If you’ve spent any time in a dispensary, you know the cannabis pop top bottle. It’s the squeeze-and-click container that’s become the default for flower packaging across the country. Simple to open, compliant with child-resistant requirements in every legal cannabis state, and easy to label. For dispensaries and cannabis producers, they’re one of the most practical and cost-effective packaging options available.
But “pop top bottle” covers a lot of ground. Sizes range from 13-dram single-gram containers up to 60-dram bottles built for half-ounce sales, and picking the wrong one creates real problems: product that looks stuffed in, excess air that accelerates degradation, or a container that just doesn’t match your menu. This guide breaks down how pop top bottles work, what the sizing actually means, and how to match the right size to the right product.
Table of Contents:
What is a cannabis pop top bottle?
A pop top bottle is a child-resistant plastic container with a hinged lid that opens when you squeeze the sides. That squeeze mechanism is what makes it child-resistant. The opening action requires squeezing both sides of the container near the cap, which releases the hinged lid, an action that’s intuitive for adults but challenging for children under five. It’s also where the name comes from. The pressure release produces a distinctive “pop” sound when the container opens.
Most pop top bottles are made from polypropylene, a durable, lightweight plastic that’s resistant to UV light and moisture. They’re airtight, which helps preserve terpenes and slow down oxidation. The smooth sides are ideal for labeling, either with adhesive labels or direct printing. And because they’re affordable and widely available, they’re a practical choice for high-volume dispensary operations.
Cannabis pop top bottles can be used for flower, edibles, concentrates, capsules and pre-rolls, though the size and format that make sense will vary depending on what you’re packaging.
Understanding dram sizing
Here’s where things get a little confusing if you’re new to cannabis packaging. Pop top bottles are measured in drams, not ounces or grams. Drams come from the old English apothecary system, and one dram is equivalent to about 3.7 milliliters. The dram size tells you the volume of the container, not the weight of cannabis it holds.
That distinction matters because cannabis flower isn’t uniform. A dense, compact bud takes up less space than fluffy, airy flower of the same weight. Moisture content affects this too. So while there are general guidelines for which dram size fits which quantity, there’s some variability built in, and it’s worth testing with your actual product before committing to a large order.
Green Rush Packaging’s pop top bottles come in four sizes, covering everything from single grams up to half-ounce quantities: 13 dram, 19 dram, 30 dram and 60 dram bottles.
Choosing the right size for your product
13 dram: single grams & concentrates
The 13-dram pop top is the default container for 1-gram flower SKUs. It holds a full gram without leaving a lot of empty space, which keeps the presentation clean. For concentrates, this size works well too since concentrates are denser and typically sold in smaller quantities, often 1 to 3.5 grams.
19-30 dram: eighths & small quantities
A 19-dram bottle bridges the gap between single-gram containers and quarter-ounce formats, typically holding 3.5 to 7 grams depending on flower density. It’s a useful size if your menu includes heavier grams or if you want a slightly roomier container for a standard eighth.
The 30-dram bottle is the workhorse of most dispensary packaging programs. It’s built for eighths and small multipacks, and it’s tall enough to feel substantial in the hand without being awkward to merchandise. Because this size is so common, it’s also a strong candidate for custom labeling and seasonal branding. You can rotate the label design without changing the container or shelf layout.
60 dram: quarters & half-ounces
The 60-dram pop top bottle is designed for up to 14 grams of cannabis flower, making it a good fit for quarter-ounce and half-ounce sales. The extra space also helps prevent flower from getting compressed during transport, which matters if you’re dealing with premium product where trichome integrity is a selling point.
At this size, the container needs to feel substantial. Customers spending more on a larger quantity expect packaging that reflects that.
Color & opacity: more than an aesthetic choice
Cannabis pop top bottles come in a wide range of colors, from black and white to lime, aqua, gold, and more. Color choice matters for two reasons: branding and compliance.
On the compliance side, many states require opaque cannabis packaging, meaning the contents can’t be visible through the container. If you’re operating in Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, or several other markets, a fully opaque pop top is required. Clear or translucent containers won’t meet those requirements.
