Let’s be honest – rolling a proper spliff is a bit of a rite of passage. Ask any experienced puffer and they’ll no doubt regale you with at least a couple of funny stories of badly-rolled spliffs, along with another two tales of immense triumph. Learning to how to roll a spliff is usually tricky, but there’s something almost meditative about the performance.
But here’s the kicker – not everyone knows how to roll a spliff properly. We’ve all seen the poorly-packed ones that burn unevenly or collapse mid-session, and it’s tragic. But fear not – whether you’re brand new to the game or just looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will walk (or roll) you through everything you need to know. We’ll make sure you’re never again the one who hands over a spliff that looks like an empty sleeping bag.
So, how do you roll a spliff? Let’s find out!
What’s The Difference Between A Joint And A Spliff?
Before we even touch the grinder, let’s clear something up: the terms spliff and joint get thrown around interchangeably – but they’re not actually the same thing, especially here in the UK.
Spliff (UK-style): A mix of cannabis and tobacco, usually rolled with a roach (filter).
Joint (more common in the US): Typically just cannabis, no tobacco, and often smaller. The basic joint is the fundamental method of rolling a traditional cannabis joint, serving as the starting point for learning various rolling techniques.
So in British terms, when someone says “spliff,” we’re talking about a blend of weed and baccy – not a pure green number. Think of it as cannabis’ answer to a cocktail: a mix that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Further Reading:Are Joints, Blunts, And Spliffs The Same Thing?
Choosing the Right Rolling Paper
When it comes to how to roll a spliff, your choice of rolling paper can make all the difference. With so many rolling papers on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. The first thing to consider is size—whether you’re after a quick solo smoke or a king size joint to share with friends, there’s a paper for every occasion. Seedsman Skins are King-size papers are ideal if you want a longer, slower burn, while smaller sizes are perfect for a quick session.
Buy Seedsman Skins
Material matters too. Traditional wood pulp papers are classic and easy to roll, but if you’re after a cleaner taste and a slower, more even burn, hemp or rice paper might be your best bet. Hemp papers are sturdy and burn evenly, while rice paper is ultra-thin and delivers a smooth smoking experience. Flavoured rolling papers can add a fun twist to your session, but keep in mind that they can sometimes overpower the natural flavour of your cannabis.
Ultimately, the right rolling paper comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different types—wood pulp, hemp, rice, or even flax—to find what works best for you. The perfect spliff starts with the perfect paper, so don’t be afraid to try a few until you find your favorite. A good rolling paper will enhance the flavor of your cannabis and help your joint burn evenly from start to finish.
Further Reading:Smoking Weed Without Rolling Papers
How Do You Roll A Spliff? Start With The Right Gear
Like making a decent cup of tea, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Equipment Needed To Roll A Spliff:
Rolling Papers: Rizlas are alright, but you really can’t beat Seedsman Skins. They’re organic, made from hemp paper, burn better and longer, and have less of that papery taste you get from normal rolling skins.
Tobacco: Pick your poison here. Break open a cigarette, buy a pouch of your favourite loose tobacco - or for a healthier, more lung-friendly option, try Mullein or a nice herbal tobacco in your spliff. Rolling tobaccos is finer cut and definitely works best.
Cannabis:Your favourite Seedsman strain, ground finely. Avoid using rock-solid nugs; they’ll tear your paper and they won’t burn evenly.
Roach (filter tip): These can be bought pre-made, or twisted from a bit of card.
Grinder: If you don’t have one, invest in a solid metal grinder with diamond teeth and three or four compartments. Trust us on this one, it beats using scissors or your fingers, and your spliff will burn far more evenly.
Using a Rolling Tray
If you’re serious about how to roll a spliff, a rolling tray is a game-changer. Not only does it provide a flat surface for rolling, but it also keeps all your rolling supplies—grinder, rolling papers, filter tips, and more—organized and within easy reach. No more chasing runaway bits of cannabis across the table or losing your papers under a pile of clutter.
