Even if you’re just starting with cannabis, you’re likely familiar with the term “pre-roll.” With the variety of PreRolls available, smokers of all preferences can find the ideal pre-roll. This brief guide will provide all the essential information you need before you visit the dispensary to purchase one.

What Are Cannabis PreRolls?

Pre-rolls are exactly as their name suggests: joints that are pre-rolled (i.e., cannabis cigarettes). Their popularity has surged with the advancement of legal cannabis markets and they are now available at nearly every dispensary nationwide. While traditional pre-rolls are made using rolling paper similar to how many people roll their own joints, many dispensaries now use machines to fill pre-formed cones with cannabis flower (dried cannabis plant material), cannabis trimmings, or cannabis shake, which is the flower that naturally falls off the nugs over time.

Types of Cannabis PreRolls

Pre-rolls come in many different forms. They are offered in indica, hybrid, and sativa varieties, along with a multitude of types, sizes, strengths, and strain differences. Let’s explore further.

Mini Pre Rolls

Mini pre-rolls are perfect for those who prefer not to smoke a full gram of cannabis. Due to having less cannabis material, these pre-rolls are not only lighter but also usually shorter and slimmer. Essentially, mini pre-rolls are just a smaller version of the standard cannabis pre-roll.

THCA PreRolls

THCA pre-rolls are packed with THCA flowers with different THC Levels. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component in cannabis responsible for the “high” or euphoric effects commonly linked to marijuana. These pre-rolls contain both outdoor and Indoor THCA flowers with different THC levels, based on the strain used and the intended effects.

CBD Pre Rolls

CBD pre-rolls feature cannabis flower rich in CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, noted for its possible therapeutic benefits such as aiding relaxation, reducing stress, and managing pain, without producing the high typically associated with THC. These pre-rolls usually consist of ground cannabis flower with elevated CBD levels and reduced THC levels compared to THC pre-rolls. They provide a practical and smokeable choice for those looking to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD without experiencing a high.

Blunt Pre Rolls

Blunt pre-rolls use cigar or blunt wraps rather than conventional rolling papers. These wraps, made from tobacco leaves, are generally larger and thicker than rolling papers. They can impart a distinct flavor to the cannabis and may contain nicotine, depending on the wrap. These pre-rolls are typically more substantial than standard pre-rolled joints.

Hybrid Pre Rolls

Hybrid pre-rolls are crafted with cannabis strains that blend both sativa and indica genetics, offering a combination of the effects from both types. Most cannabis strains available today are hybrids, as pure landrace indica or sativa strains are less common.

Hemp Pre Rolls

Hemp pre-rolls are akin to CBD pre-rolls as they usually contain flower rich in CBD. Nonetheless, hemp pre-rolls have minimal to no THC, unlike traditional CBD pre-rolls. Hemp is classified as having less than 0.3% THC content.

Sativa Pre Rolls

Sativa pre-rolls are crafted from a sativa chemovar of cannabis. These strains are believed to offer a more stimulating, focused, and energetic effect.

Indica Pre Rolls

Indica pre-rolls are created using cannabis flower from an indica chemovar. Indica strains are generally thought to induce a more relaxing and sedating effect compared to other cannabis varieties.

Organic Pre Rolls

Organic pre-rolls are cannabis joints rolled with flower grown organically. “Organic” denotes the cultivation approach, which avoids synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals. Instead, it uses natural techniques such as composting, crop rotation, and natural pest management to cultivate and protect the plants.

Flavored Pre Rolls

Flavored pre-rolls are infused or covered with different tastes to improve the smoking experience.

Pre-rolls can be flavored using various techniques:

Infusion: Certain flavored pre-rolls have cannabis flower treated with flavoring agents during the curing or drying stages. This method ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the flower, delivering a uniform taste throughout the joint.

Coating: Alternatively, some joints are covered with flavoring agents like terpene-infused oils or extracts on the outside, either before or after rolling.

