Many people enjoy smoking cannabis, but beginners often find it hard to tell the difference between blunts, joints, and spliffs.
Understanding the distinctions between smoking blunts, joints, or spliffs can help you choose what’s best for your personal preference and smoking experience.
This quick guide explores joints, blunts, and spliffs, highlighting what makes each one unique in cannabis culture.
WHAT IS A JOINT OR JAY?
Let’s kick things off with the classic: the rolled joint! A joint is made by filling thin rolling paper with ground cannabis. It usually has a “crutch” or filter tip, which helps with airflow for a smooth smoke session. You can think of it as a cleaner, smoother version of a marijuana cigarette!
WHAT IS A SPLIFF?
A spliff is very similar to a joint in size and use of rolling papers but is filled with a mix of cannabis and smoking tobacco. The word “spliff” comes from the West Indies and was popularised in Europe in the 60s. In Jamaica, “spliff” originally meant a pure cannabis joint, but nowadays, in most places, it means the cannabis-tobacco mix.
Spliffs offer a unique smoking experience. The ratio of cannabis to tobacco can vary depending on your preference. Some people like 50/50, others more of one or the other.
The history of spliffs is tied to the tobacco trade and cannabis use in colonial territories. As tobacco became more available, people started mixing it with cannabis for various reasons, like to make their cannabis last longer or to enjoy the combo of THC and nicotine.
WHAT IS A BLUNT?
A blunt is a cigar wrap—think Cigarillo, Swisher, or Backwoods— tobacco paper that’s been emptied and packed with ground cannabis flower. But there’s more to the story! The term “blunt” actually comes from a brand called “Phillies Blunts,” which were popular in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
This fun way of smoking took off in the mid-1990s, thanks to the rise of hip-hop culture. It combined tobacco and marijuana, creating a unique vibe that has stuck around ever since. So when you hear “blunt,” think of a tasty blend of flavors and a classic cannabis experience!
BLUNT VS JOINT VS SPLIFF
ROLLING
Blunts, joints, and spliffs stand out in the rolling process.
Joints and Spliffs
Joints and spliffs use thin rolling papers made from hemp, rice, and even unique options like rose petals. They come in various sizes, from small “singles” to larger “king size.”
It all depends on how long you want to smoke and how strong you want it!
For joints, popular sizes include singles, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, wide, king-size, and slim or thin papers. Some people also prefer using pre-made cones.
Spliffs are similar but tend to be larger due to the tobacco. You’ll often see 1 1/2-wide and king-size papers used for these.
Blunts
Blunts are quite different. Instead of rolling papers, they use cigar wrappers or gutted cigars.
When it comes to rolling, joints and spliffs are alike. Some people use the basic “tuck and roll” method, while more skilled users might try “backrolling” or “pearling.” Nowadays, you can easily find pre-rolled joints in most dispensaries for added convenience.
Blunts, on the other hand, require a bit more skill. You need to carefully remove the tobacco without damaging the wrap.
FILTER
When rolling joints and spliffs, you’ll often find a little crutch or filter made from a tightly rolled piece of thin cardboard or similar material. This serves several important purposes:
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Structure: The crutch provides reinforcement, helping the roll maintain its shape towards the end.
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Barrier: It acts as a mini barrier to prevent tiny bits of weed from being sucked into your mouth (nobody likes a mouthful of “Scooby snacks”).
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Mouthpiece: It offers a solid mouthpiece for smooth hits, making your smoking experience more enjoyable.
Most joint and spliff rollers include a crutch by default. You can even buy crutch tools and tips to make them look extra neat!
With blunts, however, crutches or filters are less common. The thicker, sturdier tobacco leaf that wraps the blunt already provides plenty of structure.
Some blunt enthusiasts like using an external filter for smoother, cleaner smoke. This is especially handy since blunts are often passed around in groups. An external mouthpiece keeps things hygienic and makes sharing with friends much more enjoyable!
SIZE
Size is the most significant difference between joints, blunts, and spliffs.
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Joints: The smallest option, holding 0.3 to 1 gram of weed. Some rollers can pack up to 3 grams in a larger joint.