Many rolling trays come with handy compartments for your grinder, rolling papers, and other essentials, making the whole process smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re rolling at home or on the go, a rolling tray helps you keep your workspace tidy and ensures you have everything you need to roll a perfect spliff every time. Plus, it makes cleaning up a breeze—just tip any leftover ground cannabis back into your stash jar and you’re good to go.
Buy Seedsman Rolling Tray
How To Roll A Spliff: Step By Step Guide
Want to know how to roll a spliff the classic way? Follow these steps and you’ll be a high roller in no time.
Grind Your Weed
Start by grinding your cannabis evenly. You’re looking for a fluffy consistency – not too fine, and definitely not too chunky. A good grind helps the cannabis burn smoothly and evenly.
Prepare Your Roach
Roll a roach by creating folds (accordion-style pleats) at one end a couple of times, then roll it into a cylinder shape. Alternatively, grab a pre-rolled tip – no shame in saving time.
Place it in one end of your paper. This is where your lips will come into contact with your spliff, so make it comfy. A well-made filter helps prevent 'scooby snacks' (small particles) from entering your mouth.
Mix Tobacco and Weed
How much tobacco you use is entirely up to you. Some like a 70/30 weed-to-baccy split, others prefer it heavier or lighter on the green stuff. It’s purely down to personal preference here – and how high you want to get off one spliff. Sprinkle the mix across the paper, evenly distribute from end to end.
Pro tip: put slightly more at the end opposite the roach for a cone-shaped spliff. Shaping your spliff into a cone shape helps ensure an even burn and better airflow. To achieve the cone shape, you may need to fold the paper in the opposite direction while rolling.
Shape and Tuck
Right. when it comes to how to roll a spliff, or a joint, or a blunt, this is where a lot of people run into the brick wall. You may need to fold the paper slightly to help form the shape. Use your thumbs and forefingers, along with your index fingers, to grab the spliff and gently roll the paper back and forth, shaping the mix into a cylinder. Supporting the paper and mix with your index finger and index fingers helps achieve a tight roll. At this point, it’s in your best interest to keep that spliff as level as you possibly can – and make sure to roll and secure the edges tightly – otherwise, the contents can fall out the loose end. If this happens to you and you don’t replace the escapees, you have a full end a not-so-full end, making tying it off more difficult and guaranteeing an uneven burn. You might think of this a schoolboy error, but it would surprise you how many people make this mistake.
Once your spliff has a solid shape, it’s time to tuck the unglued side of the edge of the paper behind the mix – another tricky task for beginners. This part can be really fiddly – be patient. A good tuck is what separates the rollers from the rookies.
Roll and Seal
Once you’ve got it tucked, roll upwards, applying even pressure along the body of the spliff as you continue rolling. Make sure the glued side with the adhesive strip is tucked underneath the unglued side to ensure a secure seal. Lick the glue (adhesive strip) on the glued side, and seal the deal. Don’t over-wet it – we’re not licking envelopes here. A properly glued rolled joint will burn evenly and not unravel.
Further Reading: The Changing Chemical Composition Of A Burning Joint
Pack and Twist
If there’s space at the end of your spliff, give it a gentle tap on the table to pack it in. You can also use a match, a pen lid, a cocktail stick, the insert from a Clipper-style lighter or any kind of pokey stick that fits in the end of your spliff.
Finish by twisting the remaining paper or extra paper at the open end to seal the spliff. Twisting the extra paper helps keep the contents secure and prevents cannabis from falling out. Once sealed, spark your spliff and make sure the tip is evenly lit for a smooth, even burn. Then, bask in your success.
Filters and Roaches: What’s The Deal?
In the UK, when it comes to how to roll a spliff, we typically use a roach – a bit of card folded into a small cylinder. This isn’t a filter in the cigarette sense, but it does help keep your lips from getting roasted and stops bits of bud and tobacco from getting in your mouth. Using a filter or roach is a common way to consume cannabis, as it improves the overall smoking experience.
