Updated October 2026
Quick Summary: Cheap pre-rolls in Illinois cost $6 to $30 before tax, and taxes typically add 22% or more at checkout. For the best value, compare price per gram, choose whole flower over shake or trim, and shop daily deals at Be. The Cannabis Store in Oak Forest and Blue Island.
Finding Cheap Pre-Rolls in Illinois Without Sacrificing Quality
Pre-rolls are affordable, accessible, and ready to go when you are. But cost shouldn’t be the only factor when you’re shopping for pre-rolls in Illinois.
Be. The Cannabis Store put together this guide to help you choose the right pre-roll for your budget and taste, whether you shop in Oak Forest or Blue Island.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-roll value depends on size, flower quality, and price per gram, not just the sticker price.
- Multi-packs often cost less per gram. In our example, a 5-pack of pre-rolls works out to $10 per gram versus $12 for a single.
- The cheapest pre-rolls are often made with shake, trim, or older flower.
- Daily deals at Be. The Cannabis Store let you buy better flower for less.
How Much Do Pre-Rolls Cost in Illinois?
Most pre-rolls in Illinois cost between $6 and $30 before tax. When you’re deciding which pre-roll to get, the best value isn’t determined by the price tag alone. It also depends on how much cannabis you’re buying and the experience you’re looking for.
Pre-roll pricing is driven by several factors, including:
- Type of flower used (whole flower vs. shake and trim)
- Age of flower
- Infused or standard
- Size of pre-rolls
- Number of pre-rolls (single versus multi-packs)
At Be. The Cannabis Store, we cater to cannabis consumers at every price point with a range of pre-rolls. Whether you want something affordable for $6, a mid-tier pack for $18, or to splurge on infused pre-rolls for $30, Be. The Cannabis Store has options.
Are Multi-Packs Cheaper per Gram Than Single Pre-Rolls?
Often, yes. Buying the cheapest pre-roll on the menu isn’t always the best value.
Let’s break it down with real products: a 1 g Heir Heads pre-roll ($12 plus tax) versus the 2.5 g Shadow Pack 5-pack of pre-rolls ($25 plus tax). Each Shadow Pack joint is 0.5 g, so the joints are half the size of the Heir Heads single.
Heir Heads | Shadow Pack | |
Cost (before tax) | $12 | $25 |
Amount of flower | 1 gram | 2.5 grams |
Number of pre-rolls | 1 | 5 |
Size per pre-roll | 1 g | 0.5 g |
Cost per gram (before tax) | $12 | $10 |
Cost per pre-roll (before tax) | $12 | $5 |
How Much Tax Is on Pre-Rolls in Illinois?
Illinois adds three layers of tax to every adult-use cannabis purchase: a state excise tax based on potency, the 6.25% state Retailers’ Occupation Tax, and local cannabis taxes. For a standard flower pre-roll, that typically adds up to about 22% or more on top of the shelf price.
- Retailers’ Occupation Tax: 6.25%
- Municipal or County Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax: up to 3% municipal and up to 3% county, depending on location (rates last changed July 1, 2026)
- Cannabis Purchaser Excise Tax: 10% for flower at or below 35% THC, 20% on cannabis-infused products like edibles and drinks, 25% for anything over 35% THC
Infused pre-rolls are flower combined with concentrate. Illinois does not tax concentrates as “infused products,” so infused pre-rolls are generally taxed by THC level. Since most exceed 35% THC, many fall in the 25% bracket.
All of this adds up to a higher checkout price than what you see on the shelf, and none of it is within the dispensary’s control. If it feels like a lot, you’re right. Illinois has some of the highest cannabis taxes in the country.
Are Cheap Pre-Rolls Worth It?
It depends on what’s inside. A lower price point is more than just the cost you pay at the register. Price is often a clue to the quality of the flower inside.
Many budget pre-rolls are made with shake or trim. Shake is the small pieces of flower that break off buds during handling; trim is the leaf material cut away from buds during harvest. Both are real cannabis, but they tend to burn faster and taste harsher than whole flower.
Some low-priced pre-rolls also use older flower from a previous harvest. Old flower doesn’t smoke as well, creating a joint that burns quickly, unevenly, and often harshly. Older pre-rolls can also be less potent.
If you’re looking for an easy product to smoke, a budget pre-roll fits the bill, but if you’re more interested in a good smoking experience with flavor and aroma, it’s worth it to spend a little more. The good news: you don’t always have to.
How to Get a Better Pre-Roll for Less
- Compare price per gram, not sticker price. A multi-pack can beat a single by 15% or more.
- Check the label for “whole flower” and a recent harvest or package date.
- Shop daily deals on full-priced, whole-flower pre-rolls instead of defaulting to the cheapest item.
- Ask a budtender which pre-rolls are freshest and best value this week.
Pre-Roll Deals at Be. The Cannabis Store
At Be. The Cannabis Store, we know that many factors go into buying cannabis products, and price is ultimately one of them. But we don’t believe you have to sacrifice quality to save money. That’s why we offer daily deals on our cannabis, helping you find the best brands and products for your needs.
Check out our up-to-date deals: our everyday discounts apply to full-priced products, including pre-rolls, so that you can enjoy a high-quality smoke for a fraction of the price.
Pre-Roll FAQs
Are cheap pre-rolls less potent?
Not always. The amount of THC in pre-rolls varies by strain, joint size, and whether it’s infused or regular. Some cheap pre-rolls are less potent, while others are still highly potent. Older flower can lose potency over time, so check the package date and the THC percentage.
What’s the difference between cheap and premium pre-rolls?
Both contain smokable cannabis flower. The difference is usually what kind: premium pre-rolls are typically made with whole flower, while budget pre-rolls are often made with shake or trim, which can burn faster and taste harsher.
What’s the cheapest pre-roll in Illinois?
Pre-rolls in Illinois typically range from about $6 up to $30 before tax. Pricing depends on joint size, the number of joints, and flower quality. At Be., single pre-rolls start at about $6.
Is a multi-pack a better deal than a single pre-roll?
Often. In our comparison, a 2.5 g five-pack costs $10 per gram before tax, versus $12 per gram for a 1 g single. Just note that multi-pack joints are usually smaller, around 0.5 g each.
How much will I pay after tax for a pre-roll in Illinois?
Expect to pay roughly 22% or more above the shelf price for a standard flower pre-roll, and more for products over 35% THC. A $12 pre-roll typically comes to about $15 at checkout.
Find the Best-Value Pre-Rolls in Oak Forest and Blue Island
Looking for a pre-roll that fits your budget without settling for harsh, stale flower? That’s what Be. The Cannabis Store is built for. Our team offers a wide selection of products at every price point, and our budtenders are happy to answer your questions. No matter what kind of pre-roll you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Be. The Cannabis Store.
Explore our current pre-roll selection on our online menu, or visit us in-store in Oak Forest or Blue Island.
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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