Before medical and recreational cannabis became legal in many states, rolling your own joint was the norm. Today, dispensaries and cannabis brands have made it easier than ever with pre-rolled options—ready to light and enjoy, no rolling skills required. These convenient products save time and effort while offering a wide range of strains and formats to choose from. Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just more relaxing to kick back and enjoy a smoke without the prep work.
If you’re new to cannabis, it helps to understand the three main types of pre-rolls: joints, blunts, and spliffs. Each is defined by its contents and the material used for wrapping. Joints typically contain only cannabis and are rolled in thin paper; blunts are wrapped in tobacco leaf or hemp wraps and offer a slower burn; spliffs combine cannabis with tobacco, often providing a different kind of buzz. Knowing the differences can help you make more informed choices and get exactly what you’re looking for when visiting a dispensary.
What is a Blunt?
A blunt is a cannabis roll typically made using hemp wraps or tobacco-based wrappers. Traditionally, blunts were crafted by splitting open small cigars or cigarillos, removing the tobacco, and filling them with ground cannabis. This creative method dates back to the mid-1800s, when cannabis users improvised with available materials in the absence of modern tools like pipes and bongs.
The term "blunt" originated in the late 19th century, inspired by mass-produced cigars with broad, rounded tips—known as blunt cigars. Today, the word “blunt” commonly refers to cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf, hemp wrap, or a hollowed-out cigar. In legal dispensaries, you'll most often find blunts wrapped in hemp paper to comply with health and safety regulations.
The type of wrap you choose can significantly affect your smoking experience. Blunt wraps come in various materials, including tobacco leaves, herbal blends, flavored papers, and hemp. For a modern twist, glass blunts offer a reusable alternative that mimics the feel of traditional blunt smoking without the paper—combining convenience with cleaner hits. Blunts deliver an added punch thanks to their tobacco leaf wraps, which often contain nicotine and enhance the overall intensity.
What is a Joint?
A joint is the simplest and most classic way to enjoy cannabis—it’s just ground flower rolled into a thin paper. While rolling techniques and paper types can vary, the core idea remains the same: cannabis wrapped in paper, ready to smoke. Most standard joints contain about a third of a gram of weed, though larger papers can hold more.
Smaller and more portable than blunts, joints are easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go sessions. They’re typically rolled in thin white papers, but you’ll also find novelty options in a variety of colors, flavors, and materials. Rolling papers come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from hemp, rice, wood pulp, or other plant-based fibers—offering plenty of ways to customize your smoke.
Joint vs Blunt
Blunts and joints may look similar at first glance, but they differ in size, burn time, and overall potency. Blunts are typically larger, burn more slowly, and hold more cannabis, making them a stronger option for extended sessions. Joints, on the other hand, are rolled with lightweight papers made from materials like hemp, rice, wood pulp, or flax, and generally contain a smaller amount of flower.
Spliffs add another variation to the mix—they're rolled like joints but contain a blend of cannabis and tobacco. Blunts may or may not include tobacco, depending on the type of wrap used, but traditional versions often use cigar or tobacco leaf wraps that can add nicotine to the experience.
Technically, both joints and blunts fall under the broad category of rolled cannabis, often referred to as “joints.” However, seasoned smokers recognize clear distinctions between the two. Here are three key differences:
- Wrapping Material: Joints use thin, often unflavored paper; blunts are wrapped in thicker, tobacco-based or hemp wraps.
- Size and Potency: Blunts are bigger, hold more cannabis, and offer a more intense effect due to both quantity and the presence of nicotine in some wraps.
- Burn Time: Joints tend to burn faster because of their thin papers, while blunts offer a slower, more drawn-out smoking session.
In the U.S., “joint” is still the most common term for a rolled cannabis product, but once you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell whether you’re holding a joint or a blunt—and which experience you’re in for.
The Size Difference
One of the key distinctions between a blunt and a joint is size. Blunts are generally thicker and longer than standard joints, although some joints can approach similar dimensions depending on the type of rolling paper used. On average, joints contain about a third of a gram of cannabis, while blunts typically hold half a gram to a full gram—sometimes even more. So, if you have an eighth of flower, you can easily roll two to three solid blunts from it.
