Top US Pre-Roll Markets Who's Leading The Pack?

Top U.S. Markets for Pre-Roll Cannabis: Who's Leading the Pack?

In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis, pre-rolls are lighting up the charts and setting new sales records. As the fastest growing category in the U.S., pre-rolls are helping to fuel cannabis sales and growth across the country. From seasoned cannabis aficionados to curious newcomers, everyone is reaching for these convenient, ready-to-smoke products.

But what’s really sparking interest is how certain markets are blazing ahead, far outperforming expectations and shaping the future of cannabis retail. We dug into Headset data of 13 U.S. markets to uncover the top-performing pre-roll markets. Join us as we discover which markets are setting the stage for a greener tomorrow.

Top 5 Markets in Total Sales Over the Last 12 Month

When it comes to the top-performing markets for pre-rolls in the U.S., California continues to reign supreme. The Golden State is still the gold standard when it comes to pre-rolls, raking in an impressive $749.3 million in pre-roll product sales in the last 12 months. California also had $62.1 million in pre-roll sales in April 2024. While this is a 4% decline in revenue compared to April 2023, California continues to lead the pack in pre-roll sales thanks to its robust and mature cannabis market.

Fresh on California’s heels is Michigan, which has recently emerged as a significant player in the pre-roll market. Michigan sold more than $555.5 million in pre-rolls in the last 12 months and experienced a remarkable rise in total sales per month, from $36.1 million in April 2023 to $52.2 million in April 2024 – a 44.5% increase.

Michigan's pre-roll revenue is even more impressive when you consider the average item price in Michigan stands at $6.24, the lowest among the top five states in pre-roll sales and less than half the price of pre-rolls in California (where it will cost you a cool $13.97 for an average pre-roll).

Massachusetts sold $297.7 million in pre-rolls in the last 12 months – good enough for third place in tracked markets. Massachusetts has seen steady growth in its pre-roll market, with total April sales revenue increasing from $23.1 million to $25.5 million this year.

Rounding out the top 5 are Arizona and Illinois, which had $204.4 million and $201.4 million in pre-roll sales in the last 12 months, respectively. Illinois sold $18.2 million in pre-rolls in April, up 21% from the $15.1 million in pre-roll sales last April. Arizona maintained a strong position in the pre-roll market despite experiencing a slight, 2% decline in April sales this year.

Total Units Sold Per Month

A closer look at the total units sold per month provides additional insights into the performance of pre-roll markets. Michigan stands out for its substantial increase in units sold. There were more than 8.5 million pre-roll units sold in Michigan this April, a remarkable 97% increase from April 2023 and nearly double the number of pre-rolls sold in the second highest state. This rapid growth signifies that the Wolverine State will be a major player in the pre-roll market for the foreseeable future.

California also shows impressive numbers, with 4.46 million units sold in April 2024, up 9% over April of last year. Despite the slight decrease in monthly revenue, the volume of units sold highlights California's significant market presence and consistent consumer base.

Other top sellers include Massachusetts which experienced 48% jump in April sales from 2023 to 2024 with 2.86 million and Arizona which continues to be a strong and steady pre-roll state with 1.62 million units sold in April, good for a 24% increase over last April.

New Markets Take Off

The last 12 months have witnessed significant growth in several emerging pre-roll cannabis markets, driven by recent legalization efforts and expanding consumer bases.

Maryland, for instance, has experienced a phenomenal increase in pre-roll sales since cannabis was fully legalized in May 2023. Despite ranking 12th in pre-roll sales revenue in the last 12 months (beating only the fledgling New York market), Maryland experienced a meteoric 231% increase in year over year April pre-roll sales this year. Maryland’s April sales skyrocketed from $2.9 million last April to $9.5 million this April, highlighting the impact of legalization and the strong consumer interest in pre-roll products. This rapid growth positions Maryland as one of the most promising new markets in the cannabis industry, with uncapped potential once prices level out in this emerging market.

Missouri has also seen substantial growth in pre-roll sales despite their slow rollout of legal adult-use cannabis, which began in February 2023. Their April pre-roll sales revenue increased by 36% this year, going from $9.3 million last year to $12.7 million this year. Similarly, Florida, although not fully legal for recreational use, experienced a 24% increase in April pre-roll sales revenue – growing from $8.6 million to an impressive $10.6 million. If Florida voters approve a recreational market, the Sunshine State could see an even more substantial boost, making it a key state to watch. While these emerging markets still lag behind more mature states, the promising increase in monthly pre-roll sales shows the potential of these markets in the future.

Markets are Moving Rapidly

The pre-roll cannabis market in the U.S. is evolving rapidly, with significant growth in emerging markets like Maryland, while established markets like California continue to lead despite minor setbacks.

Recent data indicates a vibrant and competitive landscape where market dynamics vary widely from state to state. Understanding these trends is crucial for cannabis businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of the market and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Whether it's adapting to competitive pricing in Michigan or preparing for potential market expansions in states like Florida, staying informed is key to success. Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to our newsletter, where we provide regular updates, insights, and data on the cannabis market. Join us as we continue to explore the exciting developments in this fast-growing industry.

*Note: Data for this report comes from real-time sales reporting by participating cannabis retailers via their point-of-sale systems, which are linked up with Headset’s business intelligence software. Headset’s data is very reliable, as it comes digitally direct from our partner retailers. This includes data from the following markets: AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NV, NY, OR, & WA.