Nerd that I am I had to look it up. Found this interesting - note at the end they mention that definitions change depending on which side of the pond you are on. Guess I learned something new today:smoking:
If you’re new to cannabis, there are three broad categories by which to delineate rolls (substantiated by withstanding popularity): joints, spliffs, and blunts. Each can be defined by their content (cannabis-tobacco ratio) as well as the paper material (tobacco, hemp, wood pulp, etc.).
Joints and blunts only contain cannabis, but
blunts are rolled with tobacco paper (distinguishable by their thicker weight and dark brown color) whereas
joints are rolled with lighter, partially translucent papers. Joints often include a paper filter known as a crutch, which adds stability to the roll and allows you to enjoy your joint without burning your fingertips.
Spliffs are essentially hybrids, part
tobacco and part cannabis. They’re rolled in the same paper spectrum as joints and also often include a crutch.
The three rolls most notably differ by experience. Tobacco provides an initial head rush and energetic physical buzz (similar to
coffee), which precedes the effects of cannabis. This sensation is most notable in spliffs because of the loose tobacco presence. Blunts are generally considered to be the heaviest hitters due to the interaction between the tobacco paper and cannabis, contrasting strains with
indica effects (or complementing
sativa-bent strains).
Paper choice is paramount to your smoking experience, impacting the product’s quantity (which is contingent on paper size), flavor (tobacco papers are notably sweeter than hemp paper), and burn (thicker papers tend to burn slower than thinner papers). Consumers utilize loose papers to
roll joints and can use both loose papers and
pre-rolls to make spliffs, the latter requiring careful deconstruction to keep the paper intact.
The aromatic potency of the paper is pertinent for all rolls, but especially joints. Some consumers think flavorful papers meddle with the complex aromas of cannabis, while others grow loyal to specific brands thanks to their distinct flavor additive (this is common among blunt aficionados, who tend to cherish the sweetness of the tobacco paper).
Consumers also choose papers based on rolling ease and functionality. The best papers don’t tear, seal seamlessly, handle well between your fingers, and burn uniformly. Nothing is a surer sign of a failed roll than a joint that “runs” (i.e. burns lengthwise along one side).
The popularity of joints, blunts, and spliffs varies regionally, reflective of cannabis culture across the globe. Spliffs are predominant in Europe, where joints are commonly seen as “wasteful” — however, this has the potential to change as cannabis prevalence and accessibility rises. Consumers in the United States are more inclined to roll joints than spliffs, possibly in part due to the adverse health effects of tobacco effectively broadcasted by the media over the past few decades.
Global differences in terminology are also interesting to note. In Europe, for example, the names are reversed: a joint refers to a roll with cannabis and tobacco, whereas a spliff refers to rolled cannabis exclusively. This is because a “joint” is a combination of two items instead of just one.
Finally, it’s important to note that joints, spliffs, and blunts are only the beginning. The landscape is expansive, and even within these three delineations, the room for artistic creation is vast. This can mean multiple connected rolls (like a cross joint), or a simple, pristine cone that showcases your dexterity and precision. What do your rolls look like?
