Scale Up to Keep Up

How to Successfully Automate Pre-Roll Production

By Harold Bouchard

Pre-rolls have skyrocketed to the secondlargest growth segment of all cannabis products on the market, outpaced only by flower. As consumers grow more interested, manufacturers are tasked with keeping up.

However, delivering the perfect infusion on a cannabis pre-roll becomes tricky — no matter how skilled your labor force — when demand grows exponentially. Enter automation. With equipment to automate your pre-roll production, producers can meet market demands, reduce costs, prepare and sell a consistent product, and scale operations to a whole new level.

Finding the perfect pre-roll machine is just part of the equation. Collaborating with the right manufacturing partner ensures producers make a strong long-term investment that can grow with their company. So, what does a company need to know to successfully automate pre-roll production?

Take Small Steps

Automation is best-done step by step. Start by targeting first needs based on budget and existing labor. For instance, maybe a company wants to fully automate tube packaging. A simple automated labeler might be enough as a first phase.

Scale in phases to ensure you don’t run into operational errors or mishaps. This approach will also help a company’s existing labor force adjust to the changes and provide a strong foundation for long-term success.

Pick a Partner, Not a Supplier

There are many pre-roll machines out there, and it’s easy to buy one. However, the machine must be maintained for each company’s unique needs. Selecting a trustworthy provider that deeply understands automation and pre-rolls will ensure proper system maintenance.

Pre-Roll Er’s Director of Marketing

Francis FoucaultBouchard offered this advice, “You want to make sure the equipment you select will grow with you, not become a liability later on.” His company offers on-site training to ease the learning curve for clients.

Partnering with a pre-roll automation specialist is key to picking the right machinery. While a salesperson may sell a potential client any equipment without considering that client’s product, an automation partner will provide its clients with extensive aftermarket service and support.

Ensure the Quality of Raw Materials

It’s important to consider the quality of the raw material used in pre-rolls. When automating production, it becomes even more so. Just as you would not put a $200 bottle of wine into a pint glass, you would not want to put quality flower in a bad pre-roll.

As producers endeavor to increase output through automation, critical details to consider are the humidity, grinding size, and quality of flower. Grinding size must be consistent and the humidity should be correct.

Automation is a guaranteed way to take preroll production to the next level. The most important thing is to have a well-thought-out plan for automation. By taking small steps, selecting real experts, and ensuring the quality of the product, every producer can successfully scale their pre-roll operation. ❖