An infused joint, often called an infused pre-roll, is a standard cannabis joint enhanced with concentrated cannabis extract. This product provides a more potent, sustained, and flavorful experience than traditional flower alone. The addition of extract amplifies the joint’s natural cannabinoid and terpene content, creating a distinct product category in the cannabis market.
Defining the Components and Structure
The construction of an infused joint relies on two primary material types: raw cannabis flower and concentrated cannabis extract. The flower serves as the foundational base material, typically consisting of finely ground buds chosen for their strain characteristics and quality. This ground flower provides the bulk of the material and determines the starting cannabinoid and terpene profile of the final product.
The concentrate acts as the enhancement, being a highly processed form of the cannabis plant that significantly boosts cannabinoid levels. Concentrates are created by separating the resinous trichomes—the tiny, crystal-like structures containing the plant’s compounds—from the rest of the plant matter. This process yields products with a dramatically higher concentration of compounds like THC or CBD than the flower itself. The quality and type of this extract dictate the ultimate potency and flavor complexity of the infused joint.
To manage the higher oil content and ensure proper airflow, the rolling paper is also a consideration. Manufacturers often use thicker or more specialized papers to handle the viscous concentrates and facilitate a more consistent burn. The combination of high-quality flower and potent concentrate results in a product that delivers a much more intense experience than a joint made with flower alone.
Common Infusion Techniques
The manufacturing of an infused joint is defined by how the concentrate is applied to or incorporated into the ground flower. One common method is internal infusion, where the concentrate is blended directly with the ground flower before rolling. This technique often uses concentrates like distillate or oil, which are heated to a lower viscosity and thoroughly mixed with the flower. Achieving a homogenized mix is important for ensuring the joint burns evenly and delivers consistent effects.
Another distinct approach is external coating, which involves applying the concentrate to the outside of the finished joint. This is typically done by dipping the pre-roll into a viscous extract, such as oil or resin, or by applying a thin layer with an applicator. The concentrate coating then acts as an adhesive for a secondary enhancement, a process known as dusting.
Dusting involves rolling the concentrate-coated exterior in kief, which is a fine, powdery collection of trichomes. This provides a highly visible layer of extra potency and is often used to create “moon rock” or “tarantula” joints. Some premium products utilize a hybrid method, incorporating a concentrate into the flower before rolling, and then applying an external coat and dusting.
Enhanced Potency and Consumption Profile
The infusion process fundamentally alters the joint’s characteristics, resulting in a significantly enhanced consumption profile for the user. The addition of highly concentrated extracts elevates the total cannabinoid percentage far beyond what is possible with raw flower. While a standard joint may contain THC levels between 15% and 25%, an infused joint often ranges from 30% to over 50% total THC content. This chemical boost delivers a stronger and faster onset of effects, appealing to consumers with a higher tolerance or those seeking a more intense experience.
Physically, the introduction of concentrates affects the joint’s burn rate. The oils and resins present in the extract cause the infused joint to combust more slowly and consistently than a flower-only joint. This slower burn extends the duration of the smoking session, allowing for a more deliberate and prolonged experience. The infusion can also enhance the flavor profile, particularly when terpene-rich extracts like live resin are used, offering a richer and more complex aroma. This combination of higher potency and altered burn characteristics leads to a higher price point compared to non-infused counterparts.