One of the most popular products on dispensary shelves is pre-rolls. The convenience of having a joint ready to go is a draw for all types of consumers. Retailers sold over 394 million pre-rolls between June 2023 and 2024. Infused joints (pre-rolls containing flower and cannabis extract) are the most popular variety. These account for more than 44 percent of the market share. The price of pre-rolls varies, but you may wonder: which state is paying the most for these handy joints?
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According to a recent analysis, smokers in New York are throwing down a pretty penny for this product. The average cost of a pre-roll product from a licensed dispensary in the Empire State is $21.20. That’s 281 percent more than the average price of a pre-roll in Michigan, which has the lowest pre-roll product price in the country at $5.57.
Coming in second for the most expensive place to buy a joint is Illinois, where the average pre-roll product rings in at $17.15. Even that is incredibly high, considering the national average is $9.10.
There are several factors at play that create this difference. First off, tax rates vary widely from state to state. Illinois specifically has some of the highest (and most complicated) cannabis taxes in the country. Supply and demand are also major considerations. Michigan has a plentiful amount of pot, leading to market compression (aka a price crash). New York, on the other hand, only recently came online and is struggling to keep up with demand—hence, higher prices.
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Another interesting tidbit is who’s buying all these pre-rolls. According to the analysis referenced above, Millennials are the main demographic purchasing pre-rolled pot. They account for nearly 45 percent of the market, far more than the second place Gen X, who are responsible for roughly 24 percent of pre-roll purchases.
Pre-rolls are quickly becoming one of the most popular pot products, and for good reason. They’re ready to smoke, easy to transport, and offer a great way to try new strains before committing to a jar. While consumers in places like New York and Illinois may not love the price tag, they’re seemingly unbothered thanks to the product’s convenience and potency.
