Spliff vs Joint: A Comprehensive Comparison

Spliff or joint? If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a pile of rolling papers wondering which one to roll, you’re in good company. The debate between spliff vs joint is one that’s been going strong among smokers for years. And sure, we could just say, “one’s got tobacco content and the other doesn’t,” but there’s a lot more to it.

In this guide, we’ll cut through the smoke and get real about what’s a joint, what is a spliff, and how these two stack up against each other. You’ll learn everything from the rolling process to how they affect your smoking experience and even get some pro tips on when to light up one over the other. 

To understand all your options, check out our ultimate guide to pre-rolls in Canada and learn more about different types of pre-rolls, including joints and spliffs.

What is a Spliff?

A spliff is a type of rolled smoking product made from a mix of cannabis and loose tobacco leaves. Unlike a joint, which contains only cannabis, a spliff blends both smoking tobacco and cannabis. This combination gives it a unique flavor and a different smoking experience compared to a joint. 

Spliffs, like blunts, combine cannabis with tobacco, creating a blend that offers a unique mix of flavors and effects. If you’re curious about blunts, take a look at our Blunts category to see how they differ from joints and spliffs.

Key Ingredients of a Spliff:

• Cannabis: Provides the primary psychoactive effects.
• Loose Tobacco: Adds a familiar taste and can provide an extra buzz.
• Rolling Papers: Thin sheets used to roll the mixture into a spliff.
• Filters (Optional): Can be added to reduce the harshness of smoke.

Common Uses of a Spliff:

• Preference for Tobacco Smokers: Many tobacco smokers prefer spliffs because they contain tobacco content, offering a familiar taste and feel.
• Cultural Practices: In several countries, particularly in Europe, spliffs are a popular choice among cannabis users.
• Stretching Cannabis: Mixing tobacco with cannabis can make the cannabis last longer, appealing to those who want to conserve their stash.
• Balanced Effects: The combination of cannabis and tobacco creates a unique effect that some users find more balanced or desirable.

Explore our Pre-Rolls collection to find a variety of joints and spliffs that cater to your personal preferences.

What is a Joint?

In simple terms, a joint is a rolled smoking product made with only cannabis. No tobacco content, no additives—just pure cannabis wrapped up in rolling paper. It’s the go-to choice for those who want a clean, straightforward smoking experience without any extra stuff.

Key Ingredients of a Joint:

• Cannabis: The star of the show. You can choose from different strains and types of joints to fit your mood or desired effect.
• Rolling Papers: Usually made from hemp, rice, or wood pulp, these thin sheets are used to roll the cannabis into a joint. Some come flavored, while others are unbleached for a more natural smoke.
• Filter (Optional): Also known as a crutch or tip, this can help improve airflow and prevent bits of cannabis from getting into your mouth.

Common Uses of a Joint:

• Customizable Experience: Because joints contain only cannabis, you have full control over the strain, potency, and amount. Whether you want a mellow, relaxing effect or something more energizing, there’s a joint for every preference.
• Pure Cannabis Preference: Many users choose joints for the unfiltered experience of only marijuana, avoiding the added effects of smoking tobacco. For those avoiding nicotine addiction or worried about the health risks associated with tobacco smokers, joints are the preferred choice.
• Social Settings: Joints are easy to pass around, which makes them a popular choice for group sessions and social gatherings.
• Convenience: Joints are simple to roll and don’t require special equipment beyond a rolling tray or cigarette rollers. Plus, you can keep a few pre-rolled in a case for whenever you feel like lighting up.

Want to add an extra kick to your smoke? Browse our Infused Pre-Rolls to see how they compare to standard joints and spliffs. Learn about the unique benefits and creation process of infused options by reading What are infused pre-rolls, and how are they made? and see how they stack up against spliffs and joints.

