Glass Jars vs. Mylar Bags: Cannabis Storage Options & Pros & Cons of Each 

Mylar Bags vs. Glass Jars Cannabis Storage: Key Takeaways 

• Custom glass jars offer premium presentation and long-term preservation, making them ideal for top-shelf flower and boutique brands 

• Custom mylar bags win on flexibility, cost, and customization, especially for bulk packaging, e-commerce, or product lines with multiple SKUs 

• Compliance is non-negotiable; both jars and Mylar bags can meet regulations with the right CR features, tamper-evidence, and labeling 

• Odor and light control matter. Mylar bags excel at both, while glass jars need tinted or labeled coverage to protect product quality 

• Many brands go hybrid: jars for display, Mylar bags for bulk, promos, and shipping 

• Your packaging isn’t just functional; it’s your first brand impression. Make it count with storage solutions designed for cannabis, not leftovers 

If you’re in the cannabis space, you already know your product’s shelf life, smell, and appearance depend on more than just what’s inside; it’s all about the packaging. 

With glass jars and Mylar bags leading the industry, choosing the right storage isn’t just about looks.  

It’s about compliance. It’s about cost. It’s about keeping your flower or concentrates as fresh on the shelf as they were the day they left your facility. 

So how do you decide? Do you lean toward aesthetics or logistics? Premium appeal or cost efficiency? 

In this blog, you’ll learn: 

• How glass jars and Mylar bags compare 

• The pros and cons of each storage option 

• Which packaging formats work best for various needs 

• Why many cannabis brands use a hybrid strategy to meet both branding and operational needs 

• How Beast Coast Packaging supports you with custom bag and jar solutions 

Why Proper Cannabis Storage Matters 

Even the best-grown cannabis can lose its edge without the right storage. Packaging isn’t just about appearance; it protects quality, ensures compliance, and shapes how customers experience your product. 

The reason it matters is because it: 

• Preserves potency: A good seal keeps cannabinoids and terpenes from ‘leaking’ away, so the burn hits strong and the smell stays vivid 

• Controls odor: Proper packaging prevents scent leakage, helping you stay compliant and discreet during transport and retail 

• Protects against light and moisture: Exposure to UV or humidity can degrade flower quickly. Good storage minimizes these risks 

• Ensures compliance: Most markets require child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging; noncompliance isn’t worth the fine 

• Elevates customer trust: When your product arrives fresh, sealed, and intact, it reinforces your brand’s professionalism and reliability 

Glass Jars vs. Mylar Bags for Cannabis Storage: Key Differences 

Both jars and Mylar bags have earned their place in cannabis packaging, but they serve different goals. From preservation and compliance to cost and branding, here’s how they stack up side by side. 

It’s not just about what you’re packaging, it’s about how your product lives in the real world. Are you in a boutique dispensary or shipping coast to coast? 

Quick Comparison: Jars vs. Mylar Bags 

Feature	Glass jars	Mylar bags
Freshness & seal	Airtight lids offer excellent protection	Heat seals + zippers are effective for short-term use
Odor control	Good, especially with proper sealing	Excellent with multi-layer, smell-proof barriers
Light protection	Transparent unless tinted or labeled	Opaque, ideal for blocking light and UV exposure
Durability	Breakable, especially in transit	Lightweight and puncture-resistant
Compliance options	CR lids available	CR zippers + tamper-evident features widely available
Sustainability	Reusable and recyclable	Some recyclable options available; varies by material
Branding surface	Limited; mostly label and lid	Full-front and back surface for graphics & info
Cost per unit	Higher upfront and shipping costs	Lower cost, especially in bulk
Best for	Top-shelf flower, premium in-store display	Versatile SKUs, e-comm, bulk packaging

Glass Jars for Cannabis Packaging: Pros and Cons 

Glass jars have long been considered the gold standard for cannabis storage, and for good reason.  

Here’s a breakdown of where glass jars shine, and where they might fall short depending on your product line, budget, and use case. 

Pros of Cannabis Glass Jars 

• Airtight seals: Most jars come with screw tops or CR-certified lids that help lock in freshness and prevent oxygen from degrading terpenes and potency 

• Premium shelf appeal: Glass instantly signals quality. Whether on dispensary shelves or in digital product photos, jars offer that sleek, clean look that consumers associate with luxury 

• See-through display: Transparency allows consumers to see the bud, color, trichomes, and structure, without opening the container. That’s especially valuable for top-shelf flower 

• Reusable & sustainable: Glass can be cleaned and reused, which appeals to eco-conscious consumers. It’s also recyclable, depending on your local program 

• Temperature-stable: Unlike plastics or thin foils, glass doesn’t react to temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for long-term storage 

Cons of Cannabis Glass Jars 

• Breakability: No matter how careful you are, glass is still glass. It can chip, crack, or shatter, especially during shipping or when dropped by a customer 

• Higher shipping costs: Glass adds weight, which adds cost, especially for bulk shipments or direct-to-consumer fulfillment 

• Less surface area for branding: While you can still add custom labels and lid printing, jars don’t offer the full-wrap customization that Mylar bags do 

• Stacking limitations: Due to their shape and weight, glass jars are harder to stack or ship in large volumes compared to flexible packaging 

Weird but true: Some dispensaries ask for jar lids that are harder to open, not for safety, but because it stops ‘curb testers’ from opening everything on the shelf. 

Mylar Bags for Cannabis: Pros and Cons 

When it comes to versatility, Mylar bags are the MVP of cannabis packaging. From pre-pack to bulk orders, they offer flexibility, branding space, and protection at a price point that works for most brands. 

