For many cannabis consumers, pre-rolls are their earliest entry point into the great green world of marijuana. And even if you’re just “cannabis curious,” but haven’t tried it for yourself, it’s probably pre-rolls that you’ve seen on TV, in movies, or even when hanging out with friends.

Also known as “weed joints” or “pre-rolled joints” (or “blunts” in cannabis slang), pre-rolls are easily one of the most common ways to enjoy cannabis. And yet, there are plenty of people that don’t actually know that much about this popular product. 

We’ve created a handy guide that gives you all the details on the classic pre-roll, so you’ll be well-prepared with useful information the next time you’re in a dispensary.  

What are Pre-Rolls?

A pre-roll is simply a cannabis joint that’s pre-prepared, pre-packaged, and ready to smoke. Before pre-rolls, joints were a DIY affair. Rolling a joint took some time and effort, not to mention a bit of experience and skill.

But now, you can stop by a dispensary, pick up a pre-roll, and be smoking it in seconds – no rolling required!

What’s in a Pre-Roll?

A pre-roll can be made with any strain, so you can shop according to your personal preferences. Some pre-rolled are even infused with concentrates or blends of two or more strains. 

The actual contents of a pre-rolled largely depend on the source/manufacturer, but they can contain a mix of bud, shake, and trim. 

Bud

Bud (or nug) is a ground-up cannabis flower and a key ingredient in high-quality pre-rolled joints. The bud contains the amazing aroma that flower fans know and love and is also rich in the “active ingredients” of cannabis – in other words, it’s what delivers your desired effects.

When you’re at the dispensary, feel free to ask questions about the contents of a pre-roll. The best cannabis brands making high-quality pre-rolls will always be proud to inform consumers of their cannabinoid ratios, terpenes, and other contents in the bud.

Shake

During the harvesting and packaging processes, bits of bud inevitably fall off the flower, often getting damaged or dried out. This “leftover” cannabis material is known as shake and is commonly associated with lower-quality pre-roll experiences. Because shake frequently contains dried-out or damaged trichomes (the flower’s potent crystals), subpar effects are not unusual if you’re working with a pre-roll that’s primarily filled with shake.

Trim

If shake is the “leftovers” of quality cannabis, then trim is the low-quality stuff that wouldn’t even make it to the table. There’s no flower in trim; instead, it’s made up of a mix of plant debris that can include stems, seeds, and leaves. 

Since these elements are much lower in THC, expect an experience with a trim-heavy pre-roll to fall far short of your expectations. Not only will the effects be lessened, but trim can also cause an unpleasantly harsh burning sensation in your lungs.

How are Pre-Rolls Made?

Each brand has its own pre-roll process, but the steps are generally the same. Each one is loaded and rolled by a machine, which ensures consistency and product quality. Blunts, joints, cones, or other wraps may be used, depending on the brand or specific product.

Tips for Finding the Best Pre-Rolls

In the cannabis industry, there’s a massive range of quality when it comes to any product, including pre-rolled joints. That means that if you want to make sure you’re getting the best the market has to offer, you’ll need to shop smart. 

Here are our top tips for separating the great from the not-so-good when you’re ready to get rolling with a fresh cannabis pre-roll.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions

When it comes to pre-rolls, dispensary guides can be a hugely helpful source of information. At Canna Provisions, our guides are well-versed in all things pre-rolls, so they can help you learn more about the specific contents or characteristics about the options you’re considering. 

Sometimes, people arrive at a dispensary and feel like asking questions will “out” them as an inexperienced consumer. But actually, most dispensary guides truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and improving your overall experience. 

Pay attention to packaging

Fresh is always best, and the right packaging can extend the life of a pre-roll. Avoid packaging that has left the joint exposed to air, because a dry pre-roll is not what you want. On the other end of the spectrum, pre-rolled joints that feel moist were probably produced improperly, so leave those on the shelf as well.

Know your priorities

There’s no single “best” pre-roll for everyone, simply because we all have our own preferences when it comes to cannabis. For example, you might be working with a pretty limited budget, so the price point is at the top of your list. Or, you might be willing to treat yourself to a higher-end pre-roll, making flower quality your focus.

Go into the dispensary with a good idea of your personal preferences and priorities as a consumer. You might find that a pack of pre-rolled cones with lower-THC content is your “sweet spot,” or an extra-large, THC-rich pre-roll joint might be what you’re looking for.

Keep in mind that one of the biggest benefits of pre-rolls is that you can easily try new-to-you strains, so be open to being flexible. Even if you’re determined to find a pre-roll for relaxation, consider adding an option for daytime consumption as well – after all, that’s the only way to find new favorites!

Shop Premium Pre-Rolls at Our Massachusetts Dispensaries

Once you’re ready to light up (and love) a pre-roll of your own, there’s only one place to go: Canna Provisions. Our Lee and Holyoke dispensaries offer an extensive selection of first-rate pre-rolls, featuring a wide variety of strains to suit every occasion, mood, and preference. And if you aren’t sure how to choose the best pre-roll for you, the Canna Provisions guides are always ready to help you find your way.

Enjoy an elevated experience that only the very best in cannabis pre-rolls can provide when you shop at the Canna Provisions medical marijuana and recreational dispensaries in Lee and Holyoke. From experienced consumers to first-time explorers, we have something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, since we’re included among the top adult-use dispensaries in Massachusetts, you can be completely confident that you’ll have access to a superior selection.

Order online for curbside pickup or shop Canna Provisions in-store to find the perfect pre-rolls to add to your cannabis-enhanced lifestyle.

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