Blunt vs Joint: What’s the Difference?

Ever wondered if you should reach for a joint or light up a blunt? Knowing the difference between blunt vs joint can change everything about your smoking experience.

A joint is ground cannabis rolled in a thin rolling paper like hemp or rice, while a blunt wraps that same ground cannabis flower in a tobacco leaf paper or blunt wrap. This simple choice affects flavor, burn time, and the entire feel of your session.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about blunts vs joints, so you can pick the perfect smoke every time. Make sure to check out our ultimate guide to pre-rolls in Canada as well to see how joints and blunts stack up against other pre-roll options.

What is a Joint?

A joint is simply ground cannabis rolled in a thin rolling paper. When it comes to joints, it’s all about the basics. You’ll need ground cannabis flower and some joint rolling papers. The most common types are hemp paper, rice paper, or traditional wood pulp paper. You might also want to add a filter (sometimes called a crutch or tip) to make smoking smoother and to prevent any ground cannabis from escaping.

Check out our guide on how to smoke cannabis pre-rolls to find out which method, joint or blunt, suits your style.

Popular Uses

Joints are the perfect pick for just about any situation. They’re great in social settings, like passing around at a party or a chill hangout. They’re also ideal for personal use when you want a quick, hassle-free smoke. The portability of pre rolled joints makes them easy to carry anywhere, so you can enjoy smoking cannabis wherever you go.

Explore our full selection of pre-rolls to find the perfect joint or blunt for your next session.

What is a Blunt?

A blunt is where things get a little bolder. It’s basically ground cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf paper or blunt wrap. This choice makes a blunt vs joint comparison clear: while a joint sticks to thin rolling paper like rice or hemp, a blunt adds a layer of tobacco leaf to the mix, which gives it a different flavor and burn.

To roll a weed blunt, you’ll need ground cannabis flower and a tobacco leaf wrapper. Many wraps come flavored, so you can pick a taste that suits your style. There are options like grape, vanilla, or classic tobacco, which add a little twist to your smoke. The mix of smoking tobacco with smoking cannabis also brings a stronger kick than a joint.

Get tips on how to smoke cannabis blunts here and see how it compares to smoking joints.

Popular Uses

Smoking blunts is great for longer sessions or when you’re hanging out with a group. They tend to burn slower, so they’re perfect for when you want the experience to last. Blunts offer a bit more intensity, making them a popular pick when you’re in the mood for stronger effects. 

Shop our curated collection of blunts and experience how they differ from traditional joints.

Joints vs. Blunts: A Detailed Comparison

• Wrapper Material: Joints use rolling paper like rice, hemp, or wood pulp, which keeps the flavor of the ground cannabis pure and natural. Blunts, on the other hand, use a tobacco leaf paper or blunt wrap.
• Ingredients: The main difference between joints and blunts comes down to what’s inside and around them. Joints stick to pure cannabis rolled in paper. Blunts mix it up by adding a layer of nicotine with that tobacco leaf wrap.
• Effects: Because blunts involve smoking tobacco along with cannabis, they give you a different kick. The nicotine in blunt wraps can add a bit of a head rush and a stronger hit, which some people love for the enhanced experience. Joints, being pure, offer a more mellow cannabis effect. 
• Cost: When it comes to cost, joints usually win. Rolling papers are generally cheaper than tobacco leaf wraps. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, joints are the way to go. But if you are okay with spending a little more for that unique flavor and extended burn, blunts might be worth the extra few bucks.
• Preparation and Rolling: Rolling a joint is pretty straightforward with a bit of practice. You grab your joint rolling papers, fill them with ground cannabis flower, and twist them up. Rolling a blunt, however, takes a bit more skill. You have to carefully prepare the tobacco leaf and handle it with care so it doesn’t tear. 
• Cultural Significance: Joints and blunts both have their fans, but there’s a bit of cultural flavor to each. Joints have a laid-back, easygoing reputation and are popular worldwide. Blunts, with their stronger impact and added tobacco, are often favored in specific regions and among certain groups that enjoy a longer, more intense session. 

Experience the difference between joints and blunts firsthand by browsing our infused pre-rolls. Not sure what a pre-roll is? Learn what infused pre-rolls are and how they are made here.

When to Choose a Blunt vs Joint?

So, you know the basics, but when do you actually pick a joint over a blunt or the other way around? It all comes down to what you like, where you are, and how you want to feel. 

Factors to Consider

Think about what matters to you. If you enjoy a pure cannabis flavor, go with a joint. The difference between joints and blunts comes down to taste. Joints are lighter and keep the flavor of the cannabis fresh. 

If you like the heavier taste of smoking tobacco with your cannabis, or you want a stronger hit, you might prefer a blunt. Also, consider your tolerance for nicotine. If you’re sensitive to it or prefer to avoid it, joints are a better choice.

Discover our top picks for the best pre-rolls and see the joints and blunts that made the list.

Context-Based Recommendations

Now, think about the setting. If you’re smoking solo or need a quick puff, go for a joint. It’s easy, portable, and perfect for a short session. 

But if you’re with friends or want a smoke that lasts longer, blunts are ideal. They burn slower and can handle a crowd. So, when you’re deciding between a joint vs blunt, consider your mood and company.

Health Considerations

Finally, let’s talk about health. Joints are typically seen as a better option since they use rolling papers without tobacco. You’re smoking cannabis without the added nicotine, which might be better for your lungs in the long run. 

