When it comes to cannabis promotions, few products appear in discounts as frequently—or as successfully—as prerolls. Whether it’s a dispensary storefront running a “Buy One, Get One” special or a delivery service offering bonus joints with a certain purchase amount, prerolls continue to be the go-to item for cannabis deals. But what makes them so ideal for promotion? The answer lies in a mix of consumer behavior, production economics, and strategic marketing.
Instant Gratification, Low Commitment
One of the biggest reasons prerolls are used in deals is because they provide instant satisfaction with minimal effort. Customers don’t need grinders, rolling papers, or a lesson in joint-rolling technique. The convenience is irresistible, especially for newer consumers, travelers, or people with limited dexterity. From a business standpoint, this ease of use makes prerolls an ideal entry-point item to upsell additional products or introduce a brand without overwhelming the customer.
Low Production Cost, High Promotional Value
For cannabis brands and retailers, prerolls are relatively inexpensive to produce—especially when made with shake, trim, or smaller buds that didn’t make the cut for flower jars. By using product that might otherwise sit unsold or be processed into concentrates, brands turn leftovers into marketing gold. Adding a free preroll to a cart doesn’t hurt the bottom line much but adds perceived value to the customer experience.
Retailers understand that a single preroll has the power to drive sales across multiple product categories. Customers may come in for the discounted joint but end up leaving with a vape cartridge, edible, or eighth of premium flower.
Widely Appealing for All Consumer Types
Prerolls have a broad appeal across all cannabis demographics. For occasional users, they’re a simple and affordable way to enjoy cannabis without committing to larger quantities. For connoisseurs, prerolls offer a way to sample new strains before buying a full-size jar. For medicinal users, especially those dealing with chronic pain or limited mobility, having a ready-to-use product with no prep time is a huge benefit. This universal usability makes prerolls an easy product to plug into any promotion.
Easy to Bundle with Other Deals
Prerolls work well in bundle offers because they pair effortlessly with other categories. Delivery services might throw in a preroll when a customer buys a certain quantity of flower or spends over a threshold amount. In-store promotions often use prerolls to round out daily specials like “Mix & Match Mondays” or “Top-Shelf Tuesdays.” The portability and flexibility of prerolls make them a natural add-on product—especially in loyalty or rewards-based systems.
Strong Brand Awareness Opportunity
For brands, discounted prerolls serve as bite-sized billboards. A consumer who smokes a free or $1 preroll that delivers a smooth, flavorful, and effective experience is much more likely to seek out that brand again. It’s a low-risk way to introduce consumers to a product line and spark brand loyalty. In a competitive marketplace, the power of a good first impression—delivered via preroll—is invaluable.
Parting Thoughts
From convenience to cost efficiency, it’s easy to see why prerolls dominate cannabis discount menus. Whether they’re boosting in-store foot traffic or increasing average delivery cart totals, prerolls are more than just a joint—they’re a smart marketing tool that meets the needs of both consumers and businesses.
