How to Roll a Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Up Weed
- By: Tim Wolski
- education | March 11, 2025
Joints have long been a cornerstone of cannabis culture. There's something undeniably satisfying about the ritual of rolling a joint: grinding your flower, carefully spreading it in a rolling paper and gently rolling it all up into a perfect little joint.
Whether you're sharing with friends or enjoying a solo session, learning how to roll a joint is a rite of passage for any cannabis enthusiast. This guide is your go-to resource for mastering the art of joint rolling. We'll cover everything from the basics to troubleshooting tips so you can confidently roll up your weed.
What is a Joint? (and How is it Different from a Spliff or Blunt?)
Simply put, a joint is a hand-rolled cannabis cigarette. It consists of ground cannabis flower rolled in thin rolling paper. You might have heard terms like “spliff” and “blunt” thrown around. While similar to joints, they have key differences:
- Spliff: A spliff contains a mix of cannabis and tobacco. With more tobacco than a blunt, they will typically deliver more of the energetic, buzzy effects and flavor of tobacco.
- Blunt: A blunt uses tobacco leaf paper or an emptied-out cigar wrapper to hold the cannabis. They're usually bigger than joints or spliffs and last much longer.
For this guide, we'll focus solely on rolling a classic joint.
How Much Weed is in a Joint? Understanding Joint Sizes
Joints can come in various sizes, giving you the ability to customize your smoking experience based on how much flower you use and the rolling paper size. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Pinner Joints:These are slim and short, perfect for first-timers, a quick solo session or trying out a new strain. They typically hold around 0.25-0.5 grams of cannabis.
- Standard Joints: Your average everyday joint. Expect to use about 0.5-1 gram of flower.
- King or Baller Joints: These are larger joints made with “king size” rolling paper, ideal for sharing with friends or longer sessions. They can hold 1-2 grams or more of cannabis.
To give you an idea, our Verona Collective prerolls come in various sizes, from our convenient half-gram five-packs to our larger full-gram individual joints and 2g ballers, offering something for everyone.
How to Calculate THC in Your Joint
While it's impossible to know the exact THC content of your joint without lab testing, you can get a rough estimate.
- Check your flower's label:All reputable, legal dispensaries like Verona Collective list the THC percentage on the packaging.
- Multiply by the amount of flower: If you have flower with 20% THC and are using 0.5 grams, the estimated THC content would be 100mg (20% of 1000mg).
Keep in mind that this is just an approximation, as factors like growing conditions and curing methods can affect THC levels.
What Do You Need to Roll a Joint?
- Cannabis flower:We offer a variety of sizes of flower starting at 3.5g. Depending on your roll, you should be able to make four to seven joints with this size.
- New to cannabis? Try a strain with a lower THC percentage. Our shop page conveniently tells you the THC percentage below the product name, and you can dive deeper into each strain's cannabinoid and terpene breakdowns, flavor profile and effects when you click on an item.
- Grinder: We have a variety of grinders, from basic to premium, to suit your needs.
- For extra convenience, we also offer pre-ground flower.
- Filters/crutches: These create airflow and prevent burnt cannabis flower from entering your mouth when you inhale. We have pre-made crutches, or you can make your own.
- King or Baller Joints: These are larger joints made with “king size” rolling paper, ideal for sharing with friends or longer sessions. They can hold 1-2 grams or more of cannabis.
- Rolling tray: (Optional) Keeps your supplies organized and catches any spills.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Your First Joint
Grind Your Flower:
Use a grinder to break down your cannabis flower into a consistent texture. This ensures an even burn and makes rolling easier. If you prefer to skip this step, we offer pre-ground flower for your convenience with exceptional trim from your favorite strains.
Prepare Your Crutch:
This step is optional but can help provide a more enjoyable experience. A crutch, also known as a filter or tip, adds stability to your joint. It can also help prevent you from inhaling plant matter or from burning your lips or fingers.
- Start with a small piece of stiff paper, like an index card, manila file folder, cardstock or even the stiff edge of your rolling paper pack.
- Fold it a few times in a zig-zag “W” shape like a small accordion, then wind the remaining paper around the folded part, rolling it into a tight cylinder that will fit in your joint.