Flavored Papers: Other pre-rolls feature rolling papers that come pre-flavored.

Premium Pre Rolls

High-end pre-rolls usually feature superior cannabis flower, precise crafting, and occasionally distinct attributes or enhancements compared to regular pre-rolls.

Infused Pre-roll: An infused pre-roll combines dried cannabis flower with cannabis extract or concentrate. Typically, THC distillate is inserted into the pre-roll’s paper during the rolling or packing process. This results in greater potency and enhanced flavor compared to using flower alone. Some infused pre-rolls are also coated in kief for notably intense effects.

Hand-made: Many premium pre-rolls are hand-made by skilled rollers who maintain uniformity and quality throughout the joint. Some expert rollers are also adept at creating various shapes, which can add a playful touch to the smoking experience.

Premium Strains: Certain high-end pre-rolls feature top-quality organic and/or lab-tested cannabis. These premium strains are often fresher and generally offer more robust potency and flavor profiles.

Benefits of Pre-rolls

Pre-rolls have gained traction for several reasons: They are usually affordable, eliminate the need for rolling, and are straightforward to use, share, and transport.

Affordability

What makes pre-rolls often less expensive than buying flower to roll yourself? The answer is simple. Most pre-rolls don’t feature premium quality flower. Generally, you can find pre-rolls in cannabis dispensaries priced between a few dollars and $20, depending on size and quality. Prices increase for infused or premium pre-rolls.

Convenience

Pre-rolls are convenient and easy to share—they come ready to use directly from the dispensary and don’t require any special knowledge to smoke, unlike a bong. They also eliminate the task of rolling a joint, which involves breaking up the flower, setting the filter, and rolling it neatly. This is particularly beneficial for medical marijuana users with conditions like arthritis or muscle spasms, as well as those who prefer not to master joint rolling.

Consistency

Pre-rolls offer consistency through standardized production methods, accurate weighing, and uniform packing processes.

Typically, pre-roll manufacturers follow stringent quality control procedures, including visual checks and lab tests, to detect and correct any inconsistencies. Premium pre-roll brands, on the other hand, use high-grade cannabis flower from trusted growers and employ expert rollers who use standardized methods to ensure uniformity in shape and density. With thorough lab testing to confirm potency, cannabinoid content, and safety, most cannabis pre-rolls are crafted with a focus on consistency and quality to guarantee a reliable and satisfying smoking experience.

Do Cannabis Pre-rolls Go Bad?

Yes, pre-rolls can spoil, but the likelihood is comparable to other cannabis flower products. If kept in an airtight container away from light and heat, pre-rolls can remain usable for up to a year. However, over time, the quality of cannabis deteriorates, which may impact flavor and potency. It’s advisable to consume your pre-rolls sooner rather than later, ideally within a few months.

Final Takeaway

Cannabis pre-rolls offer numerous advantages that have contributed to their growing popularity, such as their ease of use and generally affordable cost. Many people enjoy pre-rolls, while others choose to roll their own joints or opt for alternative methods of consumption like edibles, dabs, or vapes. Although pre-rolls are the simplest and most convenient method for smoking cannabis flower, they can sometimes fall short in quality. Do you prefer pre-rolls? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis Pre-Rolls Vs. Joints: What’s The Difference?

Pre-rolls primarily differ from joints in that they are pre-prepared, although there are a few additional distinctions. While joints can be rolled with any flower chosen by the user, pre-rolls are typically made with lower-grade cannabis rather than premium strains. Additionally, pre-rolls consistently include a filter, whereas joints rolled by individuals may not always have one.

Are cannabis pre-rolls legal?

Cannabis pre-rolls are usually permitted in regions where smoking medical or recreational cannabis is allowed. Verify your local state cannabis regulations to confirm that smoking cannabis is legal in your location.

Can I mix different strains in a cannabis pre-roll?

Many dispensaries offer only single-strain pre-rolls. However, a few dispensaries provide variety packs of pre-rolls, allowing access to multiple strains for a single price.