Overview of Automatic Pre Roll Machines

These days, pre roll sales are smokin’ most other cannabis sectors in the US and Canada. Consumers across demographics choose pre rolls often enough that even in markets where flower sales are down, pre roll sales continue to grow.

Needless to say, pre roll competition is heated. To keep up, savvy business owners are automating pre roll production to guarantee a consistent product at a higher production rate.

An automatic pre roll machine can make or break a pre roll brand. Picking the right one for your business starts with understanding exactly what a pre roll machine does, how it works, and why some machines earn consistently better reviews than others.

In the world of 280E, all of these details are important to research before dropping cash on an automatic pre roll machine.

What is an Automatic Pre Roll Machine?

The main function of an automatic pre roll machine is to quickly create pre rolls that are consistent from one to the next. For most machines, this means stuffing pre-made cones, though brands also have the option to produce rolled pre rolls with the Blackbird by RollPros.

Some automatic pre roll machines do more than just create the pre roll. They can also add a tip/crutch, enhance the product by infusing it, and even package the pre roll(s) so they’re ready for sale.

The benefits of using an automatic pre roll machine pretty much solve all issues with having a hand-rolled production. Using a machine means less waste, less labor, and a more consistent product.

Key Features to Look for in an Automatic Pre Roll Machine

Not all pre roll machines are created equal. When shopping around, weigh these features to compare machines.

  • Speed and Production Capacity: With pre roll sales growing, you need a machine that can keep up with your demand. Consider how many pre rolls you’ll need to produce each shift to meet your current demand, and how many you’ll need to produce each shift to meet future projections. You may need more than one machine to meet your needs.
  • Precision and Consistency: One of the biggest benefits of embracing automation is a consistent end product—no more weird-shaped joints of different sizes and weights. Make sure the machine you’re looking at not only produces a consistent product but also offers quality controls and clear instructions on how to calibrate the machine.
  • Ease of Use and User Interface: If the machine is too complicated, it’s just going to get in the way of production. It’s important to look for a machine with intuitive control panels, as well as one that includes training and troubleshooting so your staff isn’t stuck trying to figure it all out on their own.
  • Durability and Build Quality: Incorporating an automatic pre roll machine into your SOPs is a huge expense, especially when you consider the time and resources it will take just to get the thing running. Make sure the machine you choose has a reputable lifespan and a quality build. Also, consider the materials it’s made of, the consumable materials it uses, and how those might impact the machine’s lifespan. How often will you need to replace parts?
  • Customization and Versatility: Even if you’re only producing one type of pre roll right now, consider the future of your brand. If you’re planning to expand with different sizes and infusions, look for a machine that’s capable of producing those. No sense in purchasing a machine now that you’ll have to replace in two years because you’re expanding your product lineup.
  • Maintenance and Cleaning: One reason to go automated is to reduce labor expenses. To keep those expenses down, look for a machine with easy maintenance that won’t require a team to keep up with it. A machine that’s easy to maintain also means fewer repair costs during its lifetime.

Basically, you want a machine that can not only hit your numbers but also do so with the least amount of training, upkeep, and maintenance possible.

Pre Roll Machine Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Don’t let all the research deter you from making a decision. Instead, look into the above points by seeking out pre roll machine reviews. Find out what’s working for others and what isn’t.

The first place to look is the current customers of the machine(s) you’re considering. Ask the sales team if they have active customers they can refer you to so you can speak with them directly.

The next place to look is case studies. These are helpful because they show you where the business was before it went automated. For example, check out this case study of Mississippi’s Southern Crop. One year after incorporating the Blackbird into their operation, pre rolls now make up 20% of their sales and they’ve won Best in Class in Pre-Rolls in the Magnolia Cup, a contest based on the votes of local consumers. You’ll see in the case study there was a massive learning curve for their team, but RollPros stepped up and helped them every step of the way.

Every automatic pre roll machine you consider should have customers they can refer you to for firsthand information, but not everyone will have case studies to share. You can also explore cannabis-friendly platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn to see if others have posted about the machine.

Conclusion

In the end, you’re looking for a machine that can get the job done with minimal input from you or your team. This might mean spending the first few months figuring out the machine and dialing in production, so make sure the machine you choose comes with reliable training and support.

New equipment is expensive, so consider how many pre rolls you’d need to produce and sell to pay the machine off. Compare those numbers to your sales projections to see how long that might take you, and pay attention to what you’ll spend in interest to meet that timeline.

And don’t forget to seek out pre roll machine reviews from companies currently using the machine. Without direct feedback from actual customers, there’s no way to guarantee that the machine you choose will do the job you need it to do. Ask direct questions to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.

If you need a hand finding the right automatic pre roll machine for your business, we can help. Get in touch with RollPros today, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider before automating your production.