Pop Top Vials & Dram Sizes: Complete FAQ Guide for Cannabis Packaging

Pop top vials are one of the most widely used cannabis packaging formats for flower, pre-rolls, bulk offerings, and small edible assortments. Whether you’re just starting to evaluate dram sizes or you’re refining your existing packaging program, this FAQ covers everything operators need to know about capacity, compliance, labeling, manufacturing quality, storage, and more.

For an in-depth breakdown of every dram size from 6 to 90, visit: The Master Pop Top Vial Comparison Guide .

Frequently Asked Questions About Pop Top Vials

What is a pop top vial?

A pop top vial is a child-resistant plastic container with a squeeze-to-open closure. When pressure is applied to the sides, the lid “pops” open. This design is widely used across the cannabis industry due to its ease of use, reliable seal, and compatibility with labeling and retail display requirements.

What does “dram” mean in cannabis packaging?

“Dram” is a unit of volume historically used in pharmacy and laboratory settings. In cannabis packaging, dram sizes (such as 6, 13, 19, 30, 60, and 90) indicate the relative capacity of pop top vials. Each size is associated with specific product formats – especially flower portions.

Which dram size should I use for my product?

• 6 Dram: ~0.5 g flower, minis, sampler pre-rolls — Shop 6 dram
• 13 Dram: ~1 g flower — Shop 13 dram
• 19 Dram: ~1.5–2 g flower — Shop 19 dram
• 30 Dram: Up to ~7 g (¼ oz) — Shop 30 dram
• 60 Dram: Up to ~14 g (½ oz) — Shop 60 dram
• 90 Dram: Up to ~28 g (1 oz) — Shop 90 dram

Detailed size comparisons are available here: The Master Pop Top Vial Comparison Guide .

Are pop top vials child-resistant?

Yes. High-quality pop top vials are designed to be child-resistant when used correctly. The squeeze-to-open mechanism meets widely recognized adult-use and child-resistance standards. Always verify your supplier uses consistent molding, tension-tested lids, and documented compliance procedures.

Are pop top bottles smell-proof?

Quality pop top vials provide excellent odor containment due to their tight lid seal and mold geometry. Opaque containers also help protect product from light and reduce aroma exposure. For best results, use vials with uniform wall thickness and high-grade polypropylene resin.

Are opaque or clear pop tops better?

It depends on your use case:

• Opaque: Better for UV protection, compliance in restricted markets, and customer privacy.
• Clear/Translucent: Ideal for visual merchandising, allowing customers to see product appearance without opening the lid.

Can pop top vials be used for pre-rolls?

Yes. Different sizes work for different pre-roll formats:

• 6 dram — mini pre-rolls, infused minis
• 13 dram — short or specialty pre-rolls
• 19 dram — dual packs or premium pre-roll formats
• 30+ dram — multi-packs and bundles

Do pop top vials work with custom labels?

Absolutely. Pop top vials are designed with smooth walls that allow for consistent label adhesion, whether you use:

• Compliance labels
• Strain ID labels
• Full-wrap brand labels
• Tamper-evident shrink bands

For best results, choose labels sized to avoid the hinge area and use adhesives formulated for polypropylene.

What makes MJ Wholesale pop top vials different?

Our preferred pop top line is engineered for consistent molding, reliable lid tension, smooth label-ready walls, and uniform color batches. These factors help eliminate issues like cracked lids, loose closures, or mismatched shades across your SKUs — all common problems with low-cost bulk alternatives.

• Stronger odor control
• Better durability for travel and stocking
• Smooth, flat surfaces for labeling
• Consistent performance from case to case

How should I store pop top bottles?

Proper storage helps prevent deformation and ensures lids maintain correct tension. Best practices include:

• Keep unopened cases in climate-controlled areas
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Stack cases according to supplier guidelines
• Rotate stock so older batches are used first

Do pop top vials protect product freshness?

Yes. Their airtight seal helps maintain terpene content, aroma, and moisture stability. For long-term storage, pair with humidity packs or store in cool, dark environments.

Are pop top vials acceptable for medical cannabis packaging?

Yes. Pop top vials are widely used across both medical and recreational markets because they support:

• Child-resistant standards
• Large labeling areas
• Durable travel-friendly construction
• Efficient retail shelving and bulk storage

Do pop top vials come in multiple colors?

Yes. MJ Wholesale provides a range of color options to support strain coding, brand identity, or compliance requirements. Available options include black, white, opaque, translucent colors, and specialty finishes.

Should I standardize dram sizes across my menu?

Most retailers benefit from a standardized lineup because it simplifies labeling, training, storage, and purchasing. A common structure is:

13 dram → 30 dram → 60 dram → 90 dram

Smaller formats like 6 and 19 dram serve specialty roles for samples, premium grams, or limited-edition drops.

Where can I compare all dram sizes in one place?

For detailed guidance on all sizes, capacities, and use cases, refer to: The Master Pop Top Vial Comparison Guide .

Shop Pop Top Vials by Size

• 6 Dram Pop Top Vials
• 13 Dram Pop Top Vials
• 19 Dram Pop Top Vials
• 30 Dram Pop Top Vials
• 60 Dram Pop Top Vials
• 90 Dram Pop Top Vials

Whether you’re outfitting a new dispensary or scaling a multi-location operation, we carry the full range of dram sizes and colors to support consistent, professional cannabis packaging. Let our team help you build a packaging program that performs at every level — from samples to ounces.