Joints vs Spliffs Comparison: What's the Difference?

Despite the growing popularity of vaporization, the art of rolling cannabis is still a big part of the smoking culture.

Two of the most common types of rolled cannabis are spliffs and joints.

Although they look similar, there's a crucial difference between them that can affect your smoking experience.

In this guide, we're breaking down the spliff vs. joint debate to help you find the consumption method that's right for you.

Whether you just want to know the difference or you actually need the finer points about which is better, this article has all of the information you need.

What is a Joint?

A joint is a cannabis that's rolled using rolling papers. It contains only cannabis.

Joints are known for their straightforward composition – cannabis packed in rolling papers, often with a filter or crutch at one end to aid in handling and smoking.

Joints are the most popular form of roll in the U.S. They're portable, and you can spark them up anywhere you're allowed.

What is a Spliff?

A spliff is a combination of cannabis and tobacco rolled together in a joint-like format.

The ratio of cannabis to tobacco may vary depending on preference.

The word "spliff" is believed to be from West Indian origins and popularized in Jamaican-English slang.

Spliffs are more prevalent in the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean than in the United States.

Joints vs Spliffs: What Makes them Similar?

A spliff looks exactly like a joint, because they have many similarities!

1. Rolling Papers and Wrappers

The same sheets are used to create a joint and a spliff. It makes no difference what papers you use, both classic and flavored, a joint will still be a joint and a spliff will be a spliff.

Rolling papers are usually white but come in different colors and flavors. They can have grape, cherry, chocolate, or other flavors. Paper also comes in different sizes: big, small, or medium.

2. Size

Spliffs and joints are more or less the same size, Both are small and portable and you can buy a pre-rolled joint or roll it on your own.

Many of you like this smoking method because of its portability and convenience, as it can be smoked and rolled at any time.

3. Rolling Techniques

Regardless of which method you choose, the two twists are created similarly, so if someone can twist a joint, they will also easily make a spliff.

It is not anything complicated and you only need to master a few movements to be able to enjoy your own hand-made twist with your favorite drought.

Want to learn rolling technology, here are more details on how to roll a joint? step by step guide

Joints vs Spliffs: What's the Difference between them?

Joints and Spliffs have distinct differences that can affect your smoking experience.

1. Inside content

A spliff is a mixture of cannabis and tobacco, the ratio of tobacco to marijuana can vary, but its inclusion is what sets a spliff apart.

Unlike a spliff, a joint contains only cannabis inside a rolling paper. It offers a pure marijuana smoking experience without the addition of tobacco.

2. Aroma and flavor

Since a joint is made entirely of cannabis, you can smell the strain inside in its pure, unaltered form.

You will smell the strain in all of its completeness if the rolling paper has no flavor.

Joints are usually preferred by those who seek pure flavor and effects of cannabis.

Since it contains tobacco, a spliff probably smells more like a cigarette than a joint.

Plus, the presence of tobacco gives the spliff a distinct nicotine buzz in addition to the high from cannabis.

3. Effects and Experience

Joints might cause a more intense high than spliffs as they contain more cannabis or a higher THC concentration.

Spliffs usually have more tobacco and less cannabis than a joint, so they offers a lesser high and will have even more of the energetic, buzzy effects of tobacco.

For someone new to smoking cannabis, a spliff might be a way to test the waters.

4. Health Implications

When comparing joints and spliffs, health considerations come into play.

Spliffs contain tobacco, which can lead to nicotine dependence and potential lung health issues.

Joints, which are purely cannabis, eliminate the nicotine factor but the inhalation of any smoke can still pose health risks to your lungs, albeit differently from tobacco use.

The key is moderation and understanding the implications each method has for your wellbeing.

5. Cost Spent

Spliffs are the more economical choice than joints because they require less weed.

If you live in a place where high-quality weed is hard to find, rolling a limited amount of pot with tobacco can save you money.

6. Cultural and Social Perspectives

In North America and certain other regions, joints are the predominant form of cannabis consumption.

They are deeply ingrained in the cannabis culture and are often associated with leisure, relaxation, and communal bonding.

The act of passing a joint among friends is a ritualized social activity, fostering camaraderie and connection within the cannabis community.

Conversely, spliffs enjoy greater popularity in European countries and other parts of the world. This preference can be attributed to cultural norms surrounding tobacco use and smoking habits.

In these regions, blending cannabis with tobacco is a common practice, reflecting a cultural acceptance of mixed-use products.

Spliffs may also be perceived as a more affordable or accessible option, particularly in areas where cannabis regulations are stringent or tobacco is more readily available.

The 5 Best Alternatives to Smoking Joints and Spliffs

If you're looking for a healthier or alternative way to smoke cannabis, Fortunately, there are many methods that allow you enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking it.

Alternative forms include bongs, hand pipes, vaporizer pens, concentrates, and every kind of edible imaginable (candies, cookies, butters, cooking oils).

1. Bongs

Bongs are a tried-and-true method of consuming cannabis flower. These smoking apparatuses come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.

Many bongs offer water or ice filtration, which can provide a cooler and smoother smoking experience in comparison to a blunt or joint.

2. Glass Hand Pipes

Hand Pipes, like bongs, come in many different shapes and sizes to fit the consumption needs of all patients and consumers.

These consumption devices also do not pose the same risks and potential dangers presented by tobacco blunt wraps.

Glass hand pipes are very intuitive, making them perfect for beginners.

3. Vaporizers

For those who love to inhale cannabis but want to avoid combustion, perhaps a cannabis vape pen is just what you need.

These devices come in a variety of forms, from simple-to-use disposable pens to fancy setups with mods, tanks, and various other accessories that can be used time and time again.

4. Concentrates

Concentrated THC Products (also known as hash oil, dabs, wax, earwax, honey, honey oil, resin, or shatter) is a product created by extracting THC from the marijuana plant.

This product may contain up to 90 percent THC and is consumed by smoking, vaporizing, dabbing or adding to food.

5. Edibles

Cannabis edibles are a very popular method of consuming cannabis.

This method of consumption does not involve inhalation but rather ingesting the cannabis to reap the benefits and effects that it offers.

Edibles are much more discreet, are stronger, and produce effects that last longer than inhalation methods, making them a great substitute for blunts and joints.

Joint vs Spliff: Which one is Better for you?

In conclusion, both joints and spliffs offer unique and enjoyable experiences for cannabis enthusiasts. The key differences lie in their inside content, flavor, effects, and health considerations.

Spliffs mix tobacco and cannabis, giving a special taste and a sharper, though shorter, high due to the nicotine.

Joints, however, let you enjoy the pure taste and smell of cannabis, resulting in smoother smoke and a steadier, longer-lasting high.

Personal preference and circumstance play a significant role in choosing between joints and spliffs, and alternative methods offer even more ways to enjoy cannabis.

So, whether you prefer the pure cannabis high of a joint or the buzzy effects of a tobacco-infused spliff, there's a world of exciting experiences waiting for you.

Why does everyone use a weed grinder to roll Joints and Spliffs?

When it comes to breaking down cannabis buds, a grinder is unparalleled in its ability to achieve an even, consistent grind. 

Grinders help to break down weed into smaller particles, which helps to release more flavor molecules and give you a more enjoyable smoking experience. 

By grinding your weed, you're able to create a finer, more uniform texture that allows for better even combustion and more potent smoke.

The high-quality Lookah weed grinders are equipped with razor-sharp teeth to ensure a consistent and effortless herb grinding experience.