RollCraft pushes pre-roll automation under $30,000 as cannabis demand shifts

Pre-rolls have become the top cannabis category by units sold in the U.S., but most smaller producers still cannot afford six-figure automation. RollCraft, the craft brand of STM Canna, is targeting that gap with a sub-$30,000 fill-and-close line as the category grows and capital stays tight.

Why it matters: - Pre-rolls overtook flower to become the best-selling cannabis category in the U.S. by units sold. - Smaller producers have been shut out of automation because most commercial systems cost well into six figures. - RollCraft is trying to make high-volume pre-roll production accessible at a price point built for craft margins.

What happened: - RollCraft, the craft brand of STM Canna, introduced a complete automated pre-roll fill-and-close bundle for $29,995. - The bundle combines the MRB filling machine and the ATC Dutch Crown closing machine. - RollCraft said the line is designed for producers who need faster output without six-figure capital spending. - The company said the product line is now operating in 8 U.S. states and 2 countries.

The details: - Pre-rolls generated $3.6 billion in revenue in 2025 on more than 383 million units. - Unit sales rose 18.6% year over year, giving pre-rolls a 15.9% share of the market. - The broader cannabis market grew 1.5% over the same period. - The figures come from Custom Cones USA’s “State of the Pre-Roll Market 2026” report, which uses Headset sales data. - A federal order in April 2026 rescheduled state-licensed medical cannabis to Schedule III and removed it from IRS Section 280E. - Adult-use operators remain on Schedule I and still face the full 280E tax burden. - A broader rescheduling hearing is set to begin June 29, 2026, and the outcome is still uncertain. - The MRB fills up to 10,000 pre-rolls per day with one operator and no pre-weighing. - The ATC closes 72 joints in under 60 seconds, or up to 2,100 per hour. - The combined line is built in Spokane, Washington, and supports 70mm, 84mm, 98mm, 109mm and custom-sized cones. - Financing is available through NEC. - Output varies based on operator experience, material type and whether the product is infused. - RollCraft also says many operators can recover the machine cost in roughly three to six months through labor savings, depending on volume and product mix.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects pressure on cannabis operators to automate while preserving cash. - Pre-roll demand is growing faster than the overall cannabis market, which makes the category a clear target for equipment makers. - The pricing suggests STM Canna is aiming at craft producers and processors that have historically been priced out of industrial automation. - The mention of a federal rescheduling change shows the market is shifting unevenly, with medical operators getting relief while adult-use businesses still face heavier tax pressure.

What’s next: - RollCraft is positioning its modular line as a lower-risk entry point for producers trying to scale pre-roll output. - The company is directing buyers to more information and a demo video showing a complete sub-$30,000 line in operation. - The broader rescheduling hearing beginning June 29 could further affect cannabis operators’ tax burden and capital planning.

The bottom line: - Pre-roll demand is surging, and RollCraft is betting that affordable automation will be the next competitive edge for craft cannabis producers.