The cannabis scene has changed immensely over the space of a couple decades, with more widespread legalization and acceptance paving the way for innovation. Modern day stoners have serious options when it comes to consuming cannabis. Everything from cannabinoid-infused meals, top of the line vaporizers, and massive arrays of extracts and oils can be elected as the method of choice for a powerful psychoactive high.
However, with that said, the humble and old-school methods still have an extremely popular and well-earned place among this arsenal. Joints, spliffs, and blunts have served as the chief stoner mechanisms for a long period of time. Although modern tech and innovation have changed the marijuana landscape forever, this undying trio will always be appreciated and remembered for their ritualistic and therapeutic value.
Joints, blunts, and spliffs are very similar in nature and are often confused. Although seemingly identical, each form can actually produce rather different psychoactive effects when smoked due to different ingredients and amounts of cannabis used. Whether you are new to weed or have only gotten high using newer technology, this guide will help you tell these 3 methods apart, and help you to decide which is best-suited to your preferences and lifestyle.
JOINTS
Joints are perhaps the archetypal image of cannabis smoking, and are often depicted within media, art, and music alongside the classical stoner stereotype. If you started smoking cannabis before the rise of vapes, dabs, and edibles, chances are, you got high off a joint first whilst hiding in the gym locker room or embedded within a local park or woodland.
Joints are often sold in dispensaries as “pre-rolls”, and are essentially the cannabis version of a tobacco cigarette. Joints are very simple constructions, and the only ingredients needed are cannabis flower and rolling paper. The dried weed is usually ground up with a handheld or electronic grinder to make the rolling process easier.
The plant material is then placed within a paper and rolled into either a cone or straight-shaped joint. One massive advantage of smoking joints is their ease and simplicity, which also makes them usually cheaper than both spliffs and blunts.
Although they are simple, they are by no means boring. The sight of a single white paper wrapped around some raw cannabis might seem unentertaining and plain. However, joints are quite flexible and can be made using a wide variety of papers.
A FLAVOURFUL EXPERIENCE
Rolling papers are mostly made out of hemp, flax, and rice, and it’s always best to choose organic when possible. Papers are available in many different flavours and sizes to match the occasion or strength and taste of the weed being used. Everything from apple, watermelon, bubblegum, and orange can make any joint an absolute treat.
More advanced rollers also move on to more advanced joints, such as the tulip, which is a massive bulb of weed on top of a joint. This is made using nothing but rolling papers and sometimes a piece of string. The cross joint is also a favourite among joint smokers, and is formed out of 3 joints attached to make a crucifix shape.
DISADVANTAGES
The joint also comes along with a set of disadvantages. Novice smokers and rollers may find that they burn very fast and often need to be relit a lot of the time. This could be down to an overly loose/tight rolling technique or bud that isn’t entirely dry. This can also lead to side burn or “canoeing”, which can decrease the enjoyment of a joint and even make it unsmokable.
SPLIFFS
Spliffs are very similar to joints and are made in an almost identical fashion. However, the one key ingredient that sets them apart is tobacco. Many American smokers may be very unfamiliar with this smoking method, and may even look upon the addition of tobacco as some kind of stoner sacrilege. Despite this, spliffs are usually the go-to method of consumption for smokers within Europe.
Spliffs are made using a wide variety of papers from flavourless and small to very long and flavourful. Weed is also usually ground up before rolling to optimise ease, shape, and smoothness. Tobacco is then added to the spliff by either mixing it into the ground-up weed, or by layering it into the spliff.
The dangers of smoking tobacco are extremely well-known and are definitely enough to put many smokers off from choosing to smoke spliffs on a regular basis, or at all. However, some users really like the way tobacco improves the smoking experience.
For one, the substances help the spliff burn at a very steady and balanced rate. It makes the experience much more therapeutic for some smokers.The balanced burning also minimises the occurrence of side burn, and spliffs very rarely have to be relit.
Tobacco also contains nicotine, which acts as a stimulant. Many smokers prefer the high they get from consuming cannabis and nicotine side by side. Perhaps the stimulation helps to keep smokers alert during a longer smoke session, which might result in too much relaxation otherwise. This may be especially useful when smoking a heavy indica strain that produces a powerful body stone and sedative effects.
BLUNTS
Blunts are the cigars of the cannabis world and probably offer the most powerful high out of all the options, depending on the way they are rolled. Unlike spliffs and joints, rolling papers are not used in the construction of blunts. They are either rolled using specialised blunt wraps made out of tobacco pulp, or by hollowing out a cigar and using the outer layer to roll the weed up. More creative options also involve using dried and processed cannabis leaves as a blunt wrap.
The presence of tobacco within many blunt wraps adds the desired stimulation that many smokers appreciate. Blunts can sometimes be looked at as a high-end way to smoke, and are excellent when it comes to special occasions. Very high-quality cigars can be used to form a blunt wrap, resulting in an immaculate shape and unparalleled smoothness with each toke.
So, why are blunts looked at as hard-hitting? Well, they can be absolutely loaded with cannabis. Blunt wraps are usually a lot wider than papers, meaning much more weed can be crammed into them. Plus, if the outer layer of a very long cigar is used, blunts can end up being utterly massive.
Blunts are usually best when passed around and shared with a group of friends in a relaxed environment. Whereas spliffs and joints are often used casually throughout the day for a quick high, the longer preparation time and more potent effects of a blunt make them more suited for special occasions and dedicated smoke sessions.
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
Although spliffs, joints, and blunts have a lot of similarities, they definitely suit different situations. Joints are perfect for when a smoker is in a rush or wants to indulge in a fast and covert high. The rapid preparation time and simplicity make them ideal for this scenario. They are also the first and only port of call for those who enjoy rolling, but want to steer completely clear of tobacco.
Spliffs can also be used on the move and make great daytime smokes. The addition of tobacco makes them a good choice when needing a boost in focus and alertness, achieved via the stimulating nature of nicotine. A slightly longer preparation time does make them more suitable for dedicated smoke sessions.
Blunts are definitely more suited for unique occasions and are not ideal to smoke on the move or when looking for an immediate high. They are the cigars of the cannabis world and need time, attention, and technique to make them worthwhile and memorable.
