How Are Cannabis Pre-Rolls Made

Cannabis pre-rolls are one of the most popular product categories in dispensaries today, and it’s easy to see why. They’re portable, easy to use, and come in a range of price points and options to suit different preferences. Whether you’re heading to a session or stocking up for the weekend, pre-rolls offer an accessible way to enjoy premium cannabis flower without the need for grinders, rolling papers, or filters.

But have you ever wondered what actually goes into making them?

Let’s break down how cannabis pre-rolls are made - from flower selection to packaging—and explore the different types of pre-rolls you’ll find at licensed retailers.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

What Is a Cannabis Pre-Roll?

A pre-roll is simply a pre-assembled cannabis joint or blunt that’s ready to use. The core components include:

• Ground cannabis flower
  

• Rolling paper or wrap
  

• Filter or crutch (usually paper, sometimes glass)
  

• Optional cannabis extract (for infused options)
  

Pre-rolls come in multiple sizes - from mini “dogwalkers” (.25g) to full-gram joints and multi-gram blunts - and can be sold individually or in multipacks. Their ease of use and consistent dosing have made them one of the fastest-growing segments in legal markets.

Photo by Dad Grass on Unsplash.

Types of Cannabis Pre-Rolls

There’s more variety in pre-rolls today than ever before. Here are some of the main categories you’ll see:

Standard Flower Pre-Rolls

These are joints filled exclusively with cannabis flower. While some brands may use shake or trim, premium pre-rolls are made with ground buds for improved consistency and overall experience.

Infused Pre-Rolls

Infused pre-rolls combine flower with cannabis extracts, such as live resin, rosin, or distillate. The extract can be:

• Mixed directly into the flower
  

• Coated onto the paper
  

• Injected into the center
  

• Rolled on the exterior, sometimes with a kief coating
  

The goal is to enhance the profile and intensity of the product. These pre-rolls require more labor and precision to make but are popular for experienced consumers.

Tarantulas

Tarantulas are a type of infused pre-roll that includes a mix of extract and kief on the outside. They're known for their layered construction and dense finish. While not as common as standard joints, they’re a staple in the premium pre-roll space.

Blunts

Blunts use wraps rather than rolling papers. Traditional wraps were tobacco-based, but modern blunts from licensed cannabis brands typically use hemp-based wraps. These wraps are often larger and can hold more cannabis than a standard joint.

Hemp Pre-Rolls

These are similar in format to traditional pre-rolls but use hemp flower instead of high-THC cannabis. Containing under 0.3% THC, hemp pre-rolls may be high in other cannabinoids like CBD or CBG. They're especially popular in areas without access to recreational cannabis.

How Are Cannabis Pre-Rolls Made?

Producing high-quality pre-rolls at scale requires a combination of skilled labor and purpose-built machinery. Here’s how it works:

1. Grinding the Flower

Cannabis buds are ground to an ideal consistency that allows for even burning. The grind can’t be too fine (which might clog the paper) or too coarse (which could burn unevenly).

2. Weighing and Filling

Once ground, the flower is measured for consistency. Many manufacturers use automated or semi-automated machines that hold cones upright in trays. Flower is dispensed into each cone using vibration-assisted funnels that prevent overfilling or voids.

3. Tamping and Shaping

The next step involves tamping or packing the flower to eliminate air gaps. This ensures the pre-roll burns evenly from start to finish. Some producers may use tamping tools by hand, while others rely on calibrated mechanical presses.

4. Closing the Tip

The open end of the joint is typically twisted or pressed down. Some producers fold the tip inward for a smoother airflow. Regardless of method, the goal is to keep the flower securely inside the cone.

5. Curing and Settling

Before packaging, joints are sometimes allowed to settle for a short time. This brief resting period allows the flower to compact naturally and reduces airflow inconsistencies during consumption.

6. Packaging and Labeling

Each pre-roll is then placed into a certified child-resistant container, whether that's a single joint tube, a glass jar, or a multipack. Labels are added with required compliance information such as:

• Product weight
  

• Cannabinoid content
  

• Batch number
  

• Packaging date
  

• Lab testing verification
  

Every detail must meet state compliance guidelines to be sold legally in California.

How Infused Pre-Rolls Are Made

Making infused pre-rolls adds several layers of complexity:

• Hand-Infused: Some are made manually with oil brushed or drizzled onto the flower before rolling.
  

• Sprayed or Soaked: Other brands spray distillate or live resin directly on the ground flower or paper.
  

• Injected: Some companies use precision injectors to apply a controlled amount of oil into each cone.
  

• Kief-Rolled: After infusion, pre-rolls may be rolled in kief for additional layering.
  

Because oils and concentrates behave differently than flower, precise infusion methods and burn tests are essential to ensure the joint doesn’t run, clog, or spark.

What Makes a Quality Pre-Roll?

With such a saturated market, not all pre-rolls are created equal. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

• Whole Flower Only: High-quality pre-rolls use trimmed bud, not leftover shake.
  

• Even Burn: A pre-roll should burn slowly and evenly, without runs or hot spots.
  

• Freshness: Like any cannabis product, pre-rolls degrade over time. Look for recently packaged joints.
  

• Accurate Labeling: Trust brands that clearly label cannabinoids and include third-party test results.
  

• Smooth Draw: The pre-roll should pull effortlessly without needing extra effort to stay lit.
  

Why Consumers Choose Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls appeal to a broad range of cannabis consumers because they offer:

• A ready-to-use product that doesn’t require tools or prep
  

• A way to sample different strains without buying large quantities
  

• A shareable format for social settings or sessions
  

They’re especially useful for folks who haven’t mastered rolling or prefer consistency in their cannabis experience.

Cannabis pre-rolls have cemented their place as a dispensary essential thanks to their ease, accessibility, and variety. Whether you're picking up a single joint to try a new strain or stocking up on multipacks of your favorites, pre-rolls make enjoying cannabis a simple, streamlined experience.

Explore STIIIZY’s collection of premium and infused pre-rolls made with high-quality cannabis and designed for consistency and ease. Only available at licensed cannabis retailers.