What started out as a byproduct of cannabis cultivation and processing, residual kief is now a valuable asset to cannabis brands across the nation. How so? In the form of kief-coated pre-rolls. Out of pure necessity, operators try to turn any part of the plant into profit—and kief is no different.  Just look at the popularity of so-called “fuzzy” joints.

Initially, operators took the kief they had on hand and sprinkled it inside the joint to add more potency and flavor. And then one fateful day, an operator asked themselves, “why don’t we try putting this on the outside of a joint?” At least, that’s what I assume happened.

RELATED: Does the perfect joint exist? Science says…

Since then, kief-coated pre-rolls, tarantulas, fuzzy joints—whatever you want to call them—have risen to become all the rage in specialty joints. It’s not difficult to understand why. 

Why are consumers drawn to kief-coated pre-rolls aka fuzzy joints?

Let’s be honest. People like kief-coated pre-rolls because, first and foremost, they look great. But more than appearance, these fuzzy pre-rolls appeal to consumers because they are more potent, taste good, and have a greater propensity for getting people high. Many brands even infuse kief-coated joints with additional terpenes or other flavors. 

In short, consumers like kief-coated pre-rolls because:

• These joints are more potent, which leads to a more intense high
• The additional concentrate on the pre-roll allows consumers to get more bang for their buck 

RELATED: Expert-level joints to take your sesh to new heights

Whereas cannabis brands and operators like them because: 

• They help use all facets of the plant, saving the business money and resources
• Kief-coated pre-rolls generate additional SKUs
• They offer an easy way to diversify their products to attract and retain loyal customers

Tips for choosing high-quality fuzzy joints

When looking for a high-quality kief-coated pre-roll, consumers should…

Closely examine the packaging to check the input materials. Specifically, look for whether the product is infused with terpenes or artificial flavors. If you want a purer, higher-quality product, seek out one that has actual cannabis terpenes infused back into the flower rather than artificial flavors.

When purchasing kief-coated joints, watch out for these red flags…

When examining cannabis products, try to avoid those with too much distillate applied. These joints will typically appear soggy or wet. If you can’t see the product through the packaging, you’ll know it’s over-saturated when you open it and it feels damp. Over-saturation results in a messy experience with muted flavors. Other red flags are a dark color kief or residues on the outside of the J.

Research best-in-class brands…

The wide range of quality in the pre-roll category can be disheartening for some consumers, but doing your homework can help. Check out online reviews of brands, and make sure their products come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a test that outlines the potency of a product and ensures the product is free from heavy metals or other contaminants. 

The future of coated pre-rolls 

Kief-coating is cool, no doubt. But we’re also starting to see companies coat their products with other concentrates besides kief, such as bubble hash, which has a sand-like texture. Another concentrate you’ll likely see more of is crushed THC-A diamonds, providing a unique texture and experience.

So, what can consumers expect to see on dispensary shelves? More coated pre-rolls with a greater variety of concentrates, to meet everyone where they’re at in taste, effects, and experiences.