CBD pre-rolls have been one of the most sought after products in the cannabis industry in recent months.
For the longest time tinctures and oils were the standard. They had a great market and were popular because they provided consumers with a chance to get some of the health benefits that cannabis offers, but not the high. Fast forward to today, and consumers are clamouring for a different experience.
In this article we take a look at why CBD pre-rolls are becoming the product of choice among consumers.
What You Will Learn
- Why Pre-Rolls Are Sweeping the Cannabis Market
- The Rise of Infused Pre-Rolls and Hash Holes
- The CBD Pre-Roll Difference
- Choosing the Right Pre-Roll for You
Why Pre-Rolls Are Sweeping the Cannabis Market
The numbers don't lie.
Pre-rolls had an 11.89% increase in sales between June of 2023 and June of 2024. It was the fastest growth rate of any category in the cannabis industry. That is not a minor shift. That is a full blown change in consumer buying preference.
This matters for CBD users because the same thing that is making pre-rolls with THC a hot ticket is working in CBD pre-rolls.
Consumers want to experience CBD, but they want to do it in a familiar way that is both convenient and provides fast acting results.
Industry is listening.
The Rise of Infused Pre-Rolls and Hash Holes
Standard pre-rolls were just the beginning of the story.
The innovation that is happening right now is all in the infused pre-roll category. This is where the premium flower is infused with a concentrated cannabis extract for a much more powerful effect.
A prime example is hash holes.
Hash holes (sometimes referred to as donut joints) are a type of pre-roll that contains a centre core of premium hash rosin running throughout the center of the pre-roll. The rosin melts into the flower as the joint is burned, creating the signature donut ring of leftover hash as the burnt hits the top of the joint. The result is great flavour and a smoother hit.
But for producers looking to scale this, companies like Sorting Robotics have created equipment like their hash hole roller that automates the process of making this type of high end cannabis product. This kind of equipment has made it possible for more producers to create hash hole pre-rolls.
Impressive, right?
The premium infused category has exploded. Infused pre-rolls hit 44.4% market share in H1 of 2024. Consumers are happy to pay premium for an elevated experience.
The CBD Pre-Roll Difference
CBD pre-rolls provide something different.
CBD pre-rolls are unique because they do not give consumers the psychoactive high of THC. Instead, they are used to provide therapeutic benefits.
This makes them a popular choice for people who want to:
- Get fast acting relief: Inhaling CBD allows it to enter the bloodstream through the lungs quickly. It is much faster than oils or edibles.
- Maintain a familiar experience: Many former smokers or those that enjoy the ritual find pre-rolls to be very natural and comfortable.
- Get precise dosing: Each pre-roll contains a set amount of CBD. There is no need to worry about guessing a dosage.
- Portability: There is no droppers, no measuring, no spillage. Just pick up, light up and go.
This makes it a lot different from traditional tinctures or oils. The biggest difference is in bioavailability and onset. When you inhale CBD, it hits the bloodstream through the lungs in mere seconds. An oil or tincture under the tongue can take anywhere between 15 minutes to half an hour. An edible can take over an hour.
For someone looking for that immediate feeling of relief from stress, pain or tension, speed is everything.
Understanding Pre-Roll Quality
CBD pre-rolls are not all the same.
In fact, they can vary dramatically in quality. A few things determine that quality. Let's understand them so that you can make better purchases.
Flower Quality: Premium pre-rolls use top quality hemp flower, not shake or trim. The flower should be fresh, well cured and full of terpenes.
Lab Testing: Reputable companies have third party lab results to show cannabinoid content and make sure the product is free of pesticides, heavy metals and contaminants.
Hemp Source: The origin of the hemp plant is important. Consumers should look for products using hemp grown organically.
Infusion Method: For infused CBD pre-rolls, the way the hemp is infused into the flower affects the experience. Hash hole style infusions (with a rosin core) are more likely to burn evenly and provide a better flavour than pre-rolls that have just been sprayed with a concentrate.
How to Choose the Right Pre-Roll
Choosing a CBD pre-roll is as simple as understanding your preferences.
First, look at potency. CBD pre-rolls range from 50mg all the way to 200mg. If you are just getting started, go low and then increase your dosage as you need more.
Next, consider the experience you want. A standard CBD pre-roll is straight hemp smoking. Infused pre-rolls are higher effect and more flavour.
You should also consider the strain type. Hemp has different types of strains and each has different terpene profiles. Some are more relaxing, others are more energising.
Always check out reviews and make sure the brand is a reputable one.
The Future of CBD Pre-Rolls
The CBD pre-roll market has only just begun.
Expect to see more production technology innovations as well as new demand to be filled. The premium infused pre-rolls we are seeing in THC are already starting to hit the CBD market.
Multi packs are also on the rise. This provides great value for money and is an easy way to sample different strains without having to buy a whole package.
The convenience is what matters the most. Consumers have made it very clear that they want products that easily fit into their lifestyle. Pre-rolls fit the bill.
Bringing It All Together
CBD pre-rolls are one of the biggest changes to how people are consuming CBD.
Consumers want the health benefits of the compound, but not the psychoactive high. Pre-rolls offer the ritual that was popularised by tinctures and oils but in a convenient, fast acting form. Infused pre-rolls have taken this a step further, adding powerful effects and great flavour.
Let's just recap:
- Pre-rolls are the fastest growing category in cannabis
- Infused pre-rolls account for nearly half the market
- CBD pre-rolls are fast acting relief with no psychoactive effects
- Product quality is important
- New production technology will continue to drive the market forward
For people that want to experience CBD in a new way, CBD pre-rolls are worth checking out. The market has matured and both the products and the options available have improved by leaps and bounds.
Tinctures were great, no doubt. But the pre-roll moment? It is just getting started.