In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, pre roll joints have emerged as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing product categories. What was once a niche offering has transformed into a market powerhouse, reshaping consumer preferences and driving innovation across the sector. With new packaging solutions like wide-mouth tubes that can accommodate multiple pre roll joints in a single container, the pre-roll revolution is gaining even more momentum in 2025.
The pre roll explosion: Market growth & projections
The numbers tell an impressive story. Between June 2023 and June 2024, pre roll joints experienced the most significant increase in sales revenue among all cannabis categories, jumping nearly 12%. During this period, pre rolls generated over $4.1 billion in sales with more than 394 million units sold. This remarkable growth trajectory has continued into 2025, with pre roll joints steadily capturing a larger slice of the overall cannabis market.
Pre roll market share has risen dramatically, from 13.2% in January 2023 to a record-high 15.9% by mid-2024, and the category is on track to potentially become the largest product segment in the cannabis industry by 2030. In Canada, pre rolls have already overtaken flower as the top category, signaling a shift that many industry experts believe will soon spread across all mature cannabis markets.
Why consumers are gravitating toward pre roll joints
The surging popularity of pre roll joints can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Convenience & accessibility
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Pre roll joints offer instant gratification with no preparation required, which is a notable advantage for both novice consumers and experienced users looking for a hassle-free experience. This ready-to-use format has particular appeal in our on-the-go culture, where time and convenience are highly valued.
2. Quality & consistency improvements
Gone are the days when pre roll joints were viewed as repositories for trim and lower-quality cannabis. Today’s pre rolls feature premium flower, precise rolling techniques, and consistent quality assurance.
Advanced manufacturing technology has dramatically improved the consistency, burn rate, and overall experience of pre roll joints.
3. Product diversification & innovation
The pre roll category has evolved far beyond the basic joint. Consumers now have access to an impressive array of options:
- Infused pre rolls: Combining flower with cannabis concentrates for stronger potency and effects, infused pre rolls have become the top-selling segment within the pre roll category. Since becoming the leading pre roll type in 2023, infused products have maintained an average 43.4% share of the segment, reaching 44.4% market share in the first half of 2024.
- Strain-specific varieties: Catering to consumers seeking particular effects or flavor profiles.
- Varying sizes and formats: From mini “dog walker” at 70mm and 80mm to king-size options at 109mm and 116mm.
- Multi-packs: Offering value and variety in convenient packaging formats.
The multi-pack revolution: A game-changer for 2025
One of the most compelling developments in the pre roll market for 2025 is the rise of multi-pack packaging, particularly wide-mouth pre roll tubes that can hold multiple joints in a single container. This innovation addresses several consumer needs simultaneously:
Wide-mouth pre roll tubes: The new standard
The introduction of wide-mouth pre roll tubes that can accommodate 3-5 pre roll joints in a single container has been a game-changer for the industry. These progressive packaging solutions offer several advantages:
- Convenience and value: Consumers can purchase multiple pre roll joints in a single transaction, reducing the frequency of dispensary visits.
- Freshness preservation: Many wide-mouth tubes are designed with space for humidity control packs, ensuring products stay fresh longer.
- Familiar format: The tube design maintains the familiar form factor consumers already associate with pre roll joints, just in a wider format.
- Brand consistency: Brands can maintain visual consistency across their product line, from single pre roll joints to multi-packs, strengthening brand recognition.
In 2018, multi-packs accounted for only 27.7% of the market. By June 2024, their presence had surged to 49.6%. This growth mirrors a considerable revenue increase, with sales rising from $89.1 million in January 2023 to $127.4 million in June 2024 – a 43% jump in just 18 months.
Packaging innovation driving category growth
The evolution of pre roll packaging has been instrumental in driving category growth. Beyond the wide-mouth tubes accommodating multiple pre rolls, several packaging trends are shaping the market:
1. Diverse packaging options for every need
At Green Rush Packaging, we’ve expanded our pre roll joint packaging options to meet market needs:
- Pre roll tubes packaging: Available in various sizes (70mm, 80mm, 88mm, 90mm, 98mm, 102mm, 109mm, and 116mm) to accommodate different pre roll joint sizes from 0.35 grams to 1.0 gram.
- Glass pre roll jars: Perfect for premium brands looking to showcase their products while maintaining freshness and compliance.
- Pre roll tins: Offering durability and a classic shelf presence.
- Pyro pre roll cases: Our forward-thinking crush-proof cases fit up to 5 pre roll joints (up to 109mm in length), ideal for consumers on the go.
- Paper pre rolled cones: Supporting brands that manufacture their own pre roll joints with high-quality rolling papers.