- Place it at the end of your rolling paper.
Fill the Paper:
Place the rolling paper in your hand with the glued edge facing up and toward you. Evenly distribute the ground cannabis along the crease of the paper, shaping it into a cone for a smoother burn.
Roll It Up:
Pinch the paper between your thumb and index finger, and use your other fingers to roll the paper back and forth, tucking the unglued edge into the roll.
Seal and Pack:
Lick the glued edge and seal the joint. Gently pack down the cannabis from the open end using a pen or similar object.
While packing is a matter of personal preference, balance is key. If a joint is packed too loosely, it may burn quickly and unevenly. If packed too tightly, it may be different to draw. You can test your pack by squeezing the joint gently – it should feel firm and hold its shape without seeming too tight or rigid.
Twist the Tip:
Twist the paper at the tip to seal the contents and create a finished end.
Light Up and Enjoy!
Hold the joint between your fingers, light the twisted end and inhale gently. Rotate the joint as you smoke to ensure an even burn.
Pro Tips for Rolling Like a Pro
- Start with thicker papers if you're a beginner.
- Roll on a flat surface for stability.
- Don't overpack the joint, as it will restrict airflow.
- Practice makes perfect!
Beyond the Basics: Different Types of Joints
- Pinners: Small, single-serving joints.
- Cross Joints: Two joints intersecting for a unique smoking experience.
- Cone Joints: Wider at one end, hold more flower.
At Verona Collective, we also offer specialty prerolls like our infused joints and blunts
Troubleshooting Your Joint
Canoeing:
What it is: When one side of the joint burns faster than the other.
How to avoid it: Roll evenly and pack the joint consistently.
What to do if it's already happening: Wet the faster-burning side with saliva or gently tamp it down.
Running:
What it is: When the cherry burns unevenly, creating a “run” down the length of the joint.
How to avoid it: Grind your flower consistently and avoid overpacking.
Too Tight or Too Loose:
Signs: A tight joint is difficult to draw on, while a loose joint burns quickly and may canoe.
How to adjust: Use more or less pressure when rolling and packing the joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of paper to use for rolling a joint?
There are a variety of types of rolling papers, from hemp to wood pulp, flax, rice and even flavored options. Rolling papers made from hemp fibers offer a natural and slow burn and are considered more environmentally friendly. They're also great for those new to rolling joints. We offer organic hemp papers with premade crutches for your convenience.
Do I need to use a crutch (filter) in my joint?
Crutches or filters are optional but can add stability to your joint while preventing you from inhaling burning plant matter.
How much cannabis should I use in a joint?
Use about half to one gram, depending on your preference and tolerance.
What's the difference between a joint, blunt and spliff?
A joint is cannabis in a rolling paper while a blunt, which is frequently larger, uses tobacco leaf paper or a cigar wrapper to hold the cannabis. A spliff contains a mix of cannabis and tobacco.
Why is my joint canoeing, and how can I fix it?
Uneven packing or lighting causes canoeing. Fix it by evenly lighting the joint and gently rotating it as you smoke.
How do I roll a joint if I don't have a grinder?
Break up the cannabis by hand or with scissors for an even consistency. You can also skip the grinding step by purchasing pre-ground flower, such as our products from Fair Shake.
Can I roll a joint without a rolling tray?
Yes! Use a clean, flat surface like a table or book.
Why does my joint burn too fast?
It may be too loosely packed or rolled. Try packing it tighter and rolling with even pressure.
What's the easiest type of joint for a beginner to roll?
A straight joint with a crutch is simple and forgiving for beginners.
How can I tell if my joint is rolled too tight or too loose?
Too tight: Hard to draw. Too loose: Burns unevenly or falls apart. Aim for a smooth draw and remember practice makes perfect!
What are the benefits of rolling your own joint versus buying a preroll?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer the convenience of prerolls while others enjoy the customization and freshness of rolling their own.
Elevate Your Joint Rolling Skills
Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. If you're still struggling to roll your own, visit us at Verona Collective to purchase rolling supplies or try out our popular prerolls.
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This product contains cannabis. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product, including for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while using this product.
