Let’s be real for a second: living in Canada in the age of legal weed is chef’s kiss wonderful. Dispensaries on what feels like every street corner in most major cities? Check. Delivery options that bring herb to your door faster than a pizza? Check. A near-endless variety of pre-rolls, edibles, and vapes? Big check.

It’s beautiful. It’s convenient. It keeps me employed.

But the other day, something happened that made me pause. I had to teach my little brother how to roll a joint.

He’s 33, relax.

Still, the moment hit me hard. Are we… losing something?

Rolling: A Fading Art?

Back in the day, rolling a joint was a rite of passage. A badge of honour. You weren’t anyone in your crew unless you could spin one up on a busted textbook while sitting on a log in the ravine (maybe that was just me). Learning how to roll wasn’t optional, it was survival.

Sure, we have it easier now. No one likes a canoe, and factory-fresh pre-rolls take out the human error. But there was something about blaming your buddy for a wonky spliff that felt satisfying. Character-building, even.

So here’s your gentle nudge to keep the art alive. Roll with your friends. Practice. And if you’re feeling ambitious (or a little high and creative), here are a few wild joints you should try rolling just to keep things interesting.

Flower That's Ready to Roll

The Classic: Cross Joint

Most of us have heard of the cross joint, thanks in part to Pineapple Express. It’s exactly what it sounds like, one joint intersecting another to form a cross. It’s not the easiest thing to roll, but once you’ve done it, it feels like unlocking a new level of smoker status. 

Bonus points if you light all three ends at once without burning off your eyebrows. Learn how to roll this classic.

The Tulip

No, not a romantic gift for your partner (though honestly, why not?). The tulip joint is all about presentation. It involves rolling a normal joint, then fashioning a bulbous "tulip" out of paper and herb, and attaching it to the tip.

Yes, it’s a bit arts-and-crafts-y. Yes, it looks more like a weird balloon than a flower half the time. But if you manage to make it work, it’s a conversation starter. Think of it as the charcuterie board of joints—impressive, extra, and very Instagrammable.

The Scorpion

Okay, now we’re getting wild. The scorpion joint is a full-on sculpture: part smokeable joint, part weed-themed origami. It literally looks like a scorpion. There are video tutorials for this thing (because of course there are), and watching them will make you question how much time people actually have on their hands.

Would I smoke one? Absolutely. Would I try rolling it myself? Only if I had an entire Sunday to kill and a lot of rolling papers.

The Braided Joint

Want something cool-looking without needing an art degree? Try the braided joint. It’s simpler than it looks—just roll three identical joints, and braid them together like you would a ponytail. Seal the ends, light it up, and enjoy.

It’s a great party trick and pretty functional too, depending on how tight your braid is.

The Exotics: Real Deal Joint Art

Now we’re entering serious territory. These aren’t just joints; they’re art. Not all of them are functional (some don’t even look smokeable), but they’ll blow your mind visually.

• The Turkey: A take on the steamer, usually done around Thanksgiving. Because of course.

• The Helicopter: More spinning parts. More fun. More potential fire hazards.

• The Ankh: A spiritual experience, literally and figuratively.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out artists like Cody Van Gogh and Tony Greenhand.

We don’t recommend these for beginners, but they’re an inspiration. Like, "wow, I didn’t know weed could be that artistic" levels of awe.

Why It’s Worth Rolling

Even if pre-rolls and vape pens are your go-to, learning to roll is still worth it. There’s pride in crafting something with your hands. It connects you to cannabis in a different way—more intimate, more mindful.

And honestly? It’s fun.

If You Don't Feel Like Rolling...