How to Roll the Perfect Joint

There are a variety of ways to smoke cannabis including hand pipes, water bongs, vaporizers, and hookahs, but one of the most popular methods is with a joint (or doobie, as we prefer to say). Joints are great because they’re quick, easy, and usually take less than 5 minutes to roll. If you’re interested in learning how to roll the perfect joint, look no further. We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you with rolling a joint.

Essential Rolling Supplies for Success:

• Cannabis flower
• Rolling papers
• A grinder (you can also use your fingers or scissors)
• Cigarette lighter or matches
• Optional: Paper filter or a “crutch”

It may also help to have a pen or something similarly shaped to help pack the joint when you’re almost finished.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Cannabis

Using a grinder, scissors, your fingers, or whatever is comfortable, break down ¼ to 1 gram of cannabis. Grinders and scissors are helpful if you have sticky weed and want to avoid getting resin on your fingers! Double-check that you remove any stems or seeds from your bud, and grind it so it’s shake. If you break down too much, you’ll be left with powdery cannabis and what fun is that?

Step 2 – Create Your Filter/Crutch

If you’re wondering how to roll a joint without a filter, you can skip this step and head to step 3.

Also known as a paper filter, crutches are helpful to make sure you don’t burn your lips or fingers when you get to the end of your joint. These come in handy if you want to hit your clips for later, or if you need to reuse your crutch. Think of them as the mouthpiece that makes your smoking experience easier.

For the crutch, you can use a piece of hard paper like one that the packaging the papers come in, or use one of the filters that come in some packs for you to detach. You can also use sturdy paper like a business card, index card, or manila folder. You can also buy pre-made tips!

Fold the crutch paper three to four times so it creates an M-shape, and roll it until you have a small, cylindrical filter. Be mindful not to leave it too wide or else you’ll have bud in your mouth when you’re trying to smoke, but if you make it too tight you make it difficult to inhale.

Step 3 – Load Your Joint

Grab a piece of paper and place the crutch at one end of the paper, right where the center fold is. Fill the joint with your cannabis, and tamp it until it’s evenly distributed along the middle of the paper from one end to the other.

Step 4 – Shape and Roll Your Joint

Use your fingers to roll the paper back and forth to even the weed, and begin rolling your joint. Roll the paper into a cone shape, until you’re able to tuck the non-sticky side of the paper into the cone and continue rolling.

Step 5 – Seal and Pack Your Joint

Lick the sticky part of the paper and seal the joint on the opposite side of the filter. Roll the joint until all the sticky paper is sealed on the other side of the paper. Using your pen or something similar, pack the end of the joint to help make sure you have an even burn.

How to Roll a Joint with a Joint Roller

Learning how to use a joint roller can be difficult at first. Joint rolling machines are another alternative to rolling a joint by hand. A joint rolling machine is about the length of a standard rolling paper and consists of two “rolling pins,” connected by a sheet of material. Place your filter on one end, and your cannabis on the other. Close the pins, and roll them towards you so the joint forms a uniform shape. Once you’re done, you’ll have a perfectly rolled joint.

How to Roll a Joint with a Filter

Rolling a joint with a filter, also known as a crutch, makes for a smoother experience and helps avoid burning your fingers or lips when you get to the end. Here’s how to do it:

• Make the Crutch: Use a piece of thick paper, like the one from your rolling papers, or an index card. Fold it 3-4 times to create an M-shape, then roll it into a small cylinder.
• Place the Crutch: Put the crutch at one end of your paper, right at the fold in the center.
• Fill the Joint: Evenly spread your cannabis across the paper from the filter to the other end.
• Roll and Shape: Roll the paper back and forth between your fingers to shape the cannabis. Tuck the non-sticky side of the paper into the roll and continue rolling toward the sticky edge.
• Seal and Pack: Lick the sticky edge, seal the joint, and use a pen or similar tool to pack the end for an even burn.

Using a crutch not only makes the joint easier to smoke but also keeps loose bits out of your mouth for a cleaner finish.

How to Roll a Joint without a Filter

If you prefer a more classic approach, rolling without a filter is quick and easy. Here’s how:

• Prepare the Cannabis: Break down your cannabis, removing stems and seeds to get a nice, even grind.
• Add to the Paper: Place the rolling paper flat and sprinkle your cannabis along the center.
• Shape the Joint: Use your fingers to gently roll the paper back and forth until the cannabis is evenly spread.
• Roll it Up: Tuck the non-sticky side of the paper into the roll and continue wrapping toward the sticky side.
• Seal and Pack: Lick the sticky edge, seal the joint, and use a pen to pack the open end to ensure a smooth burn.

While rolling without a filter may take some practice, it offers a purer experience, letting you enjoy the full flavor of your flower.

Looking to add some style to your joint rolling? Check out our blog on How to Roll A Cross Joint.

Whether you roll with or without a filter, or if you prefer to have someone else roll the joint for you, Doobie has you covered for getting happiness delivered with a variety of flower and pre-roll options. Have questions? Call us on the Highline, we’ll help you out, bud.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.

Photo by Kampus Production