Blunts vs Pre-Rolls: A Complete Retailer’s Guide to Stocking the Right Choice

With continuous evolution of the cannabis market, blunts and pre-rolls are among the most-selling categories. Both of these top the consumer-preference because they are ready-to-smoke options but they target different segments of the market. 

A retailer should have proper knowledge about the market as well as the stock so that they can provide consumers with guidance that has a direct impact on sales and customer satisfaction. 

This guide will serve you with the key differences between blunts and pre-rolls, provide an analysis of customer demographics, and offer strategic insights for cannabis retailers.

What is a Blunt?

Blunt is a cannabis roll which is wrapped in hemp or tobacco, making it larger with slow burning. Consumers who want to have a strong smoking experience prefer blunts. Back in the day, tobacco leaf wraps were used to make blunts, but now in the conventional market, tobacco-free hemp wraps are commonly being used because of high consumer demand and health regulations. 

Characteristics of Blunts: 

• Large size: Due to its large size, it can hold more cannabis than a pre-roll. 

• Additional flavor: The infused wraps and hemp add a distinct flavor and aroma. 

• Societal influence: Experienced smokers are in favor of blunts as they associate them with a long-lasting social gathering. 

• Premium desirability: Blunts are normally taken as luxury celebratory products. 

What is a Pre-Roll? 

A Pre-roll is a pre-made joint infused with ground cannabis flower. Pre-rolls are rolled with standard rolling paper unlike blunts. They are curated for consumers who prefer convenience and do not want to go through the process of grinding and packing their joint. 

Characteristics of Pre-Rolls: 

• Variety of Size: Pre-rolls come in different size options; half-gram, full-gram, and multi-packs. 

• Strain Options: There are three types of strain pre-rolls; Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. 

• Accessible: Pre-rolls are preferred for beginners and generally the first purchase of a new cannabis consumer. 

• Price point: Bulk-buying of pre-rolls is generally affordable, which makes them popular among retailers. Browse the wide variety of pre-rolls available at AHDist’s website.

Pre-Rolls Vs. Blunts: Comparing the Demand 

Having in-depth information on consumer behavior is important for retailers as it plays a big role in deciding how much shelf space should be dedicated to each product. 

Pre-Roll Customers:

• Beginners: A new cannabis user prefers pre-rolls because of convenience. 

• On-Budget buyers: Consumers looking for affordable options buy pre-rolls as it decreases the upfront cost. 

• Patients: Portion-controlled dosages for the consumers who are looking for a quick relief. 

• On-the-go Consumers: As pre-rolls are portable, they are perfect for consumers who are always on-the-go and are looking for a quick fix. 

Blunt Customers 

• Experienced smokers: Consumers who are experienced and have gotten the hang of it prefer blunts as now they have developed tolerance.

• Social Smokers: Blunts are large in size which makes them suitable for sharing in social gatherings. 

• Flavor-seekers: Consumers who enjoy different fruit flavors and aroma prefer blunts.

• Luxury buyers: Blunts are premium and usually sold at high prices which is why they attract users who are in for a luxurious experience. 

Key Buying Attributes for Retailers 

1.   Wide Variety of Products

In order to generate maximum sales, retailers should stock a variety of pre-rolls in half and full gram sizes depending on casual and heavy needs. Moreover, the shelves in your store should be categorically organised in order to simplify shopping for the customers. You should offer pre-rolls multi-packs as well so the customers who are looking to buy in bulk can purchase. On the other hand, do prioritise premium and infused options when stocking blunts to distinguish them from pre-rolls. 

2.   Presentation and Packaging 

Pre-rolls are expected to be packed in resealable packaging to avoid any wastage. Clear labelling of it being child-resistant should be visible. Also, strain type should also be properly labelled for customer guidance. 

Blunts should be wrapped in premium packaging such as glass containers or tubes in order to enhance the upscale image. Key features like terpene infusion, exotic wraps, or craft-grown flowers should be boldly highlighted. 

3.   Price Point 

As pre-rolls are an affordable option for all the cannabis users, they should be priced likewise. Keeping entry-level pricing will attract customers. Explore AHDist’s website to find the most suitable pre-rolls in different flavors for bulk buying. 

However, blunts typically command higher margins. They can be placed at a higher price as they target a certain audience and have the advantage of being called a luxury purchase. 

Suggested Marketing Strategies: Blunts Vs Pre-Rolls 

Pre-Rolls: Variety and Convenience 

• Bundle Deals: Offer ‘Buy 2, get 1 free’ packs to push bulk buying. 

• Strain Guidance: Use digital brochures and highlight the different strain types along with their characteristics so the consumers can make an informed choice. 

• Tourist Appeal: Pre-rolls are a convenient option for the visitors in the city who are looking for a quick and hassle-free option. 

Blunts: Lifestyle and Experience 

• Luxury Upselling: Use premium packaging displays to position blunts as a luxury smoking product.

• Flavor Marketing: Attractively highlight the unique wrap flavors and infusion techniques while advertising blunts.

• Group Appeal: Advertise blunts as a social product that is a must-have product in celebrations and parties. 

How Retailers Can Maximize Sales?

• Educated Staff: All the staff that you have should be well-informed of the products that are being sold. They should be able to explain the differences between pre-rolls and blunts and play their part with helping customers to find the right fit. 

• Segmented Displays: Pre-rolls are for everyday use so they should be presented on a separate shelf while blunts are for special occasions, hence, they should have a separate dedicated shelf. 

• Leverage Customer Data: Track buying habits of your customers and adjust inventory accordingly. If tourists are acquiring the market, then ensure a large supply of pre-rolls. And if local and experienced buyers drive sales, stock up on premium blunts. 

Final Thoughts 

Both blunts and pre-rolls are important categories in the cannabis market for retailers. When pre-rolls attract beginners and budget-conscious buyers who are looking for convenience, blunts cater to experienced and social smokers who are premium buyers in the market. Through balancing inventory, diversifying product lines, and carefully carrying out marketing strategies, retailers will be able to maximize sales and sustain customer satisfaction. 

The important part is to understand that pre-rolls are the entry product of the cannabis market and blunts are an upgrade. When combined, they allow retailers to cater to a full spectrum of consumer demand.