Joint vs Blunt vs Spliff: What’s The Difference?

	Contains Cannabis	Contains Tobacco	Uses Rolling Paper	Uses Tobacco Wrap
Joint	Yes	No	Yes	No
Spliff	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Blunt	Yes	Yes (in the wrap)	No	Yes

Ah, the age-old question:

‘What’s the difference between a joint, a blunt, and a spliff?’

We’ve heard this question before, mostly from newcomers still navigating the nuances. You’d best believe that this topic can spark (pun intended) passionate discussions within the community.

Well, not to worry. We’re here to explain things in plain words.

Are spliffs just a different term than blunts and joints? Or are they the same?

Let’s find out.

Aren’t Spliffs, Blunts, and Joints the Same?

No, they are not the same.

While all three are methods of smoking cannabis, each has its distinct characteristics that set it apart. A joint consists purely of cannabis rolled in a paper, a blunt is cannabis wrapped in tobacco leaf or a cigar wrap, and a spliff is a mix of tobacco and cannabis rolled together.

The differences lie not just in their makeup, but also in their taste, burn rate, and the experience they offer.

With those distinctions in mind, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each, shedding light on their pros, cons, and unique attributes.

Highly Recommended: What’s the Reason For People Holding Joints Differently than Cigarettes?

Joint, Blunt, and Spliff Overview

Learn the full meanings of joints, blunts, and spliffs in this section:

What’s a Joint?

A joint is essentially a cannabis cigarette, rolled up in a thin paper. These papers come in a variety of materials, including hemp, rice, flax, and more.

They can be found in multiple sizes such as singles, 1 ¼, 1 ½, wide, and king. Joints often have a crutch, or filter, which aids in stability during the smoking process and helps avoid burning one’s fingertips.

These papers can also be infused with flavors to enhance the experience.

Pros

• Portable and discreet to carry
• Easy to light
• Preserves the natural flavor of cannabis
• Suitable for sharing with others
• Can be put out and saved for later

Cons

• Rolling can be challenging for beginners
• Strong smell when smoking, reducing discretion

What’s a Blunt?

A blunt is cannabis wrapped inside a cigar or blunt wrap made out of tobacco.

This combination gives a unique blend of the cannabis and tobacco high, adding a buzz and energetic feel to the experience. They’re typically more substantial than joints, ensuring a longer burn time.

Blunt wraps can be purchased from stores and often come flavored.

Pros

• Portable
• Longer burn time, making it suitable for prolonged sessions or larger groups
• The tobacco wrap can add an energizing feel
• Variety of flavors available in wraps
• Generally easier to roll than joints

Cons

• Presence of tobacco can pose increased health risks
• Tobacco wrap can mask the pure flavor of cannabis
• Hard to find unflavored wraps for those preferring the natural taste

What’s a Spliff?

A spliff is a blend of the joint and the blunt. It’s rolled in a paper, similar to a joint, but contains a mixture of both cannabis and tobacco.

The ratio of these components can be adjusted based on the user’s preference. The addition of tobacco gives a more energetic high, a trait often attributed to the nicotine.

Spliffs offer a balanced experience between the purity of joints and the mixed sensation of blunts.

Pros

• Portable and easy to light
• The mix can be tailored to the smoker’s preference
• Can offer an energetic buzz from the tobacco
• Might smell more like a cigarette, making it slightly more discreet in certain environments

Cons

• Tobacco inclusion introduces additional health risks
• Can dilute the genuine flavor of cannabis
• Proper rolling can be tricky, especially determining the right cannabis to tobacco ratio

What’s the Difference Between a Blunt, Spliff, and Joint?

Now, in this section, we’re going to discuss how these three differ in most cases:

Components and Composition

The fundamental difference between a blunt, spliff, and joint is the material used to roll them and their contents:

Joint

Rolled with “rolling papers,” often made from hemp, flax, rice, or other non-wood substances. It is generally filled purely with marijuana. Papers can be bought made of rice or hemp, and many are transparent.

You can also consider using rolling paper alternatives such as tissue paper, empty cigarette tubes, rose petals, tampon paper, gum wrappers, and more.

Blunt

Made using cigar or cigarillo wrappers, which are primarily tobacco leaves. This means when you smoke a blunt, you’re consuming both tobacco from the wrap and the marijuana inside.

Spliff

A hybrid of the joint and the blunt, in terms of content. In the U.S. and Europe, a spliff refers to a roll that contains both marijuana and tobacco. The ratio can vary based on personal preference.

Rolling Techniques and Considerations

How each is rolled varies significantly:

Joint

The size can range from a quarter of a gram to an eighth of an ounce. A good joint burns evenly. There are tools available, like joint rollers, to help with the rolling process. Alternatively, there are “cones” for those who find rolling challenging. These are pre-constructed joints that you simply fill with flower.

