The Evolution of The Pre-Roll in the Cannabis Industry

Today’s pre-roll industry, propelled by legal recreational cannabis use in nearly two dozen states, bears almost no resemblance to the rolling paper manufacturers and hand-rolled joints of 50+ years ago. The convenience and consistency of professional pre-rolls, as well as consumer demand for a variety of different smoking experiences, have been a catalyst for the explosion and continued growth of the pre-roll industry.

Custom Cones USA has been at the forefront of this (r)evolution. We offer a wide range of high-quality, highly tested and industry compliant pre-rolled cones, tubes and blunt wraps, cannabis grinders, industrial joint rolling machines, custom pre-roll packaging, many different rolling papers and wraps, custom pre-rolled cones and other cannabis pre-roll products.

A Brief Pre-Roll Timeline

The history of cannabis pre-rolls begins in the 1850s when Mexican field workers added cannabis to their hand-rolled tobacco cigarettes. By the late 1800s, “Indian Cigarettes” sold by a Paris company contained cannabis indica, along with belladonna leaves and potassium nitrate. Believe it or not, they were touted to relieve respiratory issues, including asthma. In the 1920s and early 1930s, during Prohibition, cannabis joints (without the belladonna and nitrate) became popularized by jazz musicians. The counterculture of the 1960s saw a resurgence of cannabis and the form we now know as pre-rolls.

Although medical marijuana was first legalized by California voter in 1996, growing to legal status in four states in 1998, it wasn’t until 2012, when Colorado and Washington became the first states to see full legalization of recreational cannabis, that dispensaries began offering a variety of products, including pre-rolls.

Ten years later, there are nearly two dozen fully legal states, the once nascent cannabis industry has matured into a viable economic force and the number of dispensaries nationwide has skyrocketed. Customers’ tastes and expectations have grown and changed alongside it, leading the pre-roll to become the top consumer packaged good associated with the industry.

Keeping Up with Pre-Roll Innovations and Trends

As the cannabis industry evolved, both consumers and manufacturers became more sophisticated. Pre-Rolls have transitioned from an after-thought to a necessary part of any successful product line, offering consumers an easy way to try a new brand or strain. And with fast-paced, busy lifestyles, customers embrace the convenience, portability and ease of use of pre-rolls and have come to expect higher quality, a wider selection and greater consistency in their smoking experience.

Today, pre-rolls are the number one add-on to purchases made at cannabis dispensaries, with customers adding a pre-roll to other purchases 15.5-23.3% of the time.

Innovations in pre-roll multi-pack packaging also allow new users to buy in bulk or sample different strains. More knowledgeable consumers can also experiment with the various styles of pre-rolls, premium filter tips, flavored wraps and much more. It’s led to a nearly 400% growth in the pre-roll multipacks that contain between 2 and 5 grams of flower.

Tourists and business travelers who are away from home and don’t have the locations or paraphernalia with which to enjoy their cannabis purchases enjoy the simplicity of pre-rolls. Mini cones, also known as ‘dogwalkers,’ have risen in popularity, as have infused pre-rolls.

Pre-rolls can also be customized for branding and marketing purposes, such as special holiday collections or to support charities or other causes. Many cannabis companies are adding to their pre-roll product line to differentiate themselves from their increasing competition, such as with oil infusion for added potency or kief on the outside for a unique appearance.

The Pre-Roll Experts at Custom Cones USA constantly follow the data to identify new trends in the pre-roll market, expanding product offerings and upgrading our advanced pre-roll machines to accommodate the ever-changing of cannabis businesses and their customers.

With every trend and innovation, Custom Cones USA expands our product offerings and upgrades our advanced pre-roll equipment to accommodate the different varieties and serve the changing needs of cannabis businesses and their customers.

Changing Pre-Roll Materials and Components

The first rolling paper was believed to have been invented in Alcoy, Spain in the 1500s. But it took centuries for rolling papers to be sold commercially; by 1850 there were 50 registered brands. In the 1900s, flavored papers were introduced. Filters were first introduced for commercially rolled cigarettes in the 1950s, made from non-recyclable cellulose acetate plastic.

Today, there is a far greater variety of materials and components available. First, consumers can choose between cigarette-style pre-rolled tubes, pre-rolled cones or pre-rolled blunts. They can be made with various papers, such as refined white, natural brown and organic hemp paper or even hemp wraps to produce pre-roll blunts.

Modern pre-rolls almost always include a filter, or "crutch," usually made of paper, but these filters, or tips, can also be made from wood, glass or ceramic to provide a premium feel and luxury experience. Some companies even make corn husk filter tips, though they have been shown to not always be the safest choice as they are a natural material that contains moisture and can be a breeding ground for microbials.

When it comes to multi-packs and packaging add-ons, there is a multitude of choices, from flip packs and push packs to pre-roll tins and multi-pack jars and tubes.

Pre-Roll Branding and Marketing Strategies

In addition to keeping up with the changing trends in pre-roll materials and components, Custom Cones USA stays at the forefront of the pre-roll industry regarding branding and marketing strategies for pre-roll products.

We offer many different options for custom pre-roll cones and other types of pre-rolls, including eco-friendly and child-resistant push packs, custom labels, cigarette boxes, tin boxes – all fully customizable with your artwork, branding and message. We also offer custom pre-roll display packaging, complete with custom dielines, to not only grab customers’ attention at the dispensary but to better get to know your brand as they enjoy their cannabis.

Conquer the Future of the Pre-Roll Business with Custom Cones USA

Whether you’re looking for supplies for pre-rolled blunts, cones or tubes, top-performing pre-roll machines, or branding solutions for your cannabis pre-roll business, Custom Cones USA is the partner you need to not just meet the future head-on but conquer it.

Contact the Pre-Roll Experts today to see how we can help launch, scale or expand your pre-roll line to ensure you keep up with every innovation and trend in the pre-roll industry and stay ahead of your competition.