When it comes to smoking cannabis, you have a few options. Joints, blunts, and spliffs are all popular ways to consume cannabis, but they’re not all the same. The materials used and the resulting effects are different.
So, what exactly sets a blunt apart from a spliff? And how do they stack up against each other?
This guide will give you a detailed comparison of blunts and spliffs. We’ll cover what they are, how they’re rolled, the pros and cons of each, and which one might be right for you.
While some people use the terms “blunt” and “spliff” interchangeably, there are key differences. Let’s break them down and find out which method reigns supreme in the blunt vs spliff debate.
Defining Blunts and Spliffs: What Sets Them Apart?
Blunts and spliffs are both ways to smoke cannabis, but they’re definitely not the same thing. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them different:
What is a Blunt?
A blunt is cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf wrap, usually from a cigarillo. To make a blunt, people typically empty out a cigarillo and then refill it with ground cannabis.
Blunts can also be rolled using hemp wraps, which don’t contain any tobacco.
Key characteristics of a blunt:
- The tobacco leaf wrap gives it a distinctive flavor and makes it burn longer.
- Blunts usually hold a gram or more of cannabis.
What is a Spliff?
A spliff is a mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled in thin paper. The presence of tobacco is what sets spliffs apart from joints, which contain only cannabis.
Key characteristics of a spliff:
- The ratio of cannabis to tobacco is adjustable, so people can customize it to their taste.
- The nicotine from the tobacco creates a different effect than smoking cannabis alone.
Rolling the Perfect Blunt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, so you want to roll a blunt? Here’s the lowdown:
- Prep the Wrap: You’ll need a cigarillo or a blunt wrap. Carefully split that thing open and dump out all the tobacco. Then, get the wrap a little damp – not soaking wet, just a little moist – to keep it from cracking when you roll.
- Fill and Roll: Grind your cannabis evenly using a grinder. Seriously, don’t skip the grinder. Then, sprinkle that ground cannabis evenly along the wrap. Now comes the tricky part. Tuck and roll, tuck and roll. You want it tight. Seal it with a little more moisture.
- Seal and Bake: “Bake” the blunt. What that means is run a lighter quickly along the seam to dry and seal it. Don’t hold the flame too close or you’ll burn it. You just want it to dry. Make sure it’s packed tight and will burn evenly.
That’s it. You’re ready to light up.
How to roll a spliff
If you want to try a spliff for yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the mixture
The first step is to grind your cannabis and tobacco. You can use a grinder for both.
Next, mix the ground cannabis and tobacco together. A common ratio is two parts cannabis to one part tobacco. However, feel free to experiment to find what you prefer.
2. Roll the spliff
Place a filter tip (also called a crutch or roach) at one end of your rolling paper. Then, evenly distribute your cannabis-tobacco mixture along the paper.
Tuck the paper and roll it tightly. Make sure that the mixture is evenly distributed as you roll.
3. Seal the spliff
Moisten the edge of the paper and seal the spliff. The goal is to make sure it’s tightly packed, so it burns evenly.
Blunts vs. Spliffs: Pros and Cons
Both blunts and spliffs have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which might be right for you.
Blunts: The Good and The Bad
Advantages of Blunts:
- Longer burn time. Blunts tend to burn slower than spliffs or joints, making them well-suited for sharing in social situations.
- Social appeal. Because blunts are potent and last longer, they’re often favored for social gatherings.
- Unique flavor. The tobacco leaf wrapper adds a distinctive taste that some users enjoy.
- Larger capacity. Blunts can hold more cannabis than spliffs or joints.
Disadvantages of Blunts:
- Tobacco content. The tobacco in blunt wraps poses health risks associated with nicotine and other chemicals.
- Overpowering flavor. The strong tobacco flavor can mask the nuances of the cannabis.
- Rolling difficulty. Blunts can be more challenging to roll than spliffs or joints, requiring some practice.
Spliffs: The Good and The Bad
Advantages of Spliffs:
- Less cannabis needed. Spliffs use less cannabis compared to blunts, making them a more economical choice.
- Improved burning. The addition of tobacco can help the spliff burn more evenly.
- Different high. The combination of cannabis and nicotine may produce a unique high that some users find appealing.
- Easier to roll. Spliffs are generally easier to roll than blunts.
Disadvantages of Spliffs:
- Tobacco content. Like blunts, spliffs contain tobacco, which carries health risks.
- Addictive. Nicotine in tobacco is addictive, potentially leading to dependence.
- Overpowering flavor. The tobacco flavor can sometimes overshadow the taste of the cannabis.
Which method is right for you?
The choice between a blunt and a spliff is a personal one, and it depends on your experience, preferences, and needs. Here are some recommendations for different types of users:
New cannabis users
If you’re new to cannabis, a spliff might be a better choice because it allows you to control the amount of cannabis you’re using. You can start with a higher tobacco-to-cannabis ratio to minimize the effects and get a feel for your tolerance. Always start small and increase your dose gradually.
Recreational cannabis users
If you’re a recreational user, blunts might be more appealing for social gatherings and longer smoking sessions. Spliffs can provide a more balanced experience for casual use.
Medical cannabis users
If you’re using cannabis for medical purposes, you’ll want to consider the potential interactions between tobacco and any medications you’re taking. If tobacco is a concern, you might want to explore alternative methods like vaporizing or edibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Americans call spliffs?
Here in the States, “spliff” isn’t as common a term as it is across the pond or up north in Canada. You might hear someone call it a “mixed joint,” especially if they’re trying to be specific about the tobacco and cannabis combo. More often than not, though, folks will just call it a “joint” and not mention the tobacco at all, unless you ask.
Are blunts or spliffs better?
That’s entirely a matter of personal preference! Blunts deliver a heavier hit and a longer-lasting buzz thanks to the nicotine from the tobacco wrap. Spliffs offer a lighter, potentially more nuanced experience, letting you savor the flavor of your weed with a touch of tobacco. Consider what kind of experience you’re after.
Should I smoke a joint or a blunt?
Joints and blunts both have their pros and cons. Joints are pure cannabis, offering a clean and unadulterated flavor. Blunts, with their tobacco wrap, deliver a distinct flavor and a nicotine kick. Joints are often more discreet, while blunts can be a statement. Again, it boils down to personal preference and the experience you’re looking for. Experiment and see what you enjoy most!
In Conclusion
Blunts and spliffs are both popular ways to enjoy cannabis, but they offer different experiences. Blunts, wrapped in tobacco leaves, deliver a stronger, heavier hit, while spliffs, which mix cannabis with tobacco or other herbs, offer a lighter, more nuanced smoke.
Ultimately, the choice between a blunt and a spliff comes down to personal preference and health considerations. If you’re curious, experiment with both to see which you prefer. Try different ratios of cannabis to filler in your spliffs or sample various blunt wraps.
Whichever method you choose, always consume cannabis responsibly.