30 Sep
PreRoll-Er Reality Check: There’s more to pre-rolls than the THC level
When it comes to pre-rolls, there’s a common misconception among both consumers and manufacturers: the higher the THC level, the better the product. However, focusing solely on THC is like judging a book by its cover.
While THC is undoubtedly important, it’s not the only factor that shapes the smoking experience. There are hundreds of other compounds and elements at play, ranging from minor cannabinoids to terpenes and more.
In other words, your experience as a consumer and your priority as a business should go beyond THC levels.
As a leader in the cannabis manufacturing and automation space, PreRoll-Er takes a holistic approach to the plant, meaning our equipment protects as much of the cannabis plant as possible to ensure you can give your customers the highest quality products on the market.
Keep reading to learn about the other aspects of pre-rolls that you should consider when producing your in-house products.
Okay, so what’s more important than THC?
THC levels are responsible for the psychoactive properties of the pre-roll you create for your customers. However, they don’t work alone. Terpenes and trichomes are equally, if not more, important to the end user’s cannabis experience.
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like glands that cover the buds and are packed with cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes, on the other hand, are aromatic oils that give cannabis its unique flavors and scents, and they play a huge role in the overall consumption experience.
Together, they contribute to what’s known as the entourage effect, where the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes creates a more nuanced and holistic effect than THC alone.
When it comes to pre-roll manufacturing, preserving these compounds is crucial. Automation machines need to be finely tuned to maintain the quality and unique characteristics of the cannabis strain being used.
What are trichomes?
Understanding trichomes helps manufacturers and consumers like to leverage the full potential of the plant. The tiny, hair-like structures come in two varieties: glandular and non-glandular. The glandular trichomes are the most important as they’re packed with resin, which is where the magic happens.
The resin contains cannabinoids (like THC, CBD, CBN, etc.) and terpenes; its abundance can vary depending on when the plant is harvested. For instance, a plant picked too early might have high THC levels, but its trichome glands will be sparse in resin. On the other hand, a plant harvested at its peak will be brimming with resin, making it a powerhouse of potency and flavor.
Trichomes aren’t just about enhancing your high; they serve as the plant’s defense system, protecting it from pests, regulating temperature, and filtering UV rays. They even offer clues about the growing environment. Trichome color can reflect light intensity, while size is influenced by genetics and conditions.
For pre-roll manufacturing, this means handling your raw materials with care. Pre-roll automation equipment must delicately process the flower to preserve these precious trichomes, ensuring that the final product maintains its full potency and unique qualities.
Vibrating mechanisms – which are unfortunately common in pre-roll manufacturing machines – can compromise the trichomes and ultimately create excessive waste and a subpar product. After all, it’s these tiny glands that play a crucial role in crafting a top-notch pre-roll experience for your customers!
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are responsible for the plant’s unique scents and flavors, and they play a vital role in the overall experience. Unlike trichomes, which are physical structures, terpenes are chemical compounds found within the resin of glandular trichomes.
Terpenes can range from the refreshing citrus of limonene to the earthy tones of myrcene, each adding its own layer to the experience. The abundance and profile of terpenes can change based on the plant’s genetics, growth conditions, and even the timing of the harvest.
As far as pre-roll manufacturing goes, it’s important to prevent the loss of terpenes, which can significantly impact the flavor and effect of the final product. The last thing you want is to invest heavily into automation equipment only for it to result in a poor smoking experience for your consumers.
With PreRoll-Er machines, you can maintain the integrity of these aromatic compounds, therefore ensuring every pre-roll you produce delivers the full spectrum of its intended sensory and therapeutic experience.
What this means for pre-roll manufacturers
For pre-roll manufacturers, understanding the intricacies of cannabinoids, terpenes, and trichomes is key to delivering a product that truly meets consumer expectations. While many people focus solely on THC percentage when selecting pre-rolls, this is just one piece of the puzzle.
However, the challenge arises during manufacturing. If cannabis is improperly handled – whether it’s crushed, overly dried, or exposed to harsh vibrations – terpenes and trichomes can be damaged or lost, leading to a product that doesn’t live up to its potential, or to your customer’s expectations.
Automated machines that use vibrations to separate trichomes and cannabis can inadvertently harm these delicate compounds. By paying close attention to the features of your equipment, you can preserve all the necessary components during the manufacturing process. In doing so, automation will not only serve as a valuable tool for scaling but also a way to enhance the quality of your pre-rolls.
Partner with PreRoll-Er for your pre-roll automation
With attention to detail and knowledge of the science behind cannabis, you can exceed consumer expectations and foster greater satisfaction in a competitive market.
At PreRoll-Er, we are more than just the mechanics of our equipment. We’re dedicated cannabis professionals who understand the intricacies of your product and what’s at stake.
Our experts are licensed in their craft, ranging from certified Ganjiers to having decades of engineering experience. We keep terpenes, trichomes, and THC levels top of mind, ensuring that our automation support for your cannabis business preserves the full spectrum of your product’s potential.
To get started with automation for your business and talk to our consultants about the best solution for you, get in touch.