Blunt

Requires a cigar or cigarillo to be emptied and then refilled with marijuana. The tobacco wrap can add distinct flavors to the smoking experience. Some choose to use wraps explicitly designed for blunts, available in different textures and flavors.

Spliff

The rolling process is similar to a joint. However, it requires both ground cannabis and tobacco from a cigarette. The blend offers a milder experience than a pure cannabis joint.

Smoking Experience and Effects

Each offers a distinct experience when smoked:

Joint

Offers a pure cannabis experience, allowing smokers to savor the specific strains without any added flavors from the paper. Joints are preferred by those who want to avoid tobacco.

Consider Reading: How to Properly Light a Joint

Blunt

Offers a combined effect of tobacco and marijuana. Many enjoy the taste that the tobacco leaf wrap offers. The amount of cannabis it can hold typically surpasses that of joints, and it burns slower, making it last longer.

Also Check: How to Inhale Weed Properly

Spliff

Offers a more muted high than a joint, given the blend of tobacco and marijuana. The tobacco can also help in masking the strong scent of marijuana.

Also Read: How to Stop Coughing When Smoking Weed

Health Considerations

When choosing between these options, health implications are vital to consider:

Joint

Since it’s purely cannabis, there’s no tobacco-related health risk.

Try Checking: Can You Smoke Weed While Sick?

Blunt

Smoking a blunt involves the intake of tobacco, which can increase the risk of certain diseases. For individuals who are strongly opposed to nicotine, blunts may not be the most suitable option.

Try Reading: Why Does My Throat Burn After Smoking Weed?

Spliff

Similarly to blunts, spliffs also pose a health risk because of the tobacco content.

Quantity and Burn Rate

The amount of cannabis they can hold and how long they last also differ:

Joint

Typically holds about a gram of weed. It burns at a regular rate.

Also Read: Can You Smoke Half a Joint?

Blunt

Can pack two to three grams of cannabis. It burns slower than joints, making it last longer in group settings or for extended solo sessions.

Spliff

The quantity it holds depends on the individual’s preferred tobacco to marijuana ratio.

How to Choose Between a Spliff, a Joint, and a Blunt

Choosing between a spliff, joint, and blunt boils down to individual preferences, experiences you’re seeking, and health considerations.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make your decision.

Choose Spliff If:

You’re after a combined buzz

Spliffs offer an energetic high from the nicotine in tobacco and the effects of cannabis.

You want to control the mix

The ratio of cannabis to tobacco can be tailored to your preference.

Discretion is essential

The scent of a spliff can be more reminiscent of a regular cigarette, making it slightly less conspicuous in environments where smoking tobacco is common.

You’re looking for a middle-ground

If you’re unsure about a full-blown cannabis experience like a joint, or the more intense combination of a blunt, a spliff can be your middle ground.

Choose Joints If:

You want the pure cannabis experience

Joints preserve the natural taste of cannabis without the interference of tobacco.

Portability is a priority

They’re small, discreet, and perfect for on-the-go sessions.

Recommended: How to Hide Weed Properly

You want to share

Joints can be easily passed around and shared with friends.

You’re new to rolling

If you struggle with the art of rolling, pre-rolled cones are available. Simply fill them up and you’re good to go.

Also Read: How to Stop a Joint From Canoeing

Choose Blunts If:

You want a prolonged session

Thanks to their size, blunts offer a longer burn time, making them ideal for extended sessions or larger gatherings.

You’re after a combined effect

The tobacco leaf wrap provides an added buzz to the cannabis high.

You enjoy flavors

Many blunt wraps come flavored, adding a different dimension to your smoking experience.

Also Check: Why Does My Mouth Suddenly Taste Like Weed?

You find rolling easier with a sturdier wrap

Some users find the tobacco wraps of blunts easier to handle and roll compared to the thin papers of joints.

BMWO is an online dispensary based in Canada. We provide our customers with the highest quality cannabis-related products.

If you’re considering using joints, you’re in luck.

One of our standout products, our very own Pre-rolls, is among the best in the market.

From regulars to king-sized, and our premiums, you’ll never fall short when seeking a premium smoking experience with our pre-rolls.

While we pride ourselves on offering top-notch products, we also encourage our readers and customers to educate themselves about cannabis as a whole.

Try reading more in our blog section where we talk about topics such as ‘Can Someone Who Uses Weed Be a Good Parent?’ and ‘Why Do I Feel Antisocial Whenever I Smoke Weed?’.

If you have any questions about joints, blunts, or spliffs, don’t hesitate to comment below.

Our team at BMWO is eager to assist, clarify any confusion, and guide you to the information you seek.

Remember: there are distinct differences between a blunt, spliff, or joint, and choosing in any of them will largely depend on your personal preference, health considerations, and the desired smoking experience.

So use which one you’re most comfortable using; and with that said, we look forward to seeing you in our next post.