When it comes to common terms for marijuana use, there is no shortage of slang and word choices today.
Joints are one of the most common methods of smoking cannabis.
If you're new to cannabis culture and here, you probably have never heard of a weed joint before and want to know what it is.
Here you'll learn what a joint is, how the joint got its name, and the possible benefits and health risks of smoking a joint.
What's a joint weed? Defining & Meaning
A joint is a hand-rolled cigarette with marijuana instead of tobacco. It has all the burning crap from the paper, and usually little in terms of filtration.
Joints often have a crutch, or filter, at the drawing end, which adds stability to the roll and allows you to smoke a joint to the end without burning your fingertips.
Joints can fit in your pocket and be taken anywhere, and are easy to consume—just light the end and inhale.
The cool thing about joints is that you can totally savor the flavors and aromas of the cannabis strain.
Those rolling papers are thin and don't have any flavor of their own, so the natural terpenes and cannabinoids from the herb really shine through.
What are Rolling Papers?
Rolling papers can be made from wood pulp, hemp, rice, and other materials that all usually unbleached.
You can even get flavored papers if you are looking for something that may add to the experience.
Joint rolling papers come in a wide variety of lengths and widths, so you can decide exactly how big or small a joint you want to smoke.
If you're fresh out of rolling papers and you have got some flower that needs smoking, take a look at this article about 10 best rolling paper alternatives, including Corn Husks, Gum Wrappers, rose petals and more.
Why is it called a Joint?
The word joint originates from the French word "joindre" translated as "to join". Its first usage in the sense of 'marijuana cigarette' is dated to 1938.
How much weed is in a Joint?
The amount of weed in a joint can vary widely depending on your preference or how much weed you have. Generally, though, joints come in the following sizes:
Small: The smallest, thinnest joints are known as pinners or dog walkers. They're typically designed to be smoked by one person in one session and contain 0.25 – 0.5 grams of cannabis.
Standard: The average joint rolled with standard-sized rolling paper contains 0.5 – 1 gram of cannabis.
Big-size: King-sized rolling papers can contain 1 – 2 grams or more of ground cannabis.
How do I smoke a joint?
Light he joint. Put it in your mouth and breathe in. Hold it in your mouth then suck the smoke into your lungs by just inhaing hard.
How to Roll a Joint?
Rolling a joint is a skill that many cannabis enthusiasts take pride in mastering.
To roll a joint, start by grinding your cannabis to a consistent texture, we recommend use a weed grinder.
Create a crutch or filter by taking a thick piece of paper, folding tightly and rolling.
Place the rolling paper with the adhesive strip facing up, distribute the cannabis evenly, and roll it into a cylinder shape.
Lick the adhesive strip, seal the joint, and twist the open end to keep the cannabis from falling out.
Properly rolled joints burn evenly and produce a smooth draw, allowing the full range of flavors and effects to be experienced.
Designed to make rolling faster and easier, Joint rolling machines are small devices that can help you roll a joint.
Our more detailed article about how to roll a perfect joint
What are the benefits of Smoking Joints?
There are many advantages to using a joint when smoking!
1. Purer flavours and effects
A joint focuses on the tastes and influence of your chosen cannabis, offering an unadulterated experience that isn't tainted by tobacco.
For enthusiasts who value purity, this is a great boon.
2. Small Amount
A standard joint only contains a 0.5 – 1 gram of weed, making them an excellent option for social smokers looking to minimize their intake.
3. Small and Portable
Perhaps the most iconic way to consume cannabis, joints are small and portable, and you can take them anywhere and spark up.
4. Easy to Roll and Enjoy
Joints are also super simple to roll and smoke. Just some papers, a lighter, your favorite ground cannabis, and you're good to go.
What are the health risks of smoking joints?
When burning marijuana joints, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials.
Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.
Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana joints frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco.
These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections.
What's the difference between a blunt and a joint?
One of the biggest differences between the two types of rollie is the actual rolling paper that is used.
Joints are made of thin, white or even transparent rolling paper, while blunts are made with a deep brown cigar or specific blunt wrap.
The often sweet and tobacco rich papers of the cigar can add a unique and varied taste to your smoking experience.
Additionally, Blunts contain significantly higher levels of cannabis, often containing a full to 2 grams of marijuana versus half that amount in a joint.
Our More detailed article about Joints vs Blunts Comparison.
What's the difference between a spliff and a joint?
Both use the same cigarette rolling papers, So you can't tell them apart from the appearance.
The main difference between a spliff and a joint is the presence of tobacco.
Spliffs contain a mixture of weed and tobacco, while joints contain pure cannabis.
The use of tobacco allows the smoker to use less marijuana and provides an even buzzier effect than that of joints.
Our More detailed article about Joints vs Spliffs Comparison.
Bong vs Joint Comparison: which is better?
Smoking from a bong or rolling a joint are the two most common ways to smoke cannabis, but which one is better?
Joints are flavorful, long-lasting, slow-burning, and great for social settings. They are also incredibly convenient and portable, sliding a joint into your pocket or purse is effortless and discreet.
However, smoking a joint can produce hot smoke that irritate your throat and lung. The Cannabis smoke contains many of the harmful chemicals (such as tar and carbon monoxide) that are harmful to the lungs.
Because bongs use water and an elongated airpath, they cool and filter the smoke, which creates cool, clean, smooth smoke that’s more easily inhaled. However, they are less portable.
Conclusion
So now you know there's nothing that mysterious about Joints. They're simply cannabis wrapped in rolling paper.
But as simple as that sounds, the experience is truly unique, which offers the purest flavours and effects.
Joints are small, portable, convenient and are a great way to enjoy weed - Easy to enjoy on the go with minimal fuss or gear!
However you choose to enjoy your joints, have fun and stay safe!