If you spend any time shopping for cannabis products, you’re likely to come across pre rolls. A popular choice among old school smokers and modern cannabis users who prefer convenience and quality, pre rolls are ready-to-go cannabis joints made up of ground flower and smoke-friendly rolling paper. 

Joints have been around for a long time, but the term “pre roll” became much more popular after recreational cannabis became more widely available over a decade ago. The change in terminology has left many to wonder, what are pre rolls? But the answer is simple: pre rolls are ready-to-purchase cannabis joints that require no extra work. We’ll go over everything you need to know in this 2026 pre roll guide. 

Pre roll definition and components

The definition of pre roll hasn’t evolved much over the years, though there have been many innovations in the pre roll sector. Still, the basics of a pre roll are simple: it’s a ready-to-smoke joint. 

Here’s what pre rolls are made of:

• Ground cannabis 

• The amount can range from small pre rolls of 0.5 grams or less to extra large pre rolls with several grams. Many people prefer one-gram pre rolls because they are not too big, not too small, and can be consumed in one or multiple sessions depending on the user’s preference. 

• Rolling paper

• Made of thin, lightweight specialty paper designed for smoking, rolling paper is what holds the ground cannabis together in pre rolls. Rolling paper materials can range from rice and bamboo to hemp, flax, and other materials. They generally include a water-activated adhesive strip used to seal the pre roll. 

• Filter/crutch: 

• Quality pre rolls always include a rolled-up filter, often made of thick sturdy paper or thin cardboard. The filter (sometimes called a crutch) provides structural support and prevents you from inhaling small bits of cannabis. 

What varieties of pre rolls are available in 2026?

While pre rolls themselves are not a new innovation, there are more options available now than ever. All pre rolls contain the same basic elements of ground cannabis rolled up in a rolling paper with a filter, but there are plenty of varieties to choose from these days. 

Pre roll strain varieties

Pre rolls come in a variety of strain options. Most strains you can find in flower form are also available as a pre roll in many cases. You can choose between sativa, indica, and hybrid pre rolls depending on your desired effects. 

Infused pre rolls

A newer innovation in the pre roll world, infused pre rolls take the experience of smoking a joint to the next level. Infused pre rolls include ground cannabis flower with the added bonus of cannabis concentrates. This addition creates a much more potent pre roll that’s not for the faint of heart. 

Sungrown pre rolls

Made with outdoor-grown cannabis powered by the sun, sungrown pre rolls are perfect for smokers who prefer a terpene-rich, sun-powered experience. 

Indoor pre rolls 

Grown indoors with a controlled environment, indoor pre rolls are praised for their consistency and quality. 

THC vs THCa pre rolls

If you’ve looked into buying cannabis online, you may have noticed a different type of pre roll on the market: THCa pre rolls. So what are pre rolls made from THCa and how do they differ from regular THC ones?

THCa pre rolls are grown to contain less than 0.3% THC. By staying under this THC content, THCa pre rolls are legally considered hemp and can be sold online and over the counter. They are federally legal and compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill.

But when it comes to uses and effects, THCa pre rolls are exactly the same as THC pre rolls. When you heat your THCa pre roll with a lighter, the heat causes the non-intoxicating THCa compounds to convert into THC (the compound in cannabis that gets you high). 

How to use a pre roll 

Using pre rolls couldn’t be easier. Because they’re already rolled and ready to go, you just need to find a lighter to get started. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a pre roll:

1. Buy your preferred strain and variety of pre roll online or in store. 

2. Place the end of the pre roll with the filter in your mouth. 

3. Use a lighter to evenly heat the end of the pre roll 

4. Once the materials have ignited, inhale 

Start slowly with your first inhale to ensure the pre roll is well lit and not too harsh. You’ll know you lit the pre roll properly if it continues to slowly burn and the tip glows red as you inhale. 

Practice good pre roll etiquette 

If you’re smoking alone in a private space, go and have fun. Just be sure to have an ashtray available and make sure you fully extinguish your pre roll when done. 

Pre rolls are also great for social smoking. But there are some rules to proper pre roll etiquette that you should always follow:

Avoid smoking in public spaces

For many people, the smell and smoke from pre rolls can be harmful or annoying. Beyond this, it’s generally not legal to smoke cannabis in a public space. Even if you’re using federally legal THCa pre rolls, it’s a good idea to know the local and state regulations to avoid legal trouble. 

If there are children or other people around who do not want to smell smoke, it’s always a good move to relocate. 

Pass regularly and don’t cut in line

Never hold on to the pre roll for too long. Always pass it to the next person once you’re done with your turn.

Some people stick to a “pass the pre roll to the left” rule no matter what. If you and your friends establish a different rotation, that’s okay. Just be consistent about it and don’t skip anyone unless they ask to be skipped. 

Ash before passing

To avoid a mess or burning anyone, it’s always a good idea to give your pre roll a little flick before passing it along. 

Contribute regularly

If you are always partaking in a pre roll circle but never bringing any pre rolls to share, people may start to notice. While it’s great to be generous and share once in a while, it’s generally accepted that everyone should contribute to the smoke session if it’s a regular occurrence. 

Don’t pressure anyone

If someone doesn’t want to smoke, wants to pass on their turn, or otherwise is not interested in partaking, accept their wishes. It’s never a good look to try to pressure someone into using any substance. Respect their wishes and skip their turn. 

Where to buy pre rolls in 2026

You can buy pre rolls in many places these days. Those who live in states with legal recreational cannabis can visit a dispensary to stock up on pre rolls of all kinds. Others may opt to buy pre rolls online. 

When you buy pre rolls in a dispensary, you can rest assured that the product has undergone testing for purity and potency. If you choose to order THCA pre rolls online, just make sure you shop from a brand that offers transparent lab test results and stays compliant with federal regulations.