Rolling a joint is a bit of an art form, and for many, it’s a rite of passage in the cannabis world. Whether you're a newbie or just never quite mastered the skill, learning how to roll can enhance your smoking experience. Sure, pre-rolls are convenient, but there’s something satisfying about rolling your own. It gives you more control over the size, shape, and burn, plus it’s a fun skill to have in your back pocket.

But if you're feeling overwhelmed by the process, don't worry—you're not alone! Rolling a joint might look complicated, but with a little practice, anyone can do it. This guide will walk you through each step, from grinding your weed to sealing the perfect roll. So grab your papers and let’s get rolling!

What You'll Need 

Before you start rolling, gather your supplies:

Cannabis flower

Rolling papers - opt for thin papers for an even burn 

A filter (also called a crutch or tip – you can buy pre-made ones or roll your own with cardboard)

A grinder (optional but helpful)

Patience and a steady hand!

 

Step 1: Grind Your Cannabis

First things first – you’ll need to grind up your cannabis. A grinder will give you an even consistency, making it easier to roll and ensuring the joint burns smoothly. If you don’t have a grinder, you can break it up with your fingers, but be careful not to overdo it. Too fine, and it won’t smoke well; too chunky, and it’ll make rolling tougher.

Step 2: Prepare Your Filter

Rolling a filter (or crutch) helps keep the end of your joint from collapsing and makes it easier to smoke. If you’re making your own, take a small piece of thick paper or cardboard, about the size of a business card, and roll it into a small cylinder. You can also fold a few zig-zags at the end to create a sturdier base.

Step 3: Fill Your Rolling Paper

Lay out your rolling paper with the glue strip facing up and towards you. Place the filter at one end. Now, evenly sprinkle your ground cannabis across the paper. You want to make sure the weed is distributed nicely, with a bit more towards the center if you’re aiming for a cone shape.

Step 4: Shape the Joint

Hold the paper between your fingers, and gently roll it back and forth to shape the cannabis into a nice, even cylinder. This step is key to getting a smooth, even burn. Once you’ve got the shape down, it’s time to roll!

Step 5: Roll It Up

Here comes the trickiest part. Tuck the unglued side of the paper around the cannabis and filter, rolling it tightly but not too tight (you still want airflow). Once it’s snug, moisten the glue strip and seal the joint. Give it a final roll to smooth it out, and voila!

Step 6: Pack and Twist

To keep your joint neat and make sure it burns evenly, use a pen or the end of a small tool to gently pack the cannabis down from the open end. Once it’s packed, twist the tip to close it off, and you’re ready to light up.

Step 7: Enjoy

Now that you’ve rolled your joint, it’s time to enjoy it! Light the twisted tip evenly, take slow, smooth drags, and savour the fruits of your labour.

Find the Right Rolling Papers

The difference between various types of rolling papers mainly comes down to their material, thickness, size, and burn rate. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Material:

• Wood Pulp: These are the most common and traditional papers, typically thicker and easier to roll with. They burn relatively fast and are great for beginners.
• Hemp: Made from hemp fiber, these papers are usually eco-friendly, a bit thicker, and burn slower than wood pulp papers. They also have a slightly earthy taste.
• Rice Paper: Thin and smooth, rice papers burn slowly and produce minimal ash. However, they can be more delicate and trickier to roll with, especially for beginners.
• Flax: Another plant-based option, flax papers are usually thin and offer a slow, even burn.
• Transparent Papers: These are made from plant-based cellulose and are ultra-thin, allowing you to see the cannabis inside. They’re fun to use but can be harder to handle for those new to rolling.

Thickness:

• Thicker papers are easier to roll with and more forgiving for beginners, while thinner papers burn slower and offer a smoother, cleaner smoke. However, thinner papers can be a bit more challenging to roll.

Size:

• Single Wide, 1¼, 1½: These are smaller sizes that roll smaller joints, perfect for solo sessions or smaller groups.
• King Size: These larger papers are ideal if you’re rolling for multiple people or want a bigger joint.
• Blunt Wraps: Thicker and often flavoured, blunt wraps are made from tobacco leaves, giving the smoke a unique flavour and a longer burn time.

Get Creative with a Cross Joint

If you're looking to expand your joint rolling abilities or looking for a new stoner party trick, we're getting into the ultimate guide on how to craft the perfect cross joint.

Once you've gathered all of the materials listed above, you start with your full-size rolling papers. This is not the time where 'less is more' when it comes to how much weed you're using—the more you use, the easier it will be to assemble the cross joint. 

Once you've finished rolling, leave a small empty twist at the end. This will make lighting your cross joint a breeze when the time comes to smoke your creation. It's time to pull out your small rolling papers to roll a thin joint. This will act as the "cross" section of your cross joint. Here are your options; for an easier assembly, keep the joint on the thinner side.

Now that you've rolled both joints, let's bring this cross-joint to life. With your pin or needle, you're going to gently poke a hole in the larger joint about three-quarters from the bottom. This next part is crucial as you want to (very carefully) use that same pin or needle to make that first opening a little wider. 

The most challenging part of a cross-joint is the assembly. Being as gentle as possible, insert one end of the thin joint through the larger joint until the smaller opening in your thin joint is inside the bigger joint. Aim to position the small opening to the center of your bigger joint, this will ensure a better and more even burn.