How to Roll a Spliff

Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to roll a perfect spliff:

1. Gather Your Materials: You’ll need some cannabis, loose tobacco leaf, a good rolling paper, and a filter (optional but recommended). Also, keep a rolling tray handy to avoid any spills.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Grind your cannabis to a medium consistency—not too fine, not too chunky. Mix in your loose tobacco. For a balanced spliff, aim for a 50/50 ratio, but feel free to adjust it based on your taste.
3. Lay Out the Rolling Paper: Place your rolling paper on the rolling tray, with the sticky side up at the top. If you want a little more flavor, you can even try flavored tobacco paper.
4. Add the Mix: Evenly spread your mix of cannabis and tobacco along the crease of the paper. Make sure the mix is evenly distributed from end to end for a smooth smoking experience.
5. Shape and Roll: Start shaping the paper with your fingers, rolling back and forth to form a cylindrical shape. Once you’ve got the right form, tuck the unglued side of the paper into the roll, and continue rolling upwards. Keep it tight, but not too tight—airflow is key!
6. Seal the Deal: Lick the sticky edge of the paper and press it down to seal your spliff. Make sure it’s secure, so you don’t have to worry about it unraveling.
7. Finish It Off: Pack down the open end gently, using a pen or toothpick, then twist the end to keep everything in place. You’re all set—your spliff is ready to light!

Tips for Rolling the Perfect Spliff

• Balance the Mix: Too much tobacco can overwhelm the flavor of your cannabis, while too little might leave you wanting more of a kick. Experiment with different ratios to find your sweet spot.
• Use Quality Papers: Cheap rolling papers can tear easily and affect the taste. Go for well-known brands that cater to tobacco smokers and cannabis users alike.
• Pack It Right: Avoid packing the spliff too tightly. You want to keep a good airflow for an even burn. Loose packing can also cause uneven burning, so find that middle ground.
• Avoid Over-Grinding: Over-grinding your cannabis can make it too fine, leading to clogging or a harsh smoke. Keep it medium for the best results.
• Keep Your Tools Handy: Having a rolling tray or cigarette rollers nearby can make the rolling process smoother, especially if you’re new to rolling spliffs.

If you’re curious about the differences, read our tutorial on how to roll blunts and see how they compare to joints and spliffs.

How to Roll a Joint

Here are the basics of how to roll a joint, the classic favorite for those who prefer only marijuana without any tobacco content:

1. Gather Your Materials: You’ll need some ground cannabis, a rolling paper (go for unbleached or hemp-based for a smoother taste), and a filter (optional but recommended). A rolling tray helps keep things neat and tidy.
2. Prepare the Cannabis: Grind your cannabis to a medium consistency—not too fine. If you grind it too much, you might end up with a joint that burns too fast. A little bit of texture helps maintain an even burn.
3. Set Up the Rolling Paper: Place the rolling paper on your rolling tray with the sticky side up. If you’re using a filter, place it at one end of the paper to create a crutch. This keeps the end sturdy and prevents any loose bits from getting in your mouth.
4. Add the Cannabis: Evenly distribute the ground cannabis along the paper. Use your fingers to create an even line from end to end. Make sure the tobacco removed space is consistent for a smooth burn.
5. Shape and Roll: Gently roll the paper back and forth to shape the cannabis into a cylinder. Tuck the unglued side of the paper into the roll, and keep rolling upwards until you’ve formed a tight, uniform joint. The tighter the roll, the slower and more even the burn.
6. Seal the Joint: Lick the sticky edge of the paper and press it down to seal the joint. Make sure it’s secure, but don’t overdo it—no one wants a soggy joint!
7. Finish Up: Pack the open end gently with a pen or toothpick to make sure everything is snug, then twist the tip to close it. You’re ready to light up and enjoy.

Tips for Rolling the Perfect Joint

• Use a Filter: Adding a filter or crutch helps maintain the shape and prevents bits of cannabis from ending up in your mouth. It also makes it easier to hold.
• Keep It Even: When spreading the cannabis, make sure it’s evenly distributed across the paper. This helps with an even burn and prevents the dreaded canoe effect—when one side burns faster than the other.
• Don’t Over-Pack: Packing too much cannabis can make it hard to draw and cause the joint to burn unevenly. Leave a little room for airflow.
• Choose Quality Papers: High-quality rolling papers make all the difference. Avoid anything too thick or heavily bleached, as they can alter the flavor and make the smoking experience less enjoyable.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The rolling process takes practice. Don’t worry if your first few joints aren’t picture-perfect—you’ll get there with time!

