#145: Joint or Cone? How to Choose the Right Pre-Roll for You
#145: Joint or Cone? How to Choose the Right Pre-Roll for You
There's more to pre-rolls than meets the eye. Behind every smokable joint lies craftsmanship, technique, and technology that can enhance or detract from your cannabis experience. Understanding the differences between rolled joints and stuffed cones can help you make informed choices and enjoy a superior smoking session.
The cannabis industry has come a long way from the days when all pre-rolls were created equal. Today's market offers a variety of options, each with its own unique benefits and characteristics. At the heart of this evolution lies a fundamental question: should cannabis be rolled like a traditional joint, or packed into pre-made cones?
Traditional rolling, modern innovation
Rolled joints represent the traditional approach to pre-roll creation, where cannabis flower is carefully placed on rolling papers and then wrapped by hand or machine into a perfectly cylindrical shape. Achieving the perfect roll requires skill, patience, and practice to master the art of joint craftsmanship.

At Herbal Dispatch, we've embraced the cutting-edge technology of the RollPros Blackbird rolling machine to create our premium rolled joints. This revolutionary machine actually rolls each joint from scratch, mimicking the hand-rolling process that cannabis enthusiasts have perfected over decades.
Created by Kyle Loucks, an ex-Facebook engineer, the Blackbird uses patented TruRoll™ technology that employs radial compression to create uniform, high-density joints with consistent draw and burn characteristics. Its precision-engineered design ensures a consistent density and even burn for each joint, resulting in a smooth smoking experience every time.
The locked-in 11.5% moisture content that preserves the flower's natural terpene profile sets our Blackbird joints apart. Traditional cone-filling methods often struggle with fresh, sticky cannabis, forcing manufacturers to over-dry their flower or use shake and trim instead of premium whole flower. This is where advanced rolling technology like the Blackbird shines, handling sticky flower with ease while maintaining product quality.
Blackbird joints offer superior airflow control, as the rolling process creates a consistent density throughout the entire joint. This translates to an even burn with no canoeing or running, and a smooth draw that doesn't require excessive effort. Additionally, rolled joints tend to burn more slowly and evenly, maximizing the cannabis experience while minimizing waste.
Why cones are a crowd favourite
Stuffed cones take a different approach, using pre-manufactured paper cones that are then filled with ground cannabis. This method has gained popularity due to its speed and simplicity, making it accessible to both commercial producers and home consumers.

The cone-stuffing process typically involves vibration and gravity to pack cannabis into the cone's tapered shape. This creates the familiar funnel-like structure that many consumers associate with pre-rolls. As the cone burns, the hits gradually become smaller, providing a more controlled experience as the smoker becomes more and more high.
One popular finishing technique for stuffed cones is the Dutch fold or Dutch crown. Instead of twisting the top of the cone like a traditional joint, the Dutch fold creates a flat, professional-looking finish. This technique involves crimping the excess paper inward and then folding it down in sections to create a clean, crown-like top. Many users prefer this method because it's easier to light than a twisted top and can help prevent canoeing during the initial burn.
Standard cones provide the traditional funnel shape, while specialized options like blunt tubes offer larger capacity for extended sessions. The choice of cone size, from dogwalker minis holding 0.3 grams to king-size options holding up to 2 grams, depends on personal preference and the desired smoking experience.
While stuffed cones offer convenience and consistency, they do have limitations. The cone-filling process can struggle with sticky, high-quality flower, often requiring producers to use drier cannabis or add vibration that can damage trichomes. Additionally, the pre-made cone structure may not always provide optimal airflow, potentially leading to uneven burns or draw resistance.
Your pre-roll journey starts here
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our diverse pre-roll lineup, which showcases both rolled and stuffed options to meet every consumer's preferences. Here are some of the highlights from our selection:
Straight-Cut (Rolled) Options:
Hippie Headbanger Pre-Rolls: A sativa-dominant strain with 24.0% THC that showcases the Sour Diesel x Biker Kush genetics in 0.5-gram formats.
Diamond-Infused Pre-Rolls: Take your pre-rolls to the next level with these diamond-infused options, available in 1-gram straight cut formats.
Loosies Mac OG Pre-Rolls: Big format, big flavour. These 1-gram, hybrid pre-rolls are packed with 25% THC and feature a unique blend of OG Kush genetics.
Sour CBD Pre-Rolls: This Weathered Island's favourite features 19.7% CBD with a hint of THC, making it a great option for those looking for a gentle experience.
Loosies Rotating Indica Pre-Rolls: If convenience is what you're after, check out these rotating Indica pre-rolls from Loosies, available in 10, 56, or 80 cones per pack.
Dutch Folds Indica Pre-Rolls: These hand-rolled Indica pre-rolls from Dutch Folds offer a craft cannabis experience at a value price. Each pack contains 3 cones.
Resin Roll Gelato #41 Infused Pre-Roll: A 0.7-gram cone featuring 38.4% THC and enhanced with Gelato resin for a potent, flavorful experience.
Bazookas Pre-Rolls: Indica-dominant cones with 25.6% THC and 3.3% terpenes, featuring Bubblegum Biscotti x Grape Gasoline genetics in convenient 0.6-gram sizes.
33 Splitter Glass-Tipped Pre-Roll: Indulge in this premium pre-roll featuring 1 gram of Woody Nelson's 33 Splitter and glass tip technology for enhanced cooling and filtration.
More than a roll, it’s a craft
As the cannabis industry continues to innovate, premium pre-rolls are setting a new standard for quality, convenience, and enjoyment. From expertly selected strains to cutting-edge features like glass tips, these products are redefining the user experience. No longer are pre-rolls just an afterthought or a quick fix; they are becoming a sought-after item for those looking for a top-notch cannabis experience.
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