Cannabis joints and blunts in various shapes and sizes scattered across a white background

Blunt vs Joint: How Are They Different?

Cannabis enthusiasts have a lot of options when it comes to smoking cannabis flower, but two of the most popular methods are blunts and joints. They might look similar at first glance, but there are plenty of differences between them, from the rolling materials to the experience they deliver.

In this live resin vs rosin guide, you’ll learn:

  • What is a Blunt?
  • What is a Joint?
  • What’s the Difference Between Joints and Blunts?
  • How are Blunts and Joints Different from Spliffs?
  • FAQs About Blunts and Joints


What Is a Blunt?

A blunt is a larger roll filled with cannabis flower, typically wrapped in a blunt wrap made from cigar wrappers, tobacco leaves, or hemp leaves. Historically, blunts were rolled using emptied, rounded cigar wrappers to help disguise the marijuana smell, and this gave blunts their distinctive name and flavor.1 Today, dispensaries sell blunt wraps made from hemp, a tobacco-free, non-nicotine alternative that retains the signature slow burn.2

Blunts are a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts for their size and durability. They can hold more cannabis—up to 2 grams—making them perfect for sharing in group settings. The thicker wrap ensures a longer burn time, delivering a more intense and extended smoking experience that’s hard to match with other methods.

Cannabis flower spilling out of an open blunt wrapCannabis flower spilling out of an open blunt wrap

What Is a Joint?

A joint is the classic go-to method for consuming cannabis flower and remains a staple among marijuana enthusiasts for its simplicity and versatility. Small, portable, and easy to roll at home, joints are perfect for beginners and seasoned consumers. They use rolling paper, which comes in various sizes and materials like hemp, rice, or wood pulp, allowing users to customize their experience. Many joints also feature a crutch or filter, making them smoother to smoke.3

Joints resemble cone-shaped cigarettes and are typically smaller than blunts, holding about 0.5-1 gram of flower.4 They are typically sold in packs of two or more. This makes them ideal for quick solo sessions or discreet, on-the-go consumption. Whether chilling at home or heading out, joints are a convenient, no-fuss option that’s hard to beat.

Marijuana joints stacked up on several flower budsMarijuana joints stacked up on several flower buds

What’s the Difference Between Joints and Blunts?

While joints and blunts both involve rolling cannabis flower, they differ in several key ways. Let’s break it down:

Rolling Paper

Joints are rolled using thin, lightweight papers that come in materials like rice, hemp, or wood pulp. The rolling paper is usually white or translucent and comes in various sizes, from single and 1 ¼ inches wide to double and king size. Blunts, on the other hand, are rolled using thicker materials like blunt wraps or hemp wraps. Traditional blunts were wrapped in tobacco leaves, but dispensaries are only permitted to offer tobacco- or nicotine-free options.5 Blunt wraps tend to be brown and have a more robust appearance.

Intensity

Blunts are known for their intensity and are often the go-to choice for those who want a longer-lasting smoking session. They contain more cannabis—around 2 grams—and can burn for up to 30 minutes, making them ideal for sharing in a group setting. Their slow burn and larger size provide a richer, more robust experience, but finishing one solo can be a bit much for most cannabis enthusiasts.6

Joints, on the other hand, are milder and more manageable. With most containing 0.5-1 gram of flower, they burn faster and typically last about 10 minutes. This makes them a perfect option for quick solo sessions or when you’re on the go and don’t have time for a longer smoke. Both offer unique experiences, so the choice depends on your vibe and situation.7

Cost

Blunts usually cost more because they use more cannabis and larger, thicker wraps. Some specialty blunts even come with luxurious additions like glass tips or flavored wraps, adding to their price tag. Joints, by contrast, are much simpler and budget-friendly. They’re small, require less flower, and are easy to roll with just a single sheet of rolling paper. Plus, they don’t need a filter unless you prefer one.

How Are Blunts and Joints Different From Spliffs?

Spliffs are another type of rolled cannabis that contains a mix of cannabis and tobacco, which means they are not available in licensed dispensaries. While spliffs are similar in size to joints, the added tobacco significantly changes the flavor and overall smoking experience, often making it much more potent than a joint.

Blunts, on the other hand, historically contained tobacco because cannabis flower was rolled in cigar wrappers made of dried tobacco leaf. Today, the blunts sold in state-licensed dispensaries are tobacco-free, often rolled in hemp wraps. This appeals to those cannabis connoisseurs looking for a cleaner, smoother smoking experience without the added effects of nicotine. Choosing a joint, blunt, or spliff depends on your flavor, intensity, and overall vibe preference.

Two joints and a blunt sitting horizontal on a white backgroundTwo joints and a blunt sitting horizontal on a white background

FAQs About Blunts vs Joints

Curious about how blunts vs joints stack up? Here are some common questions and answers to help you decide which might be the best fit for your next session

How much cannabis fits in a blunt versus a joint?
A joint usually holds 0.5-1 gram of cannabis, while a blunt can hold 1-2 grams. It all depends on the size of the rolling paper or blunt wrap.

Are there tobacco-free blunt alternatives?
Yes! Dispensaries sell tobacco-free blunts that use hemp-based wraps, making them a nicotine-free choice.

How long does a typical blunt or joint last?
A joint burns for about 10 minutes, while a blunt can last up to 30 minutes. Blunts are often too big to finish alone, so they are ideal for sharing with friends.

Which is better for beginners?
Joints are better for beginners. They’re smaller, less intense, and have a lower price point.

Do different strains work better in blunts or joints?
It’s all about personal preference. Pay attention to the THC levels in the cannabis flower you choose for either method.

Choosing Your Preferred Method

Your personal taste dictates whether you prefer a blunt’s intensity or a joint’s simplicity. Try both to see which one fits your vibe, but remember that blunts pack a punch–don’t overdo it! Visit your favorite Verilife dispensary and talk to a budtender for joint vs blunt recommendations to suit your style!

 

 

Sources:

1. “The Tightly-Rolled History of the Blunt,” Thrillist, August 21, 2020,  https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/what-is-a-blunt-history-origins-timeline

2. “Tabacco-Free Blunt Wraps Are Popular Among Young Marijuana Smokers, Study Finds,” Forbes, July 12, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/07/12/tobacco-free-blunt-wraps-are-popular-among-young-marijuana-smokers-study-finds/

3. “What’s the difference between joints, blunts, and spliffs?” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/smoke/difference-between-joints-blunts-spliffs

4. “The Difference Between Joints, Blunts And Spliffs,” Herb, May 12, 2024, https://herb.co/learn/joint-vs-blunt

5. “Tobacco-Free Blunt Wraps: A Regulatory Conundrum,” National Library of Medicine, March 20, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10879446/#:~:text=However%2C%20%E2%80%9Ctobacco%2Dfree%20blunt,cannabis%20(Supplementary%20Figure%201)

6. “How to roll a blunt in 6 easy steps,” Leafly, August 4, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/smoke/how-to-roll-blunt

7. “How to roll a joint,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/introduction/how-to-roll-a-joint

 


cannabis leaf outline in a green circle

Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.