How to Roll a Joint
What is a Joint?
A joint is cannabis rolled up in a thin rolling paper made of hemp, rice straw, wood pulp, or flax. One end of the joint is lit and the cannabis is ingested through inhaling from the non-lit end. Smoking a joint may be the most iconic method of consuming cannabis. It’s timeless, inexpensive, and a great way to enjoy the flower.
So How Much Cannabis is in a Joint?
For new users, it’s recommended to only use 1/2 or 1/4 of a gram in a joint. However, the amount does vary based on the number of people who will be smoking the joint and the strength of the flower. Most pre-rolls contain about 1 gram. Keep in mind, just because you begin smoking a joint, does not mean that you have to finish it. You can always put out the joint and light it again later.
Needed Materials
Cannabis of your choice
Grinder
Rolling Papers
Tamping stick, pen, or other object to help pack the joint
Lighter
Crutch/tip/filter
Rolling Tray (recommended, but optional)
The 7-Step Process
1. Grind the Flower: Using a grinder (or your hands if you’re absent a grinder, though that will make your hands sticky), grind your cannabis down to shake. Grinding the cannabis makes the flower more consistent and easy to roll, while also ensuring that the joint burns evenly on all sides.
2. Make or Add the Filter: You will want to use a filter/crutch to insert on the other end of your joint (the non-lit end). A filter isn’t 100% necessary, but it will add stability to the joint and prevent bits of cannabis from falling into your mouth when you smoke, also known as “scooby snacks.” When you buy rolling papers, it will often come with a pack of filters, but you can make your own filter as well using pieces of cardboard, business cards, or any similar material.
3. Fill the Paper with Cannabis: Put the crutch at one end of the rolling paper and fill the paper with the grinded up flower. Once the paper has the right amount, you can begin to form and shape the joint with your fingers.
4. Roll the Joint: Once you’ve loaded and shaped your joint, it’s time to roll it. Pinch the paper between your fingertips and roll it back and forth to pack the cannabis into its final cone shape.
5. Seal the Joint: This is a huge step; the one that is most likely to result in a broken joint if done incorrectly. Tuck the unglued side of the paper into the roll, roll it up, and lick an edge of the glued side to tack down one end of the paper, using just a little bit of moisture. Be careful to lick lightly, too much moisture will result in a broken joint. It may be easier to start with the crutch side because it can help guide the paper as it rolls around itself. Once the paper is tacked down on one end, you can work your way down the rest of the seam by tucking and sealing the joint.
6. Pack the Joint: Finally, pack the open end of the joint to push the cannabis down and help ensure an even burn. A pen is great, but you can use just about anything thin.
7. Light up and Enjoy! Congratulations! You just rolled a joint. Now it’s time to enjoy your work! 😊
