The Great Debate

It's one of the most common questions we get: should I buy pre-rolls or flower? The honest answer is that both have their place, and many cannabis consumers keep both on hand for different situations. Let's break down the differences so you can decide what's right for you.

Pre-Rolls: Convenience in a Cone

Pre-rolls are exactly what they sound like—joints that come ready to smoke. No grinding, no rolling, no supplies needed. Just light and enjoy.

Pros of Pre-Rolls

• Ultimate convenience: Ready to go right out of the package
• No equipment needed: No grinder, papers, or rolling skills required
• Portability: Easy to take on the go
• Portion control: Know exactly how much you're consuming
• Great for sharing: Perfect for social situations
• Consistency: Machine-rolled joints burn evenly

Cons of Pre-Rolls

• Less fresh: Pre-ground cannabis loses terpenes faster
• Quality questions: Some producers use trim or shake (though premium options use whole flower)
• Less control: Can't adjust the size or tightness
• Higher per-gram cost: You're paying for the convenience
• Commitment: Once lit, you're committed to that strain and amount

Flower: The Full Experience

Buying whole flower means purchasing cannabis buds that you'll grind and roll (or vape, or pipe) yourself.

Pros of Flower

• Maximum freshness: Whole buds preserve terpenes longer
• Quality transparency: You can see exactly what you're getting
• Flexibility: Roll any size, use in pipes, bongs, or vaporizers
• Better value: Lower cost per gram
• Customization: Mix strains, adjust portions as needed
• The ritual: Some people enjoy the process of grinding and rolling

Cons of Flower

• Requires equipment: Need a grinder at minimum, plus papers or a device
• Learning curve: Rolling takes practice
• Less portable: More conspicuous than a pre-roll tube
• Time investment: Preparation takes a few minutes
• Messier: Grinding and rolling can be messy

What About Quality?

There's a persistent myth that pre-rolls are made from low-quality cannabis. While this may have been true in the early days of legalization, the market has evolved significantly.

Today's pre-roll options include:

• Budget pre-rolls: May contain trim, shake, or machine-processed flower
• Mid-range pre-rolls: Milled whole flower, solid quality
• Premium pre-rolls: Hand-selected flower, sometimes hand-rolled
• Infused pre-rolls: Coated with concentrates or kief for extra potency

The key is reading labels and knowing what you're buying. At Smokey's, we carry pre-rolls at every quality level and can tell you exactly what's inside.

When to Choose Pre-Rolls

• You're new to cannabis and don't have equipment yet
• You're going to a concert, camping, or somewhere portability matters
• You want to try a new strain without committing to a larger quantity
• You value convenience over customization
• You're buying for a group or social event

When to Choose Flower

• You smoke regularly and want the best value
• Freshness and terpene preservation are priorities
• You enjoy the ritual of rolling your own
• You want to use a bong, pipe, or dry herb vaporizer
• You like to mix strains or control your portions precisely

The Hybrid Approach

Many of our customers do both:

• Flower at home: Where you have your grinder and supplies
• Pre-rolls on the go: For convenience when you're out

This gives you the best of both worlds—value and freshness when you're relaxing at home, convenience when life gets busy.

Infused Pre-Rolls: A Third Option

Worth mentioning: infused pre-rolls have become increasingly popular. These are pre-rolls enhanced with:

• Kief: Adds potency and flavour
• Hash: Traditional, smooth addition
• Live resin/rosin: Maximum terpenes and potency
• Distillate: Pure THC boost

If you want convenience AND a premium experience, infused pre-rolls might be your answer.

Find Your Preference at Smokey's

We stock a wide selection of both flower and pre-rolls, from budget-friendly options to top-shelf craft cannabis. Not sure which route to take? Our budtenders can show you what's available and help you find the right fit for your needs and budget.