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Spliffs: Similar in size to joints, holding 0.5 to 1 gram of a tobacco and cannabis mix, typically around 20% tobacco and 80% cannabis.
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Blunts: The largest, holding 2 to 7 grams of ground cannabis. Many enthusiasts roll Backwood blunts with about 3.5 grams.
You can always adjust the amount of cannabis based on your preference. If you have only a gram or less, it’s better to stick with a joint or spliff instead of a tiny blunt.
Remember that size can also vary based on how you roll it, the type of paper you use, and if you add a filter. For example, cone-shaped joints can hold more weed at their wider end than straight joints.
FLAVOR
Smoking Joints provide the purest cannabis taste, letting you savor the terpenes of your strain.
Spliffs add a hint of tobacco, blending earthy cannabis with sweet, smoky notes. This combination is popular among European smokers who enjoy a balanced smoking experience.
Blunts, wrapped in tobacco leaves, deliver a strong tobacco flavor that mixes with the cannabis. This appeals to those who love a rich tobacco taste alongside their favorite strains.
BURN
How well your joint, spliff, or blunt burns can affect your experience. Nothing’s worse than a joint that canoes, runs, or won’t stay lit!
Joints: When rolled with good paper, they burn evenly from start to finish. A tight roll helps it hold together and burn better.
Spliffs: These can be trickier because the added tobacco makes them burn quicker and harsher. A tight roll can help manage the burn.
Blunts: They burn slowly, coolly, and evenly. A well-made blunt offers smooth puffs as long as you don’t roll them too tight. Just keep in mind that due to their size and tobacco, blunts may need to be relit more often.
INTENSITY
Joints, spliffs, and blunts differ in how hard they hit you when smoking weed.
Joints provide pure cannabis smoke, delivering effects like relaxation, euphoria, and upliftment based on your strain. They’re often the safer choice for medical marijuana users.
Spliffs mix in tobacco, adding a buzz from the nicotine that enhances the cannabis effects. Even a small spliff can feel more intense than a regular joint.
Blunts take it up a notch. With a thick tobacco leaf wrap, they combine a strong dose of nicotine with the cannabis high, creating a full-body experience. This combo can be overwhelming for lightweights but a delight for heavy smokers.
So, if you want a smooth cannabis experience, stick with joints. But if you’re ready for an intense ride, blunts are the way to go.
HOW TO SMOKE A JOINT OR SPLIFF
You may be asked if you’d like a “toke” or a “hit” of marijuana. To do this, you’ll light one end of the joint while your lips are on the other side. As the cannabis catches the flame, inhale gently and slowly. This method of smoking is proper for both joints and spliffs.
You will inhale the smoke as you pull the air through the joint. Be careful not to inhale too much at once, or you will cough. If the joint or spliff isn’t rolled evenly, it may burn unevenly. This uneven burning is known as a “canoe.” or canoeing.
To minimize this, you can hold the joint and wave it in the air in circular motions when you first light it. You can also use your finger to wet the faster-burning side and even it out.
HOW TO SMOKE BLUNT
Smoking a blunt offers a more intense high compared to a joint or spliff. The tobacco leaf adds a unique flavor and sensation, making it a serious experience to enjoy with friends.
To smoke a blunt, light it evenly while rotating. Inhale slowly to appreciate the more potent effects. If it burns unevenly, moisten the faster-burning side to fix it. Enjoy!
BLUNT VS JOINT VS SPLIFF: PROS AND CONS
The debate between blunts and joints is a classic! Now that you know the basics of each, let’s explore their pros and cons to help you decide what to try.
