What’s the difference between joints, spliffs and blunts?
Rolled smokables are one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis flower for several reasons. Rolling cannabis into a blunt, joint, or spliff is a great way to enjoy or share your cannabis, especially on the go. They’re convenient because you can roll-up ahead of time and take it with you and only a spark to put that pep in your step. In this post, we’re looking at the differences between joints, spliffs, and blunts, weighing their advantages and disadvantages, and offering advice on which is the right approach for you.
Joints
One of the most iconic ways of smoking cannabis, joints are routinely featured in television and movies, written about in literature, and the topic of many popular songs. They are a common part of cannabis culture and knowing how to roll a joint is a core skill for any lover of the leaf.
In the simplest terms, a joint is ground cannabis rolled in thin rolling papers, like those used to roll cigarettes. Joint rolling papers come in a wide variety of lengths and widths, so you can decide exactly how big or small a joint you want to smoke. Rolling papers are made of many types of paper: traditional or unbleached, hemp, rice, etc. You can even get flavored papers if you are looking for something that may add to the experience.
Some people opt to add a crutch or filter to their joints. These are typically made with small pieces of cardstock folded and rolled into the joint to give the mouthpiece added durability. You can also find glass tips that offer a more upscale smoking experience. You can buy crutches pre-made and are often sold as “tips” in headshops.
If you have a hard time rolling joints, a great alternative are pre-formed cones in which you can pack your ground cannabis. No rolling needed! These come in a variety of sizes giving you options for how big of a smoke you’re looking for.
What you’ll need:
- Ground cannabis flower – a High Times survey found the average joint to be .75 grams
- Rolling paper or cone
Optional Helpers:
- Crutch or filter tip
- Joint rolling machine for folks who may need a little extra help
Pros:
- Easy to enjoy on the go with minimal fuss or gear
- Easy to choose a size that fits your needs
Cons:
- Can be difficult to light on a windy day
- Can be difficult to keep the cherry going
- Can burn unevenly
Spliffs
Spliffs are very similar to joints. The one big difference is that spliffs mix cannabis with tobacco. The ratio of cannabis to tobacco is up to you, but it is usually about two parts cannabis to one part tobacco. Adding tobacco to make a spliff helps your cannabis last longer by using less of it at a time. It has also been claimed that the nicotine in tobacco enhances the high from cannabis. That said, many people choose to avoid tobacco products due to their potential health concerns.
What you’ll need:
- Cannabis – about .5 grams
- Tobacco – about .25- .5 grams
- Rolling paper or cone
Optional Helpers:
- Crutch or filter tip
- Joint rolling machine for folks who may need a little extra help
Pros:
- Tobacco covers some cannabis smell
- Your cannabis lasts longer
Cons:
- Tobacco is a known cancer-causing agent
- Can burn quickly
Blunts
Blunts work the same as joints and spliffs. The defining characteristic here is that they are rolled in thicker blunt wraps. In the past, blunts were made by slicing open a cigarillo, dumping out its contents, replacing it with cannabis, and using the outer tobacco casing as the blunt wrap. We now have a wide range of options including hemp wraps and flavored tobacco wraps. Because blunts are the largest of the three smokables, holding a gram of cannabis or more, they are usually shared. They also burn more slowly due to the thick wraps used.
What you’ll need:
- Cannabis – about one gram
- Cigarillo or blunt wrap
- Crutch or filter tip (optional)
Pros:
- Easy to keep lit
- Holds a lot of cannabis
- Burns slowly
Cons:
- Tobacco wraps can be harsh to smoke
- Strong smell or flavor from wrap
DIY vs Pre-Roll
Most cannabis users prefer to roll their own joints because it gives them more control over the end result. For many stoners, their joint rolling game is a mark of pride. You can choose your own strain, how big the joint is, and even how finely you grind the buds. For those who have difficulty rolling, handy tools like joint rollers will help automate the process.
Don’t know how to roll your own cannabis smokables? No worries! Just grab a pre-roll. These are just what they sound like – pre-rolled joints or blunts that are ready to smoke right out of the package. They are perfect if you are on-the-go and don’t have time to sit and roll your own or for anyone who doesn’t know how to roll a joint.
Want to learn how to roll a joint? Check out our easy to follow guide to rolling joints. Once you’ve gained the basic skills necessary to roll a joint, they can be easily applied to rolling blunts and spliffs.
Learn more about cannabis, including educational articles and how-to’s by visiting our blog.