Keep your pre-rolls fresh with our guide on how to store pre-rolled joints and make sure you always have a great spliff or joint ready.

When to Use a Spliff vs. Joint

So, when should you reach for a spliff, and when’s the perfect time for a joint? The joint vs spliff choice really comes down to the vibe you’re going for and your personal preferences. Let’s break down some scenarios to help you decide.

Situational Uses:

• Spliff Situations: A spliff might be your go-to if you’re looking for a bit of a mixed buzz. If you’re hanging out with friends who are regular tobacco smokers, or if you’re in a country where spliffs are more common, like some parts of Europe, you might lean toward a spliff. The blend of smoking tobacco and cannabis offers a unique kick that combines the effects of both.
• Joint Situations: If you’re all about that pure cannabis experience, go for a joint. Joints are perfect for solo sessions, chill hangouts, or any time you want to enjoy only marijuana. They’re great when you want the effects of cannabis without any tobacco content. Joints are also ideal for those who don’t smoke tobacco or want to avoid the health risks linked to nicotine addiction and substance abuse.

Find out how to smoke cannabis blunts and see how the experience differs from enjoying a joint or a spliff.

Factors to Consider:

• Nicotine Tolerance: If you have a high nicotine tolerance or enjoy the effects of tobacco, a spliff might be right up your alley. But if you’re sensitive to nicotine or trying to avoid it altogether, stick to a joint. Keep in mind that tobacco leaf in spliffs can make the experience harsher on your throat, especially if you’re not used to it.
• Taste Preference: Spliffs have a distinct taste due to the mix of cannabis and tobacco. If you like the taste of tobacco paper or want a more intense flavor, a spliff is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re after the pure taste of cannabis, a joint will give you that clean hit without the tobacco flavor.
• Desired Effects: Think about the effects you want. Spliffs might offer a quicker, more intense hit because of the tobacco, but this also means dealing with additional potential health risks associated with tobacco use. 

Ready to light up? Discover the best tips on how to smoke cannabis pre-rolls and find out which method suits your style—joint or spliff.

Differences Between Spliffs and Joints

So, the word joint might sound simpler, but knowing its differences from spliffs will help you choose based on your personal preferences and desired experience:

Still debating? Check out our detailed comparison of blunt vs joint to help you decide which roll fits your style best.

Conclusion

When it comes to spliff vs joint, the biggest difference lies in the ingredients: spliffs mix smoking tobacco and cannabis, while joints stick to only cannabis. Spliffs offer a unique blend of effects that some tobacco smokers love. Joints, on the other hand, deliver a pure cannabis experience without the added tobacco content.

Check out our related articles on AR Cannabis and find the perfect smoke for your vibe! Looking for top recommendations? Discover the best pre-rolls and decide if a joint or a spliff fits your vibe. Find out where to buy pre-rolls in British Columbia to stock up on your favorite joints and spliffs.

Spliffs vs Joints FAQs

Do spliffs get you higher than joints?

Spliffs may feel more intense than joints because they combine cannabis with smoking tobacco, which can create a different sensation due to the added nicotine. However, the actual cannabis high from a spliff and a joint depends on the amount and potency of the cannabis used. The tobacco in spliffs can give a quicker head rush, but joints provide a pure cannabis experience without the effects of nicotine.

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

The main difference between a joint and a blunt is the material used for rolling. Joints are rolled with rolling papers and contain only cannabis, while blunts are rolled with a tobacco-based wrapper, often from a hollowed-out cigar or cigarillo. This gives blunts a distinct flavor and can add a nicotine buzz, unlike joints, which provide a pure cannabis taste.

What does a blunt look like?

A blunt looks like a small cigar because it uses a thicker, brown, or dark-colored tobacco leaf wrapper. It tends to be larger and darker than a joint, with a more robust appearance due to the thicker wrap. The tobacco wrap gives the blunt a unique texture and aroma that sets it apart from other rolled cannabis products.

How much weed is in a joint?

A joint typically contains around 0.3 to 1 gram of cannabis, depending on the size and personal preference of the user. Smaller joints, often called “pinners,” use less cannabis, while larger ones can hold up to a gram or more. The amount of weed in a joint can also vary based on the types of joints being rolled.