How Robotics & Moonglue Are Transforming Cannabis Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls have become a premium category that demands consistency, speed, and flawless presentation. At Sorting Robotics, we've seen how traditional methods struggle to keep up with the demand for infused pre-rolls, which require precise dosing and reliable sealing at scale. Industry data shows that between June 2023 and June 2024, pre-rolls posted the fastest growth of any cannabis category, with sales revenue climbing 11.89% year-over-year.
That's why robotics and MoonGlue were designed to work together: automation delivers efficiency and accuracy, while MoonGlue ensures every cone is sealed cleanly without compromising flavor or quality. The result is a production process that transforms pre-roll manufacturing into a streamlined, high-performing operation.
The Pre-Roll Challenge Operators Face Today
Scaling pre-roll production may seem straightforward, but behind the scenes, operators face a set of challenges that hinder growth and limit consistency. Understanding these obstacles is the first step toward seeing how robotics and best practices for glue can change the equation.
Rising demand for Pre-Rolls
Over the last few years, pre-rolls have shifted from a convenience item to one of the fastest-growing categories in cannabis. Consumers are gravitating toward infused and premium varieties, and retailers are expanding shelf space to keep up. Much of this momentum comes from the surge in infused pre-rolls, which grew by 61% in just an 18-month span, making them a major driver of the category's overall expansion.
Where Manual Production Falls Short
Traditional hand-rolled or semi-automated processes often introduce problems. Inconsistent weights, uneven packing, and unreliable burn quality are standard when staff must keep up with rising volume. Adding the complexity of infused vs regular pre-rolls, which require infuse pre-rolls with oil or concentrates, further widens the margin for error. Each inconsistency translates into higher costs, more waste, and potential dissatisfaction for the end consumer.
Adhesive Issues in Sealing
Adhesives may seem like a small detail, but they play a critical role in pre-roll production. Many producers rely on generic glues that aren't engineered for cannabis applications. These adhesives can gum up equipment, slow down production, and even alter the taste or aroma of the finished product. For operators pushing to meet demand, sealing becomes another bottleneck that adds friction to the process.
Scaling Infused SKUs
With consumer demand leaning toward infused cones, whether coated in kief or infused with oil internally, operators face another layer of complexity. Scaling infused SKUs means every cone must hold exact quantities of concentrate without leaks, mess, or quality issues. Without the right tools, meeting those expectations is nearly impossible at commercial volume.
Here’s a table that summarises the common pre-roll production challenges operators face today and how they impact the end user:
| Challenge | Impact on Operations | Impact on Consumer Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Inconsistent weights | Higher reject rates, wasted flowers | Uneven burns, unpredictable potency |
| Manual labor dependency | Rising costs, slower throughput | Limited availability, higher shelf price |
| Generic adhesives | Machine clogs, slower lines, contamination | Off-flavors, weak seals, poor appearance |
| Infusion inconsistency | Product rework, lost concentrates | Uneven highs, inconsistent experience |
Why is pre-roll production so harrowing to scale?
Pre-rolls are deceptively complex. Every cone requires precise filling, correct infusion, and clean sealing to deliver a consistent smoking experience. When demand increases, manual or semi-automated processes struggle to keep pace, resulting in errors, higher costs, and inconsistent products.
Why Robotics is the Key to Scalable, High-Quality Pre-Roll Manufacturing
For cannabis operators, the difference between struggling to keep up with demand and running a profitable, scalable pre-roll line often comes down to one factor: automation. Robotics is no longer a luxury; it's the key to producing consistent, high-quality pre-rolls at a speed and scale that manual methods simply cannot achieve.
Defining the Role of Robotics in Cannabis
In this industry, robotics goes beyond generic automation. They're purpose-built systems designed to execute repetitive tasks with precision, from filling cones and packing flowers to dosing concentrates and applying coatings. Each movement is calculated, which removes the variability of human labor and raises the bar for reliability.
Infusion Systems for Consistency
Infused pre-rolls are especially difficult to standardize by hand. Robotic infusion systems, such as Sorting Robotics' Jiko, measure and dose oils, rosins, or distillates with precision, ensuring each cone delivers the intended potency. This level of control reduces waste, lowers costs, and ensures consumers get a consistent experience every time.
In fact, as highlighted by Cannabis Equipment News, manual infusion methods remain extremely labor-intensive, which has spurred the development of automated equipment specifically designed to standardize kief and oil application at scale. This makes it easier for operations to meet market demand without sacrificing consistency.
Coating and Kief Applications
Adding concentrates or kief to the outside of a pre-roll can enhance its appeal, but evenly applying it by hand is notoriously challenging. Robotic solutions such as Stardust can consistently apply coatings across every unit, preserving visual appeal and functional quality.
