The pre-roll cone is the top-selling product and no.1 add-on at dispensaries across the
country, becoming a symbol of the legal cannabis movement. Convenient and
affordable, these ready-to-smoke joints are easy to carry and come in a variety of
styles, making them a popular choice for on-the-go use.
But for a fully customizable experience, including not only the flower and size, but paper
and filter type as well, nothing beats packing your own pre-rolls at home. You can pack
up the strain – or strains – of your choice in your favorite paper and filter combo, and
even infuse it with your own concentrates for an extra flavor and potency boost.
Simply put, crafting your own pre-roll allows you to tailor your joint to your liking and enjoy a more customized cannabis session. But how exactly do you pack up a professional quality pre-roll at home?
We’ve got some tips.
What is a Pre-roll?
A pre-roll is essentially a ready-to-smoke joint that saves you the effort of rolling it
yourself. They are usually pre-filled and packed into pre-made cones or tubes available
at dispensaries.
However, any joint that is ready-to-go and doesn’t require immediate rolling can be considered a pre-roll, particularly if you prefer packing up a cone to twisting a joint out of rolling papers. Modern pre-rolls and pre-rolled cones come in various styles, including infused options and novelty shapes like cross joints, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Where To Begin
First, choose your cones.
You can, of course, roll your own cones using rolling paper and a filter or crutch, a small
piece of cardboard to add structure to the non-lit end of the pre-roll. But there are also
pre-made pre-roll cones available from multiple major brands, including companies like
DaySavers, which not only make a high-quality cone, but also test it to the highest standards in the industry for microbials, heavy metals and pesticides.
Popular pre-rolled cone types include:
Refined White Cones: Offer a clean, smooth burn without interfering with the flavor of
the flower.
Natural Brown Cones: Provide a rustic, earthy smoking experience.
Organic Hemp Cones: Eco-friendly and impart a unique flavor.
Hemp Wrap Blunts: Add a robust, slightly sweet undertone.
Fill-A-Blunts: Classic blunt experience without tobacco or nicotine.
You can further personalize and upgrade your experience with the addition of premium filter
tips, like wood, glass or ceramic. These tips enhance airflow and prevent “Scooby Snacks” from getting through.
You can also purchase cones and tubes with filter tips already in place or simply attach the tip during rolling for a premium smoking experience.
You can even stuff the end of your pre-roll into a filter for a quick and easy way to reap the benefits.
Final Prep Work
The next step is selecting your flower. Like the paper you choose, this is the opportunity
to further personalize your pre-roll in a way not always available in stores, since not
every company makes a pre-roll of every strain.
Select quality cannabis flower based on your desired flavor and effects. Simply grab your favorite and get grinding! And make no mistake: creating your own pre-roll starts with proper grinding. An optimal
grind ensures an even burn and sets the foundation for a quality smoking experience. We recommend about 7-10 turns on a standard hand-grinder to reach a good, packable consistency.
Get Packing
After you’ve ground your weed and chosen your pre-rolled cone it’s time to start
packing. To add precision in packing, consider using tools such as a pencil, packing tool
or even a credit card. Choose a flat, stable surface, like a rolling tray, to facilitate an
even packing process.
Start by adding your flower to the cone. Do this gradually, adding small amounts at a
time. If you have a small funnel, this can make the process easier. This step is crucial,
as it ensures an even distribution of particles, preventing air pockets that can lead to
canoeing, so take your time here, especially at first.
To further settle the cannabis and promote a tight pack, gently tap the filter side of the
pre-roll on the flat surface and let gravity do the work for you. Periodically check the
density by gently squeezing the pre-roll. Look for a firm, but not tight, consistency.
An even pack ensures an even burn and a delightful smoking experience. Once filled, twist the open end or fold it over on top of itself using your packing tool to seal the deal.
The Easy: The Perfect Pack Machine
For the easier way to pack your cones your way, use the Perfect Pack machine. This
pre roll machine fills pre-rolled cones and tubes quickly and efficiently.
Simply place the cone over the machine’s metal tube, fill the tray with cannabis, and
press the button. The machine does the rest, ensuring a perfectly packed pre-roll in
seconds. All you must do is seal and light it.
Advanced Pre-Roll Packing
Once you get the basics down, feel free to experiment with new shapes or adding
concentrates. For example, the cross joint, as seen in the movie Pineapple Express, can now be put
together easily at home. Simply use a Smoke Temple cross joint and a packing tool to fill all three ends with cannabis, twist, grab a friend and light. Infusing your pre-rolls with concentrates adds unique flavors and effects. Choose a concentrate like kief, hash, shatter or wax, blend it evenly with ground cannabis and fill your cone.
Making your own pre-rolls offers a personalized, enjoyable cannabis experience. Whether you prefer the precision of using machines or the hands-on approach of rolling, creating your own pre-rolls can be a fun and rewarding process. With some basic smoking accessories like cones, papers, a grinder, and packing tools, you can easily craft artisanal pre-rolls tailored exactly to your preferences for strain, flavor, potency, size, and more for the perfect personalized smoke.
