Joints and Blunts: Two households alike in dignity, in fair dispensaries where we lay our scene. For some stoners, the choice between a blunt and a joint is a rivalry as serious as Montagues and Capulets (that’s Shakespeare, for you unlettered folks). For most of us, we may not hate one or the other but definitely have a preference of which we would rather smoke.
For newbies, the difference between the two may be a mystery. With all of the herb vapes, dab rigs, and super-chilled electron hyperbongs on the market these days, many people who started smoking in the new era of cannabis may have never even smoked rolled flower.
Joints
For a time, the joint seemed to be the go-to way to consume cannabis. In every film, tv show, and illustration of a stoner, they always smoked joints. The joint was so ubiquitous that any deviation was a bit of a treat. We can’t describe the excitement of finding out someone owned a bong, gravity bong, or even a dedicated weed pipe. The state of weed consumption was so desperate that in a dearth of rolling papers, many of us were forced to smoke out of apples.
A joint is a rolled form of cannabis wrapped in a thin, usually white paper. It is very similar to a cigarette, and many users of both cannabis and tobacco use the same rolling papers for each. While rolling a joint is something of an art, the advent of dispensaries and pre-rolled joints has made smoking a joint easier than ever. Though these pre-rolls are a time saver, we think learning to roll is still worthwhile.
You will need rolling papers, a cannabis grinder (we offer 2 piece and 4 piece models), and something to make a “crutch” or filter with. Most stoners end up using a tiny bit of cardboard torn off the exterior packaging of their rolling papers.
After grinding about 1 gram of cannabis, hold a rolling paper lightly in the hand and spread cannabis evenly in the groove of the paper. Once you have placed the desired amount of cannabis in the paper, gently roll the paper back and forth in your fingers, working the cannabis into a lightly packed cone shape. This part takes some practice, as packing the cannabis too tight will keep the joint from smoking properly. Too loose, and the joint will go out or fall apart as it burns.
After gently packing the weed together, it’s time to seal it up. Beginning at the narrow end of the cone, slightly crease the rolling paper in on itself, folding and rolling the paper into a cylinder. Continue folding and rolling until you’ve reached the end of the joint, at which point you can lick the glue on the edge of the rolling paper to seal it shut.
Use something small like a pen to gently tamp the wide end of the cone, then twist the tip to seal that side. The narrow end will be smoked out of, so all it needs is a filter. Using a small piece of cardboard about a half inch wide, roll a small, tight cylinder and push it into the bottom of the joint. Grab a lighter and enjoy!
Blunt
The blunt is similar to a joint, but instead of a cigarette rolling paper, the cannabis is wrapped either in a tobacco leaf, like a cigar, or in cigarillo paper. The cigarillo paper is most common, as it is readily available at every gas station in America. Fans of blunts appreciate the flavors of these cigarillo papers, the added buzz of nicotine from the tobacco, and the significantly larger size of most blunts.
The technique for rolling is similar. You will want finely ground cannabis and a blunt wrap. If you are unable to find stand-alone wraps, you may cut open a cheap cigarillo, empty it, and recycle the wrap from there. Just like a joint, fill the blunt and begin working it back and forth in your fingertips. Be sure to fill the blunt fully, as there is nothing sadder than a small, pathetic blunt.
Once the weed is semi-packed, start at one end and begin tucking and rolling the paper to seal the weed inside a cylinder of brown paper. Once rolled, lick the paper to seal the entire piece together. Tamp the weed slightly from one end with a pen or small, thin object and get ready to smoke.
Tips
- Plan to fail. Your first rolling attempt won’t go well, so prepare with a few extra wraps.
- Grind your weed. This isn’t the dark ages, so breaking down your weed by hand won’t cut it. Using a good 4 piece herb grinder will set you up for success, and the kief you collect can be sprinkled on joints for extra potency.
- Buy a rolling machine. Hand-rolled is an art, but not all of us are artists. If you constantly struggle, let modern engineering save the day.
- Buy quality papers. Well-known brands with consistent quality can make a huge difference in your rolling.
- Get creative. Wacky joints, blunts, and makeshift pipes are a cornerstone of the cannabis community. Don’t be afraid to break the mold and create a new cross joint (rumored to have been designed by M.M. O’Shaughnessy).
Infographic
Joints and blunts have long been the go-to choice for cannabis enthusiasts looking to enjoy their favorite herb. But what exactly is the difference between these two classic smoking methods? In this infographic, we’ll explore the differences—from materials used to potency and more—so you can choose which is right for you!
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