How to Roll a Joint

Step by Step Way to Roll a Joint

There are many ways to consume cannabis (legally of course), but smoking a joint is among the most popular. This tried and true classic preparation has withstood the test of time as a staple for both novice and experienced smokers alike.

When we start out, we often rely on friends to roll our joints or buy them already rolled (pre-rolled), but there are many benefits to being able to roll your own joints. And besides, you don’t want to always be “that” guy (or girl) who always needs help rolling up their herb or who ends up with an embarrassing Frankenstein-looking joint.  

Thinking of rolling a blunt? See: Blunt Rolling Guide

Just like anything, learning to roll a joint does have a learning curve. But it's not altogether that difficult. And will a little practice you’ll be a pro in no time.

This guide will walk you through some concrete steps you can follow to help you roll joints like you’ve been doing this for years.

Read on and improve your joint rolling skills and enjoy responsibly!

First Step: Get Your Joint Paper & Herb Ready

Just like preparing to make a recipe, you first need to gather all your supplies before you get started. The last thing you want is to get partway through the process only to find out that you have to hunt something down and potentially start over!

Here are the key items you will need:

• Your herb – whether dry or sticky, your herb, or “shake”, is great in a joint
• A crutch for your filter/joint crutch
• Rolling papers – there are many different types of rolling papers, so it may take some time to find the ones you like best. Hemp papers are a popular option.
• A grinder
• Optional item: a pen or other such item for packing in your cannabis

Now that you have everything ready to go, we can start rolling the joint.

Step Two: Grind the Cannabis

Before we begin the rolling process, you need to break up your herb. If you have a grinder, this comes in handy for keeping your hands clean and establishing an even consistency of herb for rolling. If you don’t have a grinder, breaking up your herb by hand or with scissors is perfectly acceptable, it just may take a while longer and be a bit messier.

Whichever method you use, make sure to break things up into as fine of a substrate as possible (i.e. think small specs vs large clumps). Most dry herb should break up easily, while stickier strains may take a little more effort and you may want to wear gloves.

Shop Now: Pre Rolled Cones

Step Three: Make Joint Filter

The filter, otherwise known as a crutch or joint filter, comes next. This can be created out of a business card or a small piece of cardboard. Make a few accordion folds at the beginning, and then roll the paper the same thickness as your joint.

While this is not a required element of your joint, it does help keep your herb IN the joint instead of falling out or into your mouth as you smoke. You also have a more stable set up when you use a filter.

Step Four: Pack the joint

Load up your joint with the amount of herb you wish to smoke and, if it's a cone, use something to push it in. Your “shake” (the herb) should come out to between half a gram and a gram. At this point, you can use your fingers to shape the joint.

After shaping your joint, pinch it between your fingertips and roll it back and forth with your fingers. This packs in your shake.

Step Five: Roll the joint

This is a vitally important step. Rolling properly will provide you with an excellent joint, while mistakes can lower the quality. Take the unglued side of your paper and tuck it into the roll.

With a bit of moisture, tack down the glued end. It is helpful to start on the crutch side to help guide your paper as you roll it. Work your way down the joint, tucking and sealing as you go.

Step Six: Light and Enjoy your Joint

Now it’s time to put the finishing touches on your joint. For an even burn, be sure to pack the end of your joint. This is where the optional pen can come in handy. Other items you can use include:

• The tip of a shoelace
• A small stick
• The drawstring of a hoodie

Now, you are ready to go! If you do not want to smoke your joint right away, or if you are rolling multiple joints for later, be sure to twist the end of it to seal it until you are ready to use your joint.

Get Comfortable and Get Creative With Your Joints

Practice basic joint rolling, and then, once you are comfortable with the process, let your creativity shine! As with any process, you will find ways that make joint rolling easier and faster for you.

Some people prefer their joints bigger, while others prefer them smaller. Some really creative smokers have made joint rolling a form of art, similar to origami! As you get more comfortable with the process, you will soon be giving your own tips to new rollers.

Use good Rolling Paper

Rolling papers come in many varieties. With the choices in papers, the choices in herbs, and the ability to roll in different ways, you can make each smoking experience fresh and enjoyable. After using this guide to get familiar with the basics, you can look up more information online or through YouTube videos to expand your rolling expertise.

Other ways to roll a joint

There are many different ways to enjoy smoking, but rolling a joint is by far one of the most popular. They are small, easy to carry, and can be stored practically anywhere. After you are familiar with the process, it is not very time-consuming. Joints allow you to roll up just what you need, or to smoke some of it and then twist up the rest for later.

No matter how you roll, ensure that your joints are perfectly rolled by following the instructions above. Soon, all your friends will be impressed with your ability to roll like a professional!