Hummingbird Glossary: Preroll Edition

As cannabis legalization sweeps across the globe, the culture—and the language—around pre-rolls is evolving rapidly. From 50-pack trim rolls to connoisseur hash holes, it’s clear: this ain’t just weed anymore, it’s a worldwide movement. At Hummingbird, we’ve observed firsthand how pre-rolls have become the universal format for modern cannabis. But with growth comes complexity—and lingo. Whether you’re on the production floor, posting up at a sesh in the Bay, or decoding terms like “boof,” “dogwalker,” or “SuperSpeed” in a packaging meeting, this glossary has your back.

Your Guide to the Pre-Roll Ecosystem

The Hummingbird PreRoll Glossary is your go-to guide for the terms, slang, and methods that compose the global pre-roll ecosystem. We’ve blended deep industry insights, regional NorCal slang, and manufacturing know-how to give you a one-stop cheat sheet for speaking fluent pre-roll—whether you’re rolling one up or rolling out SKUs.

Airflow

A well-balanced joint burns smoothly, hits consistently, and lets your flower shine in both flavor and effect. Pack it too tight, and you’ll be pulling like it’s a semi-frozen milkshake. Too loose, and it will burn uncontrollably.

Automated Pre-Roll Machine

An automated pre-roll machine, like the PreRoll-Er 200, carry a hefty price tag and promise to streamline production. Manufacturers promote them for speed and consistency, but operators often run into $250K+ costs, mechanical breakdowns, annual service contracts, finicky calibration, and uneven results. What starts as a labor-saving tool can quickly turn into a maintenance-heavy nightmare.

Biomass

Refers to bulk cannabis plant material—like trim, small buds, and sometimes whole plants. Producers primarily use biomass for extraction and processing. While it may not be top-shelf flower, biomass can still be high-quality and is essential for producing oils, concentrates & prerolls. It’s a cornerstone of the cannabis supply chain, valued for its cannabinoid and terpene content, not its bag appeal.

Blunt

A blunt is weed rolled in a cigar or tobacco leaf wrap—originally made by splitting open Phillies or Dutches and packing them with weed. They took off in the early ’90s, especially in East Coast hip-hop, turning blunts into a cultural icon. Today, blunts are still going strong, with natural wraps, hemp options, and glass tips in the mix—same slow burn, same bold smoke. A Hummingbird favorite way to smoke.

Bump Box or KnockBox (Futurola)

A no/low-tech method for filling pre-rolls that relies on shaking or tapping ground cannabis into pre-formed cones. It offers minimal control, inconsistent weights, and uneven packing. Despite many drawbacks, it remains the dominant pre-roll equipment in many legacy markets like California, Washington & Colorado.

Burn

Mastering the burn is key. A smooth, steady cherry keeps the vibe alive, but if it runs like a canoe, it can ruin the whole ride. How your joint burns says everything about the roll.

Cannon

A big, fat joint—usually packed with a heavy amount of flower and rolled thick like a mini baseball bat. It’s the kind of pre-roll that looks intimidating, hits hard, and is meant to be shared. Calling it a cannon is all about size, impact, and flex—it’s the opposite of a skinny pinner. #hummingbirdprsapproved

Cherry

The cherry is the lit, glowing tip of a joint or blunt—the part that actively burns. A good cherry burns evenly and steadily, giving you smooth draws and a balanced burn. When the cherry burns off-center or gets too hot, it can cause runs, harsh hits, and lost flower. Keeping that cherry dialed in is key to a clean, satisfying sesh

Cigarette Style or Straights

Straights refer to prerolls that are rolled in a uniform, cylindrical shape from end to end—no taper, no cone. They resemble traditional cigarettes in form. While less common than cones, some rollers prefer the even pack and burn. The form factor has been made slightly more popular by RollsPro.

Coco Puff

The original infused preroll. The coco puff—a joint or blunt laced with both cannabis and cocaine—was most popular in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Cone

A pre-roll cone is a cone-shaped paper that’s open on one end and twisted at the tip. It’s designed to be filled from the wide end and packed downward. Perfect for consistent, easy-to-roll joints.

