Rolling a blunt can take a little practice, but the basic process is pretty straightforward. Once you get the hang of breaking up your flower, filling the wrap evenly and getting a clean tuck, it becomes much easier.
If you've never rolled one before, here's how to roll a blunt step by step.
What Is a Blunt?
A blunt is cannabis flower rolled in a cigar wrap, tobacco leaf or blunt-style wrap. Unlike a traditional joint, which is usually made with thin rolling paper, blunts use a thicker wrap and tend to be larger.
One important thing to know: traditional cigar and tobacco-leaf blunt wraps contain tobacco and nicotine. If you want to avoid tobacco, there are also hemp and other tobacco-free wraps made specifically for rolling cannabis.
What Do You Need to Roll a Blunt?
You don't need much:
- Cannabis flower
- A blunt wrap, cigar wrap or tobacco-free alternative
- A grinder or your fingers
- A lighter
- A rolling tray or clean, flat surface
- A small tool for packing the end, if needed
A grinder isn't absolutely necessary, but an even consistency can make the blunt easier to roll and help it burn more consistently.
How to Roll a Blunt
Step 1: Break Up Your Flower
Start by breaking your cannabis into relatively small, even pieces.
You can use a grinder or break it apart by hand. Avoid grinding it into a powder. You want it broken up enough to roll evenly without having tiny pieces constantly pulling through the end.
Remove any large stems before you start rolling.
Step 2: Prepare Your Wrap
If you're using a ready-to-roll blunt wrap, carefully remove it from the package and lay it flat.
If you're using a cigar that needs to be opened first, carefully split it lengthwise and remove the tobacco inside without tearing the outer wrap.
The wrap should still be flexible. A wrap that's extremely dry or brittle can crack while you're trying to roll it.
Step 3: Add the Cannabis
Spread the flower along the length of the wrap.
Try to distribute it evenly rather than piling most of it in the middle. Leaving a little room at both ends can make the next steps easier.
How much flower you use will depend on the size of the wrap. If you're learning, don't overfill it. A slightly smaller blunt is usually easier to roll than one that's packed to the edge.
Step 4: Shape the Blunt
Gently roll the wrap back and forth between your fingers to shape the cannabis into a relatively even cylinder.
This step makes the actual tuck much easier.
Take your time. You're trying to create an even shape without packing the flower so tightly that airflow becomes restricted.
Step 5: Tuck and Roll
Once you have the shape you want, tuck one edge of the wrap underneath the cannabis.
Continue rolling upward while keeping gentle, even pressure across the blunt.
This is usually the trickiest part for beginners. If your first few attempts aren't pretty, that's normal.
Step 6: Seal the Edge
Lightly moisten the edge of the wrap and press it into place.
You only need enough moisture to help the wrap seal. Too much can make the blunt soggy or difficult to burn evenly.
Run your fingers gently along the seam to make sure it's closed.
Step 7: Finish the Ends
Check both ends and gently pack in any loose flower.
Some people twist or fold one end until they're ready to light it. Others leave it open.
The important part is making sure flower isn't falling out and that air can still move through the blunt.
Step 8: Let It Set
Give the seam a little time to dry before lighting it.
Some people carefully pass a lighter near the outside of the blunt to help dry the seam, but you don't want the flame directly touching the wrap.
Once the seam is secure, it's ready.
How to Get a Blunt to Burn Evenly
A good roll makes a big difference.
Try to keep the cannabis distributed evenly from one end to the other. Areas that are packed much tighter or looser than the rest can contribute to an uneven burn.
You also don't want to roll it excessively tight. Cannabis still needs airflow to burn properly.
Before lighting the blunt, take a gentle dry pull. If getting air through it feels extremely difficult, it may be packed too tightly.
What Kind of Cannabis Is Best for a Blunt?
There's no single strain or type of flower that you have to use.
Instead, look for flower that has a moisture level that's comfortable to break apart and roll. Extremely dry flower can crumble into tiny pieces, while overly moist flower may be harder to keep lit.
The flavor of your cannabis also matters because the wrap itself can affect the overall taste.
If you're using a flavored or tobacco-based wrap, expect it to change some of the natural flavor of the flower. If tasting the flower itself is your priority, a joint, pipe or dry herb vaporizer may be a better option.
Blunt Wraps vs. Hemp Wraps
Traditional blunts are closely associated with cigar and tobacco-leaf wraps, but those aren't your only options anymore.
Tobacco-based wraps contain tobacco and expose the user to nicotine in addition to cannabis.
Hemp wraps are designed to give you a similar rolling format without using a tobacco leaf.
There are also other tobacco-free wraps made from different plant materials.
If you don't normally use nicotine, check what a wrap is made from before buying it. Something marketed as a blunt or cigar wrap may contain tobacco even though you're primarily buying it to use with cannabis.
Blunts vs. Joints
The biggest difference is the wrap.
Joints generally use thin rolling paper and are usually smaller. Blunts use a thicker wrap and can hold considerably more flower depending on their size.
That also means a blunt may contain more cannabis than you would normally consume in a single session.
If you're sharing, remember that everyone has a different tolerance. There's no reason to finish the entire thing just because you rolled it.
Don't Want to Roll Your Own?
You don't have to.
Pre-rolls have come a long way, and Washington cannabis producers now make everything from traditional single pre-rolls to multi-packs and infused options.
If rolling isn't your thing, stop by Seattle Cannabis Co. and ask one of our budtenders about the pre-rolls currently available or check our online menu before you come in.
And if you are rolling your own, we can help you find flower that fits the experience, flavor and price range you're looking for.
Consume Responsibly
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Start with an amount you're comfortable with, especially if you're using a larger blunt or sharing higher-potency flower.
Never drive or operate machinery while impaired by cannabis. Keep cannabis products away from children and pets, and remember that recreational cannabis in Washington is for adults 21 and older.
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