What is a Blunt (Weed)? History, Definition & Meaning

A blunt is a popular smoking method for consumers who are looking to burn, enjoy the combination of tobacco and cannabis flavors, which commonly shared among a larger group of people.

If you've used any cannabis in the past, you've probably at least heard of blunts. Maybe you've already been passing them for years now!

However, if you're new to the scene, you may be wondering “what is a blunt?”.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about blunts, From the definition/meaning and history of a blunt, to the wrap materials, Comparison with joints, how to roll, and more.

What is a Blunt? Definition & Meaning

Essentially, a blunt is like a cigar that has been emptied of its tobacco, filled with cannabis, and then sealed back up for smoking.

Blunts are easily recognizable in their appearance. Since they are made from tobacco leaf paper, they are typically dark brown or tan and are larger in size compared to joints.

Blunts are known for their slow burn, allowing for a longer, relaxed smoke sesh. The tobacco leaf wrap contains nicotine also adds a kick, which can enhance the overall high.

Blunts can be shared among a group of friends, making them a social way to consume cannabis. They are often associated with relaxation and leisure activities, as they provide a longer-lasting smoking experience compared to other methods.

Why is it called a Blunt?

Blunts are usually rolled in tobacco leaf, of the same type used to wrap cigars. Most people buy cheap cigars, unroll them, then re-roll it with weed.

The name "blunt' comes from a cigar called the Phillies Blunt. It is a cheap, machine-made cigar, making it perfect for destroying to obtain the wrapper. Hand-made cigars, while of much higher quality, can be quite expensive.

Another common term for a blunt is an "LP" or "L", a reference to the El Producto brand. "Dutch" refers to Dutch Masters.

Backwoods, Swisher Sweets and White Owl cigars/cigarillos are also popular with those who smoke blunts.

The History of Blunts

The origins of blunts go back to the Caribbeans during the XIX century, where Jamaica and Puerto Rico locals started smoking marijuana using tobacco leaves.

Blunts in today's days started in the 90's in New York. The strong anti-drug rules of the area forced consumers to disguise their cannabis joints by giving them a cigar appearance, which also helped disguise the smell of weed.

In those days, marijuana was a marginal drug, cigars on the other hand were a sign of distinction, elegance and power.

This consumption method expanded very fast due to its discretion and became very popular among popular rappers back in those days (2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G, Snoop Dogg…), who even performed concerts with a blunt in their hands.

The increase in popularity of American hip hop spread the use of blunts to international lands.

What are Blunt Wraps?

A blunt wrap refers to the wrapping material used to make a marijuana blunt.

The use of a wrapper also added to the flavors when smoking a cannabis-filled blunt.

There are two main ways to procure your tobacco wrapping paper:

1. Purchase a pre-rolled cigar or cigarillo, empty out the contents, and then repurpose the tobacco wrapping paper by filling it with weed before re-rolling it into a blunt.

2. Nowadays, Tobacco leaf papers can be purchased separately, which is a more convenient alternative.

Tobacco-free "blunt wraps" are also available. These are made from hemp, banana leaf, palm leaf and other fibers.

How Much Weed Flower is in a Blunt?

One thing that makes big blunts so popular and great for sharing is the amount of weed they can hold.

The amount of weed a blunt can hold will really depend on the size of the cigar or blunt wrap being used.

A skinny blunt can hold around 1 to 3 grams of weed. For context, a typical joint usually holds 0.5 to 1 gram of marijuana.

How Long Does It Take To Smoke A Blunt?

While the time it takes to smoke a blunt will depend on the size of the blunt and how many are sharing it, it should usually last a good while.

Smaller blunts may take 10-20 minutes, while larger ones can take 30 minutes or more to smoke completely.

Because of their big size, blunts hold a lot of weed and are easier to pass around in a large smoke session.

The thicker nature of a blunt wrap also helps provide a slower burn, much like a traditional cigar.

How to roll a blunt?

Blunts can be rolled with either a blunt wrap or a cigar. You will also need some useful tools like a grinder to break apart the dry flower.

Cigar wrappers can be brittle and difficult to work with, so it helps to moisten the wrapper before adding cannabis flower.

Once everything is prepared, add the ground weed, distribute it evenly across the wrapper, and roll it into shape.

Once rolled, seal the blunt by Lightly licking the edge of the leaf paper that you are going to fold over last.

After the blunt is sealed, quickly run the flame of a lighter across it to “bake the blunt,” which will further ensure the blunt stays together.

For those who have never tried rolling a blunt, it can seem intimidating. Here's a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to roll a blunt to help demystify the process.

What is the difference between a blunt and a joint?

Key differences between joints and blunts boil down to a few different attributes: appearance, size, effect, and Health Considerations.

See our article on "Joints vs Blunts Comparison" for more information.

1. Appearance and Size

Blunts are usually bigger than joints, and hold 1.5 times the amount of cannabis as a joint does. They looks darker in appearance since they are created from cigar papers.

On the other hand, Joints can be thinner, often transparent or white, and smaller in size.

2. Effect

A blunt will burn longer and have higher levels of nicotine buzz than joints due to the use of thicker cigar wrap. The tobacco in a blunt also adds a buzziness and energy to your weed high.

A joint won't burn for as long, but it doesn't contain any nicotine and is a convenient and classic way to smoke dry flower.

3. Health Considerations

Smoking cannabis in any form, either blunt or joint, can have wrong effects on the respiratory system.

However, Because Blunts contain tobacco, they have health risks associated with tobacco consumption-Nicotine addiction.

Three Best Alternatives to Blunts

Although blunts have gained popularity over time, not everyone prefers consuming cannabis wrapped in tobacco leaf paper.

For those looking for alternatives, there are several options:

1. Vaporizers: Vaporizers heat cannabis without combustion, reducing health risks associated with smoking while preserving flavors and potency.

2. Edibles: Cannabis-infused edibles offer a healthier method of consumption without smoke inhalation or the smell associated with smoking.

3. Glass blunts: Glass blunts are reusable smoking devices that mimic the traditional blunt-smoking experience.

Conclusion

Blunts remain a beloved part of cannabis culture, offering a unique smoking experience that combines the worlds of tobacco and cannabis.

Additionally, Because of their larger size and slower burning speed, blunts are great for sharing in smoke circles - a way to find community and relaxation.

However, blunts may not be the right fit for beginners. These are a little more challenging to assemble, have a stronger buzz due to nicotine, and certainly have a more potent smell.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful, inspiring both novice and experienced smokers to delve into the world of blunts in a safe and informed way.

You can determine which method aligns (joint, blunt, spliff, bong, vaporizer, edible, etc) most harmoniously with your individual inclinations when it comes to indulging in cannabis.