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Flourish Software's  

Direct Thermal Cannabis Labeling Guide

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For Cannabis Operators Using ZD421 or ZT411 Printers

 

This guide helps you choose the right direct thermal labels for packaging, shipping, and compliance. Whether you're labeling pre-rolls, flower bags, or shipping boxes, this reference ensures you're using the correct sizes and materials no ribbon required.

Use Direct Thermal if you need quick, low-cost labels for products that move fast and don’t require rugged durability.

 

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What is Direct Thermal?

Direct thermal labels use heat to print no ribbon needed. They’re ideal for short-term use (under 1 year) and are fast, clean, and easy to reload in the field.

Best for:

  • Pre-roll tubes & jars

  • Flower & concentrate bags

  • Retail packaging

  • Shipping boxes

Recommended Standard Label Sizes (ZD421 Compatible)

Use Case Label Size (mm / in) SKU Notes
Pre-rolls / Jars 40 × 15 mm (1.57 × 0.59 in) LD4015-2.5B Compact; great for small round surfaces
3.5g Bags 69 × 48 mm (2.72 × 1.89 in) LD6948-6A Mid-size; fits branding + compliance
Shipping Boxes 102 × 152 mm (4 × 6 in) 3010066-T Industry-standard shipping label

 All fit ZD421 print width (≤ 104 mm) and standard 25 mm cores.

Genuine Zebra Direct Thermal Labels (ZD421-Compatible)

Economy Paper (Z-Perform 1000D)

  • 3010066-T – 102 × 159 mm (~1,064/roll)

  • 880191-076D – 102 × 76 mm (~1,997/roll)

    10026372_1__13839

Premium Top-Coated Paper (Z-Select 2000D)

  • 87000 – 100 × 50 mm (~14,650/box)

  • 800261-105 – 32 × 25 mm (check vendor listing for label count)

    z-select-2000d-spec-sheet-asset-photography.jpg.imgw_.1920.1920

Sample Labels from Barcodes Group

SKU Size (mm) Labels/Roll Rolls/Box Adhesive
LD4015‑2.5B 40×15 2,500 1 Permanent
LD4028‑10A 40×28 2,000 5 Permanent
LD4028‑10R 40×28 2,000 5 Removable
LD6948‑6A 69×48 1,000 6 Permanent
LD10235‑8A 102×35 1,000 8 Permanent
LD10274‑0.5RA 102×74 500 1 Removable

ZD421 supports 25 mm or 38 mm cores, up to 104 mm wide.

Choosing the Right Label

 Size
Make sure width is ≤ 104 mm (ZD421) or ≤ 114 mm (ZT411).

 Adhesive

  • Permanent for packaging, product labels, and shipping

  • Removable for returnable bins or temporary use

 Material

  • Z-Perform 1000D: Affordable economy label

  • Z-Select 2000D: Premium, coated for barcode durability

 Core & Roll Compatibility

  • ZD421: 25 mm core, 5” outer diameter

  • ZT411: 76 mm (3") core, up to 8” OD

ZT411-Specific Direct Thermal Labels

Supports wider and larger rolls for higher throughput.

Use Case Label Size (mm / in) SKU Core / OD Labels / Roll
Pre-rolls / Jars 40 × 15 mm (1.6 × 0.6 in) LD4015‑DT3P 3″ / 8″ ~2,500
3.5g Bags 69 × 48 mm (2.7 × 1.9 in) LD6948‑DT3P 3″ / 8″ ~1,000
Shipping Boxes 102 × 152 mm (4 × 6 in) DT400650‑3P 3″ / 8″ ~3,600

Also compatible: 3010066-T (Z-Perform 1000D) and Z-Select 2000D equivalents.

Setup Tips 

No Ribbon Needed – Use direct thermal mode only

  • Sensors – Set to gap or black mark detection depending on label type

  • Label Storage – Keep in a cool, dry place to preserve adhesive and print quality

  • Calibration – Always calibrate when switching label sizes or types

  • Use Certified Labels – Prevent premature printhead wear by using Zebra-compatible stock

Need Equipment Financing? If you have 3 months of operating history, click here to explore options with our partner FundCanna.

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