Why Automation is Essential for Scaling Cannabis Pre Roll Production

In the US and Canada, cannabis pre roll and flower sales are nearly neck-and-neck, with pre rolls threatening to take the lead. It makes sense—consumers across demographics love them. They’re convenient, discreet, and require zero prep or tools besides a light and an occasional extra hand to block the wind.

Given cannabis pre rolls’ crowd-pleasing characteristics, it’s a lucrative sector to get into. It’s also fiercely competitive. The amount of brands crowding the shelves gives consumers the power to disregard any brand that provides them with a subpar experience. What’s the point in second chances when there are 15 other brands to try within arms’ reach?

To earn a loyal customer, cannabis brands must prioritize quality and consistency. Easy enough in a small operation, but for brands looking to scale up, automation is a necessity in order to maintain a consistent, quality cannabis pre roll.

Incorporating a cannabis pre roll machine into your operation is the only way to successfully grow your pre roll business. Keep reading for what you need to know about automating cannabis pre roll production.

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Challenges in Traditional Cannabis Pre Roll Production

Traditional cannabis pre roll production involves a lot of labor and consumable materials. Hand-rolling does have its charm, especially if you’re going for a boutique, limited-edition kind of vibe. But it’s expensive and time-consuming, and there’s no way to guarantee a consistent roll size, shape, or weight.

It’s hard, and unwise, to scale a production like that. Using manual labor leaves too much room for error to be a reliable method for pre roll brands looking to grow their operation.

The Role of Automation in Cannabis Pre Roll Production

A cannabis pre roll machine addresses those errors head-on, and they generally only require the labor of one to two people at most.

The key features of modern cannabis pre roll machines include:

  • Speed and efficiency: Automated pre roll machines can crank through hundreds of pre rolls in an hour. Unless you’re spending a lot on labor, that’s simply not achievable with hand-rollers. 
  • Precision filling and rolling: A cannabis pre roll machine will waste less flower by design as it funnels the flower directly into a pre-shaped cone or rolling paper, and it does so to the exact size and weight you specify. You won’t have any weird shapes or extra fat or skinny joints You also won’t have any trays, tables, or PPE covered in leftover shake and kief like you would with hand-rollers.
  • Adjustable settings: Pre roll automation gives you the capability to sell several pre roll SKUs. You can adjust your machine to produce dog walkers or full-sized joints, and with the right machine, you can choose to make any of them infused.
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Key Considerations When Choosing a Cannabis Pre Roll Machine

When choosing the right machine for your cannabis pre rolls, it’s important to consider your goals and your budget. Think about things like:

  • How many pre rolls do you need to produce per hour to meet your current and future demands?
    • Will you need more than one machine to achieve this goal?
  • How many pre rolls do you need to produce and sell to pay off the machine?
    • How long will it take you to accomplish this?
  • What types of pre rolls are you looking to produce?

Do you need a machine that can produce regular and infused pre rolls?

Those questions will help you narrow down your options. From there, consider machine traits like:

  • Ease of use and maintenance: Look for a cannabis pre roll machine that doesn’t need more than one or two operators. Make sure the brand you’re considering has a training program for the operator(s), and ask questions about how much maintenance those staff members will have to keep up with.
  • Durability and reliability: Cannabis pre rolls should be a long-term investment if you’re considering automation, so you want a machine with a reputation for longevity.
  • Customer service: Ask when, where, and how customer service will be available to you should you purchase the machine. Will you be working with a certified technician or a rep at a call center on the other side of the planet?

Your people are your most valuable asset, and how you use their time matters. Overworking your team leads to mistakes, burnout, and ultimately, lower productivity. Instead, focus on labor efficiency by making sure your employees are doing the right tasks at the right time.

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The Future of Cannabis Pre Roll Automation

While most machines currently work in cycles with pre-selected settings, AI promises the possibility of machines that can adjust and make corrections in real time, ensuring even greater precision and efficiency. AI could also make it possible for a machine to switch from one size joint to another, or from regular to infused, without having to stop production.

Eventually, AI could lead the cannabis industry into full-scale automation across the supply chain. Automating the production of your cannabis pre rolls now will allow for a smoother transition once these dreamy advancements become reality.

Conclusion

Automating cannabis pre roll production is crucial for any brand looking to secure a long-term position in the industry. It creates the possibility for a full-scale production that doesn’t sacrifice quality or consistency, ensuring consumers stay loyal even as the brand grows.

Of course, the pre roll is only as good as the pre roll machine, so don’t take the decision to go automated lightly. Take some time to explore innovative cannabis pre roll machines that can revolutionize your production, and if you need help choosing the right cannabis pre roll machine for your operation,

Contact us here at RollPros