What’s the best way to consume cannabis? There’s no single answer, but for many, the cannabis pre-roll will always be the go-to. Portable, convenient, and expertly packed, pre-rolled joints take the work out of your session. And with options like CBD pre-rolls and concentrate-infused pre-rolls, the only real limit is your imagination.
Whether you’re curious about infused options or wondering how to smoke a pre-roll for the first time, this guide’s got you covered. We’ll walk you through:
- What a pre-roll is and how it’s made
- Step-by-step instructions for lighting up
- Tips for keeping your pre-rolls fresh
- Why pre-rolled joints are worth it
…and much more. Let’s roll!
What Is a Pre-Roll?
At its core, a pre-roll is a ready-to-smoke cannabis joint. Instead of grinding, rolling, and hoping for the best, you get a perfectly crafted joint straight from the dispensary. Of course, there are many variations on the basic form. One of the most popular is known as pre-rolled cone, which is a pre-roll with one end that’s considerably wider than the other. The advantage is that they hold more flower and deliver a smoother burn.
Regardless of their shape, all pre-rolls share a few basic components. Here’s the anatomy of a pre-roll:
- Paper: Apart from pre-rolled cones, regular pre-rolls are typically made with 1¼-size paper containing non-wood plant fibers, such as hemp, rice, or other natural materials.
- Filter/Crutch: Helps keep the structure of the pre-roll and makes each puff smoother. Although optional, some pre-rolls include a paper or fiber filter to help smooth out the smoking experience, while others contain a crutch, which is a small section of cardboard folded into a “W” shape and tucked into the unlit end to improve the draw.
- Flower: While some budget pre-rolls use “shake” or “trim” to make up their filling, top-shelf pre-rolls tend to use premium, whole-ground cannabis flower.
Types of Cannabis Pre-Rolls
Not all pre-rolls are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re flying solo or sharing with friends, there’s a size and style out there to match your needs. If you’re looking for a quiet solo smoke, a half-gram pre-roll hits the sweet spot. It’s about the same amount of flower as a standard packed bowl in a pipe. On the other hand, a 1-gram pre-roll is ideal for sharing or stretching out a longer session. It’s roughly double the size, so you get more bang for your buck without needing to reload.
Blunts vs Pre-Rolls
Now, what about blunts? Some folks lump them in with pre-rolls, but they’ve got their own thing going on. Blunts are rolled with tobacco leaf wrappers, which give them a bolder flavor and a heavier hit. Many make their own blunts using pre-packaged cigars, where the tobacco filling is removed and replaced with ground cannabis flower. If you’re trying to steer clear of tobacco, stick with the standard pre-roll for a cleaner, more mellow experience.
What Is an Infused Pre-Roll?
Your go-to when you want to crank up the potency, this style of pre-rolled joint contains a portion of cannabis concentrate like kief, hash oil, or shatter. They’re not for the faint of heart—they hit fast, hit hard, and are best enjoyed by seasoned smokers or those wanting to take their experience to the next level.
One of the most popular styles of infused pre-roll is a diamond-infused option. These are typically packed with pure THCA diamonds, the precursor cannabinoid to THC, and one of the most concentrated forms of THC available today.
Another style is the moonrock pre-roll. It’s essentially a regular pre-roll that’s been coated in potent distillate and then rolled in a generous layer of kief, the dried trichomes that give cannabis flower its potency. The result is an intense and long-lasting high that some say has to be experienced to be believed.
How to Smoke a Pre Roll: Step-by-Step
New to smoking? Don’t be intimidated, you’re not the first to wonder how to light a pre-roll. They’re ultimately designed for convenience, so lighting one up is a straightforward process once you know the basics. All you need is a calm moment, a solid light source, and your ready-to-roll joint.
Here’s how to properly light a pre-roll:
- Grab your pre-roll and your preferred light source—lighter, match, or hemp wick.
- Hold the joint so that the end with the crutch or filter is facing you, and the open end (the one you light) is pointing away.
- Light the end gently while slowly inhaling. Rotate the joint as you light it to encourage an even burn across the tip.
- Keep an eye out for “canoeing”—when one side burns faster than the other. If that starts to happen, a quick swipe of a moistened fingertip along the fast-burning edge can help even things out.
- Once your joint is evenly lit, take steady, comfortable puffs. There’s no need to hold the smoke in your lungs for too long—just enjoy and exhale.
- When finished, pinch off the cherry or gently tap it out and slide it back into its packaging.
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, the key to a smooth session is patience and paying attention to how the joint burns. Once you’ve got the hang of it, lighting up quickly becomes second nature.
Tips for Storing Pre-Rolls
How long do pre-rolls stay fresh? While that depends in part on ambient conditions where you live, you’ll want to enjoy them within 6 months for peak freshness. If you’re enjoying them right away, keep these storage tips in mind:
- Keep them in their original packaging.
- Avoid direct sunlight and high heat.
- Cardboard tubes offer better protection from light than plastic.
With the proper storage, your pre-rolls will stay flavorful, potent, and ready to enjoy whenever the moment strikes. A little care goes a long way in keeping that fresh-roll experience intact.
Are Pre-Rolled Joints Worth It?
Definitely! If you’ve tried to craft a joint your own, you likely already know that producing a tightly rolled and evenly packed joint is a good deal harder than it looks and requires some time and patience. Pre-rolls are ready to use whenever you feel the call, and go wherever you do, too.
Pre-rolls also allow you to easily explore more consumption formats, such as infused pre-rolls, blunts, and other specialty pre-roll products. Just make sure you’re buying from a trusted source—some lower-quality pre-rolled joints use shake, trim, or other second-rate products as filler. Check the packaging carefully to ensure the product is made from whole buds or flowers so that you know you’re buying the best.
How to Choose the Right Pre-Roll for You
Choosing the right pre-roll starts with asking yourself one simple question: How do I want to feel? From there, it’s easier to zero in on a strain or cannabinoid profile that matches your moment:
- Want to relax and unwind? Reach for an indica. These strains are known for calming, full-body effects—ideal for movie nights, bedtime, or just melting into the couch.
- Need an energy boost or creative spark? Go with a sativa. These tend to be more cerebral and uplifting, making them a great match for daytime activities, social gatherings, or outdoor adventures.
- Looking for balance? Try a hybrid. These blends combine traits from both indicas and sativas, offering a wide range of effects to match your mood, whether you want to stay grounded while still feeling alert or take the edge off without getting too sleepy.
- Not interested in psychoactive effects? A CBD pre-roll might be your best bet. It offers potential relief from anxiety, stress, or pain without the intoxicating effects of THC.
- Curious about something different? Cannabinoids like CBG are gaining traction for their unique benefits—think mood support, focus, or even mild muscle relief. These newer pre-rolls are ideal for expanding your routine without overdoing it.
Still not sure? That’s totally normal. Every strain—and every person—is a little different. Head to your nearest Seed of Life and ask your budtender for recommendations based on your goals, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your perfect pre-roll is out there.
Shop Quality Pre-rolls and More at Seed of Life Labs
Convenient, portable, and ready to roll at a moment’s notice, pre-rolls offer a fast, hassle-free way to enjoy cannabis, no grinder, papers, or rolling skills required. From casual consumers to seasoned smokers, there’s a pre-roll for everyone.
Still have questions? Or ready to try one for yourself? Visit us at Seed of Life Labs, Montana’s family of go-to dispensaries for top-tier cannabis at affordable prices. Whether you’re after a CBD pre-roll, a diamond-infused pre-roll, or just a solid classic joint, we’ve got you covered.
