A joint is the most iconic and classic way to enjoy cannabis, that allows you to truly savor the flavor of the weed. Every single cannabis smoker, whether they choose to smoke joints or not, should know how to roll a joint. If you are a beginner looking to move past bowls and bongs, smoking joints is the best place to start.

There are multiple different options out there on how you should roll your joints. Everyone has their own preference and there are ranging sizes of joints from the traditional joint size all the way to the king-size joint. All that matters is that the joint smokes and you can enjoy the high!

Don’t forget your most important tools:

- - Rolling tray
  - Cannabis strain of your choice
  - Rolling papers
  - Filter
  - Grinder
  - Pen for packing (or object similar to a pen or pencil)

Once you’ve got all the tools you need, stay tuned for a step-by-step guide on how to roll a joint!

How much weed do you need?

Depending on how big of a joint you are rolling will dictate the amount of cannabis you would need to add. Typically, around a 1/2 gram of tree to a full gram depending on the size. For beginners, start with around a 1/2 gram of tree per joint.

Pro tip: If you are struggling, it is better to start with more tree than less. The more structure you can give your joint, the easier it will be to roll. Don’t worry if tree falls out, you can always pack it in later before you seal.

Step 1: Grind up the weed

The first, most important step, is grinding the weed. This requires the use of a grinder that can be purchased at any smoke shop or dispensary, as well as online. You then place the individual nugs of tree into the grinder, place the lid over the top, and grind (or twist) until all the tree has fallen into the collection pan below.

Pro tip: Check for any loose stems that may not have been ground away. This can and will tear a hole in your joint paper and will require you to start all over.

Step 2: Create your filter

This next step may sound somewhat insignificant, but it is one of the most important steps. This next step helps you enjoy the joint longer, puts less stress on your lungs and throat, and you will avoid burning your fingertips.

In most cases, when you purchase joint paper it automatically comes with filters, however, if they do not, or if you run out, you can always purchase more from a smoke shop or create your own.

This will be placed at the end of the joint where you plan to smoke from. You being with an “accordion” fold and then shape the filter to the correct size you want. The filter also helps make sure the cannabis does not shake loose while smoking it.

Step 3: Fill the joint paper with weed and start to shape it

Now it is time to fill the joint paper with weed. Sprinkle in the ground-up tree and start spreading it evenly throughout the paper, however, focus the majority of the tree in the center of the joint rather than focusing on the ends. During this phase, you will begin to create the shape of the joint.

Step 5: Roll the joint

Now, gently begin to roll the joint. Hold the joint with your fingers as support and structure. Then with your thumbs, gently pack and roll the tree into the preferred shape. The goal is to get the joint into an even cone shape. This step requires a little bit of time and patience in order to achieve the size and shape you want without tearing the joint paper.

Pro tip: Do not add too much pressure while rolling the joint. This can tear the joint paper or cause weed to fall out. Take your time and practice learning the right amount of pressure to apply.

Step 6: Seal the joint

how to roll a joint — Now, once you have created the proper shape, the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the joint, and you have the filter tucked into one of the ends of the joint, it is time to seal.

Make sure you tucked the glue-less side in with the roll so you can maintain the shape of the joint and no tree falls out. Lick the glued side of the joint paper and roll it down around the joint to seal in your work.

Pro tip: If you lost any tree while rolling, now is a good time to pack any loose tree into the joint. You can buy specific tools designed to pack tree or you can use a pen or pencil.

Leave some excess joint paper at the tip of the joint. With that excess paper at the top, twist it around to seal the top of the joint to create an easy way to light it later on.

Step 7: Spark and enjoy!

Now that you’ve rolled and sealed the joint, it’s time to smoke and enjoy! If it takes you a few tries or a little practice before you get the hang of it, that’s totally okay and normal.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to smoking. Even when rolling joints, there are different size papers or types of papers that you can use.

If you are really struggling, you can always purchase a joint roller from a dispensary or smoke shop. These are tools designed to make rolling joints faster and easier. However, it is important you know how to roll a joint before you buy one of these.

If you are on a time constraint or you smoke a lot of weed and do not feel like rolling joint after joint the old fashioned way, then joint rollers are a great option for you!

Rolling joints can be fun and, after some time, you can become a pro at rolling pearls.