Apehex: Revolutionizing Cannabis Pre-Roll Production

In a groundbreaking development for the cannabis industry, Apehex, an automated pre-roll system, is transforming how joints are manufactured across North America. Developed by Perfectionist Rolling Equipment (PRE) in collaboration with RAW founder Josh Kesselman, this innovation addresses production bottlenecks that have long plagued the industry. The journey began on a seemingly ordinary day in 2016, when Justin Kruidenier, co-founder of Zen Dispensary, conceptualized a new kind of infused rolling paper during a break from a video game. This idea would eventually lead to a partnership with RAW and the creation of TWAX Papers, the first commercially available rolling papers infused with distillate

The initial success of TWAX Papers highlighted a critical issue: the labor-intensive nature of pre-roll production. Despite their popularity, the manual process was unsustainable, prompting Kruidenier to question why no one had automated this process effectively for cannabis. Existing cone-filling machines were largely retrofitted from cigarette technology, resulting in inconsistent and unreliable products. Recognizing these limitations, Kruidenier, along with his Zen partner Tony Pagni, sought to create a solution tailored specifically for cannabis production

In 2019, Kruidenier and Pagni, together with Kesselman, launched Perfectionist Rolling Equipment with the aim of creating a fully automated pre-roll system. Unlike existing machines, their design would not require extensive facility modifications or a dedicated engineering team to operate. The Apehex system was engineered to produce approximately 1,100 premium cones per hour, maintaining the quality and consistency expected by consumers. The development process was hands-on, with prototypes tested in real production environments to ensure reliability and efficiency

The Apehex system introduced several innovations, such as a patented progressive fill system that mimics the technique of skilled human rollers. This system ensures even density and airflow, preventing common issues like tunneling or canoeing. Another significant advancement was the machine's ability to operate in six independent lanes, allowing continuous production even if one lane requires maintenance. This design not only improves uptime but also aligns with the spatial and operational constraints of cannabis facilities

Since its introduction at MJBizCon 2019, Apehex has gained traction in the cannabis industry, with its systems helping produce over 150 million pre-rolls. The technology has allowed facilities to shift from labor-intensive hand-rolling to more efficient production methods, reallocating workforce resources to quality control and other high-value tasks. The impact is visible in modern production facilities, where the focus has shifted from manual labor to machine reliability and throughput

The collaboration between PRE and RAW exemplifies how innovation can arise from unexpected places, such as the intersection of patient needs and brand experimentation. Apehex is part of a broader narrative of cannabis industry evolution, highlighting the importance of mechanical design and workflow planning. As the industry continues to grow, so does the demand for innovative solutions that enhance production efficiency and product quality

Looking ahead, PRE is committed to refining the Apehex platform, adapting to new market trends and product formats. As pre-rolls become a staple in cannabis product lines, the demand for advanced manufacturing solutions will only increase. The story of Apehex underscores the dynamic nature of the cannabis industry, where the next big innovation might be just a message away, waiting to be realized