Pre-rolls are, simply, a pre-rolled joint, typically with a crutch.
Joints are cheap, discreet, disposable, and easily shared among friends. They require neither the financial investment of a bong nor the time commitment of an edible. But unless you’ve got nimble fingers or hours to spend practicing, it can be tough to learn how to twist one up.
The rolling paper can hide what’s inside, making it easier for producers to get away with using sub-par cannabis or trim. Even if a pre-roll does include high-quality cannabis, consumers still can’t judge what’s inside so stores may see little advantage in stocking high-quality pre-rolls.