This degree of precision mirrors advances in industrial coating automation. The collaborative robotic system study by Arrais et al. (2020) demonstrated how robotics can mimic the actions of skilled operators to deliver uniform coatings even over complex geometries.
Handling and Quality Control
Robotics also streamlines handling and inspection, areas where small errors can lead to significant losses. AI vision sensor system can quickly identify inconsistencies and reject faulty products before they reach the packaging stage. By integrating robotics into quality control, operators reduce reject rates while improving packaging accuracy with robots.
What kind of operators benefit most from robotics in pre-roll production?
Robotics provides the most outstanding value to operators producing at scale or planning to expand into high-volume infused SKUs. These businesses face mounting labor costs, stricter compliance standards, and pressure to consistently deliver high-quality products. By adopting robotics, they can increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve margins, benefits that are hard to achieve with manual methods.
MoonGlue: Adhesive Built for Pre-Roll Manufacturing
Scaling pre-roll production takes more than advanced machinery. The adhesive that seals every cone is just as critical as the equipment for filling or infusing it. This is where most operators encounter problems, because generic glues were never specifically designed for cannabis. Sorting Robotics created MoonGlue to change that.
Why Standard Adhesives Don't Work
The majority of adhesives used in pre-roll production come from outside industries. They gum up equipment, dry too slowly, and sometimes alter the aroma or taste of the finished product. In high-volume environments, these issues add downtime, waste, and frustration for operators.
What Makes MoonGlue Different
MoonGlue was developed specifically for the cannabis manufacturing industry. It’s food-safe, odorless, and tasteless, so it won't interfere with terpene profiles. More importantly, it applies cleanly and dries quickly, keeping equipment running smoothly. According to the press release, MoonGlue is an all-natural adhesive developed for commercial pre-roll manufacturing.
Benefits of Automated Workflows
MoonGlue shows its full strength when paired with robotics. Because it doesn’t clog or slow down equipment, operators can run continuous cycles without interruption. Its quick-drying properties allow automated lines to keep moving, which directly boosts throughput and efficiency.
How does MoonGlue help reduce equipment downtime?
Generic adhesives often accumulate on parts, leading to clogs and necessitating cleaning cycles that halt production. MoonGlue was engineered to apply cleanly and dry quickly, which keeps machines running longer between maintenance intervals. For operators, this means less downtime, fewer slowdowns, and more consistent output.
The Transformation: Robotics + MoonGlue in Tandem
When robotics and MoonGlue are brought together, the impact on pre-roll manufacturing is immediate and measurable. Automation handles the heavy lifting (filling cones, dosing concentrates, and applying coatings) while MoonGlue ensures that every cone is sealed cleanly and consistently. The combination transforms a fragmented workflow into a streamlined process designed for scalability.
A Unified Workflow
With robotics managing precise tasks like infusion and external coating, and MoonGlue delivering reliable sealing, operators gain an integrated system that minimizes errors and reduces rework. This synergy results in higher throughput and fewer rejected units, which directly supports profitability.
Real-World Impact for Operators
Producers who adopt robotics and MoonGlue together see faster cycle times, reduced waste, and more consistent product quality. Instead of fighting against bottlenecks at each stage, operators run continuous, stable, predictable production lines that are easier to scale as demand grows.
Raising the Standard for Pre-Rolls
Consistency is the foundation of consumer trust. Paired with MoonGlue, robotics allows brands to deliver pre-rolls that meet the same high standard every time. This not only protects the bottom line but also strengthens a brand's reputation in a competitive market where product quality is a key differentiator.
Can robotics and MoonGlue be integrated into existing pre-roll lines, or do they require a full rebuild?
Both robotics and MoonGlue were designed with modular integration in mind. Many operators choose to start with one system and expand over time, while others opt for a full-line upgrade. The flexibility allows brands to scale at their own pace without needing to replace their entire setup all at once.
Strategic Advantages for Cannabis Operators
For cannabis operators, every decision around production impacts margins, compliance, and long-term growth. Adopting robotics and MoonGlue is not just about upgrading equipment; it’s about securing an edge in an increasingly competitive market.
Scaling Without Adding Labor
Manual pre-roll production is labor-intensive, and staffing challenges make it difficult to increase output without incurring higher costs.Robotics reduces reliance on labor by handling repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy, allowing operators to scale pre-roll business without expanding headcount.
Protecting Margins and Reducing Waste
Consistency isn't just a quality metric; it directly affects profitability. Robotics minimizes flower loss through precise dosing, while MoonGlue eliminates the sealing problems that lead to product rework. Together, they help operators lower reject rates and protect margins.
