Pre-Rolls or Roll Your Own? The Ultimate Guide to Pros and Cons

When it comes to enjoying cannabis, one of the oldest and most popular consumption methods is the classic joint. Whether you’re lighting up for relaxation, creativity, or medicinal purposes, joints remain a simple and effective way to experience cannabis. But this brings up an important question for many cannabis consumers: should you buy pre-rolls or roll your own joints?

Both options come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Some users swear by the convenience of pre-rolls, while others prefer the control and ritual of rolling their own. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of pre-rolls vs. rolling your own, and help you decide which option is best for your lifestyle.

What Are Pre-Rolls?

They are professionally rolled cannabis joints that are ready to smoke straight out of the package. They are typically filled with ground cannabis flower and wrapped in rolling paper, often with a crutch (filter tip) included.

Pre-rolls are one of the most convenient ways to consume cannabis, especially for new users or those who don’t have the tools (or patience) to roll their own. Dispensaries often sell them individually or in multipacks, making them accessible and easy to buy.

What Does It Mean to Roll Your Own?

Rolling your own joints means buying cannabis flower and then preparing the joint yourself using rolling papers, a grinder, and a filter. This method gives you full control over the strain, amount, and quality of cannabis you’re smoking.

While it requires more effort, many enthusiasts enjoy the ritual of rolling and consider it part of the overall cannabis experience. For some, it’s even meditative and social — a skill passed down among friends and fellow cannabis lovers.

Pros of Buying Pre-Rolls

1. Convenience

The biggest advantage of pre rolls is instant readiness. You don’t need to grind, measure, or roll — just light it up and enjoy. Perfect for busy users or those who value simplicity.

2. Great for Beginners

If you’re new to cannabis, rolling a joint can be intimidating. Pre-rolls eliminate the learning curve, letting beginners enjoy cannabis without worrying about technique.

3. Consistency

Dispensary pre—rolls are often made with professional machines, resulting in evenly packed joints that burn smoothly from start to finish.

4. Portability

Pre-rolls are easy to carry discreetly. Many come in protective tubes or packs that fit in your pocket or bag, making them perfect for on-the-go use.

5. Affordable Testing Option

Pre-rolls allow you to try new strains without committing to buying larger quantities of flower. It’s a cost-effective way to sample what you like.

Cons of Buying Pre-Rolls

1. Questionable Quality

Not all pre-rolls are created equal. Some dispensaries use leftover shake or trim instead of top-quality flower. Unless you’re buying from a trusted source, you might not always get premium bud.

2. Limited Customization

Pre-rolls come as they are. You can’t choose the amount of cannabis, the type of rolling paper, or mix strains.

3. Cost

Pre-rolls often come at a higher price per gram compared to buying flower. You’re paying for the convenience and labor of having it rolled for you.

4. Less Freshness

Because pre-rolls sit on shelves pre—packaged, they may dry out faster than freshly rolled joints, which can affect taste and smoothness.

Pros of Rolling Your Own Joints

1. Full Control

When you roll your own, you control every aspect — from the strain and grind size to the paper type and amount of flower. This lets you create the perfect joint for your preferences.

2. Better Value

Buying loose flower and rolling your own is usually more cost-effective than buying pre-rolls. You’re not paying extra for packaging and labor.

3. Freshness

Rolling your own means your joints are always fresh, since you grind and roll right before smoking.

4. Custom Blends

Rolling your own allows you to mix strains or add concentrates like kief or hash for a more powerful experience.

5. The Ritual

Many cannabis enthusiasts enjoy the ritual of rolling — it can be meditative, social, and satisfying. For some, this process is as enjoyable as smoking itself.

Cons of Rolling Your Own Joints

1. Learning Curve

Rolling a perfect joint takes practice and patience. Beginners often struggle with uneven burns or joints that fall apart.

2. Requires Tools

To roll properly, you’ll need rolling papers, a grinder, and filters. Forget one, and the process gets more difficult.

3. Less Convenient

Rolling takes time and effort, which may not be practical if you’re on the go or want a quick session.

4. Inconsistent Results

Until you master rolling, joints may burn unevenly or be too tight/loose, affecting your smoking experience.

Pre-Rolls vs. Rolling Your Own: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between pre—rolls and rolling your own depends on your lifestyle, skill level, and preferences.

• Choose Pre-Rolls If:
  • You’re new to cannabis and don’t know how to roll.
  • You want convenience and portability.
  • You enjoy sampling different strains without committing to large amounts.
  • You don’t mind paying a little extra for convenience.
• Choose Rolling Your Own If:
  • You enjoy the ritual of rolling.
  • You want full control over strain, size, and blend.
  • You prefer cost-effective options.
  • You prioritize freshness and customization.

The Best of Both Worlds

Some cannabis users actually use both methods depending on the situation. For example, they keep pre-rolls on hand for social gatherings or when they need something quick, while rolling their own for personal sessions at home. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds.

Why MMJ Express Is the Best Place to Buy Pre-Rolls in Canada

If you’re leaning toward pre-rolls, the most important factor is where you buy them. Quality and freshness can make or break the pre-roll experience, which is why we recommend MMJ Express as the best online dispensary in Canada.

Here’s Why MMJ Express Stands Out:

• Premium Quality Pre-Rolls – Made from high-grade flower, not shake or trim.
• Wide Selection – Choose from indica, sativa, and hybrid pre-rolls to match your mood and needs.
• Fresh and Potent – Carefully rolled and packaged to maintain flavor and strength.
• Convenience – Delivered discreetly and quickly to your doorstep anywhere in Canada.
• Trusted Reputation – MMJ Express is known for consistent quality, excellent customer service, and great prices.

With MMJ Express, you can enjoy pre-rolls that are as good as (or better than) the ones you’d roll yourself — without the hassle.

Final Thoughts

So, should you buy pre-rolls or roll your own joints? The answer depends on your lifestyle and preferences.

• If you value convenience, portability, and consistency, pre-rolls are the way to go.
• If you love customization, freshness, and saving money, rolling your own may be the better choice.

At the end of the day, both methods offer unique advantages — and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy both depending on the occasion.

For Canadian cannabis enthusiasts, the best place to buy high-quality pre-rolls is without a doubt MMJ Express. With their wide selection, top-notch flower, and reliable service, you’ll always have premium pre-rolls ready whenever you need them.