Why Infused Pre-Rolls Are Growing and Reshaping Expectations

Like so many things in cannabis, the pre-roll category is ever-evolving. First, it was simply pre-rolls. Then, it was .5 gram pre-rolls, 1.5 gram pre-rolls, and various sizes to choose from. Shortly after, it was pre-roll packs that hit the shelves. 

Today, the pre-roll market has moved beyond sizes and quantity, with the popularity of infused pre-rolls reaching all-new heights. So, if you’ve yet to shift your operation to capture the growing infused pre-roll trend…then this is the guide for you. 

Here, we’ll dive deep into all the basics of infused pre-rolls, what’s driving demand and reshaping expectations, and how operators can capitalize on the trend, with workflows that ensure quality results, optimal profit margins, and customer satisfaction. 

Keep reading to answer the question: Are infused pre-rolls worth it? For your operation. 

What Is an Infused Pre-Roll?

First and foremost, let’s start off with a basic definition. So, what is an infused pre-roll? An infused pre-roll is a pre-rolled joint that contains cannabis flower and some type of concentrate or extract, making it “infused”. 

With the addition of extract, whether diamond-infused pre-rolls or terpene-infused joints, the pre-rolls are higher in potency and can offer dynamic effects. For instance, while the flower may be one strain (let’s say indica-dominant), the infusion could be another (say sativa-dominant). 

Infused pre-rolls may contain the infusion inside of the joint (like a “donut” or “hash hole”), or can also be applied to the exterior of the joint. In this case, infused joints are coated in a concentrate or oil, and often dipped in kief for a premium appearance and potent experience. 

Why Infused Pre-Rolls Are Growing: What’s Driving Demand

Next, let’s talk just why infused pre-rolls are growing in popularity, and what consumer preferences are driving demand. The most obvious reason is their heightened potency, which is continually in demand for experienced users. 

The heightened potency for consumers offers longer-lasting effects, and can help them consume less for specific purposes (say, uplifting the mood, or relieving pain). Of course, beyond their increased potency, infused pre-rolls also offer consumers unique flavor combinations and premium experiences that stray from the standard joint. 

For special seshes, or seshes with friends, infused joints can serve as a novelty, or something fresh and new. Even more, they expand access to concentrates for novice users who may not have the tools or knowledge on how to use extracts, but want to consume them in a ready-to-smoke and more familiar format. 

Infused Pre-Roll Market Data You Can’t Ignore

If you think infused pre-rolls are just a passing trend, think again. Over the last few years, sales statistics support the fact that infused joints are here to stay. Here is just a glance at some of the most recent pre-roll market data that operators simply can’t ignore: 

1. In 2023 and the first half of 2024, infused pre‑rolls generated over $1.75 billion in sales, outpacing traditional Hybrid–Single-Strain pre‑rolls, which hit around $1.64 billion.
2. Premium pre‑rolls now claim an impressive 44.4% market share of the overall pre‑roll category as of mid‑2024, a massive leap from their 34.4% share in 2019.
3. In the state of California, one of the United States’ most mature markets, infused pre‑rolls made up 66.3% of all pre‑roll sales between December 2024 and February 2025. 
4. Going north, Canada’s market saw infused pre‑rolls climb from just 6.2% of the segment in January 2022 to nearly 30% by February 2023, a 1,426% growth—making infused the fastest-growing pre‑roll category there.

With no signs of going anywhere, any time soon, operators across the US (and globe!) are seeking ways to integrate infused joints into their product selection. 

Top Infusion Types in Pre-Rolls, And What’s Next

Infused joints have evolved so quickly that there’s not just a standard type available today. There’s a variety of innovative and unique pre-roll types that consumers are increasingly seeking out to elevate their seshes. 

Some of the most common infusion types include:

• Core infusions: Infusing the core or center of the flower found in pre-rolls, using rosin, live resin, or hash, is a core infusion type of pre-roll. Often called hash holes or donuts, these premium offerings demand high retail prices and offer slow-burning experiences. 
• Exterior coated: Another type of infused pre-roll is one that has a coating on its exterior. The pre-roll gets rolled or brushed in oil or extract, and is finished off with a dusting of kief for a premium, visually striking finish.
• Blended: Other types include ground flower being directly mixed with extracts, such as diamond-infused pre-rolls or terpene-infused joints, that are infused with different inputs for evenly distributed potency. This is the most commonly offered type of pre-roll and is versatile for all levels of experience. 

Why Pre-Roll Manufacturing Tech Now Drives Success

If you’ve ever handled concentrates and extracts on your own, you might imagine how the bulk manufacturing of infused pre-rolls can be …messy, to say the least. Even more, infused formats have a razor-thin margin for error, which can affect the smokeability and overall experience for the consumer. 

Uneven distribution of concentrates, sloppy coatings, or airflow issues can turn a premium pre-roll into a disappointing experience. In today’s competitive market, one bad review can cost more than a single sale. That’s why manufacturing technology has become the backbone of success for infused pre-roll operations.

Advanced pre-roll machinery ensures consistency, efficiency, and compliance. From automated filling and infusion systems to precision weigh-and-pack solutions, the right equipment not only guarantees quality but also helps brands scale without sacrificing standards.

 In fact, with infused pre-rolls now driving such a large share of category sales, investing in technology is no longer optional, it’s the difference between keeping up with demand or falling behind the competition.

How Infused Pre-Rolls Boost ROI and Brand Value

Lastly, it’s essential to recognize that investing in advanced manufacturing technology comes at a price. However, because infused pre-rolls can boost your operations’ overall brand value, the investment into producing premium infused joints has a higher-than-usual ROI. 

To finish our ultimate guide, let’s cover all the ways that the infused product types can offer profit and branding advantages to existing, or new operators: 

• Premium pricing: Infused pre-rolls often sell at nearly double the price of standard pre-rolls, creating higher revenue per unit.
• Optimal margins The addition of concentrates allows operators to capture more value, turning a higher cost input into a significantly higher return.
• Customer loyalty: Infused pre-rolls are easy to mess up, making it easier to stand out with a quality product. Infused options also keep experienced consumers engaged and coming back for products they can’t easily replicate at home.
• SKU differentiation: Brands can gain a competitive edge by offering eye-catching infused SKUs that stand out from traditional products.
• Brand perception: A well-executed infused line signals innovation, craftsmanship, and quality, positioning brands as market leaders and innovators.

Adapt or Fall Behind

In an ever-evolving industry that’s still in its infancy, it’s all about adaptability when it comes to scaling. The same goes for existing cannabis companies, integrating infused pre-rolls into their current collection of SKUs. If you can’t adapt today, you’ll fall behind competitors in no time. 

As you’ve learned here, the growing demand amongst consumers for the infused joints is more than just a trend, but a steadily increasing interest. Hence, why so many flower, extract, and pre-roll companies today are entering the market. 

If you’re looking to maintain your competitive edge, it’s not just about expanding into the infused pre-roll market as quickly as possible. It’s about doing so efficiently and effectively to produce quality results. 

Ready to evolve with the future of cannabis? Look no further than Hefestus, the house of automation, where our equipment is designed specifically for cannabis operators to scale with a quality, consistent, end-product. 

Learn more now, and enter the pre-roll space with leading manufacturing behind your product collection, and the efficiency to support optimal profit margins.