2. Sustainable materials
As environmental consciousness grows among cannabis consumers, brands are responding with eco-friendly solutions:
- Biodegradable plastics
- Hemp-based materials
- Recycled plastics
- Ocean-bound plastic reclamation initiatives
These sustainable options align with consumer values and meet the stringent requirements for cannabis packaging.
3. Child-resistant packaging solutions
Safety compliance remains non-negotiable in cannabis packaging. Modern designs now combine functionality and aesthetics, with mechanisms that meet safety standards without frustrating adult users. Our pre roll tube packaging includes child-resistant options that maintain ease of use for adults while providing necessary protection.
4. Brand differentiation
In an increasingly aggressive market, packaging has become a critical differentiator. Custom printing, unique designs, and premium materials help brands stand out on dispensary shelves and create memorable consumer experiences. Whether you choose single pre roll tubes for standard pre rolls (one small, standard, or large pre roll) or multi-pack options, the packaging plays a crucial role in brand identity.
For brands looking for the ultimate in premium positioning, our exclusive PyroTM Pre Roll Cases are the epitome of next-generation cannabis packaging. These crush-proof cases, crafted from recycled materials, offer unparalleled functionality with their gasket seal technology that extends product shelf life and maintains maximum portability. The slim design discreetly holds up to 5 pre-rolled cones (up to 109mm in length) and features integrated lighter and match storage. It provides a complete, refillable smoking experience that positions your brand as the choice for consumers who demand both quality and convenience.
Meeting pain points: How pre roll joints solve consumer and business challenges
The rise of pre roll joints addresses several pain points in the cannabis industry:
For consumers:
- Product differentiation: In a crowded market, distinctive pre roll joint packaging and product formats help consumers find options that align with their preferences.
- Freshness concerns: Today’s pre roll packaging preserves product integrity and potency, with options like our glass pre roll jars and airtight tubes designed to maintain quality.
- Convenience: Multi-packs reduce the need for frequent dispensary visits, with packaging options that fit anywhere from one standard pre roll to multi-pack solutions holding up to 5 pre roll joints.
For businesses:
- Scalability challenges: As demand grows, businesses need efficient solutions for production and packaging. Advanced pre roll manufacturing equipment and standardized packaging formats help operations scale effectively.
- Brand aesthetics vs. compliance: Our wide-mouth tubes and other progressive packaging solutions balance regulatory requirements with brand expression.
- Production efficiency: Multi-pack formats can improve operational efficiency by allowing businesses to package multiple units simultaneously.
The future of pre roll joints: What’s next?
Looking ahead, several trends suggest continued growth and innovation in the pre roll joints category:
1. Further product specialization
Expect to see even more specialized pre roll joint products targeting specific consumer needs, occasions and experiences – from microdose options (0.35 grams) to full-sized pre rolls (1.0 gram) and specialty blends for particular activities or times of day.
2. Advanced freshness technology
As consumer expectations rise, brands will invest in more cutting-edge solutions to preserve terpene profiles and maintain product freshness, from advanced packaging materials to integrated humidity control in pre roll tubes and jars.
3. Expanding market share
With current growth trajectories, pre roll joints are positioned to potentially become the dominant product category in mature cannabis markets by 2030, surpassing traditional flower, with projected sales potentially exceeding $5 billion annually.
Infused pre rolls already command nearly 45% of the market share, with small-joint “dogwalkers” (0.35-0.5g) gaining popularity. Despite mixed results in the 2024 Elections, market expansion continues through established medical markets, while forward-thinking packaging focusing on freshness preservation – such as resealable cellophane inside flip-top boxes and secure-lid jars – are becoming key differentiators for multi-pack products.
Taking part in the pre roll revolution
The pre roll joints category’s explosive growth is much more than a fleeting trend; it signals a fundamental shift in how consumers interact with cannabis products. As pre roll joints continue to evolve in sophistication, variety, and accessibility, they’re doing more than participating in the cannabis industry’s growth; they’re actively driving it.
For cannabis brands, growers, dispensaries and co-packers, the message is clear: investing in pre roll joint innovation – particularly multi-pack formats – represents a substantial opportunity to connect with consumers and capture market share in this year and beyond.
By staying ahead of packaging trends, adopting new formats like wide-mouth multi-pack tubes and focusing on quality and consistency, cannabis businesses can position themselves at the forefront of this pre roll revolution and meet the evolving needs of today’s cannabis consumers.
Green Rush Packaging is your trusted partner in navigating the complex world of cannabis packaging. We offer cutting-edge solutions for pre roll joints and beyond. Contact us to explore our specialized pre roll joint packaging options that can help your products stand out in today’s competitive market.
