For beginners asking “what is a blunt?”, a blunt is to a joint what the cigar is to a cigarette. Or more simply, it is a cigar that has been emptied of its loose-leaf tobacco and filled with cannabis. While not quite as iconic as the standard joint, the cultural significance of the blunt cannot be ignored. Many prefer the added buzz created by the mix of cannabis and its tobacco wrap, while others appreciate the variety of flavors available in most cigarillos and blunt wraps.
Rolling a blunt comes with its own set of norms that are in place to maintain function and tradition. To help you roll up your own, we’ve prepared a simple seven-step guide to blunt rolling.
Start by gathering the necessary supplies:
- Cannabis strain of choice – Explore Cannabis strains at Leafly
- Cigar, cigarillo, or blunt wrap
- Grinder and blade are optional, but may be helpful for those new to rolling
Step 1: Grind Your Cannabis
Break down your cannabis into shake using a grinder or your hands. Using a grinder will help maintain an even burn, while using your hands is the more traditional method and is often preferred to help the blunt burn a little slower.
Step 2: Prep the Blunt Wrap
To roll your blunt you’ll need a tobacco wrap. Traditionally, connoisseurs will empty a cigarillo (like Swisher Sweets, Phillies, or Backwoods), but these day you can find empty wraps at the corner store. Use a blade to cut the blunt lengthwise, or if you’ve got the right touch you can “crack” the blunt using your fingers. Once you’ve split the blunt, empty the tobacco from the middle and discard (or if you like to smoke spliffs, save it for later).
Step 3: Wet the Wrap
Using just a little bit of moisture will make your blunt wrap easier to work with, shape, and help seal up any small tears that might occur while you’re emptying its tobacco innards. This is easily done with some saliva, but if you’re rolling this blunt for someone else, you might consider using the tip of your finger and some tap water.
Step 4: Fill It Up
Fill the empty tobacco wrapping with ground cannabis. For a standard size cigarillo one to two grams is plenty, though if you’re sharing your blunt, are an experienced roller, or are using a blunt wrap, you should be able to fit a fair amount more.
Step 5: Roll the Blunt Wrap
Roll the cannabis between your fingers to pack the blunt evenly. Be careful: if you didn’t moisten the wrap enough, it may crack. Once you’ve packed and shaped your blunt, tuck the wrap under itself and wet the inside of the exposed edge from end to end. Use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles. (Tip: if you poke a hole or if the blunt cracks at all while you’re working with it, you can use the gummy adhesive from rolling papers to repair it.)
Step 6: Bake the Blunt
Now that your blunt is rolled, you’ll want to “bake” or dry it to help seal it together and encourage an even burn. Bake your blunt by running a lighter lengthwise under the seam and around the outside. Be careful not to hold the lighter too close — you only want the heat, not the flame.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Now that you’ve got your blunt rolled, all that’ left is to light the end and enjoy with some friends!
What’s your favorite trick for rolling a blunt? Share your tips, fond memories while smoking blunts, or different ways to roll a blunt in the comments below and pass along the skill to others!