Rolling a joint takes time and requires a level of skill that not everyone has. Whether you are a newbie to smoking or don’t feel inspired to master the rolling craft, a pre-roll is an easy alternative that will still provide an enjoyable experience.
However, like all cannabis products, pre-rolls have a shelf life, and the quality of their smoke can deteriorate with use.
What is a Pre-Roll?
A pre-roll is a joint prepared in advance so that it’s ready to smoke immediately. Pre-rolls are generally made by a machine that packs the contents tightly to ensure consistency and remove air pockets. They are also often infused with oils and concentrates for added potency. Pre-rolls are a popular choice for new smokers as they eliminate the need to acquire and use rolling materials.
To prepare a pre-roll, producers load up paper cones with shake or trim (cannabis plant material that contains less-potent flowers) and then roll them into a compact ball. Employees then seal the pre-rolls with a special glue to ensure they won’t unravel in transit. Pre-rolls can be made with any strain, but they’re often formulated with higher concentrations of THC to provide more of the desired effect.
As the cannabis market grows, manufacturers continuously work to improve and streamline production processes for the best results. One such innovation is changing the shape of pre-rolls from conical to cylindrical. The tube-like design offers advantages for manufacturers and consumers, including a more efficient packaging process, improved ergonomics, and reduced breakage.
When you’re ready to smoke, light the end of your pre-roll and inhale. If you’re saving a pre-roll for later, it’s essential to store it properly so that it doesn’t dry out and lose its potency. Tapping the lit end against a hard surface or keeping it in a doob tube will extinguish the flame and prevent the pre-roll from accidentally burning down to its nugs.
How to Roll a Pre-Roll
While rolling joints is a classic cannabis consumption method, it can be difficult for newcomers and those with lighter tolerances. This is where pre-rolls come in. Pre-rolls are a convenient alternative to rolling your joints, and they come in various sizes, strains, and flavors.
While some people have a negative stigma towards pre-rolls (made with low-quality weed and rolled improperly), they are a convenient and versatile alternative for consumers. Many seasoned cannabis users prefer them over smoking buds out of a pipe.
First, grab your desired size of rolling paper to roll a pre-roll. Next, grind your pre-rolled bud to a medium, fine, and fluffy texture with a precision grinder. This will help your weed burn evenly and make for a smooth smoke.
Finally, add your weed to your rolling paper and press it evenly to pack it. Packing it tightly is essential so there are no gaps or unfilled areas. However, it would help if you didn’t fill it so tight that it can’t pass air through.
Once you’re finished, wet the adhesive side of your rolling paper and “seal” the pre-roll cone. If you plan to save your pre-roll for later, use proper storage methods, such as placing it in a small glass jar or using a specialized joint tube.
How to Light a Pre-Roll
Pre-rolls offer a quick and convenient way to enjoy cannabis. In addition, pre-rolls are often more affordable than other methods of consuming cannabis, and they’re typically packaged in a discreet and portable container.
Knowing how to light your joint correctly is essential to smoke a pre-roll properly. Start by holding the pre-roll slightly upwards and applying flame to its tip. Be sure to rotate it frequently to ensure that both sides of the paper are lit evenly. Finally, remember never to inhale while lighting a pre-roll, as doing so will cause it to burn faster and unevenly.
Once you’ve mastered lighting a pre-roll, you’ll be ready to enjoy its euphoric effects. Store your pre-rolls properly, as they can lose their aroma and potency over time. Choose a fresh pre-roll with a pleasant scent and a visible ember for the best results. Also, plan your smoking session so that you have enough time to experience the effects of your favorite pre-roll fully.
How to Store a Pre-Roll
When a pre-roll is stored correctly, it can retain its positive qualities for up to 12 months. It’s best to keep your pre-rolls in a cool, dark place to prevent sunlight from degrading them too quickly and to preserve the quality of the cannabinoids.
The quality of a pre-roll isn’t just about the cannabinoids but also about the terpenes that give it its aroma and flavor. When terpenes lose their scent, it affects the taste and potency of the cannabis.
Storing a pre-roll in an airtight container with humidity packs is essential to maintain quality. Moisture packs offer two-way humidity control to stabilize the moisture level in flowers and prevent them from drying out. This is especially important for pre-rolls because they are smaller than individual buds and can quickly dry out.
While some consumers use a plastic bag or an empty mint tin to store their pre-rolls, these containers aren’t ideal for storing cannabis. They can cause the terpenes to break down too quickly and lead to mold or other contaminants.
Instead, you can use a small jar or plastic/glass tube explicitly designed to store pre-rolls. These containers are airtight and resealable to prevent air from getting in and impacting the pre-rolls quality. They are also easy to carry around and an excellent option for those looking to take their pre-rolls on the go.
