In this post we’re going to talk about the differences between a joint, a blunt and a spliff and how to roll them.
If you’re new to cannabis, there are three broad categories by which to delineate rolls (substantiated by withstanding popularity): joints, spliffs, and blunts. Each can be defined by their content (cannabis-tobacco ratio) as well as the paper material (tobacco, hemp, wood pulp, etc.).
This minimalist, easily accessible tried-and-true consumption method, still reigns supreme globally and, combustion aside, the creative potential and skill required to craft a functional roll is celebrated among many cannabis enthusiasts.
What’s Inside: The Differences between Joints vs. Blunts vs. Spliff
The basic difference between joints and blunts are that they only contain cannabis, but blunts are rolled with tobacco paper (distinguishable by their thicker weight and dark brown color) whereas joints are rolled with lighter, partially translucent papers.
Joints often include a paper filter known as a crutch, which adds stability to the roll and allows you to enjoy your joint without burning your fingertips.
The difference between a joint or a blunt and a Spliff is that spliffs are essentially hybrids, part tobacco and part cannabis.
They’re rolled in the same paper spectrum as joints and also often include a crutch. The three rolls most notably differ by experience.
Joints are joints – so, 100% cannabis of the strain you prefer, prepared properly and rolled appropriately, a joint is the Gold Standard for smoking weed.
Blunts are generally considered to be the heaviest hitters due to the interaction between the tobacco paper and cannabis, contrasting strains with indica effects (or complementing sativa-bent strains).
Tobacco provides an initial head rush and energetic physical buzz (similar to coffee), which precedes the effects of cannabis. This sensation is most notable in spliffs because of the loose tobacco presence.
Paper, Paper, which is the Best? More about Joints, Blunts and Spliffs
Paper choice is paramount to your smoking experience, impacting the product’s quantity (which is contingent on paper size), flavor (tobacco papers are notably sweeter than hemp paper), and burn (thicker papers tend to burn slower than thinner papers). Consumers utilize loose papers to roll joints and can use both loose papers and pre-rolls to make spliffs, the latter requiring careful deconstruction to keep the paper intact.
Some consumers think flavorful papers meddle with the complex aromas of cannabis, while others grow loyal to specific brands thanks to their distinct flavor additive (this is common among blunt aficionados, who tend to cherish the sweetness of the tobacco paper).
The aromatic potency of the paper is pertinent for all rolls, but especially joints. Consumers also choose papers based on rolling ease and functionality. The best papers don’t tear, seal seamlessly, handle well between your fingers, and burn uniformly. Nothing is a surer sign of a failed roll than a joint that “runs” (i.e. burns lengthwise along one side).
The Global Differences and Popularity: Even More about Joints, Blunts and Spliffs.
The popularity of joints, blunts, and spliffs varies regionally, reflective of cannabis culture across the globe. Consumers in the United States are more inclined to roll joints than spliffs, possibly in part due to the adverse health effects of tobacco effectively broadcasted by the media over the past few decades. Spliffs are predominant in Europe, where joints are commonly seen as “wasteful” — however, this has the potential to change as cannabis prevalence and accessibility rises.
Global differences in terminology are also interesting to note. In Europe, for example, the names are reversed: a joint refers to a roll with cannabis and tobacco, whereas a spliff refers to rolled cannabis exclusively. This is because a “joint” is a combination of two items instead of just one.
Finally, it’s important to note that joints, spliffs, and blunts are only the beginning.
The landscape is expansive, and even within these three delineations, the room for artistic creation is vast. This can mean multiple connected rolls (like a cross joint), or a simple, pristine cone that showcases your dexterity and precision.
What do your joints look like? Can you twist one up? Join a Happy Travelers Tours adventure and participate in our Cannabis Camp – you’ll have your chance to compete in a Joint Rolling Competition!