JOINTS
PROS:
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Pure cannabis flavor
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Small and portable
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Less harsh than blunts and spliffs
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Simple to put out and re-light
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Widely available rolling papers
CONS:
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Burn faster than blunts
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It may not be as strong
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Distinctive odor can be noticeable in public
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joint rolling may be difficult
BLUNTS
PROS:
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Longer-lasting smoking sessions
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Intense flavor and effects
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Sturdy tobacco wrap for an even burn
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Perfect for group sessions
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Nostalgic for old-school stoners
CONS:
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Harsher on the lungs
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More challenging to roll
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Tobacco smoke can be unhealthy
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Less discreet and portable
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Often uses more weed than joints or spliffs
SPLIFFS
PROS:
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Tobacco adds an energetic, buzzy high
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More discreet aroma than pure joints
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It helps stretch your stash further
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Added nicotine can be appealing to some
CONS:
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Increased health risks from tobacco
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It may not suit pure cannabis users
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Changes the cannabis flavor
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It can burn quickly if not rolled tightly
WHICH IS HEALTHIER: BLUNT VS JOINT VS SPLIFF
Marijuana smoke will irritate your lungs, so joints and blunts are similar to tobacco. Never hold the smoke in your lungs for an extended period. That’s not necessary to get high, anyway. Smoking can also increase your heart rate and cause mental issues for people at risk.
It’s always a good idea to use a filter for both. You can upgrade your smoking experience with Moose Lab’s premium filters that reduce harshness and enhance the flavor of your joint or blunt.
Paper joints are better for your health because inhaling a burnt tobacco leaf is exceptionally harsh. Regardless of the type of blunt, cigar smoke is meant to be held in the mouth, not inhaled into the lungs.
WHICH IS MORE POPULAR: BLUNTS VS JOINTS VS SPLIFFS?
For a blunt vs. joint vs. spliffs option, joints are a much more popular smoking method. While rolling papers and cigars are just as easy to purchase, rolling papers are less expensive and require less cannabis.
There’s also the rolling a joint vs. rolling a blunt conversation. Rolling blunts is challenging, as you must carefully crack the edge. Sealing it again requires a lot of saliva. Using all the saliva may be less attractive to some.
Popularity can vary by region and culture. Spliffs are popular in Europe and parts of the Caribbean but less so in American cannabis culture. At the same time, blunts have a strong following in certain urban American subcultures.
While many people gravitate toward joints, your preference might be different!
PERSONAL PREFERENCE: CHOOSING BETWEEN A BLUNT, JOINT, AND SPLIFF
Choosing between a blunt, joint, or spliff is all about personal preference! Consider factors like how easy they are to roll, their flavor, the intensity of the high, how long the session lasts, and any health risks involved.
Investing in a grinder can enhance your rolling experience, regardless of your choice. Properly ground cannabis burns evenly and makes rolling a breeze. Experiment with different papers, wraps, or filters to find your perfect match, and consider using an external filter to mellow out any harshness.
Have fun experimenting to see which method you enjoy the most! Everyone’s cannabis experience is unique, so what works for someone else might not be your favorite.
FAQ:
WHAT ARE BLUNT WRAPS?
Blunt wraps are tobacco-based sheets explicitly made for rolling blunts. Available in various flavors, they offer a convenient alternative to emptying cigars or cigarillos.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN TASTE AND POTENCY BETWEEN A BLUNT AND A JOINT?
Blunts deliver a stronger, more complex flavor thanks to the tobacco leaf and usually provide a more intense high. In contrast, joints offer a purer cannabis taste for a more controlled experience.
ARE BACKWOODS CONSIDERED BLUNTS?
Absolutely! Backwoods cigars are popular and often seen as the gold standard for rolling blunts.
IS JOINT SMOKE THE SAME AS BLUNT SMOKE?
Nope! Joint smoke mainly consists of cannabis byproducts, while blunt smoke includes combustion products from both cannabis and tobacco.
JOINT VS BLUNT WHICH IS BETTER
It all comes down to personal preference! Joints give you a purer cannabis experience, while blunts offer a more intense, longer-lasting session with added tobacco flavors.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ROLL A BLUNT?
To roll a blunt, gather these supplies:
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Cigar or blunt wrap
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Ground cannabis
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Grinder
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Knife or blade (for splitting the cigar)
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Optional: Humidity pack to keep the wrap fresh
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ROLL A JOINT?
For a joint, you’ll need these cannabis products:
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Rolling papers
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Ground cannabis
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Grinder
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Filter tips (optional but recommended)
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Rolling tray (optional but helpful)