Anyone who uses cannabis recreationally has, at some point, thought about learning how to roll a blunt. It’s a kind of rites of passage thing. There’s nothing more impressive than constructing a massive stogie that you can pass around in polite company. The good news is that, with a little practice and some patience, you too can be the blunt rolling expert in your peer group. It’s not too difficult a thing to learn.
A blunt basically gives your cannabis flower a tobacco wrap, made as it is by taking an ordinary cigar and hollowing it out to construct your new smoke. There’s a lot of tradition and etiquette that goes into blunt rolling and it’s a good idea to get in tune with this before you start handing one round at your next social gathering.
While you can make one using a premade blunt wrap, it’s nowhere near as good as the real thing. Here, we’ll take a long hard look at how to roll a blunt and why it should be on your list of cannabis skills.
Why You Should Learn To Roll A Blunt
5 Reasons Why You Should Learn How to Roll a Blunt
There’s something traditional and timeless about the blunt. It may be less healthy and we all know that we shouldn’t really be smoking it. But, once in a while, it’s great to sit back and smoke a big, fat blunt, especially because blunts are known for their slow burn, allowing you to enjoy the experience for longer.
Blunt making is an art form in itself. While anyone can do it, you need to practice if you are going to get good at it. If you want to impress your friends and peers, spending a little time on your own, learning how to roll a blunt, will gain you a lot of kudos later on.
With all the different ways of taking cannabis nowadays, including vaping, dabbing and making edibles, creating your own blunt is rather traditional and comforting.
You get more flavor with a blunt. While the interior of the blunt is pure cannabis like any joint, the outside has that rich tobacco taste.
Finally, you can make a blunt any size you want. From a Cuban cigar to a cigarillo, there are plenty of different types of cigar to play around with. Larger blunts require more weed and are perfect for sharing with more people, making them ideal for group sessions. When deciding how much weed to use, consider how many people will be smoking, as the amount can be adjusted depending on the size of your group. A properly rolled blunt will burn slowly and evenly, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a slow burn and a satisfying session.
What Do You Need to Roll a Blunt?
The first thing you need is your marijuana. Any cannabis strain will do, but if you’re planning to roll a blunt, picking something special should be the order of the day. Break up the buds or bud using your hands or a grinder to ensure an even consistency for rolling. There’s no point in wasting your blunt rolling technique on a substandard product.
You need a cigar, cigarillo, or if you don’t want that tobacco taste, a cigar wrap. Cigars, including popular brands like Swisher Sweets, are commonly used for making cigar wraps, and these can be found at your local corner store. If this is your first time, we suggest a cigarillo. It’s easy to handle.
You could probably do with a grinder for your cannabis, as grinders are essential for grinding your cannabis buds. Proper grinding ensures an even burn. Also, have a sharp, small-bladed knife for cutting, like a scalpel.
Note: Some people like to mix their ground cannabis with a small amount of tobacco, kief, or other substances for a custom experience. Blending these ingredients evenly can enhance flavor and effects.
While papers are typically used for joints, blunts use cigar wraps or tobacco wraps.
Patience is a virtue when you are rolling a blunt for the first time so bring plenty of it with you. Don’t try to force things into shape. The more care you take, the better your blunt will be.
Choosing the Right Blunt Wraps
Selecting the ideal blunt wrap is a key step in achieving the perfect blunt rolling experience. Blunt wraps come in a wide range of flavors, sizes, and materials, each offering a unique twist to your cannabis consumption. Traditional tobacco-based wraps are a classic choice, delivering a robust nicotine kick and a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with many cannabis strains. If you prefer a smoother, more neutral taste, hemp wraps or palm leaf wraps are excellent alternatives—they let the natural flavors of your ground cannabis shine through without the added tobacco buzz.
For those who value convenience, pre rolled wraps from brands like Higher Standards or King Palm can make the rolling process much easier, especially if you’re new to rolling blunts. When choosing your wrap, consider not only the flavor but also the size—larger wraps are perfect for sharing in a group, while smaller ones are ideal for solo sessions. Ultimately, the best blunt wrap is the one that matches your personal taste and the type of cannabis experience you want to create. Whether you’re rolling a blunt for a party or a quiet night in, experimenting with different wraps can help you discover your perfect blunt.
How to Roll a Blunt: A Step By Step Guide
The first step is to choose your cigar. Most connoisseurs will go for a cigarillo such as a Phillies or Blackwoods. It shouldn’t be too large that you have trouble rolling it, nor too long.
Once you have your cigar, the next stage involves breaking up your cannabis ready for loading. You can use your hands for this like a true connoisseur or a grinder, both work equally well. If you use your hands, however, you’ll find that the cannabis burns a little slower and gives you a better smoke. Using a grinder helps the cannabis burn evenly by ensuring a consistent grind size.
Next comes the tricky part when you first learn how to roll a blunt. You need to prep the cigar. Take your sharp, thin blade and cut along the length of the cigar to crack the blunt open. This needs to be done with extreme care because you don’t want to break or tear it. Once you have cracked it open gently, remove the tobacco inside, so that you only have the outer binding. Take your time and don’t rush.
The key for the next stage is to make your wrap a little moist. There’s only one real way to do this properly and that’s giving it a gentle lick and some spit. Some people find this distasteful but it makes the blunt easier to roll and seals up any cracks. You can use water and dab it on but it’s just not as satisfying.
Once you’ve wet the wrap, then you need to fill the middle of the wrap with your cannabis as you would with any joint. Distribute the cannabis evenly from one end to the other to ensure a consistent burn. You’re probably looking at one or two grams of product but be careful not to overload the thing.
