For the smokers among our readers, you might be familiar with the great debate on rollies vs a pack of straights. Perhaps you feel strongly about it too, or perhaps you’re new to the topic altogether. Well, unlike the UK where smoking the green stuff is illegal, you might be reading from somewhere where this debate can be applied to joints too. If so, you’ve come to the right place. For our California girls across the pond, or if you’re heading to Amsterdam any time soon, this might help you decide your preference.
THC-A pre-rolls and hand-rolled THC-A joints are pretty similar from one to the other – both are rolled-up cylinders of paper filled with finely ground hemp flower, perfect for sparking up and getting high. But when it comes down to choosing between pre-rolls and the DIY versions, there’s more to consider for cannabis enthusiasts. Think flavour consistency, potency control, and convenience. While pre-rolls offer reliable quality, hand-rolled joints bring a personal touch to your smoking experience. So here’s a few things to think about:
Convenience vs a personalised ritual
Commercially produced pre-rolls and hand-rolled joints both offer a good way to smoke and enjoy that THC-A flower. They’re different in terms of quality, ease of use, personalisation, cost and overall condition.
THC-A pre-rolls are conveniently ready to smoke. When lit up, they transform THC-A into regular THC, giving you a euphoric high with fun effects. The best part? No grinding, no rolling, and definitely no mess. They’re perfect for smoking on the move or for folks who just want a hassle-free buzz.
Rolling a THC-A joint by hand is a traditional and personalised way to connect with the smoking experience. It’s about picking the flower, grinding it to perfection, and skillfully crafting a joint, which can be a mindful and enjoyable process. Hand-rolling offers complete customisation, from choosing the rolling papers and filter tips to determining the size and tightness of the joint.
Consistency and customisation
One of the key differences between pre-rolls and hand-rolled joints is the consistency. Premium pre-rolls undergo strict quality control measures to keep their potency and flavour the same with every joint, which includes careful flower selection and grinding with consistent rolling techniques. Legit brands get third-party testing to check for potency and purity. But handmade rolls can be hit or miss depending on the roller’s skills and the quality of the flower. Some people like the variety, while others might find it tough to recreate that perfect roll every time.
THC-A pre-rolls come ready to smoke right out of the pack, so you don’t have to worry about grinding, rolling or sealing. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy cannabis without the hassle. Plus, they’re easy to carry around and use discreetly, making them great for on-the-go or social situations. While rolling by hand has its own charm, it takes time and skill. Some people love the process, while others prefer the ease of pre-rolls, especially if they’re short on time or patience.
But when you roll THC-A joints at home, you can customise the strain and materials to your liking. Rolling your own joints allows you to choose everything from the rolling papers and filter tips to the size and tightness of the joint. You can even blend different THC-A flower strains to create unique flavours and effects. Pre-rolls, although available in various strains, offer less flexibility in customisation.
Eyes on the price
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But the ability to customise also lends itself to potentially saving some cash. When considering THC-A pre-rolls versus rolling joints at home, cost is an important factor to think about. Pre-rolls are affordable, with many options priced under $20 per joint, making them a good choice for occasional smokers and those looking for a premium experience. On the other hand, rolling your own can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for enthusiasts who purchase THC-A flower in bulk. Home rollers have the advantage of controlling the amount of flower used in each joint, potentially making the supply last longer.
Hand-rolling usually provides the freshest experience because the flower is ground just before making the joint, which releases its strong aroma and flavour. On the other hand, pre-rolls, while often sealed for freshness, may have been sitting on a shelf for some time, which could potentially affect their quality.
Deciding between buying THC-A pre-rolls and hand-rolling is really a personal choice. Both options have their own perks and appeal to different preferences. If you’re into convenience, consistency, and quality assurance, then go for the commercially produced pre-rolls. They’re easy to find, easy to use, and come in all sorts of strains and blends. But if you enjoy the whole process of hand-rolling, want to customise your joint, and are all about that fresh product, then hand-rolling is the way to go. No matter which way you roll, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience.
And if you’re into that sort of thing, why not check out Nonchalant’s Amsterdam recs for bars?
Lauren is a writer and editor based in Peckham, covering all things queer culture, books, travel, arts and lifestyle, fashion and creativity. She was previously a features editor at New Statesman Media Group and now works freelance and part-time hoping she may never work 9-5 ever again.
