Weed Etiquette: The Finer Points of Puff Puff Pass

The combo of friends and cannabis has been around for so long that over time, a set of rules has evolved to facilitate an enjoyable smoke sesh for all. Learning weed etiquette is one of the best ways to get invited back to consume with friends. And luckily, the rules of using cannabis with friends can be pretty straightforward. 

Essential Weed Etiquette Tips

The most basic and recognizable rule is “puff, puff, pass,” meaning taking two hits and then passing the joint to the next person. It’s a golden rule for cannabis enthusiasts. But it’s just the start of an additional list of unofficial rules for smoking weed socially.

Eventually, these become second nature to most, allowing you to be a more confident member of the sesh. Next, you’ll be teaching other friends or patients what you know about cannabis etiquette!

Puff Puff Pass

Puff, puff, pass is a simple phrase to remind group members to keep the joint moving. When the joint comes to you, feel free to take two good hits, then pass it to the next person in line. 

Pro Tip: Don’t hold the joint while you talk. This is considered rude, as you’re holding up the joint while it burns, while others eagerly wait for you to be done talking or pass the joint —more likely both. Instead, pause your conversation momentarily while you take a couple of hits. Then pass the joint as you resume your story, so everyone gets a turn and the joint doesn’t burn away unnecessarily.

Maintain the Proper Rotation

When passing the joint, be sure to pass to the left (clockwise) so everybody gets their turn. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by leaving them out of the rotation, so keep the joint going in the proper direction.

Don’t Slobber on the Joint

Nobody likes to be handed a joint that’s wet with saliva (or worse). When smoking out with friends, be sure your lips are dry before taking a hit.

Pro Tip: Depending on the size of the joint, you can sometimes use your fingertips as a barrier between your lips and the joint tip.

First Hit Goes to the Person with the Weed

If a group of people is enjoying a session, the person who supplied the flower either gets the first hit off the joint, bong, or pipe, or decides who does. 

They might light up first, then say something like “Marco” to get a “polo” from someone else in the circle. Whoever says “polo” first gets the second hit, and everyone passes to the left from there. (There are other variations/phrases used for this rule.)

Offer to Chip In

If you didn’t bring weed to the sesh, offer to chip in in other ways. It’s great etiquette to bring non-cannabis essentials like snacks or beverages, and sometimes even supplying the activity or other needed materials, like rolling papers, is a great contribution.

Keep Your Bongs and Pipes Clean

Make sure the bong, pipe, or other smoking device is clean before the session. Some folks can get a little lax about bong hygiene from time to time, so it is essential to give it a good cleaning and fill it with fresh water before sharing. A dirty, smelly bong is both unappealing and unhygienic.

Mind Your Smoke

Be careful when you exhale a hit so you don’t give a friend a faceful of smoke (unless they’ve requested it). And if you're outdoors, be considerate of those nearby who aren’t part of the sesh, particularly if there are children present. Consider if another location might be better.

Ash Before You Pass

Puff, puff, pass should have another step in the sequence: ash. After you’ve taken your hits, check whether the joint needs to be ashed before you pass it. That way, the person you hand the joint to won’t have to worry about the ash falling on them while they take their hit. (If you’re smoking from a bowl, the only time “ash” will come up is when the whole bowl is cashed.)

Don’t Join the Sesh if You’re Sick

Be considerate of your friends by refraining from joining in the sesh if you’re sick. It’s probably best to stay home, but if you attend, bring your own form of consumption.

Don’t Pass an Empty Bowl

If the bowl of the pipe or bong is empty or cashed after taking a hit, don’t pass an empty bowl. If you are holding the empty bowl, step up and load it for the person. If you’re weedless, let the holder of the stash know it’s time for a refill.

Don’t Steal the Lighter

If you borrow a lighter to smoke your hit, be sure to return it to the person you got it from, unless it’s being passed around in the rotation. Don’t be the lighter thief of the group; it’s a reputation you’ll not likely live down any time soon.

No Peer Pressure

Everybody responds to weed differently, and different people look for different experiences from a smoke sesh. Don’t pressure people to smoke more, and respect your friends and smokemates when they say they’ve had enough.

Ask Permission Before Lighting Up

If you’re a guest at someone’s house (or backyard) and nobody is smoking, be sure to ask the host for permission before you spark up. This little nugget of weed etiquette will help you avoid an awkward situation, and you won’t put anyone in the position of having to ask you to put out the joint.

Don’t Dose People with Edibles Without Their Knowledge

Never give someone an infused edible or beverage without disclosing what it is. It’s not cool or funny to get someone high without their consent.

Is Puff Puff Pass Still a Thing After COVID?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many in the cannabis community to change how they consumed cannabis socially, according to research conducted at the height of the public emergency. Forbes reported that a study of 925 cannabis users found that a quarter (24.9%) of respondents never shared weed, up from 12.4% before the pandemic. Those who said they shared most of the time dropped from about 19.5% before the pandemic to 11.2% after it was in full swing. Those who said they always shared dropped from 5.2% of respondents to 3.1%.¹

While it’s clear that puff, puff, pass is still definitely a thing post-pandemic, respect others’ wishes when smoking out in a social situation. Some people may prefer to smoke their own joint while enjoying the vibe or experiencing a social high. Be the kind person who still welcomes them into the fold.

How to Be a Considerate Cannabis Consumer

The essential weed etiquette tips mentioned above will help you ensure you’ll be invited to the next sesh. A few additional considerations will also help you be a considerate cannabis consumer.

If a budtender at a dispensary helps you choose the products you buy or otherwise provides service beyond ringing you up, it’s customary to tip. Unlike the service industry, there is no standard 15-20%. Instead, it can range from a few bucks to upwards $100+, depending on what people feel is suitable for the consultation they got, and the purchase size.

It’s also a good idea to consider your neighbors when smoking at home. Try to keep smoke from entering adjoining apartments through windows or hallways. If you’re asked to refrain, consider finding a different place when it’s time to light up.

The Biggest Cannabis Taboos

Most cannabis users who like to smoke with friends or at cannabis events are generally pretty chill and easy to get along with. Following weed etiquette will likely help you get along with everyone just fine.

However, a couple of taboos should be kept in mind:

1. Don’t waste weed. 
2. Don’t be the one who never chips in. 
3. Don’t be unkind. 
4. Don’t steal. 
5. Basically, don’t be a jerk.

Remember the Golden Rule(s)

Avoiding these taboos and following the rules of weed etiquette, including puff, puff, pass, will help make for an enjoyable experience the next time you smoke with others at a friend’s house, cannabis festival, or other venue.

References

1. Assaf RD, Javanbakht M, Gorbach PM, Arah OA, Shoptaw SJ, Cooper ZD. Puff, Puff, Don’t Pass: harm reduction for cannabis use during a viral respiratory pandemic. Harm Reduction Journal. 2023;20(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-023-00751-8 ↩︎

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.