Pre-roll cones are a great option if you’re looking for a convenient, easy-to-use alternative to traditional rolling papers. If you’re interested in trying them out yourself, you’ve come to the right place! I’m Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and social media educator, and I’ll explain the process of packing a pre-roll cone step-by-step. I’ll also explain what pre-rolls are and why they’re beneficial, provide expert tips, and answer some common FAQs. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
How to Pack a Pre-Roll
Start by grinding up your cannabis. Next, pack a layer of weed into the bottom of the cone, and use a packing tool to tamp it down evenly. Keep adding layers of weed and tamping them down until you’re about half an inch from the top of the cone. Twist the top of the cone shut, then light it and enjoy.
Steps
How to Pack a Pre-Roll Cone
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Get a grinder and a packing tool. If you’re packing a pre-roll cone, you’ll want a few key supplies close at hand. These include a grinder (to get your cannabis into a consistent, medium-fine size), a rolling tray (to keep everything contained), your pre-roll cones, your cannabis, and a packing tool (to pack your cannabis down into the cone).
- Sometimes, cones will come with a straw or wooden stick to use as a packing tool, but I like using a chopstick. Keys, pens, and pencils also work—feel free to get creative!
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Grind your weed evenly. Place your cannabis flower into your grinder and grind it into a medium-fine consistency. A grinder helps ensure everything is the same size, which is especially important for smooth, even packing. You can also break it up by hand if you don’t have a grinder, but this often leads to unevenness and risks tearing the paper.
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Pack your first layer of weed into the pre-roll cone. Place a little bit of your weed into the pre-roll cone, and use your packing tool to tamp down the flower evenly, like you would with an espresso shot. If your weed is sticky, it will compact easily, but if it’s drier, you’ll need to be more careful. Use medium pressure as you press down.
- You can use the cone to scoop up the flower directly from the grinder or rolling tray to make it easier.
- Take your time and pay extra attention to this base layer. The bottom of the cone needs to be packed the most tightly out of all the layers to keep the joint from flopping over. You want it packed tightly enough to give the joint structure, but not so tightly that you block airflow.
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Continue adding and packing down your weed. Add in a bit more flower, tamp it down, and repeat until you’re about half an inch from the top of the cone. This gradual layering keeps the joint stable.
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Twist the top of the pre-roll cone shut. Once you’re done packing in your weed, twist the paper at the top to close it. This keeps the flower secure and makes lighting the joint easier.
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Light your joint and enjoy. Hold the joint in your hand and torch the twisted tip for about ten seconds with your lighter, rotating the cone to make sure you get an even burn. The paper should go from a lighter color to a darker brown or black color. Next, put it in your mouth and take small micro puffs.
- Don’t take deep inhales at this point—this can cause “canoeing,” where one side burns faster than the other. Once you see the cherry glow evenly around the top, you can start taking larger pulls.