the correct tube size is only part of the process. Brands should also ensure that packaging meets applicable compliance standards while remaining easy for adults to open. Child-resistant tubes are available in all three common sizes, allowing brands to maintain compliance without sacrificing design flexibility. Should You Customize Your Pre-Roll Tubes? Custom printed tubes offer several advantages over plain stock packaging. Benefits include: Stronger brand recognition Professional retail appearance Better customer experience Easier product identification Increased shelf visibility Consistent packaging across product lines Custom finishes may include: Matte coating Soft-touch finish Gloss coating Spot UV Metallic accents Custom colors Wholesale Buying Tips Before ordering wholesale pre-roll tubes, ask your supplier: What is the minimum order quantity? Are child-resistant options available? Can I customize colors and printing? What are the production lead times? Do you offer samples? Which tube diameter matches my product? These questions help avoid costly packaging mistakes before full production. Common Mistakes to Avoid Many cannabis brands encounter packaging issues because they: Choose a tube based only on paper length Ignore filter dimensions Skip product testing before bulk ordering Order without requesting samples Overlook compliance requirements Select packaging that doesn't match their branding Testing your actual pre-roll inside sample tubes is always recommended before placing a large wholesale order. Which Tube Size Should You Choose? Choose 98mm if you package standard pre-rolls and want a compact, economical solution. Choose 116mm if you sell premium or longer pre-rolls and want a balance of protection, presentation, and branding space. Choose 120mm if your products are larger, infused, or positioned as luxury cannabis offerings. The best option ultimately depends on your product dimensions, branding goals, and retail strategy. Frequently Asked Questions What is the most common pre-roll tube size? 98mm and 116mm are among the most commonly used sizes for cannabis pre-roll packaging in the U.S. Are 116mm tubes better than 98mm tubes? Not necessarily. They simply fit different product formats. Longer pre-rolls generally work better with 116mm tubes. Can I use one tube size for all products? It's possible, but many brands use multiple tube sizes to provide the best fit for different product lines. Are custom pre-roll tubes available in all sizes? Yes. Most wholesale manufacturers offer custom printing for 98mm, 116mm, and 120mm tubes. Do larger tubes cost more? Generally, yes. Larger tubes use more material and may have slightly higher production and shipping costs. Final Thoughts Choosing the right pre-roll tube size is an important packaging decision that affects product protection, compliance, shipping efficiency, and customer perception. Whether you're packaging standard flower pre-rolls, premium infused products, or limited-edition releases, selecting the correct tube ensures your cannabis products arrive in excellent condition while reinforcing your brand identity. At PackTHC, we offer 98mm, 116mm, and 120mm custom pre-roll tubes designed for cannabis brands, dispensaries, processors, and wholesale distributors across the United States. From child-resistant packaging to fully customized printing, our team helps businesses find packaging solutions that combine compliance, durability, and premium presentation.