Some prefer activated charcoal tips or glass filters, especially for a cleaner hit or if you’re going tobacco-free, Whatever you choose, having something in the business end of your spliff is essential – unless you actually enjoy lip-to-leaf contact.
Further Reading:Should You Filter Your Joints?
How To Roll a Spliff (Backrolling Method)
If you already know how to roll a spliff and your game is already top notch, you could learn to backroll, A.K.A. backstrap. Backrolling is a cleaner, more efficient way of how to roll a spliff or a joint, where you use less paper and get a tighter finish. It’s a bit more of an advanced technique for rolling a spliff, but very satisfying once mastered.
Before starting the backrolling method, make sure you have prepared your materials as described in the previous step.
Flip The Paper
Place the glue side (the gum strip) of the paper facing down and towards you. Yes, it feels weird, but trust the process here.
Fill and Shape
As before, sprinkle your mix and shape with your fingers
Tuck and Roll
Tuck the paper around the mix and roll up as normal - but you’ll be licking through the thin layer of paper to seal the gum underneath.
Burn off Excess
Once sealed, you’ll see a flap of unused paper sticking out. Light this gently and let it burn away. Voila – a cleaner smoke and a badge of rolling honour.
Spliff Rolling Safety
Be mindful of how much cannabis you’re using and the potency of your chosen strain—overdoing it can lead to an overwhelming smoking experience. Learning how to roll a spliff is all well and good, but when it comes to lighting your spliff, take your time to ensure an even burn. Avoid holding the flame too close or for too long, as this can cause canoeing or uneven burning, which can ruin your session. By paying attention to these simple safety tips, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable joint rolling and smoking experience.
Bonus Tips for How To Roll A Spliff Better
Dry but not too dry: Overly dry weed will crumble and burn too fast. Keep your stash in a cool, airtight place.
Use a crutch: If your spliffs collapse often, roll around a pencil or pen to get the hang of it.
Try the old school way: Practicing the old school method of rolling by hand can help you improve your technique and connect with classic rolling traditions.
Practice makes perfect: Don’t be disheartened if your first dozen look like something a squirrel made. Keep at it. I’ve seen people practice rolling by tearing open teabags and using the tea leaves in place of weed until they mastered the technique. Necessity is the mother of invention, practice makes perfect, and all that.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even seasoned rollers run into the occasional hiccup, but knowing how to troubleshoot common rolling issues can save your session. One of the most frequent problems is an uneven burn, often caused by unevenly distributed cannabis or a loose roll. If you notice your spliff burning down one side (a dreaded “canoe”), try gently rolling it between your fingers to redistribute the contents and even things out.
Restricted airflow is another common issue, usually the result of overpacking or using too much cannabis. If your spliff feels hard to draw from, use a little less weed next time or pack it more loosely. Remember, a spliff that’s too tight won’t burn properly and can restrict airflow, making it tough to enjoy your smoke. With a bit of practice and attention to these details, you’ll master the rolling process and enjoy a consistently smooth smoking experience.
The Benefits of Rolling Your Own Spliffs
Rolling your own spliffs comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just saving money. For starters, you have complete control over how much cannabis you use, the type of rolling paper, and the filter tips you prefer. This means you can tailor each spliff to your exact tastes and needs, whether you want a quick solo smoke or a slow-burning session with friends.
Experimenting with different strains, rolling papers, and filter tips lets you customize your smoking experience and discover what you enjoy most. Rolling your own spliff is also a cost-effective option, especially if you buy your rolling papers and cannabis in bulk. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from perfecting your technique and rolling a spliff that burns evenly and smoothly. With a little practice and the right tips, you’ll soon be rolling spliffs that rival any pre-roll on the market.
So, How Do You Roll A Spliff? Just Like That!
Now that you’ve got hte lowdown on how to roll a spliff, there’s no excuse for sad, floppy paper sausages. Whether you go with the rgeular method or fancy a cheeky backroll, mastering the art of the spliff is as much about patience as it is about technique.
So roll up, light up, and remember – if at first you don’t succeed, get someone else to roll your weed.
