Accelerant Manufacturing

The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, with pre-roll manufacturers adopting automation technologies to efficiently scale their operations. A surefire way to meet demand and ensure strategic growth is to replace the labor-intensive “handmade” pre-roll strategy with premium, perfectly crafted pre-rolls with the uniformity that precision automation affords. This transition has implications beyond speeding up production; it redefines how cannabis companies approach manufacturing.

A leader driving this shift is Accelerant Manufacturing, a company pushing the boundaries of production scalability with data-driven pre-roll machines and kief-coating automation. Since 2019, it has built a stellar reputation with its pioneering Production-as-a- Service (PaaS) offering that gives clients a reliable and flexible path to growth with a “throughput-only” model that avoids CapEx and allows manufacturers to get the most advanced systems without major up-front costs. Operating out of production facilities in Missouri and Maryland, the U.S.-based powerhouse equips cannabis businesses of all sizes with the versatility and customizability needed to thrive in the burgeoning pre-roll market.
Bringing Precision and Consistency to Pre-Roll Production

Accelerant’s technology is designed to optimize every step of the pre-roll process—meeting the demand for quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance. Its flagship product is the “PRO2” pre-roll machine, which produces 1,200 to 1,500 pre-rolls per hour. (The “P.R.O” in the product line’s name stands for “Pre Roll Operator”).

Complementing its high output is a proprietary and configurable “air compaction” technology that ensures perfectly packed pre-rolls with a lower risk for bent and damaged crutches typical of rod-compactions. This innovation utilizes controlled air pressure to compact the cannabis evenly, reducing the risk of density inconsistencies, which is especially crucial when working with sticky strains and infused materials where the PRO2’s skill is renowned.

At the same time, its “cone correction” station elevates the machine’s quality control by turning imperfect or damaged handmade cones into properly shaped cones ready for their accurate and weight-based filling. Using a humidification component to keep the paper pliable and a mandrel to correct deformations, the patent-pending feature minimizes waste and ensures each pre-roll meets rigorous quality standards.

Adding another layer of precision, Accelerant’s “Cool Flow” technology stabilizes temperature and humidity to allow smooth, consistent filling— especially important for infused products. This feature is particularly advantageous for businesses producing high volumes of complex, heavily infused pre-rolls as it helps them maintain consistent output quality across diverse product types. For instance, one client successfully scaled their production of a unique 50 percent live resin-infused product, significantly enhancing their market share due to improved quality and consistency.

Above all, the PRO2 addresses the typical frustrations of traditional packing methods, such as torn papers or uneven density, to deliver a uniformity that translates to a superior smoking experience.
The PaaS Advantage

Accelerant’s PaaS model flips traditional equipment purchases on their head. Rather than buying machines upfront, it allows cannabis producers to access its cutting-edge technology without heavy initial investment.

“Instead of selling machinery outright, we partner with cannabis producers by providing our machinery as a managed service, including training and real-time technical support,” says Grant Schuster, CEO.

With this approach, businesses pay based on machine throughput, keeping their capital free for other growth initiatives, like expanding dispensaries. Through its Performance+ program, Accelerant offers to replace the machines on an interval, helping clients further minimize downtime with U.S.-made parts and 24/7 support teams that keep their operations running smoothly, all while assuring that they are always working with a fresh machine with their latest innovations.

It regularly releases software updates and hardware upgrades that boost machine performance. A recent example is the introduction of a new operator-replaceable razor blade cutting mechanism (as opposed to an expensive cutter that required an engineer to replace it). This upgrade proved to be 10 times more efficient than the incumbent technology. With the “Production-as-a-Service” model, these upgrades are provided at no extra cost, reducing client downtime and service expenses.

In addition to this cost-effective scaling, clients receive a new machine at an interval and when significant improvements become available, ensuring they benefit from the latest advancements without high augmentation fees. In essence, the Performance+ program eliminates the hassle and expense of managing outdated equipment and individual upgrades.

Real-Time Assistance and Expert Customer Support

Accelerant’s support team is seamlessly integrated into each production line, offering instant assistance via a human-machine interface (HMI) that connects to Slack for real-time communication. This allows operators to troubleshoot with direct inputs from support specialists. The HMI-driven approach also enables technicians to monitor machine statuses remotely, making it easy to diagnose and resolve issues in real-time.

Equally impressive is the support system’s integration with advanced machine learning and data analytics. Monitoring quality at every step, Accelerant’s Visual Inspection Systems detect imperfections and ensure a consistent output with valuable insights that enable clients to continually optimize their production cycles. This combination of immediate support and AI-driven quality control gives its customers a competitive advantage in the high-demand pre-roll market.

Adaptable Technology Designed for Speed and Customization

Accelerant’s machines are designed to help clients pivot between product types. From tool-less changeovers to customizable crown designs, their flexibility empowers cannabis producers to meet diverse consumer preferences, from traditional twists to masterfully rolled kief-dusted cones, without compromising production speed.

“Our tool-less changeover system minimizes downtime, allowing operators to make fast, precise adjustments, much like a well-executed Formula One pit stop,” states Schuster.

Its adaptability doesn’t end there. Team Accelerant prioritizes client feedback to continuously expand the company’s portfolio. An excellent example is its CoatPRO coating system, which can coat up to 2,800 pre-rolls with kief, THCa, or hash per hour. It also gives producers control over the depth and duration of coating, enabling them to create exceptional, high-quality products that align with emerging consumer demands.

Leading the Charge into the Future of Cannabis

Automation As the cannabis industry faces increasing competition and regulatory complexities, Accelerant’s innovative solutions help clients navigate these challenges effectively. By investing in its automation and continuous improvement, cannabis producers can remain agile and responsive to market changes, positioning themselves for long-term success.

In pursuit of bringing its offerings to more businesses, Accelerant is set to hold an exhibition at the 2024 MJBizCon— the world's leading B2B marijuana and cannabis event. This will offer attendees a hands-on experience with the technology reshaping the cannabis industry and fortify its position as the preeminent choice for automated pre-roll production.

With its groundbreaking technology and commitment to client growth, Accelerant Manufacturing is setting the benchmark for pre-roll automation in the cannabis industry— paving the way for a more efficient, quality-focused future.