How to Roll a Joint

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

​If you are a first-time or fairly new cannabis user, rolling a joint can be an intimidating process. Even for the most experienced users, it can be difficult. The more you practice, the more enjoyable the process becomes. After mastering the skills, rolling a joint will quickly transition from being a tedious step to an effortless part of the fun!

Step 1: Grind your cannabis
What is one of the best ways to start getting lit? Getting a weed or herb grinder. Grinders are very affordable and do the job faster with better results. Using finely ground weed instead of roughly ground weed makes the joint smoother and easier to roll. If you don’t have a grinder, you can grind the flower with your fingers, or with scissors. Just be aware that sticky residue from the buds may linger, and that these methods are slightly messier.

You may notice some powdery bits that have collected in the bottom chamber of your grinder. This part is called kief and it is packed with THC. To increase the potency of your joint, sprinkle the kief into the roll with your ground flower. This is a great way to take your high to the next level.

Step 2: Make and place your filter
Your filter (also called a crutch or tip) is usually made from some kind of paper with just the right amount of stiffness. Some commonly used options include index cards or business cards that aren't too thick. You can also use pre-cut crutches (the ones used in the video are RAW standard tips). Start by folding the material in an accordion fashion, making sure that the folds are as wide as you want the diameter of the rolled tip to be. Make just enough folds to create a "V" or "M" within the rolled tube, and then start rolling the paper into a cylindrical shape around the several accordion folds you just made. Place the filter at the end of your rolling paper.

Step 3: Fill rolling paper with freshly ground cannabis
Add about a half-gram of weed to the rolling paper. For reference, a half-gram of unground flower is about the size of a bottle cap on a beer. If a half gram is too chill for you, you can whip out a King-sized rolling paper and load it with a full gram instead.

Step 4: Shape and roll with ends of paper
Roll your joint up like a late-night munchies Taco Bell burrito! Pinch the ends of the paper between your fingertips to help shape the joint. The final product should look slightly cone-like. The filter should be at the smaller end of the cone.

Step 5: Make sure to tuck firmly
Smoking a loose, flimsy joint is such an unsavory way to get high, so tuck extra firmly to avoid such a dilemma. As you roll the paper, make sure to tuck the inner end of the paper into the roll as tightly as possible, ensuring all the contents are condensed together to help keep the joint firm and well-packed. Use all of your fingers to help maintain the shape during this process.

Step 6: Lick to seal
Lick the paper to seal the rolled joint, making sure to keep all the contents tightly packed in the roll as you do so.

Step 7: Pack and finish
Using a pen or other pointed object, pack the end of the joint into the roll.

Step 8: Twist end
After packing the end into the roll, twist firmly to close it up well. 

Step 9: Enjoy
Enjoy your joint. Light it up! Once both your joint and yourself are lit, everything should be smooth sailing now that the tedious part is over.