How to Roll a Joint? Step by Step Guide

There are many different methods you can use to get your high on from burning dried cannabis flowers, ranging from the classic bongs to the various hand pipes.

While these are all fantastic options, nothing beats a good old-fashioned, hand-rolled joint when it comes to the simplest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to smoke weed.

Do you want to learn how to roll a perfectly tight and smooth joint? While you can purchase pre-rolled joints, rolling your own is inherently satisfying and fulfilling.

What's more? Rolling a joint may seem like a tricky process but with the right steps, it can be done quickly and easily.

In this article, we'll cover exactly how to roll a joint. We'll talk about the specific materials you'll need as well as the step-by-step process for rolling a perfectly smooth joint.

What is a Joint?

A joint is a hand-rolled cigarette with cannabis instead of tobacco. 

It typically made by rolling weed in small paper. There are lots of paper variants including rice paper, hemp and more. 

They also come in an array of colors and sizes, depending on your preference. 

At times, the tip of a cannabis cigarette has a filter, often called a “crutch”, to stop small pieces of the plant from entering the smoker’s lungs. 

Joints are great for quick and discreet smoke sessions. 

What materials do you need to roll a joint?

Before you start rolling your weed joint, you need to gather the supplies and materials needed for a successful roll.

Reliable grinders, exceptional rolling papers, and top-tier flower will vastly enhance your overall joint-rolling experience.

1. Rolling Paper

Papers can be large or small, The size of your rolling paper is up to your preference.

Standard 1¼ papers are go-tos for their ease of use and ability to accommodate a crutch or filter.

You can also explore single wides, 1½ papers, king size, or rolls up to 16 feet long.

Materials vary from traditional tree pulp to hemp, rice, bamboo, and flax.

Whenever possible, look for papers that are unbleached, organic, and made with vegetable-based inks and adhesives.

For the adventurous, there are even novelty options like corn husks, rose petals, gum wrapper, and more.

If you are interested, here is more info about rolling paper alternatives.

2. Grinder

Grind your cannabis using a grinder for an even burn. Breaking down the flower ensures a consistent texture, making it easier to roll a smooth joint.

Plus, your fingers won't be covered in sticky resin when you try to get that paper to form a perfect cylinder.

If you don't have a grinder, consider using a pair of scissors.

3. Cannabis Flower

Once you get good at rolling, you should start with high-quality cannabis flower because the strain you choose will influence the flavor and quality of your joint.

If you have multiple options available, choose a strain that is suited for the time of day and the occasion. For example, you may want the uplifting effects of a sativa during the day or at a social gathering, while an indica may be more appropriate for a solo bedtime session.

4. Rolling Tray

Although a rolling tray is optional, it provides a clean surface to contain any cannabis that may fall during the rolling process.

If you don't have a designated rolling tray, a fresh magazine, paper plate, folder or notebook can make a great alternative.

5. Filter

Also known as a “crutch,” you can choose to use a store-bought filter or make one of your own.

Filters are optional, but they offer the added benefits of making your joint easier to grip without scorching your fingers, keeping any small particles from getting into your mouth, and preventing saliva from moistening the cannabis.

How to Make a Filter?

If you choose to use a filter, and you don't have any commercially made tips, you can use any kind of thick paper to make your own.

You can make a crutch out of just about anything, but we recommend filter tips, which are thin yet stiff pieces of paper.

Business cards, rolling paper packs, or other thin pieces of cardboard are solid go-tos as well.

Tear or cut your thick piece of paper to roughly ¾” by 2 ½”. Make a few accordion folds on one end of the filter paper, then roll the remaining paper around the folds until it forms into a short tube.

How to roll a Joint? Step by Step Guide

Rolling a joint is an art form that takes practice and patience to master.

You may have heard of numerous methods, such as the dollar bill method or the cross joint method, but we've created a list of simple steps below to roll perfect, straight, well-packed joints in no time.

Step 1: Grind your flower

Grinding your cannabis to a proper consistency will keep it burning smoothly when the joint is lit.

A medium coarseness—about the size of a grain of rice is best; too fine of a grind will result in a tightly packed joint that won't burn quickly enough to stay lit.

A joint that has roughly ground cannabis in it will not stay lit and smoke too fast. Make sure to pick out any large stems or even seeds in your weed first before grinding.

Step 2: Fold the Rolling Paper

Now take your rolling paper and lay it up. On your tray, the slightly shiny strip should be at the top and pointed toward the ceiling as the paper lays flat. This means that when you roll up from the bottom, it will glue down over the outside.

Fold your paper to create a "U" shape along the length. This is the trough for your filter and weed, and where your roll will start.

Step 3: Put the filter and flowers on rolling paper

Put the crutch at one end of the rolling paper in the trough. This will be your main pinch point.

Then sprinkle a small amount of ground-up weed evenly along the trough, just enough to make the fill size you want.

Try to arrange the bud as evenly as possible to ensure an even burn and prevent bulges.

To roll a cone joint, sprinkle less weed near the mouthpiece and more towards the tip, tapering as you move along.

Step 4: Pinch and Roll

With your cannabis in place, it is time to start rolling.

Pinch the paper between your fingertips and lift the filter end.

Next, tuck in the non-adhesive side of the paper, and roll the paper back and forth over the filter between your fingertips to get a tight fit.

Be careful with your hand on the non-filter side to keep it at about the same density.

Use your fingertips to shape the joint as you go, making sure that it is even and cylindrical.

Step 5: Lick and Seal

Once you're satisfied with the width, density, and evenness of your super thin joint, is to lightly lick the shiny strip of glue and then press it down tightly over the roll.

Don't use too much saliva or your joint will need to dry a little before it smokes evenly. Run your fingers along the seal to make sure it sticks down firmly.

Step 6: Tap and Twist the end

There will be some space at the end of the joint that is not filled yet.

Grab a chopstick, pen, or another long, cylindrical object to tap and pack down the cannabis towards the mouthpiece or filter.

Take notice of how much more room you have now to add some extra weed.

Take any flower that fell or extra you have in your grinder and add it to the tip, almost filling up the cone.

If you're not planning on sparking your joint right away, give the tip a twist to close it up.

Step 7: Light up and Enjoy

Now you're ready to enjoy your freshly rolled joint!

Simply hold the filtered end in your mouth and light the twisted end with a lighter.

How much weed is in a joint?

When rolling your own, you're free to use as much cannabis as you want, but somewhere between 0.3-1 gram is usually a good place to start.

King size rolling papers will allow you to roll even larger joints.

What is an easy way to roll a Joint?

The easiest way to roll a joint is probably a jointt roller. A joint roller consists of two long, hollow tubes with small ridges on the inner surfaces that help hold your cannabis in place as you twist and turn it into a perfect joint.

Can I roll a joint without a filter?

Absolutely! Many seasoned smokers prefer the simplicity of filter-less joints. It's a matter of personal preference.

How do you shape a joint?

Shaping a joint comes with practice. The important thing to remember is to roll your joint evenly and move your thumbs as you roll so you don't impede the flower's ability to get under your fingertips.

And if you don't like your roll? Open up your ill-rolled joint and have another go with a new piece of paper.

Conclusion

If you wish to consume cannabis via joint, the tips above will empower you to DIY the rolling process.

A good joint should burn evenly, taste smooth, and get you nice and high without too much coughing.

You've learned the craft, now it's time to create!

Keep in mind that several attempts may be necessary until you get the hang of rolling your own joints—but, with proper technique and practice, soon enough, you'll be able to roll one like a pro.

Joint rolling is a skill that evolves with each attempt. Experiment with different papers, techniques, and preferences until you find your perfect roll.