Building Consumer Loyalty Through Quality
Consumers notice when every pre-roll looks, feels, and smokes the same. Consistent product quality fosters trust, which in turn leads to repeat purchases. By using robotics and MoonGlue, brands can confidently deliver premium experiences that strengthen customer loyalty.
Staying Ahead of Compliance Demands
Regulators continue to raise standards for cannabis manufacturing, prompting operators to meet increasingly stringent requirements regarding traceability, labeling, and auditability. Robotics offers built-in precision and audit-ready data capture, while MoonGlue's design ensures it aligns with food-safe, regulatory-compatible specifications.
Together, these systems enhance the operation's ability to mitigate compliance risk and respond rapidly as regulations evolve. Academic research supports this: for example, "An Innovation Framework of Medical Organic Cannabis Traceability" identifies system reliability, regulatory alignment, and data integrity as critical success factors in cannabis traceability implementations. This is a clear sign that compliance is no longer optional but foundational.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Automated Pre-Rolls
The cannabis industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and automation is shaping what the future of pre-rolls will look like. Robotics and MoonGlue already solve today's challenges, but their role in tomorrow's production lines will be even more significant.
This shift mirrors broader manufacturing trends, as the International Federation of Robotics reports that more than 4 million robots are currently in operation worldwide, with over 500,000 new installations made annually. This evidence shows that automation is not only advancing quickly but also becoming increasingly cost-effective for wider adoption.
The Rise of Smart Manufacturing
As robotics becomes more advanced, operators can expect systems that not only execute tasks but also collect data in real-time. This information can be used to monitor performance, adjust processes in real-time, and predict when maintenance is needed. Smart manufacturing will reduce downtime while ensuring every batch meets strict quality standards.
In fact, studies on predictive-maintenance programs demonstrate the significant impact this can have, boosting productivity by approximately 25%, reducing unplanned breakdowns by up to 70%, and lowering maintenance costs by around 25%. This provides clear evidence of the tangible gains that data-driven automation can deliver.
Expanding Adhesive Innovation
MoonGlue was created for pre-rolls, but adhesive technology in cannabis manufacturing is only beginning to grow. Future developments could include specialized formulations for different paper types, flavored options that complement specific strains, and adhesives optimized for new automated workflows.
More Accessible Automation
Smaller operators often assume robotics is only for large-scale facilities. The next generation of equipment is being designed with modular footprints that fit into operations of any size. This makes automation more accessible, enabling emerging brands to scale without requiring massive production facilities.
Setting the Industry Standard
Over time, robotics and specialized adhesives will no longer be competitive advantages; they'll be requirements. Consumers and regulators alike will expect consistent quality, and the brands that adopt automation early will be the ones that define those standards.
Will smaller cannabis producers be able to adopt robotics and MoonGlue, or is it only for large operations?
Yes. The technology is becoming increasingly modular and adaptable, which means even smaller producers can integrate robotics and MoonGlue without overhauling their entire setup. This flexibility enables businesses of all sizes to remain competitive as the industry advances toward more advanced production standards.
Driving the Next Era of Pre-Roll Production
Robotics and MoonGlue are redefining pre-roll manufacturing. Automation delivers speed and accuracy, while MoonGlue ensures every cone is sealed with clean, reliable consistency. Together, they remove bottlenecks, reduce waste, and give operators a scalable path to growth without compromising quality.
For cannabis brands, this isn't just about new equipment; it's about protecting margins, earning consumer trust, and staying ahead in a market that demands consistency.
Sorting Robotics is leading this shift with technology designed specifically for the cannabis industry. From infusion and coating systems to MoonGlue adhesive, our solutions are designed to help operators scale with confidence.
Ready to transform your pre-roll production? Schedule a demo or request a MoonGlue sample today and discover how Sorting Robotics can enhance your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can robotics and MoonGlue help brands expand their infused pre-roll product lines?
Yes. By standardizing dosing and sealing, operators gain the flexibility to experiment with new SKUs, such as flavored or multi-strain blends, without worrying about inconsistent results. This enables brands to innovate while maintaining reliable production.
How does MoonGlue impact the shelf life of pre-rolls?
MoonGlue creates a stronger, more uniform seal that helps protect pre-rolls from moisture and physical damage. This improves shelf stability, ensuring products maintain their quality during storage and transportation.
Are robotics and MoonGlue suitable for both small-batch and large-scale operations?
Absolutely. Robotics and MoonGlue are modular, which means they can be integrated into small runs for boutique brands or scaled up for high-volume production. This flexibility allows operators of all sizes to benefit from the same technology.
What role does robotics play in compliance reporting?
Robotic systems can track data such as dosing amounts, cycle counts, and error rates, which helps operators generate accurate compliance records. This level of traceability simplifies audits and ensures transparency across production.
