Photos by Elsa Olofsson
Rolling a joint or blunt is more than just a skill—it’s an art form, a ritual, and sometimes a friendly competition. For seasoned rollers or curious beginners, mastering the craft comes with its own set of tools, techniques, and creative flair. Let’s dive into the world of rolling, exploring classic styles and modern innovations to turn the next session into a masterpiece.
Tools of the Trade
First is the age-old question: blunts or joints? Preference usually comes with experience, but there are some factors that may help determine which to start with. Blunts are basically cannabis cigars. Blunt wraps will include tobacco and offer a thicker sheet to work with. They will also hold more cannabis than a joint.
Others may prefer joints because they are tobacco-free, but they are thinner and more delicate. Joint papers come in many different sizes and textures; 1 ¼ inch papers are standard because they are the easiest to roll and can fit a crutch or filter. Single-wides will be slightly smaller and can also be used for cigarettes. One-and-a-half-inch papers allow for fatter joints, and king size is also popular for providing wider and longer joints than the rest. Most commonly, they are made out of tree pulp but other materials include hemp, rice, bamboo, and flax.
Once a choice is made, it’s time to gather supplies. Classic essentials include quality rolling papers/blunt wraps, a reliable grinder, and a flat surface to work on. This can be a table, rolling tray, or even a lap for spontaneous rolling. For the more adventurous, flavored wraps, blunt rollers, and crutches (also known as filters) can elevate the experience. A good stash of quality flower is essential—because that’s where the magic begins.
Blunt Basics
Blunts and joints require slightly different rolling techniques, so let’s kick things off with how to roll a blunt.
First, the blunt wrap will need to be cut or split down the side. Most prefer to dump out the tobacco, but some may save a little to sprinkle throughout the blunt. Some people like to dampen the wrap slightly to make it easier to handle.
Next, grind the cannabis. The grind’s coarseness is a personal preference, but most will prefer a medium grind to prevent it from burning too quickly.
After that, fill it up, ensuring enough room to close the wrap adequately.
To close the blunt, tuck and roll down the length of the wrap, making sure to wet the edge with water or by licking it. Wetness will act as the glue and hold it together.
The final step will be to seal the blunt and let it dry. Most prefer to do this by running the lighter down the seam, allowing for the moisture to dry up which helps hold the seal. Voila! Light up and enjoy.
Joint Perfection
Just like rolling a blunt, the first step is to grind the cannabis. With joints, a finer coarseness is needed.
Step two will be to create the crutch or filter. They can be made from filter tips, by ripping off a piece from the rolling paper pack, using a business card, or any thin piece of cardboard about an inch long. To roll the crutch, start with a few accordion folds, then roll it to the preferred thickness. The crutch adds stability to the joint and filters any cannabis from falling out of the end as it’s smoked.
Next, fill the joint with cannabis. Place the crutch on the end of the open-rolling paper and fill it with a half-gram to a full gram of weed.
Then, much like the blunt, it is time to roll. Roll the paper back and forth to start to shape the cannabis, then tuck the unglued side into the roll, and roll it up until just the edge is left. Some may opt to roll it into a cone shape, while others prefer to keep it straight. Lick the glued edge to seal it down, starting closest to the crutch to better guide the paper.
Once the edge is sealed, the open end of the joint should have a little room to close. Use a pen or stick to carefully pack it down further. Twist the paper on the end to close it up, and it’s ready to go. Enjoy with friends or solo.
Convenience is Key
For those who want an easier option than rolling, there is another way. There are pre-rolled cones that eliminate all of the hard work. Just grind up the cannabis, pack it into the cone, twist the top, and it’s done. There are also tools such as rolling machines that will help achieve a perfect roll. This will save time and energy, but learning to roll is a great party trick.
Innovative Trends in Rolling
The art of rolling has evolved over the years in creativity and technology. There are papers to suit just about every style. Gold papers add a touch of luxury to a session with edible golf-leaf rolling papers. Cross Joints are intricate creations that combine two joints for a smoky masterpiece. LED Rolling Trays allow for rolling anytime and anywhere by illuminating the workspace, and they are as functional as they are flashy. Do research or talk to a local budtender to find out about other cool rolling innovations to try.
Rolling Etiquette: Sharing the Experience
In many cultures, rolling is a communal act. It’s polite to roll well if sharing and to let others take the first hit. Bonus points if the finished product doesn’t canoe (burn unevenly)—that’s a sign of true craftsmanship!
The Final Puff
Rolling isn’t just about creating something to smoke—it’s about the journey, the care, and the shared joy. Whether crafting a simple joint or experimenting with something avant-garde, the art of rolling is a skill that keeps on giving. So grab supplies, let the creativity flow, and enjoy the satisfaction of a perfectly rolled masterpiece.
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