What is a Pre-Roll, or Pre-Rolled Joint?

Pre-Roll

Also: Joint, Pre-Rolled Joint

Pre-rolls are ready-made joints or cones that are filled with ground cannabis flower and/or a concentrate.

A pre-roll is an already made cannabis joint, available to purchase at just about any dispensary. These products are already packed with the necessary flower and wrapped in rolling paper, making it a much simpler alternative to rolling your own at home. You may also hear these referred to as “cones,” which is due to their cone-like shape. This shape is much easier to fill with cannabis, rather than individually rolling each one.

Pre-rolls and joints are essentially the same thing, but purchasing a pre-roll from a dispensary provides a few benefits:

• Convenience: Pre-rolls are ready to smoke, making them perfect for people who don't want to deal with the process of rolling their own joints. Traditional joints require you to have rolling papers, a grinder, and some degree of rolling skill.
  
  
• Consistency: Pre-rolls are typically uniform in size, ensuring a consistent smoking experience. When you roll your own joints, they may vary in size and density, affecting how evenly they burn.
  
  
• Packaging: Pre-rolls come in protective packaging, which keeps them fresh and prevents damage. Traditional joints are more exposed and susceptible to being crushed or damaged.
  
  
• Variety: Pre-rolls often come in a variety of strains and can be found at dispensaries in different options, including indica, sativa, or hybrid blends. When you roll your own, you're limited to the strains you have on hand.
  
  

Pre-rolls make enjoying a joint easy because they are typically filled with ground cannabis flower, rolling paper, and a filter. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside a pre-roll:¹

The heart and soul of any pre-roll is the cannabis flower itself. The strain can vary, offering a wide range of flavors and aromas. Because you’re purchasing a product with cannabis already in it, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get your hands on your favorite strain like you might if you were purchasing top-shelf bud.

This is what holds the whole thing together. Rolling papers for pre-rolls are usually made of hemp, flax, or other natural materials. They burn evenly and don't add any unwanted flavors to your smoke, allowing you to enjoy the pure taste of the cannabis within.

A filter, or crutch, is included to keep the cannabis from entering your mouth as you inhale. It can also keep your pre-roll straight, ensuring you don’t get a wonky burn.

Another common source of confusion is the difference between pre-rolls and other ready-to-smoke dispensary products. Here are a few comparisons to help clear things up:

The difference between pre-rolls and "regular" joints is that a pre-roll has already been packed and rolled for you. While you could roll your own joints at home, pre-rolls are often the more convenient option–especially if you are new to cannabis.

Pre-rolls are typically made in bulk by the cannabis product wholesaler, which means they offer consistency in each joint, as well as packaging that preserves freshness so you can enjoy your pre-roll over several sessions. You’ll also be able to sample more strains than you would if you were purchasing large quantities of cannabis flower and rolling your own joints at home.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are major differences between pre-rolls and blunts.² Blunts that you can purchase at a dispensary are rolled with hemp paper and contain much more cannabis flower. (Blunts were traditionally rolled with tobacco leaves or cigar paper, but dispensaries aren’t permitted to sell tobacco products.) As a result, blunts can be much stronger than pre-rolls.

Pre-rolled joints contain ground cannabis flower, but an infused pre-roll contains flower plus a cannabis concentrate. When it comes to which concentrates are used to infuse the joint, there are plenty of options–anything from solventless concentrates like kief or hash, or extracts like wax, THC distillate, and even moon rocks.

Pre-rolls are a convenient way to enjoy cannabis, but what if you can't finish one in a single session? The good news is that you can save a partially smoked joint for later use. The key to preserving its potency and most of its flavor is to ensure it remains airtight and moisture-free. You can do this by using a few methods:¹

• Re-Sealing: If you have the original packaging, often called a doob tube, use it to reseal the pre-roll. If the original packaging is plastic, we do not recommend reusing it as you risk melting the plastic with a still-warm joint.
  
  
• Container: Place the pre-roll in an airtight container, such as a small glass jar, a specialized joint tube, or a glass doob tube.
  
  
• Humidity Control Pack: Adding a humidity control pack to the container can help maintain the ideal moisture level. These packs are readily available at many dispensaries.
  
  

There’s plenty to discover regarding pre-rolls, and it’s natural to have more questions. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions. 

Do pre-rolls go bad?

Pre-rolls have a shelf life, and their quality can deteriorate over time—especially if you light it, put it out, and then relight it. Factors such as the storage conditions and the type of packaging can influence how long a pre-roll remains fresh.³

How long do pre-rolls stay good?

The lifespan of a pre-roll can vary depending on factors such as the strain, storage conditions, and packaging. Most pre-rolls have an expiration date on them, so we recommend following that. If yours doesn’t have an expiration date, you’re going to want to enjoy your pre-roll within the first six months of purchase. After that, it’s just not worth it.¹

Do I smoke the whole pre-roll?

You don't have to smoke the entire pre-roll in one session. You can save it for later as long as you store it properly. Ultimately, start slow, enjoy your pre-roll, and stop when you feel you’re hitting your tolerance levels. 
 

Are pre-rolls made with whole flower buds or trim/shake?

Pre-rolls can be made with different types of cannabis material, including whole flower buds, trim, or shake. High-quality pre-rolls typically use whole cannabis flower for a better flavor and more potent effects. However, some budget-friendly options may use trim or shake. 
 

Are there different sizes or quantities available for pre-rolls?

Pre-rolls come in various sizes and quantities. You can buy a single pre-roll or a pack of pre-rolls, which are often sold in a protective container known as a Doob Tube. This variety allows you to choose pre-rolls and blunts based on your consumption habits and preferences. 
 

How should pre-rolls be stored to maintain their freshness and potency?

To keep your pre-rolls fresh and retain potency, store them in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as the pantry, drawer, or closet, away from direct light. Using Doob Tubes or airtight containers helps preserve the quality of your pre-rolls, ensuring a more positive experience when you’re ready to smoke cannabis. 
 

Are pre-rolls available in different flavors or infused with additional ingredients?

Pre-rolls come in a variety of flavors and some are infused with additional ingredients like kief or hash for enhanced effects. Infused pre-rolls offer a more potent and flavorful experience, which is perfect to elevate your cannabis consumption. 
 

Purchasing Pre-Rolled Joints 

Pre-rolls offer a hassle-free way to enjoy cannabis without the need for grinding, rolling, and packing your own joints. Whether you prefer the simplicity of pre-rolls or enjoy the added potency of infused options, these ready-made joints provide convenience and quality. If you’re not sure where to start with your pre-roll purchase, just talk to your budtender at your next dispensary visit. They’ll help you find the right bud-rolled product for you.