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Missouri Cannabis Education
What Different Kinds of Pre-Rolls Can I Find at Dispensaries?
by Leah Maurer, contributing writer
Cannabis pre-rolls( joints) have become one of the most convenient and approachable product categories in today’ s legal market. For many cannabis consumers, especially those who prefer smoking, pre-rolls provide an easy, ready-to-use option that doesn’ t require grinding, rolling skills, or accessories. Whether someone is new to cannabis or simply wants a fast and reliable way to enjoy their favorite strains, the range of pre-roll options available at dispensaries has expanded significantly in recent years.
Today’ s pre-rolls vary in size, potency, infusion methods, packaging formats, and overall experiences. Understanding these differences can help consumers choose the right product for their personal preferences, tolerance, and intended use. Not all dispensaries will carry all these varieties, but learning about the options available in the market can help so that pre-roll choices are not overwhelming when you shop!
Standard Pre-Rolls
Traditional cannabis pre-rolls are the most familiar type shoppers encounter. These typically contain ground flower rolled into a paper cone or cylinder with a filter tip. The flower quality can vary depending on the product brand and the use premium buds, shake, or trim, which once dominated this category. Standard pre-rolls generally weigh between 0.5 grams and 1 gram, making them versatile enough for both solo use and sharing.
What makes classic pre-rolls appealing is consistency for consumption. Consumers know they will get a straightforward smoking experience that typically captures a strainspecific aroma, flavor, and effect profile. They also tend to be the most affordable pre-roll option, making them a good starting point for people who are experimenting with cannabis or want to try several strains
12 January 2026
without committing to larger quantities. Most dispensaries keep a wide assortment of standard pre-rolls on hand, ranging from high- THC cultivars to CBD-dominant options and balanced hybrids.
Mini Pre-Rolls
Mini pre-rolls, sometimes referred to as“ dogwalkers,” have become especially popular among consumers who prefer smaller or single-serve smoke sessions. These pre-rolls usually weigh around 0.25 grams or less than 0.5 grams each. Their name comes from the idea that they’ re the perfect size for a quick smoke break or a short dog-walk around the block.
For newer cannabis users or individuals with lower tolerance, minis offer an approachable way to enjoy the sensory and euphoric benefits of cannabis without committing to a full gram. They also offer a quicker, more discreet option compared to a larger or standard pre-roll. Additionally, consumers can open one at a time rather than leaving a larger joint half-finished, so the cannabis flower is fresher when you light it. Brands typically offer mini pre-rolls in multipacks, often with 3-10 minis per pack rather than the 1 or 2 you might see in a standard pre-roll tube.
King-Size / Large Pre-Rolls
On the other end of the spectrum are kingsize and large-format pre-rolls, which appeal to consumers who want a longer session or need to consume more cannabis in general. These pre-rolls are also ideal for sharing with others, especially in bigger groups. They can weigh more than 1 gram, typically between 2 and 3 grams, but sometimes more. Some specialty brands sell king-size or oversized joints specifically for group smoking situations, parties, or celebratory moments.
Larger pre-rolls usually burn longer, allowing consumers to enjoy more of the strain’ s terpene profile over time. However, these larger formats are best suited for people with higher tolerance levels or for social gatherings, as finishing a large pre-roll alone can be far too much for some. Nonetheless, many consumers appreciate the value they provide. Gram-for-gram, king-size options tend to be more cost-effective than standard or smaller single pre-rolls.
Infused Pre-Rolls
Infused pre-rolls represent one of the fastestgrowing subcategories in the cannabis market. These pre-rolls feature cannabis flower combined with high-potency concentrates like kief, hash, live resin, rosin, THC distillate, diamonds, or a mix of these concentrates. Sometimes the concentrate is mixed into the flower inside the pre-roll, sometimes it is rolled around the outside of the pre-roll on the rolling paper, and sometimes both! The result is a significantly stronger product with elevated THC percentages and more intense effects.
Because of the infusion process, many infused pre-rolls burn more slowly and produce a heavier, more flavorful smoke, especially when made with terpene-rich extracts like live resin.