At its core, a joint is simple: just cannabis rolled in a thin paper, resembling a small cigarette. Here are a few more ways joints differ from blunts:
- Size and Material Flexibility: Joints come in various sizes depending on how much cannabis is used and what kind of paper is selected.
- Rolling Papers: These are usually thin, light, and sometimes nearly transparent. They may be flavored, colored, or made from natural materials like hemp, rice, or flax.
- Minimal Gear Needed: Rolling a joint requires little more than paper and ground cannabis. While accessories like rolling trays or rollers can help, they’re not essential.
- Filter Tips (Crutches): Often made by folding a small piece of sturdy paper, filters keep bits of flower out of your mouth, provide structure, and prevent burnt fingertips. Though optional, they’re widely used for comfort and convenience.
- Portability and Ease: With some practice, joints are easy to roll and even easier to take on the go. They’re perfect for casual smoking sessions—whether you’re out for a walk, catching a sunset, or just relaxing with a calm, medicated experience.
In short, while joints may be smaller and more straightforward than blunts, they offer unmatched simplicity, flexibility, and portability—ideal for both beginners and seasoned smokers.
Blunt Roller
Using a blunt or joint roller might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with a step-by-step guide, the process becomes simple and even enjoyable. These handy tools help you roll cannabis into papers or wraps—like Backwoods or hemp wraps—with a clean, professional finish. While it may take a few tries to master the technique, consistent practice makes it second nature. Before long, you’ll be rolling smooth, even blunts with ease—because as they say, practice makes perfect.
Rolling blunts can be trickier than rolling joints, especially for beginners. With joints, all you need is rolling paper and flower, and a few easy steps will get you there. Blunts, however, require a bit more finesse. The wrap needs to be fresh and slightly moist to prevent cracking while you roll. If it’s too dry, it can break apart; if it’s too wet, it may not seal properly. Because blunt wraps—especially those made of tobacco—are thicker and less flexible than rolling paper, getting a tight, clean roll can take a bit more time and patience.
Rolling a Blunt
Start your rolling process by prepping the cannabis. Grinding your flower to a medium-fine consistency is key—this promotes better airflow, helps the blunt or joint burn evenly, and results in a smoother smoke. Apply consistent pressure as you grind and distribute the material evenly into your roller. A balanced fill is essential for a uniform roll and an enjoyable session from start to finish.
Blunts, however, come with a different set of steps. Rather than using traditional rolling papers, they’re made with cigar wraps or hollowed-out cigars. Rolling a blunt is more of a craft and can be a bit more advanced than rolling a joint or spliff. For joints and spliffs, many stick with the classic “tuck and roll” technique, while experienced rollers might go for advanced methods like “backrolling” or “pearling” for a tighter, more even finish.
Blunt rolling requires extra care—especially when gutting a cigar. You’ll need to remove the tobacco gently to avoid tearing or cracking the wrap. The key is working with a fresh wrap that’s slightly pliable, so it rolls smoothly and seals cleanly. While rolling your own has its learning curve, dispensaries also offer pre-rolled options for those who prefer convenience without sacrificing quality.
Spliff vs Joint
A spliff is similar to a joint, but with one key difference: it blends cannabis and tobacco inside a rolling paper. Unlike blunts, which are wrapped in tobacco leaf, spliffs mix the tobacco directly with the cannabis flower. They often contain more tobacco than a blunt, delivering a more pronounced, buzzy head rush due to the nicotine content. Most spliffs include a crutch (filter tip) for added structure and a smoother draw. Smokers can easily adjust the weed-to-tobacco ratio to suit their personal preference—from a mostly cannabis blend to one with just a touch of flower.
Joints, on the other hand, are one of the most classic and widely used methods of consuming cannabis. Like cigarettes, they’re compact, portable, and easy to carry wherever you go. That said, rolling a joint well takes a bit of practice. For those who want to skip the learning curve, joint rollers or pre-rolls offer a hassle-free alternative.
Both joints and spliffs use thin rolling papers, which come in a variety of materials such as hemp, rice, or even specialty options like rose petal wraps. Paper sizes vary depending on how long you want your session to last and how potent you want your roll to be. Common sizes for joints include single wide, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, wide, king-size, and slim or ultra-thin varieties. Many users also enjoy the convenience of pre-rolled cones.
Since spliffs often contain more material due to the addition of tobacco, they’re typically rolled using 1 1/2-wide or king-size papers for a roomier wrap and more even burn.