The next stage is tricky as well so take your time with this also. You need to roll the blunt gently to pack the cannabis in and create that cigar shape again. Use your finger to help with shaping and folding the wrap, tucking the edge under itself to form a tight cylinder. Proper folding and shaping are important for a blunt that is shaped well and will burn evenly. When you think it’s right, tuck the edge of the wrap under itself and lick it as you would with a joint. Smooth it together so that everything starts to stick. This process of wrapping encases the cannabis and helps maintain the structure. Some people use tips or crutches at one end to enhance the smoking experience by providing support and filtration. Sealing the blunt is crucial—make sure to moisten the edges and press them down to create a proper seal. A well-sealed blunt rolled correctly will stay intact and burn smoothly.
The final stage is commonly called baking the blunt. This involves using a lighter to run some heat along the edges of the damp blunt and dry it out, which helps with sealing and ensures the blunt is properly sealed. Don’t hold the flame too close, of course, and move it quickly over the surface.
Once this is done, your blunt is now ready for lighting. Light the blunt evenly to ensure it burns evenly for the best experience. You might want to set it on the table in front of your guests first so that they can stare at in admiration.
The Importance of the Tobacco Wrap
The tobacco wrap is more than just a vessel for your cannabis—it’s a defining element of the blunt rolling process. Traditionally, blunts are crafted by carefully splitting open a cigar or cigarillo, removing the tobacco, and refilling the outer layer with ground cannabis. This tobacco wrap infuses your blunt with a distinctive flavor and aroma, adding a layer of complexity to the smoking experience. The nicotine in the tobacco wrap also provides a subtle buzz, which many in the cannabis community appreciate for its stimulating effect.
However, not everyone prefers the taste or effects of tobacco. For those looking to avoid nicotine, hemp wraps or palm leaf wraps offer a cleaner alternative, allowing the full character of your chosen cannabis strain to come forward. Regardless of your preference, handling the wrap with care is crucial—tobacco wraps can be delicate, and small tears or cracks can lead to an uneven burn or blunt cracks, affecting the quality of your smoke. Mastering the art of working with different wraps is an essential part of the rolling process, ensuring your blunt burns evenly and delivers a smooth, enjoyable session every time.
Common Blunt Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes that newbies make when learning how to roll a blunt is to be far too aggressive. It’s a gentle roll so take your time and you should end up with a decent end product. Others will put either too much or too little saliva on the wrap to make it more pliable. The other big mistake is choosing the wrong cigar.
Advanced Blunt Rolling Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, exploring advanced blunt rolling techniques can elevate your skills and help you create the perfect blunt. One popular method is blending a bit of tobacco with your ground cannabis, crafting a unique flavor profile that’s both rich and complex. Adding a filter or tip to your blunt is another pro move—it not only keeps loose cannabis out of your mouth but also helps the blunt burn more evenly and provides a smoother draw.
For those seeking precision, using a blunt roller can help achieve a tighter roll and a more consistent shape, leading to an even burn and a longer-lasting smoke. Experimenting with different rolling styles, such as the “piano” method (where you use your index fingers to gently press and shape the blunt) or the “curl” technique (rolling the wrap around the filling in a spiral motion), can also improve the overall quality of your blunts. With practice and a willingness to try new approaches, you’ll soon be rolling blunts that impress even the most seasoned members of the cannabis community.
Blunt Rolling Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a priority when rolling a blunt, ensuring your cannabis consumption is both enjoyable and responsible. When handling blunt wraps, especially those made from tobacco, avoid touching your eyes or mouth to prevent irritation. Always grind your cannabis evenly—unevenly ground weed can cause the blunt to burn unevenly or even lead to small fires if hot spots develop.
Be mindful not to overfill or underfill your blunt; too much weed can cause the wrap to split, while too little can result in a loose, poorly burning blunt. Store your blunts in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets, to maintain freshness and prevent accidental consumption. And, of course, always follow local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use, and be considerate of your surroundings when smoking in public. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy rolling a blunt and smoking cannabis with confidence, knowing you’re keeping yourself and those around you safe.
What’s the Difference Between a Joint and a Blunt?
There are some key differences between joints and blunts. Joints can be any size depending on how adventurous you are feeling. They are almost exclusively filled with your cannabis material and wrapped in rolling paper, which is typically used to roll a joint. In contrast, a blunt is wrapped in tobacco or cigar wraps, which add to the flavor. Learning to roll a joint is often easier than rolling a blunt, which is why some people tend to prefer joints. The reason some people prefer a joint to a blunt is that difference in taste. If you choose the wrong cigar to wrap your cannabis in it can make the experience quite acrid. That means you might like to experiment with different cigar types before you settle on one that suits your taste. Once you’ve learned how to roll a blunt, however, it does open up a whole new world. They’re great for handing round at parties, which is why they are probably best kept for special occasions.
The burn time is one major factor that typically attracts some connoisseurs to the blunt. Because it’s typically quite thick and well packed, it doesn’t burn down as quickly, which means it should last longer than your average joint. You can also use them to pack in extra cannabis, depending on the type of cigar that you choose. For social occasions, it means you don’t have to worry about the blunt burning down and disappearing before it’s got back to you. Rolling a blunt is a classic way to smoke cannabis, and is a ritual enjoyed by many.
Can You Get Blunts Pre-Rolled?
Of course, you may not want the hassle of learning how to roll a blunt at all. That’s okay. If you live in, or visit, a place where cannabis is legal, chances are you’ll be able to find pre-rolled varieties in cafes or dispensaries. The art of blunt rolling may have plenty of competition from joint lovers, dabbers and vapers, but it’s still one of the best ways to enjoy cannabis. As with anything learning how to roll a blunt is all about practice. If you don’t want to waste your cannabis, you can always fill it up with tobacco while you develop your rolling skills. If you’re looking for some great cannabis strains to use in your next blunt, check out the store at Seedsman.com.