Blunts, however, involve tobacco leaf wrappers, which means you’re also smoking tobacco. If you’re mindful about health, this is a key point to think about.

Tips for Rolling the Perfect Joint or Blunt

Let’s walk you through some quick steps to make sure your joints and blunts are top-notch. 

1. Gather Your Materials: For a joint, get your joint rolling papers and ground cannabis. For a blunt, choose a tobacco leaf paper or blunt wrap. You’ll also need a grinder, a flat surface, and a filter if you want one.
2. Grind Your Cannabis: Use a grinder to break down your ground cannabis flower into an even consistency. This helps it burn evenly and smoothly.
3. Prepare Your Paper or Wrap: Lay your rolling paper flat with the sticky side facing up. For a blunt, split the tobacco leaf or blunt wrap down the middle and remove any leftover tobacco.
4. Fill the Paper or Wrap: Spread your ground cannabis evenly across the paper or wrap. Avoid overfilling to make the rolling process easier and the burn more consistent.
5. Shape and Roll: Use your fingers to gently shape the cannabis into a cylinder. Tuck one side of the paper or wrap under the cannabis and roll it up. 
6. Seal the Joint or Blunt: Moisten the adhesive side of the rolling paper or blunt wrap and seal it. Make sure it’s tightly closed.
7. Pack and Finish: Use a small tool or your finger to pack the open end for an even burn. Twist the end to close it, and it’s ready to smoke.

Find out how to roll a joint and compare the process with rolling a blunt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: It might be tempting to stuff it full, but this makes rolling harder and can cause an uneven burn. Keep it balanced.
• Rolling Too Tight or Too Loose: Rolling too tight restricts airflow, while rolling too loose can cause it to burn too quickly. 
• Forgetting the Filter: If you like a smoother smoke, don’t skip the filter. It keeps debris out of your mouth and helps keep the shape.
• Wrong Wrap for the Job: Make sure to choose the right wrap or paper for the experience you want. 

Keep your prerolls fresh with our guide on how to store pre-rolled joints. 

Recommended Products for Joints and Blunts

​​Looking to gear up for your next session? Here are the essentials you’ll want in your stash.

• Rolling Papers: You can’t roll without good paper. Check out the Zomo Rolling Paper for a smooth burn and natural taste.
• Filters: Keep things clean with the King Palm Corn Husk Filter. These are perfect for a smoother smoke and prevent any bits of cannabis from sneaking through.
• Grinders: Make sure your cannabis is finely ground for an even burn. Try the Genuine Pipe 2-Piece Ball Acrylic Grinder for a quick and easy grind.
• Rolling Tray: Make rolling easy and mess-free with the ARC Rolling Tray. Perfect for prepping your joints without any spillage.

• Blunt Wraps: Want to roll a perfect blunt? Start with the right wrap. Try the Kingpin Hemp Wraps for a slow, even burn and a clean flavor.
• Lighters: You can’t light up without one. Grab a pack of Major Disposable Lighters to ensure you’re always ready. They’re easy to use, portable, and perfect for your kit.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the key difference between blunt vs joint comes down to the wrapper: joints use rolling papers for lighter, cleaner smoke, while blunts use tobacco leaf wraps for a stronger flavor and longer burn. Both have their place, depending on your taste, nicotine tolerance, and smoking vibe. Think about what you prefer and the setting you’re in to make the best choice.

Need to find joints or blunts near you? Here’s where to buy pre-rolls in British Columbia. Check out the recommended products on AR Cannabis to get started with everything you need.

Blunt vs Joint FAQs

Are blunts stronger than joints?

Blunts can be stronger than joints because they are wrapped in tobacco leaf paper, which contains nicotine. The combination of nicotine and cannabis can create a more intense experience compared to joints, which use pure cannabis in thin rolling papers. However, the strength also depends on the amount and potency of the cannabis used.

Why do people call joints blunts?

People sometimes confuse joints with blunts due to their similar appearance, as both are cannabis rolled into a cylindrical shape. However, a joint is rolled with thin rolling paper, while a blunt uses a thicker tobacco leaf wrap. The two terms are often used interchangeably by mistake, but they refer to different ways of smoking cannabis.

Are joint papers better than blunts?

Whether joint papers are better than blunts depends on personal preference. Joint papers provide a cleaner taste and a more natural smoking experience. Blunts, made with tobacco wraps, offer a heavier flavor and a longer burn but contain nicotine, which some users prefer to avoid.

Is a joint or blunt harder to roll?

Rolling a blunt is generally harder than rolling a joint due to the thicker tobacco leaf wrap, which can be less flexible and more prone to tearing. Joints are easier to roll, especially for beginners, because the thin rolling papers are more manageable. With practice, however, both become easier to roll.

Do blunts have nicotine?

Yes, blunts contain nicotine because they use a tobacco leaf wrap. The nicotine in the wrap can provide a stronger buzz when combined with cannabis. This is one of the main differences between blunts and joints, which use nicotine-free rolling papers.

What’s the difference between a blunt and a joint? 

The main difference between a blunt and a joint is the wrap. Blunts use a tobacco leaf wrap, adding nicotine and a stronger flavor, while joints use thin rolling papers, such as hemp or rice, which keep the smoke pure and free of tobacco. This affects the taste, burn time, and overall smoking experience.