In the modern cannabis industry, filter tips have become a recognizable and essential feature of pre-rolled cones and tubes. Not only do they provide some structure and help cool the smoke before it gets to the consumer, but they also help prevent small bits of cannabis (called “Scooby Snacks”) from getting into smokers’ mouths.
Customers have come to expect and appreciate them in a professional pre roll, helping drive the entire category to become the fastest-growing sector of the business.
The most common filter found in dispensaries and retail stores today is made from paper or cardstock folded into a “W” shape. However, the classic “W” paper filter is just one of many options available in this ever-evolving industry, and if you know how to pack a cone you can choose from a wide variety of choices that enhance your smoking experience.
What’s right for you? Let’s dig in.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When choosing a filter tip, it’s important to start with what you are hoping to get out of your filter. Each is different, after all, and provides their own unique benefits.
Things to consider when choosing a filter are:
- Cooling effect: If you prefer cooler smoke, opt for wood, glass or ceramic tips
- Filtration level: Glass and specialty filters offer superior particle filtration
- Draw resistance: Consider high-flow options if you dislike restricted airflow
- Flavor impact: Wood tips can add subtle flavors; glass and ceramic are neutral
- Aesthetic and feel: Premium options like glass and ceramic offer a luxury experience
- Budget: Balance your desired features with your price range
Exploring Various Filter Tips
Spiral Pre-Roll Filter Tips
For those seeking an upgrade from the standard “W” filter but not ready to invest in premium materials like wood or glass, spiral paper filters are a great choice. These filters consist of paper rolled into a spiral and placed at the filter end of a pre-rolled joint. They can be handmade or purchased pre-made, often found in artisan pre-rolled tubes.
Spiral filters provide additional firmness, making the pre-roll easier to hold and less likely to close when passed around. Their increased surface area catches more resin, enhancing the smoking experience. However, they are still made of paper and will be less durable than a premium option.
Premium Wood Filter Tips
Wood filter tips represent the first tier of truly premium options. Whether integrated into pre-rolled tubes or purchased separately, wood tips add a level of sophistication and functionality. They offer superior cooling and protection against Scooby Snacks while delivering a smoother draw due to their narrower air passage.
Available in various flavors like natural wood, sugar and vanilla, wood filter tips add a subtle taste enhancement without overpowering the cannabis flavor. They also add weight, giving the pre-roll a sense of luxury, while retaining a natural feel on the lips.
Premium Glass Filter Tips
For those looking to elevate their smoking experience further, glass filter tips are an excellent choice. They excel at cooling the smoke and preventing particles from getting through, allowing for bigger hits. Glass tips feel smooth on the lips and provide a high-end touch to any pre-roll.
These tips can come in various shapes, including flat-mouth, bullet, cone, and cylinder with built-in twists to catch particles. Glass filter tips can be used with handmade joints or added to pre-rolls for a premium upgrade.
Premium Ceramic Filter Tips
No filter tip option provides a sense of extravagance like a ceramic filter tip. Like glass, they have a smooth and luxurious feel thanks to their increased weight and high-end material. But because they are ceramic, these filter tips cool the smoke even further, allowing for even bigger hits.
Additionally, the design of a ceramic filter tip is even better at stopping Scooby Snacks from getting through, adding to the high-end appeal of a pre-roll while retaining a similar price point as glass. They are perfect for rolling into a homemade pre roll or even by simply inserting the paper filter end of a pre rolled cone for an instant upgrade.
Other Filter Tip Options
Beyond paper, wood, glass and ceramic, there are numerous other filter tip options, including:
- Bio-Cooling Filters: Made from biodegradable plant-based fibers, these filters cool the smoke and are eco-friendly.
- High-Flow Filters: Designed for easier airflow.
- Hemp Paper Filters: Another natural and sustainable option.
- Metal and Charcoal Filters: These filters help remove harmful particles from the smoke.
Filter Tips to Avoid
While many filter tips enhance the smoking experience, some are less than ideal for pre-rolled joints:
Corn Husk Filter Tips
Corn husk filters, found in many palm leaf blunt wraps, provide good airflow and particle filtration. However, their natural material can retain moisture, potentially harboring microbials like aspergillus, making them less suitable for pre-rolled cones or tubes.
Cellulose Acetate (Cigarette-Style) Filter Tips
Originally designed for cigarettes, these plastic filters do not perform well with cannabis. They can become quickly clogged by the sticky resin in cannabis smoke, making it difficult to pull a hit. Moreover, they don’t effectively filter out harmful chemicals, offering little benefit for cannabis users.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pre-roll filter tip comes down to personal preference and priorities. Whether you value cooling, filtration, flavor or overall experience, there’s a filter tip option that can enhance your cannabis consumption.
Experiment with different types to find the perfect match for you.
