Dried flower and pre-rolls come from the same place: the dried bud of the cannabis plant. The difference is how much work is left for you to do. Here is what separates them, and a few questions that make the choice easy.
What each one is
Dried flower is the bud itself, sold by weight. You decide how to use it: grind it and roll it yourself, pack it in a pipe, or use a dry-herb vaporizer.
A pre-roll is dried flower that has already been ground and rolled, so it is ready to light as soon as you open the package. You pay for that convenience, and you give up the choice of how it is used.
Side by side
| Dried flower | Pre-roll | |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as | Grams: common sizes are 3.5 g, 7 g, 14 g and 28 g | Single joints or small packs, usually a gram or less each |
| What you need | Papers, a pipe or a vaporizer, plus a grinder | A lighter |
| Control | You choose the amount and the method | The amount is set by the pre-roll |
| Convenience | More steps before you can use it | Ready straight away |
| Storage | Needs an airtight container | Smaller, but also needs to be kept dry and protected |
What to read on the label
- THC and CBD percentage. Higher numbers mean a stronger product, so check them whichever format you choose.
- Weight. For flower this is the amount in the jar. For pre-rolls it is the weight of each joint and how many are in the pack.
- Terpenes. Many producers list them. They are the compounds behind the aroma.
- Package date and licensed producer. Both appear on every legal package. A recent package date is a sign of fresher product.
Which should you buy?
- You want to choose how it is used: buy dried flower.
- You want it ready to go: buy a pre-roll.
- You want to try a variety without committing to a larger amount: a single pre-roll or a small pack lets you do that.
Questions to ask at the counter
- What is the package date?
- What are the main terpenes in this one?
- Is the pre-roll made from whole flower, or from smaller pieces and trim?
- How many pre-rolls are in the pack, and how much does each weigh?
Keep it fresh
Dried flower keeps best in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, dry place. We cover the details in our guide to storing flower so it stays fresh.
Start low, go slow
Whichever you choose, begin with a small amount and give it time before using more. Health Canada has plain-language information on the effects of cannabis. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Ask our staff or order online
You will find both formats at Ellice Ave and Henderson Hwy, where staff can answer questions. You can also browse the flower menu and pre-roll menu online for pickup or delivery. Valid government-issued photo ID is required, because cannabis is 19+ in Manitoba.