But are they the right storage solution for your product? Let’s weigh the pros and cons. 

Pros of Cannabis Mylar Bags 

• Lightweight and portable: You won’t hear a ‘clink’ when you drop a Mylar bag. That’s half the point. They’re feather-light, and for brands shipping hundreds a week, that matters 

• Excellent light & moisture protection: Ever had flower turn dry from light exposure in just a few days? That’s where Mylar’s opaque, layered build earns its keep 

• Odor-blocking: High-barrier Mylar bags are smell-proof, helping brands meet odor control standards for retail and delivery 

• Flexible branding canvas: With edge-to-edge print areas, Mylar allows for bold graphics, color coding, and compliance-ready label integration, perfect for limited runs or multi-SKU product lines 

• Cost-effective at scale: Compared to rigid options, Mylar is more affordable, especially when ordering in bulk. This makes it ideal for startup brands or large production runs 

• Tamper-evident & child-resistant options available: Heat-seal tops, CR zippers, and tear notches make Mylar fully adaptable for regulatory requirements 

Cons of Cannabis Mylar Bags 

• Less durable than rigid containers: While tear-resistant, Mylar bags can crease or collapse under pressure. For fragile flower or delicate products, extra care is needed during transit 

• Lower perceived value: Unless the design is top-notch, bags can feel less premium compared to glass jars, especially for top-shelf or boutique strains 

• Short-term storage friendly: Mylar’s ideal for retail and mid-term storage, but not always the best fit for long-term curing or aging 

• Non-recyclable (in most areas): While recyclable Mylar exists, most curbside programs don’t accept standard foil bags, so sustainability-conscious brands may need to consider alternatives or offer take-back programs 

When To Choose Jars, When To Choose Mylar Bags 

Talk to any grower or brand manager and you’ll hear the same thing: different SKUs need different suits of armor.  

Your ideal cannabis storage solution depends on your product type, how it’s sold, and the experience you want to create for your customers. 

So instead of picking sides, let’s walk through a few real-life scenarios and decision points to help you make the right call. 

If You’re Focused on Premium Flower Presentation 

You want packaging that feels upscale and highlights the product quality. 

Choose glass jars when: 

• You’re showcasing top-shelf flower or connoisseur strains 

• You want buyers to see bud color, trichomes, or density at a glance 

• You’re selling in-store where visual impact drives conversions 

• Your brand leans into luxury or craft packaging cues 

Why it works: Jars communicate care, craftsmanship, and quality. They elevate the unboxing experience and feel more permanent in a customer’s hands. 

If You Need To Ship at Scale or Sell Online 

Your product’s going into mailers, bulk orders, or subscription boxes. 

Choose mylar bags when: 

• You’re prioritizing lightweight, odor-proof, and shippable packaging 

• You offer multiple SKUs or seasonal drops and need design flexibility 

• You want to reduce shipping costs or space during transport 

• You’re looking for a lower-cost option that still protects quality 

Pro tip: Mylar bags shine in fast-moving environments where efficiency and brand visuals matter just as much as freshness. 

Store Cannabis Smarter With Beast Coast Packaging 

At the end of the day, cannabis packaging isn’t just a container; it’s a product protector, brand builder, and compliance partner.  

Whether you’re leaning toward premium glass jars or flexible, smell-proof Mylar bags, the goal is the same: preserve quality and deliver a great experience to your customer. 

At Beast Coast Packaging, we help cannabis brands like yours find the perfect fit, whether that’s rigid, reusable jars for top-shelf flower or customizable Mylar bags that scale with your business. 

Here’s how we support your packaging journey: 

• Compliance-first design: Stay ahead of regulations without sacrificing style 

• Custom branding options: Full-surface printing, label integration, and premium finishes 

• Low MOQs and fast turnarounds: Ideal for startups, seasonal drops, or scaling SKUs 

• Solutions for every storage need: From long-term shelf life to travel-ready pouch 

Because great packaging doesn’t just look good, it works harder for your brand, your product, and your bottom line. 

Cannabis Storage: FAQs 

What’s the real difference between jars and Mylar bags for storing cannabis? 

Technically? They both protect freshness. But think beyond that. Jars show off, bags ship smart. And depending on your audience, connoisseurs or bulk buyers, one may edge out the other. 

Mylar bags? They’re lighter, more flexible, and easier to scale. Perfect for e-commerce, smell control, and custom branding. 

Are Mylar bags actually smell-proof? 

Yes, but when done right. High-quality Mylar bags use multi-layer barrier films that seal in aroma and keep things discreet. If odor control is important to your brand or your compliance checklist, make sure you’re working with a supplier who specializes in cannabis-ready, smell-proof designs. 

Is one option better for compliance than the other? 

Not necessarily, it depends on how the packaging is built. Glass jars can come with child-resistant lids and tamper-evident seals, which most states require. Mylar bags can also meet those standards when they include CR zippers or heat-sealed closures. At Beast Coast Packaging, we design for compliance from day one, regardless of format. 

Can I customize both jars and bags with my branding? 

Absolutely. Jars allow for custom labels and printed lids, which work well for minimalist or premium branding. But if you’re looking for full-surface design, Mylar bags offer more freedom. You can customize the entire front and back, use vibrant colors, and even create seasonal or strain-specific artwork. 

What kind of cannabis businesses use both? 

Many do. Dispensaries often use glass jars for their top-shelf strains or in-store exclusives, while Mylar bags are the go-to for online sales, bulk products, or pop-up events.  

If you’re running multiple SKUs or working across different channels, combining both gives you flexibility without sacrificing consistency.