On the branding side, color is one of the easiest ways to differentiate your product line on the shelf. A consistent color palette across your containers helps customers identify your brand quickly, and it gives your display a more cohesive look. Some dispensaries use color to indicate product type, strain category, or potency level, which can make the customer experience a lot more intuitive.
What about labeling?
The smooth, straight sides of pop top bottles make them one of the most label-friendly cannabis containers available. Their uniform cylindrical shape works well with both automated label application and direct printing, which matters for dispensaries running high-volume operations.
Your label needs to carry a lot of information: strain name, THC and CBD content, health warnings, batch number, harvest date and depending on your state, a QR code linking to lab results. Making all of that readable on a pop top bottle requires a well-designed label, not just a sticker. Green Rush Packaging’s design services can help you develop labels that meet compliance requirements without sacrificing your brand identity.
Building out your flower packaging line
Pop top bottles are a strong foundation, but most dispensaries and producers benefit from having a few formats on hand. A few products worth pairing with your pop tops:
- For premium flower or larger quantities, custom glass cannabis jars offer a more elevated presentation. Glass is airtight, preserves terpenes well, and gives a premium look that can command a higher price point.
- Mylar barrier bags are a popular option for larger quantities and bulk sales. They’re lightweight, smell-proof, and cost-effective at scale.
- Reverse cap bottles are a solid alternative for brands that want a slightly different form factor. The push-down-to-open mechanism is child-resistant and gives a clean, pharmacy-style look that works well for flower and edibles.
Having a consistent branding system across your packaging formats creates a stronger shelf presence and makes your products easier for customers to recognize and find again.
Where to find cannabis pop top bottles
Green Rush Packaging carries pop top bottles across the full size range, from 6-dram sample containers up to 60-dram full-ounce bottles, in multiple colors including fully opaque options for state compliance. All containers are child-resistant certified and built for dispensary-level volume.
If you’re packaging flower, edibles or concentrates and shopping for cannabis pop top bottles that hold up before committing to a bulk order, request free samples and test them with your actual product.
Not sure which size is right for your menu? The Green Rush Packaging team works with dispensaries and producers of all sizes and can help you find the right container for every product on your shelf. Contact us to get started today!
Frequently asked questions
What sizes do cannabis pop top bottles come in?
Pop top bottles typically range from 6 dram to 90 dram. The most common sizes for dispensary use are 13 dram (1 gram), 19-30 dram (eighths), 60 dram (quarters and half-ounces), and 90 dram (half-ounces and full ounces). Exact capacity varies depending on flower density and moisture content, so it’s a good idea to test your product in the container before ordering in bulk.
Are pop top bottles child-resistant?
Yes. The squeeze-to-open mechanism is what makes pop top bottles child-resistant. To open, you apply pressure to both sides of the container near the cap, which releases the hinged lid. This action is intuitive for adults but difficult for children under five, meeting the standards set by the federal Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Every legal cannabis state requires child-resistant packaging, and pop top bottles are one of the most widely used certified options.
Do pop top bottles need to be opaque?
It depends on your state. Many states require opaque cannabis packaging, including California, Alaska, Massachusetts, Michigan, and others. If you’re operating in one of those markets, you’ll need a fully opaque pop top, meaning the contents aren’t visible through the container. Many dispensaries opt for opaque containers regardless of state requirement since they also provide some UV protection for the product inside.
Can I use one pop top size for all my products?
You can, but it’s not ideal. A 30-dram bottle that looks great stocked with an eighth of flower is going to look sparse with a single gram inside. Oversized containers create unnecessary air space, which can accelerate product degradation. Using size-appropriate containers for each SKU keeps your presentation consistent and protects product quality.
Can pop top bottles be customized with my brand?
Yes. The smooth sides of pop top bottles accept both adhesive labels and direct printing. Custom labels are the more flexible option since you can update them without changing the container, which is useful for seasonal promotions or new strain drops. Our custom labeling options make it straightforward to add your brand to standard pop top stock.
