Cannabis First Timers: How to Roll a Joint

While many consumers enjoy vaping, edibles, and other weed consumption methods, smoking joints remains a top option for many consumers. Pre-rolls experienced the biggest increase in sales year over year in 2024, and that's not including DIY options like learning how to roll a joint, spliff, or blunt at home. 

Joints can be easy and convenient to smoke, but many consumers still struggle to roll them. Learning how to roll a joint doesn’t have to be intimidating or complex; with practice, it can become an enjoyable, almost ritualistic experience.

What is a Joint?

A joint is a smokable product that resembles a cigarillo and is comprised of cannabis.  Joints can be made using a machine, but most are typically rolled by hand using rolling papers. 

Although joints may resemble a cigarette, earning the name marijuana cigarette, they don't contain tobacco. 

The joint has numerous slang terms regionally and across the United States, including:

• Bogie
• J/Jay 
• L
• Doinks
• Bats
• Cone
• Doobie
• Pinner
• Dogwalker

Types of Joints

 There are numerous types of joints, including:  

• Tipped Joint: Joints made with filter tips. The most common tips are thin cardboard sheets you roll into a filter.
• Pinner Joint: Small, long, and thinly rolled. Pinners get their name for their comical pin-like size. If your stash is running low or you don't want to consume too much, pinner joints are an excellent option.
• Spliff: Spliffs are like joints but mixed with tobacco. They were popular in Europe for decades but have also gained popularity in North America.
• Cross Joint: Two standard joints fitted together, forming the shape of a cross, resulting in three ends that you can simultaneously light.
• Backroll: Joints rolled backward so the glue touches the paper on the first roll. It is then sealed, and the remaining paper is burned off before lighting the joint so there's only one layer of paper around the weed.
• Cone: Joints made smaller at the filter that widen up top. This shape holds more weed and enhances airflow as you smoke. 
• Pre-rolls: Dispensaries have made pre-rolls well-known. They are ready-made joints, perfect for anyone on the go or unable to roll one themselves.

What You'll Need

Before you start rolling a joint, gather the following materials:

• Flower
• Rolling paper
• Chopstick, pen, or similarly shaped item
• Torch, lighter, wick, etc. 

Optional items to help roll a jay easier and better include:

• Filter tips/crutch 
• Grinder
• Rolling tray

Standard joints typically use 1.25" wide paper that runs 3" long. But if you want to roll a larger joint, you may want to use 1.5" wide paper with a 3" length. These differ from most cigarette papers, which use 1.25" wide paper that runs 1" long. Many rolling paper brands are available, offering a range of quality. If you need help deciding what to get, consider an industry leader like Zig-Zag. However, your preferences will vary from others. Try various materials and sizes to see what works best for you.

How to Roll a Joint

Rolling a joint should only take just a few minutes. Here's a standard way to roll a joint.

1. Grind the cannabis

Using a grinder, break down the buds into smaller bits. Grinding your weed ensures it's all the same size, making it burn evenly and consistently. If you don't have a grinder, you can also use scissors to cut your weed into tiny bits or break it down using your hands.

2.  Make the filter tip (optional) 

While this isn't required, many consumers recommend a filter tip for a better smoking experience. Filters allow you to smoke the entire joint without burning your fingertips. They also prevent bits and pieces of weed from falling out of the joint into your mouth as you inhale.

To make your filter, you'll need a thin piece of flexible cardboard. Fold one side several times until it resembles an accordion fold, like a "W." Then, roll the straight end of the paper around the W until you have a tube.

3. Pack the paper with cannabis

Place the filter at one end of your rolling paper and pack the paper with ground weed. The amount of weed you use in your joint depends on how much you want to smoke and the size of your rolling papers. Many consumers use half a gram to a gram of weed when rolling their joints.

4. Roll your joint

Using the crutch/filter for more stability, catch the unglued edge under the packed cannabis and roll. You can use your fingertips to pinch the paper and roll the joint into its final shape.

5. Lick the joint to seal it

Tuck the unglued end of the paper under the cannabis and continue to roll. Lick the glued edge and seal your joint.

