What is a Pre Roll? Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to cannabis consumption, customers have their choice of how they’d like to partake. From classic flower to microdosed edibles and non-psychoactive topicals, there really is something for everyone. For a large majority of cannabis consumers, pre-rolled joints have become a go-to selection. 

According to a 2024 data report by Custom Cones, USA, prerolls are the 3rd-most-popular and fastest-growing category in the market. In 2024 alone, over 11,000 new pre roll products were introduced.

With that many options to choose from, many of us wonder what all the types of cannabis pre rolls are, what’s in them exactly, and why they may be a better option than rolling your own.

What Are Weed Pre Rolls?

Cannabis prerolls are precisely what their name suggests: ground-up flower, hand rolled or machine-packed, ready to spark whenever you’re in the mood to consume.

They are available in various sizes and strains, in singles or multipacks, making them an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a convenient smoke sesh.

Historically, prerolled joints were often filled with ‘trim’ or ‘shake’. This made them a cheap option for customers and a way for brands to make the most of all their flower. However, over the years, this has drastically changed.

While these types of prerolls are still available and remain a perfectly acceptable option for many, the market has expanded to include higher-quality, top-shelf choices for consumers.

What's in a Pre Roll?

No matter the selection, every cannabis preroll is rolled or packed with various types of rolling papers or cones and filled with either ground-up flower, trim, or shake. 

After that, various consumable materials can be rolled, coated, or infused into each joint. They might also include concentrates such as live resin, distillate, rosin, moon rocks, sugar, hash, diamonds, etc. 

Some brands opt to add additional material, such as cannabis-derived or botanical (non-cannabis-derived) terpenes, to customize the flavor profile. 

How Much Weed is in a Pre Roll?

Prerolls come in several sizes, so the amount of weed in each varies, especially if other material is added.

‘Dogwalkers’ or mini joints can contain as little as 0.35 grams per preroll. The most average-sized prerolls customers will find are filled with half a gram to a whole gram of flower. Larger prerolls can contain up to 2 grams of flower.

Types of Cannabis Pre Rolls

There are a few different types of cannabis prerolls for consumers to choose from. 

• Sizes:
  • Dogwalkers or minis - These are great for quick sessions or if multiple people in a sesh want their own joint.
  • Half to full Gram – These are standard-size joints that are great to enjoy solo or share.
  • Full gram or more – These are great for larger sessions or for consumers with a higher tolerance.

• Infusion options
  • Coated/Infused externally - These are often dipped in a concentrate and coated with keif or hash.
  • Internally infused - These types of joints are infused on the inside with various kinds of cannabis concentrates.

• Flower type
  • Trim/Shake - These are often considered of lower quality, but that’s subjective. Some say the smoking experience can be harsh or have less flavor. Either way, it’s typically a cheaper option of perfectly consumable flower.
  • Whole flower/nugs - Not literally full-size nugs, but ground up flower from full-size buds. This is a preferred option for cannabis connoisseurs and those looking for high-quality and more prominent flavors.
  • Cultivar/Strain - There are usually more than a few strains for consumers to choose from, based on needs and preferences. 

• Other options
  • Paper type - A wide range of paper types and paper brands are used for prerolls. Some consumers prefer rice papers, hemp papers, or specific brands like Raw.
  • Hand-rolled or machine-packed - Some brands offer hand-rolled prerolls, others machine-packed prerolled cones.

Why Choose a Pre Roll Instead of Rolling Your Own?

While rolling your own joint is a classic way to consume cannabis flower, many opt for prerolls for a variety of reasons, including:

• Convenience and ease of use – If you don’t have the time or ability to roll your own joint, prerolls are ready to spark when you’re ready to consume. All you need is a match or a lighter.
• Portability – Sometimes you’re just visiting a friend for a quick sesh or only need enough to consume for your next adventure. Prerolls can be a better option rather than buying a full 1/8th of whole flower you won’t finish. They are super easy to pick up and throw in your bag to spark when you’re ready.
• Variety – There is a wide range of preroll options. Whether you just want to try a new strain or brand, grab a single for a quick sesh, a multi-pack to share with a friend, a classic full-flower weed preroll, or an infused with live resin one, there's a selection for every occasion.

How Much Do Pre Rolls Usually Cost?

There is a preroll option for every budget.

Depending on the marketplace and the type of preroll, you can typically find singles or lower-tier options for around $5 to $10 apiece. Higher-quality selections, larger packages, and infused prerolls can cost $20 to $50 or more.

Most shops offer a range of options to suit your needs.

Can You Save a Pre Roll for Later?

Yes, you can save pre rolls for later.  

If you bought a multipack, you can consume the ones you’d like and keep the remaining joints in their original packaging.

Or if you only want to consume part of a single joint, you can save the rest for later as well. Once you’re finished consuming, gently extinguish the pre roll to prevent damage to the remaining portion. 

If you purchased the pre roll as a single, you can keep the remaining part of the unfinished joint in its original package. If it’s part of a multipack, keep the unfinished joint separate from the rest, as the unfinished one can compromise the flavor of the remaining joints. It’s best to keep the partially consumed joint in a separate airtight container or doobtube to consume at a later time when you’re ready.

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.