How to roll a blunt in 6 easy steps

What is a blunt?

A blunt is a cigar that has been emptied of its loose-leaf tobacco and filled with cannabis. While not quite as iconic as the standard joint, the cultural significance of the blunt cannot be ignored.

Many prefer the added buzz created by the mix of cannabis and its tobacco wrap, while others appreciate the variety of flavors available in cigarillos and blunt wraps.

Blunts can also be called by the brand of cigar/cigarillo used to roll it, such as a “Swisher,” “Dutchie,” or “Backwoods”—for example, “let’s roll up a Swisher.”

Rolling a blunt has its own nuances as opposed to rolling a joint. Check out our simple guide to learn how to roll one.

Advantages of smoking a blunt

People tend to either love or hate blunts. The main complaint against them is that they have tobacco and can have a harsh smoke.

Some reasons people prefer blunts are:

• Heightened effects: Tobacco adds a buzziness and energy to your high
• Flavor and aroma: Some people love the smell of a burning blunt, especially if you use a nice cigar or a flavored blunt wrap
• Portable: Like joints, you can take a blunt anywhere
• Slow burn: Blunts burn slower than joints, so they last a lot longer in your smoking circle

What you need to roll a blunt

To roll a blunt, start by gathering the necessary supplies:

• Cannabis strain of choice
• Cigar, cigarillo, or blunt wrap
• Grinder
• Razor blade (optional)—this can come in handy for breaking open cigars or cigarillos, but isn’t necessary, and not needed for blunt wraps

Any cigar or cigarillo will do, but we recommend one that isn’t completely dried out, as it’ll break easier and be harder to roll. These days you can usually find blunt wraps at any corner store—they are like one giant rolling paper made of tobacco.

Common cigarillos you can find at most corner stores are:

• Swisher Sweets
• Black & Mild
• Phillies
• Dutch Masters
• White Owl

How much weed should you put in a blunt?

Blunts are bigger than your average joint so you’ll need more weed. Typically, 1-2 grams should be enough for one blunt, but if you are using a big cigar, you may need more. Consider how many people will be in your smoking circle and adjust accordingly.

Learn more in Leafly’s guide to smoking

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What’s the difference between joints, blunts, and spliffs?

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What is a cannabis grinder?

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How to roll a blunt: step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Grind your cannabis

Break down your cannabis into shake using a grinder or your hands. Using a grinder will make the weed an even consistency and help maintain an even burn. Using your hands is the more traditional method and is often preferred to help the blunt burn a little slower.

Step 2: Prep the blunt wrap

Traditionally, connoisseurs will empty a cigarillo (like Swisher Sweets, Phillies, or Backwoods), but these days you can find empty wraps at the corner store.

Use a razor blade to cut the blunt lengthwise, or if you’ve got the right touch, you can “crack” the blunt using your fingers.

Once you’ve split the blunt, empty the tobacco from the middle and discard (or if you like to smoke spliffs, save it for later).

Step 3: Wet the tobacco wrap

A little bit of moisture will make the blunt wrap easier to work with and also help seal up any small tears that might occur while emptying or rolling.

This can easily be done with some saliva, but if you’re rolling a blunt for other people, consider dipping the tip of your finger into some tap water.

Step 4: Fill it up

Fill the empty tobacco wrapping with ground cannabis. For a standard size cigarillo, one to two grams is plenty, though if you’re sharing your blunt, are an experienced roller, or are using a blunt wrap, you should be able to fit a bit more.

Step 5: Roll the blunt wrap

Roll the cannabis between your fingers to pack the blunt evenly. Be careful: If the wrap isn’t moist enough, it may crack.

Once you’ve packed and shaped the blunt, tuck the wrap under itself and wet the inside of the exposed edge from end to end. Use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles.

Tip: If you poke a hole or if the blunt cracks while you’re working with it, you can use the gummy adhesive from a rolling paper to repair it.

Step 6: Bake (or seal) the blunt, and enjoy!

Now that your blunt is rolled, you’ll want to “bake” or dry it to help seal it together and encourage an even burn. Bake your blunt by running a lighter lengthwise under the seam and around the outside. Be careful not to hold the lighter too close—you only want the heat, not the flame.

Now that you’ve got a blunt rolled, all that’s left is to light the end and enjoy with some friends!

Different ways to wrap a blunt

Rolling a blunt can be complicated and takes light fingers and experience. For those who want an easier method of wrapping blunts, there are pre-rolled wraps, such as King Palm palm leaf rolls and High Hemp Herbal Wraps.

These are like pre-rolled cones—simply grind up some weed, pour it in the wrap, and pack it down with the accompanying tamping rod, or a pen or chopstick.

You can also add a filter or crutch to your blunt, similar to a joint. There are even glass tips that are reusable. Most smokers don’t bother with rolling a crutch into a blunt because the blunt wrap itself is already stiff and usually doesn’t need it.

Similar to rolling into joints, a crutch will keep the end of a blunt open, add support to the end of the blunt, block plant material from getting inhaled, and allow you to smoke the blunt down to the crutch without burning your fingers.

Will Hyde and Pat Goggins contributed to this article.