Let There Be Light: The Right Way to Light a Joint
Lighting a joint might seem straightforward, but doing it right makes a huge difference. Proper lighting helps you get the best flavor, ensures a smooth smoke, and minimizes wasted product. It’s an art, really!
With the rise of pre-rolls – sales jumped nearly 12% between June ’23 and June ’24 – knowing how to light one correctly is becoming even more important.
You’ve got options, too: butane lighters, hemp wicks, even matches can get the job done. But which one is best, and what’s the proper technique?
This guide breaks down the best ways to light a joint, covering everything from technique to troubleshooting and even a little etiquette to help you smoke with confidence.
Choosing the right tools
Having the right gear can make lighting a joint easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few tools to consider:
Lighters
Butane lighters are generally recommended because they provide a clean burn. It’s best to avoid torch lighters, which can overheat the joint, burning it too quickly.
Matches can also be used to light a joint, but you’ll want to let the sulfur burn off completely before lighting. To do this, flick the match head and allow the sulfur to burn off before you put the flame to your joint.
Hemp wicks
Hemp wicks are a natural, slow-burning alternative to lighters. Made from hemp, they don’t contain the harmful chemicals found in butane lighters. Some users say hemp wicks provide a cleaner taste and keep you from inhaling butane fumes.
Grinders and rolling trays
Using a grinder ensures that your herb is evenly ground, which helps it burn consistently. A rolling tray can help contain the herb and makes the rolling process easier, preventing waste and mess.
The Proper Lighting Technique: Toasting and Puffing
Lighting a joint isn’t just about setting fire to the end. A proper technique ensures an even burn, a smoother experience, and less wasted product. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Toasting the Tip
Hold your lighter or match so the flame is just a tiny bit away from the tip of the joint. Slowly rotate the joint, letting the flame “toast” the paper and the material inside. Think of it like roasting a marshmallow – you want an even, golden-brown color.
This toasting process is key to preventing “canoeing,” which is when one side of the joint burns much faster than the other. An even toast sets the stage for a smooth, consistent burn.
Initial Puffing
Once the tip is toasted, take several short, gentle puffs. Don’t inhale deeply right away – these initial puffs are just to get the cherry (the burning tip) established.
Pay close attention to how the joint is burning. Is one side burning faster than the other? If so, gently rotate the joint so the slower-burning side gets more exposure to the flame. Correcting any unevenness early will prevent canoeing later.
Maintaining the Burn
Now that the joint is lit, take slow, steady draws to keep it burning evenly. Avoid the temptation to puff too hard or too frequently – this can cause the joint to overheat and burn too quickly.
If the joint goes out, don’t worry. Simply relight it using the toasting technique described above. Make sure the tip is evenly lit before you start smoking again.
Troubleshooting Common Lighting Issues
Even with a little practice, lighting a joint can sometimes be tricky. Here’s how to handle some common problems:
Canoeing (Uneven Burning)
If one side of your joint is burning faster than the other, you’ve got a canoe on your hands. To correct it, focus the flame on the side that’s burning more slowly until it evens out.
Some people will lick a finger and lightly dampen the side that’s burning too quickly to even things out.
Canoeing is often caused by uneven packing or grinding. Make sure you’re rolling your joints consistently to prevent future canoeing incidents.
Joint Won’t Stay Lit
If your joint keeps going out, there may be air leaks in the roll. A too-loose roll allows extra air to enter, extinguishing the flame.
Also, make sure the flower isn’t too wet or too dry. If the flower is too moist, it won’t burn easily. If it’s too dry, it’ll burn too quickly.
Runs (Burning Down One Side)
A run is similar to canoeing, and it’s often caused by, you guessed it, uneven packing or grinding.
Correct the burn by applying heat to the side that’s burning more slowly. If that doesn’t work, you may want to unroll the joint and try again.
Smoking Etiquette (Weediquette)
If you’re sharing a joint, it’s a good idea to know some of the unwritten rules. Here are a few:
- The person who rolled the joint gets the first light.
- Always offer the joint to the person on your left (unless told otherwise).
- Don’t hold onto the joint for too long. Take a puff or two and pass it along.
- Ash the joint into an ashtray before passing it.
- Avoid “baptizing” the joint — meaning, don’t get the end wet with your saliva. If you want to keep the joint lit, try using honey or a bit of alcohol on the tip.
Extinguishing and Saving a Joint for Later
Sometimes, you’re just not up for finishing the whole thing. Here’s how to put it out and save it for later.
Putting out a joint
To extinguish a joint, gently tap the lit end against an ashtray. Avoid crushing or stubbing it, as this can damage the unsmoked portion.
Make sure the cherry — the glowing, burning tip — is completely extinguished before you put it away to avoid starting a fire.
Saving a joint
To safely store a partially smoked joint, use a Saverette or doob tube. These containers are heat-resistant and airtight.
To keep your herb fresh, store the joint in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
You may want to store it in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight.
Key Takeaways
To light a joint the right way, you’ll need the right tools. Then, toast the tip of the joint, puff gently, and troubleshoot any problems you encounter.
Using the proper technique is important to get the most enjoyment out of your joint and avoid wasting any of your cannabis.
With a little practice, you can refine your technique and enjoy a consistently positive experience every time.
And, of course, always consume responsibly and be aware of your local laws and regulations.