Over the years, I have rolled, shared and enjoyed thousands of each, and I now view them as two different ways of enjoying marijuana rather than simply being two different methods of consuming it.
In fact, I think they represent two totally different experiences and lend themselves to different moods, different environments, and different aspects of your personality. Therefore, let us look at each of these two ways of consuming marijuana, past the definitions.
The Fundamental Difference: The Wrap Itself
The Most Important Difference: The Material Used To Roll Them
The Blunt: A Tobacco Wrapped, Powerful Smoking Device
A blunt is wrapped with a tobacco leaf wrapper. Traditionally, this was accomplished by taking a pre-rolled cigarillo such as a Dutch Master or a White Owl, removing the tobacco, and replacing the tobacco with cannabis. Now, you can purchase dedicated blunt wraps from companies such as King Palm or Juicy Jays that provide the same experience without the need to initially remove the tobacco from a pre-rolled cigarillo. The primary aspect to recognize is the tobacco wrapper. The tobacco is thicker and more robust than a joint's wrap paper. It burns slower and provides the blunt with a robust, dark color and a dark colored ash.
I usually reach for a blunt when I'm planning a long-term session that will involve several people. Because it burns slowly, it is easier to pass it around a circle of smokers without having to constantly relight. However, the taste of the tobacco is predominant. It mingles with the cannabis and produces a distinct flavor profile, and depending on your preferences, it either complements or masks the flavors produced by the terpenes of your flower.
The Joint: Pure Cannabis Experience
On the contrary, a joint is rolled with a thin, porous paper, specifically designed for smoking cannabis. Thin, porous papers are typically made from materials such as rice, hemp, or flax and are designed to be as neutral flavored as possible. Some well-known manufacturers of joint papers include RAW, OCB, and Elements. Manufacturers frequently promote their products as being unbleached and additive free. The purpose of a joint paper is to stay out of the way, so that the full, undiluted flavor and aroma of the cannabis strain can be appreciated.
When I select a particularly strong flavored strain of cannabis, such as a lemon-flavored Super Lemon Haze or a gas-filled OG Kush, I always select a joint. A thin, clean paper such as RAW Black, allows me to appreciate all of the flavors the grower created.
The Flavor and Burn Rate
The difference in the type of paper used to roll the blunt affects the two most obvious experiential aspects of consuming cannabis: the taste and how long the cannabis stays lit.
Overpowered Terpene Profiles and Harsh Smokes
Many users complain about blunts stating that the flavor profile of the cannabis is overwhelmed by the tobacco wrapper. In addition to overpowered flavors, the nicotine present in the tobacco wrapper creates a harshness that many find unpleasant, especially for individuals who are sensitive to tobacco, or attempting to avoid it altogether. The slower burn of the blunt (which is beneficial for a longer lasting session) can also produce a hotter and more dense smoke, and thus can cause irritation to the throat.
Clean Taste and Faster Burning Time for Pure Cannabis Flavors
Joint provides the solution to this problem. As stated previously, the joint paper provides a clean, neutral taste, and the faster burning time of a joint, tends to create a cooler and smoother smoke. This enables the consumer to truly taste the cannabis, rather than the wrapper, and as such, is preferred for consumers who wish to appreciate the natural characteristics of the cannabis plant without interference from external influences.
The Art of Rolling
There is a different experience and ritual in rolling a blunt versus a joint.
Rolling a Blunt: A Hands On Craft
Rolling a blunt is a more complex process. If you are utilizing a cigarillo, you must first separate the cigarillo, or unwind it, remove the tobacco, and then reassemble the sticky outer wrapper. There is a level of dexterity required to successfully complete this task. Additionally, even with a pre-made wrap, the wrap is less pliable than a thin sheet of paper. Rolling a blunt is a skill that can be satisfying to develop, and the finished product, a thick, perfectly formed cigar-like blunt, is a work of art.
Rolling a Joint: Simple Elegance
Rolling a joint is generally a quicker and more straightforward process. You simply fill the paper with your ground cannabis, form it, and tuck and roll. Once you become proficient at rolling a joint, a perfect joint can be rolled in under a minute. In addition to providing a beautiful visual presentation, joints are often rolled with a crutch or filter tip, which adds a functional benefit as well. The crutch/filter tip provides a place to hold onto the joint, preventing cannabis from entering your mouth, allowing you to smoke the entire joint.
The Amount Of Potency And The Nicotine Content
This is an important area where objective facts blend with my own personal experience.
A joint is purely cannabis. All of the effects produced by a joint are solely due to the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in the strain of cannabis you have selected. A blunt is a combination of the effects of cannabis and the effects of nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant, and it can significantly alter the high of the cannabis. Many users report a more immediate, "rush," high from a blunt, and this can be attributed to the synergy of the nicotine buzz and the THC.
I have always found the high of a blunt to be more sedating and a "couch-lock" high. The high of a joint seems to be more clear and focused, and is based solely on the mental effects of the cannabis. Therefore, for someone who does not normally ingest nicotine, the spin in the head caused by a blunt can be an unwelcome shock, and therefore should be considered when deciding between a blunt and a joint.
The Social and Cultural Context
Ultimately, the decision is based on the occasion.
Blunts have a rich history within the realm of hip hop, and are often viewed as a social, celebratory smoke. The slow burn of a blunt makes it perfect for passing around a circle of friends. Joints have a different historical background, and are connected to both the counterculture of the sixties, and the modern, regulated cannabis industry that focuses on quality and craft. Joints are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes including a solo session, a quick hit on a hike, or shared among a few people.
Making Your Choice
Which one is right for you?
- Select a Blunt if you prefer a longer-lasting, communal session, do not mind the flavor of tobacco, and would like a potent, sedative effect that includes the effects of cannabis combined with a nicotine buzz.
- Select a Joint if you prefer to enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavor of your cannabis, prefer a smoother and possibly cleaner smoke, and would like to avoid nicotine, and prefer a quicker, more convenient method of rolling.
At the end of the day, there is no definitive answer as to which one is better, only which one is best suited to your specific needs and preferences at that particular time. By understanding the 5 fundamental differences, you will be empowered to make informed decisions regarding whether to smoke a blunt or a joint, and increase your appreciation for both of these ancient methods of consuming cannabis.