Walk into any cannabis production facility, and you will see it. Rows of equipment are working to produce hundreds of pre-rolls an hour. In some facilities, the process is smooth, with operators relaxed and product looking beautiful. In others, the team is battling cone-stuffing machines that tear paper, compact flower unevenly, and require constant troubleshooting. The type of machine you choose, whether it stuffs pre-made cones or actually rolls joints, can make all the difference.
The difference is not luck. It comes down to choosing the right machine for the right job. Over the years, I have visited facilities across the country, from small craft producers to multi-state operators, and I have seen how a good equipment decision can set a team up for years of success or saddle them with ongoing headaches.
If you are considering investing in a pre-roll machine, here are a few best practices and unique factors to weigh before you sign that purchase order.
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1. Start with Your Product, Not the Machine
It is tempting to start with the catalog, flipping through models, comparing output rates, and looking for the best price. The most successful operators I have met start by defining the pre-roll they want to make.
Think about your consumer. What size are you rolling? Do you want a looser draw or a tighter pack? Are you filling with fresh, sticky flower or a drier grind? What paper type aligns with your brand?
The answers to these questions narrow the field of machines that can truly deliver your desired outcome. Choosing the wrong machine for your product style can lead to wasted inventory, poor burn quality, and frustrated customers.
2. Throughput vs. Quality: Find the Sweet Spot
Production speed matters, but it is not everything. I have seen brands chase high output numbers only to end up with joints that canoe, burn unevenly, or fail quality control.
The key is balance. A machine’s throughput should match your production goals without sacrificing consistency. Look closely at:
- Weight accuracy: Are your joints hitting the target every time?
- Flower integrity: Does the machine require a fine grind or damage trichomes?
- Moisture handling: Can it process fresh flower, or does it require a low moisture range?
In the pre-roll market, a better-smoking product will win more repeat customers than a faster-made one.
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3. Consider Ease of Use and Training
Complex machines often require extensive training and highly skilled operators. That is not a bad thing if you have a stable, experienced crew. If you are in a high-turnover environment, you may want something more intuitive.
These are some important things to look for:
- Simple controls and clear displays
- Minimal manual adjustments
- Quick changeovers between strains
An ergonomic, user-friendly design not only speeds up the training process but also reduces operator fatigue during long runs.
4. Think About Maintenance from Day One
Every machine needs care. The question is how much. Before buying, ask vendors about:
- Daily cleaning routines
- Common parts that wear out and how quickly they can be replaced
- Calibration requirements
A cheaper machine can cost more in the long run if it requires constant downtime or hard-to-find parts. Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the initial price tag.
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5. Choose a Vendor, Not Just a Machine
When you invest in a pre-roll machine, you are also choosing the team that supports it. A good vendor becomes a partner who will answer your calls, help troubleshoot, and provide training resources.
I have seen facilities thrive when they have responsive support and clear communication. I have also seen the opposite, where a lack of help leaves operators stranded mid-shift.
Ask about warranties, service response times, and whether they offer on-site training. In this business, a dependable partner can be just as valuable as the equipment itself.
6. See It Run Real Flower in Real Time
Before committing to a purchase, make sure you have seen the machine in action with real cannabis, not just filler or mock material. A live demo using actual flower will give you a much clearer picture of how it handles variables like grind, moisture content, and particle size.
During the demo, pay attention to:
- Consistency of fill
- Evenness of pack
- How long changeovers take
- Operator comfort and confidence
Don’t just stand on the sidelines. Involve the team that will be running the machine every day. Their feedback can make all the difference.
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Final Thought
A pre-roll machine is more than a piece of equipment. It is a cornerstone of your production process. Choose one that aligns with your brand’s promise, fits your team’s workflow, and can adapt as your business grows.
The best decision you can make is not about buying the fastest or cheapest option. It is about selecting the right long-term partner in your journey to deliver a product your customers will come back for again and again.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the content.