Key Takeaways About the Price of Pre-Rolls
- The convenience of pre-rolls leads many consumers to believe they are worth their price.
- Prices of cannabis pre-rolls can vary for several reasons, including quality, demand and market.
- Rolling your own joints can be an economical alternative to pre-rolls.
Pre-rolled joints or pre-rolls, as they are commonly referred to, are a convenient choice to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. And while pre-rolls can cost more than other options, market data suggests that consumers believe they are worth the price.
From January 2023 to June 2024, the pre-roll category generated over $4.1 billion in sales across 13 regulated North American cannabis markets. The total represents more than 394 million retail units and 11.9% year-over-year growth, the largest increase across all cannabis categories, according to data from Headset and Custom Cones.
How Much Do Pre-rolls Cost?
Although the price of pre-rolls can vary based on several factors, such as quality and size, they can often be purchased for as little as $2 per joint to as much as $35 or more for premium infused joints. Prices also vary by state for several reasons, including varying tax structures and the supply of cannabis available. Depending on the market, the average price of a good-quality pre-roll is generally $5 to $15, according to information compiled from cannabis consumer information site Weedmaps.
California
In California, single pre-rolled joints can be found for as little as $1.99 in some dispensaries, with prices ranging up to about $15 each for premium selections. On average, individual pre-rolls sell for $5 to $10. Many brands also offer multipacks of pre-rolls, with packs of five (approximately 3.5 grams of flower) selling for about $15 and 7-gram packs of 10 going for roughly $25. Individual infused pre-rolls are available in California for about $11 to $36.
Colorado
A recent check of pre-roll prices on Weedmaps in Colorado revealed that pre-rolls are priced as low as $3 in some dispensaries. Prices run as high as $14 for non-infused pre-rolled joints, with prices averaging in the $4 to $10 range. Multipacks of pre-rolls range from about $19 to $30 for 3.5-gram packs, with 7-gram multipacks available for about $28 and up. Infused pre-rolls generally cost between $12 and $24.
Illinois
Pre-rolls in Illinois average about $10 to $16 for a 1-gram individual joint at many retailers. A five-pack of half-gram pre-rolls will set you back by about $32, while a pack of five 3.5-gram pre-rolls costs about $45. One-gram infused pre-rolls run about $20 to $26 in Illinois.
Michigan
Cannabis consumers in Michigan can usually find pre-rolls at affordable prices. Single joints can be found for as low as $3, while higher-quality pre-rolls are available for about $12. A 10-pack of half-gram joints (5 grams total) costs about $20. Infused pre-rolls are available at Michigan dispensaries for as little as $3 for a single 1-gram joint up to $22 for a three-pack.
New York
Prices for pre-rolls in New York are generally higher than in other states, primarily because of the relatively recent rollout of adult-use cannabis sales in the Empire State. Prices for an individual 1-gram pre-roll are about $9 to $15, while a five-pack of 2.5-gram joints runs about $35. Infused pre-rolls are available for about $30 each.
Pre-Rolls vs. Rolling Your Own: Which Costs More?
Consumers who know how to roll their own joints will likely save money compared to buying individual pre-rolls or even multi-packs. Cannabis flower is generally available in bulk packages of one ounce or more, particularly for patients who live in states that have increased purchase limits for medical cannabis. If keeping to a budget is a consideration, learning how to roll or investing in a rolling machine will likely pay off in the long (or perhaps even short) run.
Why Do Pre-Rolls Cost More?
Pre-rolls cost more than equivalent amounts of cannabis flower for several reasons. As mentioned, cannabis flower is often available in packages larger than commonly available pre-roll multipacks, giving consumers who roll their own joints the advantage of bulk discounts.
Producing pre-rolls also requires more labor than packaged cannabis flower, an expense that is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for ready-made joints.
Aren't Pre-Rolls Just Leftovers?
In the early days of the regulated cannabis industry, many brands saw pre-rolls as a way to sell through cannabis trim or low-quality flower. Today, however, leading operators have upped their pre-roll game with premium flower and infused joints with added cannabis concentrates such as kief, wax, or THC diamonds.
Consumers have noticed the difference and are responding enthusiastically when they shop at their local dispensary or delivery service.
Reasons to Buy a Pre-Roll
Despite the increased cost of pre-rolls compared to cannabis flower, many consumers appreciate their convenience. Some consumers may not know how to roll their own and still prefer a joint.
Others may no longer be able to roll their own and prefer the ease of pre-rolls. For those with inflammation or pain in their fingers, rolling their own might be too uncomfortable, leading them to opt for a pre-roll alternative.
Unlike most other cannabis flower products, pre-rolls are ready to use without the need for additional paraphernalia other than a lighter or a book of matches. Smoking loose cannabis flower, on the other hand, requires the use of a pipe, bong, rolling papers, or other device.
Pre-rolls also make it easier to monitor consumption. Most pre-rolls are labeled with the weight of each joint, so it’s simple for patients to calculate how much weed they’ve consumed.
Many consumers also appreciate infused pre-rolls, which have an extra boost of THC from cannabis extracts. While it’s not significantly more difficult to roll infused pre-rolls at home, it adds another step.
How to Make Rolling Your Own Joints Easier
Consumers who decide to roll their own joints can do several things to simplify the process. Pre-roll cones, which are easy to fill because they are already rolled and glued into shape, can make rolling your own joints a breeze.
A few accessories can also make rolling your own joints easier. A rolling tray provides a handy, portable surface for preparing cannabis flower, a process that can be made much simpler with a grinder. A basic, inexpensive rolling machine makes it easy to roll perfectly round joints, while more sophisticated electric models can practically roll joints on their own.
Puff, Puff, Pass
Whether you choose pre-rolls or decide to roll your own, smoking joints can be an enjoyable way to consume cannabis and access the plant’s potential benefits. Joints are also a traditional way to enjoy weed socially, but remember not to bogart the joint. And of course, always pass to the left.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