Crutch

The crutch marks the mouthpiece end of a pre-roll. Manufacturers size crutches in millimeters, offering various lengths to fit different cone sizes—26mm (~1”) is the most common. These crutched are often paired with 84mm, 98mm, or 109mm cones. While 26mm remains the standard, many brands choose longer or shorter tips depending on product type or consumer preference, from compact dogwalkers to full-size king rolls.

Dogwalker

A dogwalker is a small pre-roll, usually 0.35g or less, perfect for a quick solo session—just enough to light up, walk the pup around the block, and be done before the leash comes off. The name’s become common slang in the industry, but heads up: “Dogwalkers” is also a registered trademark owned by Green Thumb Industries for their official line of mini joints. So if you’re thinking branding, tread carefully—marketers, consider this your warning bark.

Doink

A doink is a fat, oversized joint—usually hand-rolled and stuffed to the brim. It’s the kind of pre-roll that makes people stop, stare, and say, “Who brought the bazooka?”

Draw

The airflow through a joint. A draw is a single inhale or puff from a preroll or blunt. The smoothness and resistance of your draw can tell you a lot about the airflow and roll quality.

Dry Pull

A dry pull is when you take a drag from a preroll before lighting it. It’s a way to check the draw and get a hint of the flavor without any smoke. One of the most popular QA checks on the preroll manufacturing line.

Dutch Crown or Twisting

A method of closing the end of a cone that involves folding rather than twisting. Tarantuala prerolls are often twisted. The oil and kief on the twist allow it to light and burn like a candle.

Filter Tip

A filter tip sits at the mouthpiece end of a pre-roll, acting as a small insert—often made of cardboard, glass, wood, or ceramic. It improves airflow, blocks bits of flower from reaching your mouth, and adds structure to the joint. As flower prices climb, brands use tips to stand out with premium details and lower flower content without sacrificing the smoking experience

Generation Blunt or 2nd Gen

A new blunt rolled using the leftover weed scraped from old roaches. It hits harsher but packs a strong, resiny punch from all the previously smoked material.

Glass Tip

A reusable glass tip is a high-end mouthpiece you can insert into a joint or blunt for a cleaner, smoother draw. It filters resin, keeps your lips cool, and adds a luxury feel. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and easy to clean. Glass-tipped pre-roll or blunt hemp tubes are increasingly gaining in popularity.

Grind Consistency

Grind consistency refers to how uniform the cannabis particles are after grinding. A consistent grind leads to even burning and optimal airflow in pre-rolls. An uneven texture can cause poor packing and unpredictable smoke.

Grind Size

Grind size determines how fine or coarse your flower is. Too fine and it can clog airflow and burn too quickly; too coarse and it may burn unevenly or fall out of the cone. Ideal size depends on your paper, method, and preference.

Grinder

A grinder is a tool used to break down cannabis flower into smaller, more usable pieces. It improves consistency, boosts surface area, and makes rolling easier. Manual or electric, it’s a must-have in any toolkit.

Hand-Rolled

Rollers manually craft hand-rolled joints without machinery, giving them an artisanal touch. They control every detail—tightness, shape, and flow. It’s the classic, old-school way of smoking.

Hash Hole

A hash hole features a core of hash—typically rosin or bubble hash—embedded right through the center of the flower. As the joint burns, the hash melts and creates a tunnel in the ash, which inspires its name. Dawn Doan of LuxeRolls introduced this style, Fidels propelled it into mainstream popularity, and Marcos Surita turned Hash Hole Island into an annual event.

Hemp Wrap

A hemp wrap is a tobacco-free alternative for rolling blunts, made entirely from hemp fibers. It offers a smooth, slow burn and a clean, natural flavor—ideal for those avoiding nicotine. In today’s market, PreRoll Distro and Custom Cones USA stand out as clear leaders in quality hemp wrap production.

Hummingbird Preroll Systems

A cannabis equipment company focused on streamlining and automating pre-roll production for operators of all sizes. Known for innovative, modular equipment, Hummingbird delivers precision, speed, and scalability without compromising craft. Designed by operators for operators.

