Reviewing the Best in Grass Competition
A Full Review of the "Infused Pre-Rolls" Judging Kit
The "Best in Grass" competition for 2024 has been an anticipated event in the Illinois cannabis scene, bringing together a curated selection of infused pre-rolls to determine the crème de la crème of the market. As a budtender and cannabis enthusiast, I was eager to dive into this year’s judging kit, which promised a mix of six unique products from some well-known brands.
Priced at $15 per pre-roll, the kit cost $124 after taxes—a hefty investment, particularly with the additional $34 in Illinois state taxes. With such a wide array of options on the market, I was curious to see if these selected pre-rolls truly represented the best of the best. In this review, I’ll break down each product, sharing my thoughts on their taste, effects, and overall value, before ranking them from the top performer to the biggest letdown.
Detailed Reviews
1. Revolution
This pre-roll was hands down the best in the kit. It was infused with Blueberry Clementine Flower, Gorilla'd Cheese Rosin, and Fruit Stand THCA, creating an amazing, clean, soapy, and sweet taste that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. With a THC content of 44%, the effects were incredibly strong—my tolerance, even after days of smoking hash-infused pre-rolls, was not prepared for this amazing Revolution cocktail. Revolution products rarely disappoint, and this pre-roll was no exception. It was worth every penny and easily takes the top spot.
2. Velcroz by Dogwalkers
Velcroz delivered a solid experience. This hybrid strain, infused with crumble or wax and packing a THC content of 52%, hit hard and left me thoroughly blazed, it certainly got the job done. The taste was decent—nothing too sweet-such as High Supply's products—but it was a memorable experience. This is one I’d go back to, making it the second best in the kit.
3. Chem Scout by High Supply
Chem Scout was a great way to kick off the kit. This Indica strain with a hefty 45% THC content delivered a clean and slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of old-school hydroponic-grown bud. The effects were immediate and therapeutic—my back pain melted away after just half a pre-roll, and by the end, I was completely relaxed and blissed out. A strong contender, but it falls to third place only because the top two were that much more impressive.
4. Jenny Kush by Aeriz
Jenny Kush was a pleasant surprise. This Sativa-dominant hybrid, infused with Full Spectrum Hash Oil (FSHO) and boasting a THC content of 50%, offered a functional yet potent high. Despite the strong effects, I felt energetic and free from the usual anxiety or paranoia that can come with some Sativa strains. It’s a great option for those looking for a balanced high that keeps you both relaxed and productive, landing it in fourth place.
5. Purple Plague by High Supply
Purple Plague was somewhat of a letdown after Chem Scout. Despite being a Sativa strain with a solid 44% THC content, the different rolling style (which resembled a blunt) and the uneven infusion left much to be desired. Most of the infusion was wasted between the paper and filter, and while the taste was sweet, it wasn’t particularly memorable. The switch up on the rolling style made me question the quality control. The effects were decent but not as strong as Chem Scout, putting this pre-roll in fifth place.
6. Kosher Dawg x Jet Lag by Holy Union (Verano)
Kosher Dawg x Jet Lag was the weakest link in the kit. From the start, the pre-roll burned unevenly, and since it was dusted in kief and sprayed with distillate, there was no way to fix it. The distillate spray—essentially a cartridge oil—left the pre-roll moist and difficult to hit, and the taste was far from enjoyable—it didn’t taste true to the plant at all. With a THC content of 32%, the effects were lackluster, and the entire experience was disappointing. Unfortunately, this one ranks last.
Better Pre-Rolls in the Market
As a budtender, I have had the privilege of receiving samples that I felt were far superior to some of the pre-rolls in this kit. Here are some I believe deserved a spot:
Kaviar makes an incredible infused pre-roll. Whether it's the pack or a single, the product comes with a fancy glass tip that elevates the experience. Anytime I received something from Kaviar, I was in love.
93 Boyz infused blunt was something unforgettable. Some of my coworkers, who have years more experience in the dispensary industry than I do, called it the best infused product they’ve ever tried in Illinois.
Pot Rockets from Aeriz are a fantastic purchase, infused with hash oil and dusted with kief. I’m a huge fan of these and always recommend them.
Dogwalkers infused pre-roll packs are perfect for a quick, potent high when you need to get things done. These are my go-to for a strong, daytime high. If you need more, two pre-rolls will certainly do the trick!
Florcal Live Rosin infused pre-roll pack (Jealousy strain) is a memorable treat I often repurchase when visiting Sunnyside dispensaries. This relaxing hybrid helps me unwind and is one I keep coming back to.
Grassroots diamond-infused pre-rolls are another go-to when I visit Curaleaf dispensaries. I love the effects of their diamonds, and these pre-rolls always deliver a powerful experience.
Moonwalkers infused blunt by Nature's Grace and Wellness: While these blunts can be harsh due to the wrapper, the effects are well worth it. There are several variations of infusions for this blunt, including Live Rosin and Liquid Diamonds, making it a top pick despite the cough it might cause!
Searcher’s Spotlight
One product that I wish I could’ve gotten my hands on in Illinois was the IC Collective Hash Hole Infused Pre-roll. Only 250 were made, and from what customers were saying, it was some of the best infused cannabis they had consumed in a long time. It was a breath of fresh air in the Illinois market, and I’m still on the lookout for something comparable.
My Best Infused Pre-Roll Experience
I am such a fan of infused pre-rolls that I once spent $100 on an infused Hash Hole pre-roll in New Mexico. It was the best infused pre-roll I have ever consumed in my life. The experience was euphoric—I felt like a teen again, amazed by the quality and effects. The quality of cannabis in New Mexico is truly impressive, but that’s a conversation for another day.
Conclusion
Having tried many products throughout my life, I can say the Best in Grass competition was fun, but I hope future competitions step up their game to include truly standout products. While this kit had its highlights, I know the Illinois market has more to offer.