6. Pack the joint

Add any leftover flower on your tray to the open end, and use a pen or other tamping tool to pack it down. Be careful not to pack the cannabis too tightly, or your joint may be harder to smoke. Some will tamp their joint down throughout the filling process to ensure it is fully packed and firm in structure. At the end, twist the joint without ripping the paper.

7. Smoke your joint

Now that your joint is all rolled up, light it with a lighter, inhale, and enjoy.

How to Roll a Cross Joint

Once you master rolling a joint and need a challenge, you may want to try rolling a cross joint. 

Cross joints are a classic in smoking communities, with many consumers first learning about them from the movie Pineapple Express. Many enjoy cross joints because they are unique, fun, and contain more cannabis than a standard joint. 

Here is how you can roll a cross joint:

1. Roll one joint using king-size papers. Then, roll a thinner joint using standard-size rolling paper.
2. Using a pin, needle, or wire, poke a hole through the king-size joint about three-quarters away from the filter tip. Don't rush the process. Slowly attempt to make the hole bigger using your tool. The hole should be big enough for the thin joint to fit through. 
3. Poke a hole through the middle of the small joint. This hole will perfectly line up with the center of the fat joint, enhancing the air supply in your cross joint. If you forget this step, you won't be able to draw on your cross joint.
4. Push the thin joint through the hole in the king-size joint. Do this slowly to ensure the larger joint doesn't break apart. Remember, the hole in the thin joint has to align with the hole in the large joint.

Using scissors, cut the glued edges of a few empty rolling papers.  These glue strips reinforce the cross joint and seal all the air pockets. This will ensure that air only flows through the hole and burns evenly.

How to Roll a Spliff

A spliff is a cannabis cigarette that contains both tobacco and cannabis. People opt for a spliff for several reasons, including the heady buzz and smoother hits. Others are simply fans of tobacco. 

If you want to roll a spliff, follow the procedure for rolling a joint, but include tobacco with your cannabis during the filling process. The ratio of weed and tobacco will depend on your taste and preference, with most users typically enjoying at least 70% weed and 30% tobacco. 

Be aware of the additional health concerns. It's important to note that adding tobacco increases your risk of contracting diseases such as lung and throat cancers.

Tips For a Smoother Rolling Experience

Keep these tips in mind when rolling a joint:

• A rolling machine may be worth it if you can't seem to get down the rolling process or you're rolling a lot of joints.
• Consider alternative options like pre-rolled cones, bowls, bongs, dry herb vapes, and other smoke devices. Remember, some of these options are more portable than others. 
• The amount of weed you use to roll a joint will depend on personal preference, how much weed you have, and the size of your rolling papers. Most users roll joints with a half- to full gram.
• Filters aren't needed, but they help prevent plant or joint particles from getting in your mouth while protecting your fingers from burning when the joint is near its end.

You don't need a grinder, but it's recommended. There are several methods you can use to break apart your cannabis without a grinder. You can use scissors or hands to break down your weed before rolling it.

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How Much Weed Should I Use for a Joint?

The amount of weed you use to roll a joint can vary widely. Pinners, for example, tend to be narrow with relatively small amounts of cannabis. Likewise, dogwalkers generally include less cannabis so the joint can be fully enjoyed during a short walk. For standard joints, many consumers expect to include a half- to full gram.

If your preroll ends up being too large to finish in one sitting, you can save the joint for later.

Do I Need Filters to Roll a Joint?

You don't need a filter to roll a joint, but they can be helpful. Filters keep you from burning your fingers when smoking. They also prevent bits of weed from going into your mouth as you smoke. 

What if I Don’t Have a Grinder?

There are several methods you can use to break apart cannabis without a grinder. You can use scissors or your hands to break down your weed before you roll it.

It’s My First Time Smoking a Joint. What Else Do I Need to Know?

Confirm the potency of your weed before smoking, including its THC potency and other cannabinoid content. If this is your first time, try not to smoke too much. And be careful to put out your joint before setting it down, especially if you're outside or don't have a large ash tray where it can be safely placed to reduce fire risk.

What Do I Do With the Leftover Flower?

The marijuana that’s left over can help make edibles, gummies, teas, THC-infused meals, or additional joints. The only limit is your imagination. You can also store the weed for later use.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.