How to Roll a Joint

How to Roll a Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide

The humble joint is one of the most common ways to consume cannabis, celebrated for its simplicity and the way it highlights the flavor of the flower.

Whether you're new to cannabis or just looking to refine your skills, learning how to roll a joint properly is an essential skill.

In this article, we will look at how to master the rolling technique, from picking the right papers, grinding the weed correctly, and packing your joint for an even smooth smoke.

How Much Weed is in a Joint?

For beginners, starting with about 1/2 gram of weed is ideal, paired with 1¼ size rolling papers. This amount is manageable and perfect for a small group. Most pre-rolls sold in stores are typically 0.5, 0.75, or a full gram. Once you get the hang of rolling a smaller 1/2-gram joint, you can experiment with king-sized papers and full-gram joints, which are ideal for a smoking circle of a few friends.

Choosing the Right Rolling Paper

With hundreds of rolling paper options available, here's what to consider:

Size

• 1¼ Papers: The standard choice for beginners, measuring 1¼ inches wide and 3 inches long. These are great for fitting a crutch or filter.
• Single Wide: Slightly smaller at 1 inch wide, often used for standard cigarette rolling. If these are the only papers available, you can stick two together or more together to make a larger joint.
• 1½ Papers: Wider than 1¼, ideal for fatter joints.
• King Size: Great for larger joints, often the go-to for seasoned smokers for joints shared among larger groups.

Material

Rolling papers can be made from various materials, including:

• Hemp
• Rice
• Bamboo
• Flax

Choose unbleached brown papers for a more natural option. Avoid papers with additives that might affect your smoke. If you don't have rolling papers, you can consider alternatives.

Flavored Papers

For a twist, flavored papers are available, but be aware that these are treated and not natural.

Cones

If you're a complete beginner, consider pre-shaped cones. Simply fill them with ground weed and pack it down—no rolling required!

How to Roll a Joint: A Simple 7-Step Guide

Gather Your Supplies

1. Cannabis strain of your choice
2. Rolling papers
3. Crutch (for the joint tip)
4. Weed grinder
5. Optional: A pen, chopstick, or other similar item for packing the joint.  

Step 1: Grind the Cannabis

Break up your nugs of weed and press them into the grinder. Place the lid on the grinder and twist it to chop the cannabis into a consistent size shake. This makes rolling easier and ensures an even burn. If you don't have a grinder, you can use scissors or your hands.

Step 2: Create a Crutch or Filter

Make a crutch by folding a small piece of stiff paper into an accordion shape, then rolling it to your desired thickness. A crutch adds stability and prevents the shake from falling out while also allowing you to enjoy every last bit of your joint. You can buy reusable glass filter tips for joints.  

Step 3: Fill the Rolling Paper

Position the crutch at one end of the rolling paper, then with the paper in a v shape fill it evenly with your ground cannabis. Aim for about half a gram to a full gram.

Step 4: Roll the Joint

Pinch the paper between your fingers and thumbs and gently roll it back and forth to pack the cannabis evenly across the length of the paper. You may wish to make a cone shape with more cannabis at the end of the paper. 

Step 5: Seal the Joint

Tuck the unglued side of the paper into the roll, then lick the glued edge lightly and roll it over to seal the joint. Start with the crutch side for better guidance.

Step 6: Pack the Joint

Use a pen or any thin object to pack down the open end, ensuring an even burn. I find a key from a corn beef tin or the inner flint rod from a clipper lighter works perfectly for this.

If you're not ready to smoke, twist the tip to keep the contents secure and prevent it from falling out.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Light up and enjoy your perfect joint!

Tips for Rolling the Perfect Joint

• Use a Grinder: This ensures uniform consistency, making rolling easier.
• Remove Sticks and Stems: These can complicate the rolling process.
• Be Gentle: Start with thicker papers to avoid tearing.
• Don't Over-roll: A couple of gentle rolls should suffice.
• Tuck in One Side First: It helps guide the rest of the roll.
• Lick Delicately: Too much moisture can make the paper soggy.

Get Creative with Joint Rolling

Once you're comfortable, explore different styles. You can create a cross joint (two joints intersecting), a pinner (thin joint), or even a tulip joint, which has more weed packed at the tip.

What to Do When You're Out of Rolling Papers

If you find yourself without rolling papers, you can purchase them at most convenience stores. Alternatively, you can use the tobacco from a cigarette or cigar as a makeshift wrap, but keep in mind that this will mix flavors.

If you can't find any papers at all, consider other smoking methods, like using a hand pipe, a bong, or invest in a dry herb vaporizer.

Conclusion

Rolling a joint is a skill that needs some practice, but with patience and these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a perfect cone. Whether you enjoying solo sessions or sharing weed with friends, rolling your own joints adds a personal touch to the experience, and you can customize your joints with your favorite strain, add in keif or conentrates, and adjust the size as needed. Happy rolling!