How They Burn?
How evenly your joint, spliff, or blunt burns can make or break your smoking experience. Few things are more frustrating than a roll that burns unevenly (a.k.a. "canoeing"), runs down one side, or keeps going out.
Joints: When rolled properly with quality paper, joints provide a smooth, even burn from start to finish. A firm, well-packed roll ensures structural integrity and steady airflow, helping the joint burn evenly and stay lit.
Spliffs: Because they contain tobacco, spliffs tend to burn faster and can feel a bit harsher on the throat. Rolling them tightly helps control the speed of the burn and prevents uneven combustion.
Blunts: Known for their slow, cool burn, blunts are perfect for longer sessions. When rolled correctly—not too loose or too tight—they deliver smooth, consistent puffs. However, due to their larger size and tobacco content, they may require a relight here and there.
Getting the roll just right is key to maximizing the flavor, smoothness, and overall enjoyment of your smoke.
In Summary
Many people enjoy smoking cannabis, but for newcomers, telling the difference between joints, spliffs, and blunts can be confusing. Understanding how each one is made—and how they affect you—can help you choose the best option for your personal preferences and smoking style.
Joints: Joints are all about the pure cannabis experience. Rolled with thin papers and containing only cannabis, they let the natural flavors and terpenes of your strain shine. Joints typically deliver clean, strain-specific effects—ranging from calm and relaxed to energized and euphoric—depending on the variety used. They're often preferred by medical marijuana users for their simplicity and lack of tobacco.
Spliffs: Spliffs combine cannabis with a touch of tobacco, offering a milder high with a buzzy nicotine kick. This mix produces a distinct flavor—earthy, with subtle smoky sweetness—that many European smokers enjoy. The added tobacco can intensify the experience, even in small amounts, making a spliff feel stronger than a joint despite containing less cannabis.
Blunts: Blunts use tobacco leaf wraps or cigar wraps, adding bold tobacco flavor and a noticeable nicotine presence to the smoke. They're larger, slower-burning, and pack a punch—delivering a full-body high that combines the effects of both cannabis and nicotine. Blunts are favored by seasoned smokers who enjoy the richness and intensity, but they can be overwhelming for beginners or those sensitive to tobacco.
So, if you're looking for a clean and mellow cannabis experience, joints are your best bet. Prefer a bit more edge with your high? Try a spliff. And if you're after a bold, full-force session, blunts are the go-to choice.
FAQ
What’s the Difference Between a Joint, Blunt, and Spliff?
The main distinctions between joints, blunts, and spliffs come down to what's inside and what they’re wrapped with:
- Joints are rolled with thin papers—often made from hemp, rice, or flax—and contain only ground cannabis, offering a pure and tobacco-free smoking experience.
- Blunts are made using tobacco-based wraps, typically repurposed cigar leaves or blunt wraps, and are also filled with only cannabis. The tobacco wrap adds a unique flavor and mild nicotine kick, contributing to a more robust, slower-burning smoke.
- Spliffs blend cannabis with tobacco in varying ratios and are rolled in thin papers like joints. The addition of tobacco creates a more stimulating effect and changes the overall flavor and feel of the experience.
Are Joints Healthier Than Blunts or Spliffs?
Generally, yes. Joints are considered the healthier option because they don’t contain tobacco or tobacco-derived materials. Tobacco use—whether in the wrap or mixed with cannabis—can contribute to lung irritation and long-term health risks. Since joints contain only cannabis, they offer a cleaner alternative for those looking to avoid the effects of nicotine or other tobacco compounds.
Do Spliffs Get You Higher Than Joints or Blunts?
The high from a spliff depends largely on the cannabis-to-tobacco ratio. While the presence of tobacco may slightly dilute the psychoactive impact of THC, many users report a more stimulating and buzzy high due to the nicotine. This combination can create a different kind of effect compared to the more traditional, full-bodied cannabis high that joints and blunts (with pure cannabis) provide.
Where Does the Word “Spliff” Come From?
The term “spliff” is believed to have originated in Jamaican or Caribbean cannabis culture, used to describe a roll that combines both tobacco and cannabis. Over time, the word spread internationally—largely through reggae music and cannabis communities—and has since become a popular term worldwide for this blended smoking method.