Blunts vs Joints: The Top Differences You Need to Know

Jul 28, 2021 | Cannabis 101, Must Knows About Cannabis

Rolling up your weed is one of the most classic ways of consumption.

While vaping or dabbing seems to be the future of the cannabis industry, the tried and true method of smoking cannabis blunts or cannabis joints will seemingly never go out of style. And like everything, what’s old is new again, as a whole new generation takes on the old-school debate – what’s better, blunts vs joints?

To answer, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the two, including:

  • Are joints healthier than blunts?
  • Do blunts get you more high than joints?

Keep reading to find out and brush up on knowledge you need to know for the most effective cannabis therapy.

The Basics of Blunts & Joints

While some cannabis connoisseurs have mastered the art of blunts or joints by now, others are just acclimating to the new legal world of weed. So let’s start with the basics of blunts vs joints.

Both cannabis blunts and cannabis joints reference the method of grinding up weed and rolling it in a type of ‘paper’ to smoke. It’s the closest relative to smoking cigarettes, but keeping its contents in mind, is much healthier by design.

Blunts, and joints also differ from another cannabis culture term that’s often confused – a spliff. Before we dive deeper into what blunts and joints are individually, let’s clear up the terminology confusion there, first.

A spliff is most like a tobacco cigarette, due to the fact that it actually does contain tobacco. Some consumers will break up the tobacco, just like weed, and combine the two into a paper to make a spliff. Unlike blunts and joints, which just contain cannabis.

Now the big difference between blunts and joints all comes down to the paper or wrap that’s used.

Next, let’s review all the details on both, before getting to blunts vs joints pros, cons, and FAQs.

The 411 on Blunts

A blunt is most similar to a cigar in appearance and is often made from a cigar or blunt wraps. What some cannabis consumers might not realize is cigar or blunt wraps do contain tobacco. This distinguishable characteristic means, when lit, the tobacco can produce an extra buzz or jolt of energy to the puff, puff, passing experience. It also means, any consumer that’s not privy to smoking tobacco, should probably avoid smoking blunts.

The second characteristic that differentiates a joint vs a blunt, is the size. Blunts are also similar in size to cigars, vs joints which are normally much smaller. In addition to having that extra tobacco buzz, you’ll also be consuming much more weed in a blunt vs joint.

Last but not least, blunt wraps take some expertise to roll due to the delicate nature of the paper. Plus, some extra work if you have to remove the cigar contents. While some blunt wraps are sold empty, others are sold just like cigars where its content has to be removed to replace with weed.

What are some other unique allures or drawbacks of blunts, as for effects, experience, and health?

  • Slow burn time – Due to its size, and cigar-like nature, blunts have a slower burning time that can last for quite some time in a smoking circle.
  • Flavor – While you can get flavorless blunts or wraps, they all have a ‘cigar’ taste. But, flavored blunt wraps are a favorite amongst consumers, with popular choices of grape, peach, berries, and more.
  • Elevated effects – From the size, amount of weed, and elevated buzz with additional tobacco, blunts can definitely get you blitzed with heightened effects.
  • Aroma – Let’s be honest, cigars are pungent, and blunts are too. If you’re trying to be discreet with your consumption, be aware of the aroma that blunts will emit. Which may benefit from smell protection tactics, like odor neutralizers or the classic towel in the door crack.

The 411 on Joints

Joints, on the other hand, are more simplistic than blunts. They’re smaller than blunts, made with flavorless white rolling ‘papers’, and far easier to roll, especially for beginners.

Over the years, they’ve become an icon for cannabis culture and the industry and have gone through their own transformation. Now, rather than just ZigZags, there’s a variety of papers and weights to choose from, including novelty papers and pre-roll cones you can easily just fill.

More often than blunts, many add a filter to the end of joints for better stability and to avoid burning your fingers when getting to the classic ‘roach’ size. In addition to trends, roach clips have evolved from whatever clip you can find around the house to a full-on cannabis accessory industry. Moreover, long-time consumers are mastering the art of creating unique types of joints too, including connected rolls AKA cross joints. Like, the one from the infamous scene in the movie, Pineapple Express.

Joints are considered a healthier alternative to blunts, due to the lack of tobacco in the wrap. Next, let’s define the joint pros and cons:

  • Faster burn time – Paper joints vs blunts burn faster, and are more ideal for a smaller smoke circle or individual session.
  • Smaller – While there are now larger papers and pre-roll cones, for the most part, joints are smaller than blunts. This allows them to be easily taken on the go, but of course, it also means there’s less weed overall.
  • Flavorless – With joints, you’re treated to the unadulterated flavors of the strain you roll with, as most papers are scentless unlike cigar or blunt wraps. But don’t mistake flavorless for aroma-less. Considering joints will still fill the room or space with pungent puffs of smoke.

Joints vs. Blunts FAQ’s

To summarize, and clarify what we’ve learned so far, let’s cover some of the FAQs from the debate on joints vs blunts.

  1. Can you add a filter to both joints and blunts?
    Yes. With some practice and finesse, you can add a filter to both.
  2. Do blunts get you more high than joints?
    Technically yes, but that’s always dependent on the strain you’re smoking, your personal tolerance, and how many hits you take. In general, because blunts contain tobacco, you’ll feel an elevated buzz from the additional material.
  3. Are joints healthier than blunts?
    Either way, joints or blunts produce smoke caused by the combustion of igniting its contents with a light. Meaning, you’ll be consuming the same smoke that contains toxins and carcinogens, similar to that of tobacco smoke. The only difference being, blunt wraps do contain tobacco, and joints do not. With the distinction, you could say joints are somewhat healthier than blunts, but not definitively.
  4. Which is more cost-effective, joints vs blunts?
    Joints are far more cost-effective due to the number of papers in a package, and the amount of weed you’ll have to use. But when comparing with the elevated high you’ll receive from blunts, both definitely have their benefits as for effectiveness vs overall cost.
  5. What’s best for a crowd, joints vs blunts?
    While both are beloved no matter what and always get the job done – blunts are always a bigger hit with the crowd. Plus, they last longer for more passes and contain more weed for the sharing.

The Final Word on Joints vs Blunts

When deciding which is best for you, it all comes down to personal preference. Consuming either will produce the same therapeutic effects you’d get from the strain you roll up.
They’ll both also produce the same health risks that are associated with inhaling the smoke, from lit cannabis. But now you know how to better choose the best for you – the simplicity and ease of joints, or robust flavor and an extra tobacco buzz, from blunts.

About The Author

<a href="https://www.cannabistherapynetwork.org/author/courtneyt/" target="_self">Courtney Trzos</a>

Courtney Trzos

To Courtney, it’s always 420 somewhere… After attending Michigan State University and working in communications for over 10 years, she took her passion for cannabis, professionally. In 2017, Courtney began freelancing as a writer for cannabis brands across the globe, promoting the therapeutic and recreational use of the plant, while helping her partner cultivate crops full-time, and learning more about the industry from a seed-to-sale perspective. Get in touch with her and follow her journey at https://www.instagram.com/thecannaspace/
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