New to Prerolls? Don’t sweat it. Prerolls are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to light up, kick back, and explore the world of cannabis. Maybe you’ve seen them lined up in a dispensary, perfectly packed and ready to go. Maybe you’ve smoked a few but never really knew the difference between an infused and a standard joint. Or maybe you’re just tired of trying to roll your own and ending up with a lopsided mess (hey, it happens). Whatever brought you here, welcome.

We’re breaking it down. No jargon, no pressure, just everything you need to know before you spark up.

Wait, What Is a Preroll?

A Quick Definition

A preroll is exactly what it sounds like: a joint that’s already been rolled for you. Usually filled with ground cannabis flower and sometimes enhanced with extra goodies like concentrates or kief for an extra kick.

Think of it like the to-go coffee of the cannabis world. No setup, no cleanup, just pop it out of the tube and light up.

Most come with a filter at the end which helps with airflow and keeps the tip from collapsing. If you’ve ever tried to roll your own and ended up with something that looked like a crushed croissant, you’ll understand the appeal. No rolling, no mess, no “did I do this right?” Just a quick and easy way to get high (or just chill)

Why Prerolls Are Perfect for Newbies

If you’re just getting started with cannabis, prerolls are honestly a dream and one of the easiest entry points for folks new to cannabis. Here’s why they’re a great move:

• No skills required – You don’t need to roll, grind, or guess. Even the best hand-rollers mess up sometimes. Prerolls are tightly packed, evenly rolled, and burn better.
• Consistency – You know exactly what you’re getting in terms of weight, strain, and potency.
• Small commitment – Want to try a new strain without committing to a full eighth? Grab a preroll.
• Budget-friendly – Many prerolls start under $10. Ripe Cannabis even has prerolls starting as low as $6.
• Ready when you are – Whether it’s a solo session or passing one around at a party, they’re perfect on the fly.

They’re also a great way to explore new effects without diving into more intense formats like edibles or vapes.

Types of Prerolls You’ll See

There’s a whole world beyond the basic joint and not all are created equal. Here’s what you’ll likely see at a cannabis dispensary such as Ripe Cannabis:

Classic Flower Prerolls

Your standard roll filled with cannabis flower in a paper cone. No additives or concentrates, just pure flower. Smooth, easy, and perfect for any time of day. At our dispensary, we usually refer to them as non-infused prerolls. Rolling Green and ADK make some of the best non-infused prerolls on the market.

Infused Prerolls

These are for when you want to level up. Next-level stuff. They pack a punch and are packed with extras like THC distillate, live resin, or dusted in kief. They hit harder, last longer, and are great for experienced smokers or special occasions.

Heads up: if you’re new, go easy on these. They’re potent.

Flavored Prerolls

Some are rolled with flavored papers or infused with natural terpenes to mimic tastes like mango, mint, or vanilla. Ideal for users who don’t love the earthy flavor of weed.

Minis vs. Full Size

Some prerolls are mini joints, just a few puffs. Theyre usually around 0.3g - 0.5g each and great if you don’t want to commit or plan to fly solo. Others are longer king-size cones, perfect for sharing or sinking into the couch.

How to Pick the Right One

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Brand reputation

Stick to trusted names like Rolling green, ADK, Heady Tree or Rec Roots. These aren't the only brands that put out a good preroll, but it's a good place to start.

Look for details on whether it’s sativa, indica, or hybrid and what effects you can expect.



• Sativa – Energetic, uplifting, creativity-boosting. Best for daytime.
• Indica – Relaxing, calming, couch-lock vibes. Great for nighttime.
• Hybrid – A mix of both worlds. Good for anytime.

Not sure? Ask one of our budtenders what kind of mood you’re going for. They’ve heard it all, trust me.

Higher isn’t always better. If you’re just starting out, stick with lower THC content (under 20%) or try a CBD-dominant option. You can always work your way up. Anything above 25% will likely be very potent.

Infused prerolls are stronger and more expensive. If you want a mellow ride, stick with flower-only.

How to Smoke a Preroll (Without Looking Like a Rookie)

Lighting a joint isn’t rocket science, but there is a little finesse involved.

1. Toast the tip – Use a lighter to slowly rotate and evenly burn the end before you take your first puff. By letting it cherry first, it helps it burn straight.
2. Take slow, gentle pulls – Don’t try to inhale like it’s your first cigarette in a teen drama. Just smooth and steady breaths.
3. Pace yourself – Wait a few minutes before taking more hits. Cannabis can sneak up on you.
4. Ash gently – Don’t tap the joint aggressively. Just a light flick will do.

Tip:  if your joint starts burning unevenly (a “canoe”), lick your finger and gently dab the faster-burning side to even it out. Classic fix.

What to Expect After You Light Up

Depending on the strain and your tolerance, you might feel relaxed, giggly, creative, sleepy, or all of the above. Some joints hit quick, others build slowly. Either way, have water, snacks, and a chill spot ready.

Pro tip: If you’re not used to smoking, take it easy. You can always smoke more, but you can’t un-smoke something too strong.

Tips for First-Timers

Everyone was a first-timer at one point.

• Start with half if you’re not sure how strong it is.
• Hydrate - cottonmouth is real.
• Don’t overdo it - take breaks between hits.
• Smoke in a chill, safe place where you can relax if it hits stronger than expected.
• Eat beforehand to help smooth out the effects.

Common Questions About Prerolls (Answered)

Are prerolls less potent than flower?

Not necessarily. It depends on the strain and whether it’s infused.

Yes. Over time, they dry out and lose flavor and potency. Store them well and use them within a few weeks for best results.

Lick your finger and tap the faster-burning side to slow it down. Try rotating it more slowly while you smoke.

Totally. Just stub it out gently and reseal the tube. It might smell stronger next time, though!

Final Puff: Is a Preroll Right for You?

Let’s be real. If you’ve ever looked at your grinder like “not today,” prerolls might be your thing. They’re made for the people who like their weed like their weekend plans: low-effort, high-reward. Whether you’re new to the game or just not in the mood to roll your own (we get it), prerolls are the shortcut to a good time. At Ripe Cannabis, we don’t do half-baked. Our prerolls are stuffed with whole ground flower, not sticks and stems. So yeah, if you like easy highs and zero effort, a preroll’s probably right for you.

Where to Find the Best Prerolls in Schenectady NY

When it comes to finding high-quality prerolls in Schenectady, Ripe Cannabis has you covered. We have options for every kind of smoker. From classic strains to infused favorites, and everything in between. Stop by and chat with our team, or browse our preroll menu. Either way, we’ll help you find the perfect preroll.