Infused Pre-Roll

An infused pre-roll is enhanced with cannabis concentrates like oil, hash, or kief. These potent joints deliver a stronger and longer-lasting high. They often burn slower and hit harder than standard pre-rolls.

Internal Infusion (Wet or Dry)

Operators infuse ground cannabis flower by injecting concentrate—either “dry” (like THCa or kief) or “wet” (like oil or rosin)—directly into the center of the pre-roll. This technique spreads potency evenly throughout the joint for a smoother, more consistent smoke. Leaders in injection tech include Thompson Duke, Sorting Robotics, and Xylem Robotics.

Kief

Kief is the collection of trichomes—tiny, sticky crystals—that fall off cannabis during grinding. It’s highly potent and rich in cannabinoids. Often sprinkled on bowls or joints for an extra kick.

Machine-Rolled vs Hand-Rolled

Machine-rolled joints are produced using equipment for speed and uniformity, while hand-rolled ones are made manually for a personal touch. Both have their place in the market. Choice depends on scale, quality, and experience.

Material

Material refers to the ground cannabis used to fill a pre-roll. The quality, texture, and moisture of the material directly affect the burn and flavor. It’s the heart of every joint. Material can be trim, shake, or any sized bud.

Moisture Content

Moisture content is the amount of water still present in cannabis flower. Too dry and it burns too fast; too wet and it won’t burn at all. Finding the sweet spot is key for a smooth, flavorful session.

Paper

Rolling paper is the thin wrap that holds your cannabis together. It comes in a variety of materials like rice, hemp, or wood pulp, and affects both the flavor and burn rate of your joint. A good paper is essential for a smooth, even smoke.

Pinner

A pinner is a skinny small preroll. It’s the opposite of a cannon or doink. Great for a discreet hit. Sometimes called a one-hitter. One of the most popular brands SKUs in Northern California is Heshies & Pure Beauty.

Pre-Roll or Preroll

A pre-roll or preroll is a joint that’s already filled and rolled, ready for immediate use. It removes the hassle of grinding, rolling, or sealing. Common in dispensaries and perfect for on-the-go use.

Roach

The roach is the end of the joint that’s too small to hold but still has a little smoke left in it. Some people save them to repack or roll a 2nd Gen Blunt or roach joint.

Rolling Paper

Smokers use rolling paper to wrap ground cannabis into a joint. Available in different sizes, flavors, and materials like hemp or rice. Affects the burn speed, taste, and overall smoking experience.

Sesh

A session is the time you dedicate to enjoying a smoke—whether solo or with a crew. It’s more than consumption—it’s ritual, vibe, and connection. Light up, chill out, and let the session unfold.

Spliff

A spliff is a roll that mixes cannabis with tobacco in the same paper. Common in Europe and the Caribbean, it offers a buzzy head high from the nicotine combined with the cannabis effects. It typically burns longer and hits sharper than a pure joint.

Tarantula or Twaxed Joint or Moon Rocket

An externally infused preroll that is oil coated (usually distillate) and then rolled in kief, adding serious potency and visual appeal. The outer layer can make it burn slower and hit harder. It’s a next-level smoke for experienced users. It’s ultra-potent and not for the faint of heart. Jeeters, Stiizy & California Rolls have popularized this form factor.

Trim Preroll

Trim is the excess leaf matter that processors remove from cannabis buds after harvest. It contains some cannabinoids but is less potent than flower. Many producers use trim in pre-rolls, extracts, and edibles. With consistent grinding and packing, trim prerolls can offer a smooth, satisfying smoke

Wood

A “wood” is slang for a blunt rolled using a tobacco leaf, often from a Backwoods pack. It’s not a traditional cigar, but a loose leaf used to wrap cannabis for a slow, flavorful smoke.

Vibration Table

Operators use a vibration table—similar to the Futurola Knockbox or Bump Box—to gently shake pre-roll cones and help cannabis settle evenly inside. This method reduces air gaps and boosts consistency in every roll.

Dive into the world of pre-rolls or prerolls with this handy glossary and elevate your cannabis experience with confidence.