It's Just a Joint… Right?
Not quite. Joints and pre-rolls are like rolled cigarettes, but filled with cannabis flower instead. Today, there’s far more nuance to this cannabis icon than you might imagine. From pre-rolled, cone-shaped, infused, or filtered, joints can take on nearly as many forms and styles as the people who enjoy them.
Whether this is your first pre-roll session or your fiftieth, we’re here to help you take off with a smooth and straightforward flight plan. Learn everything you need to know about how to smoke a joint, including tips, techniques, tools, timing, and more. Ready to roll?
Before You Light Up: What You’ll Need
Before cannabis legalization across many states, the only way to enjoy a joint was by rolling your own, which, for some people, was a messy and frustrating experience. Now, you can walk into almost any dispensary and find a massive variety of pre-rolls on the menu, all ready to light.
But, there are still a lot of cannabis fans who prefer to roll their own joints, since it gives the roller control over the amount of cannabis used, the exact concentrates to add, and other considerations. If you’re itching to get started, first gather these items to get the most out of your joint rolling experience:
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Papers: You can find a variety of rolling papers on the market, including those made from bamboo, hemp, and other natural materials.
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Flower: Break out your favorite cannabis flower.
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Grinder: Optional, but highly recommended. A grinder will neatly and precisely break down the flower into uniform pieces that will burn more evenly. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use your fingers or a pair of scissors to break up the nug.
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Lighter or Hemp Wick: While a classic lighter will always do the trick, one all-natural alternative is a hemp wick, a length of hemp-fiber twine coated in beeswax. Like a mini-candle, it’ll keep burning and allow you to relight.
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Ashtray: Keep it clean and convenient. Whether you go with something artsy or practical, having a dedicated spot to ash makes the whole session smoother.
Once you’ve gathered your gear, you’re ready to roll—literally. From here, it’s all about practice and patience.
Step-by-Step: How to Smoke a Joint
Whether you’re new to the game or need a refresher, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of exactly how to smoke a pre-roll or rolled joint.
Step 1 — Pre-Flight Inspection: Check out your pre-roll. Is it tightly and evenly wrapped? If there’s a filter, is it firmly in place? Knowing your joint is ready to fly before takeoff is the best guarantee of a smooth, on-time flight.
Step 2 — Lighting Protocol: Placing the smoking end of the joint loosely between your lips (that is, the side without a filter, if present), hold a lighter or lit hemp wick below the very tip of the other end.
Be watchful for “canoeing,” the tendency for flame to run up one side of the pre-rolled joint. If this happens, rotate the pre-roll between your fingers to even the burn. If you use a hemp wick, be sure you have an ashtray or other fireproof resting area on hand.
Step 3 — Inhalation Technique: Here’s a tip: Sip, don’t rip. Instead of taking a forceful intake of air, inhale gently—as though you’re sipping hot tea. Draw the smoke into your lungs, hold it for a second or two, and then exhale.
Step 4 — Joint Etiquette for Social Gatherings: You know the term “don’t bogart that joint”? It means “pass it on down, man!” and it's essential to proper joint etiquette in a group setting. You’ll also need to ensure you’re holding the smoking end loosely with your lips when you inhale, so that it doesn’t become saturated or crushed.
Step 5 — Know Your Limits: Be mindful of your intake. It typically takes a few minutes before the effects of THC become fully apparent after smoking a pre-roll. Start with a hit or two, then pause to assess the effects. When you’ve had enough, gently stub or pinch out the burning end of the joint into your ashtray. If you still have the original packaging—such as a Jointcase or tube—you can save the unsmoked portion for later.
Pre-Rolls Today: Not Your Parents’ Joint
Think a joint is a joint is a joint? Not quite. These days, you’re liable to find any number of options on tap; here are a few of the most common.
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Infused: Seeking maximum elevation? Whether dabbed with cannabis oil, rolled in kief, or blended with fragrant live resin, infused pre-rolls deliver a major upgrade in potency, flavor, and effects.
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Filter Types: Like it smooth? Pre-rolled joints often include a filter to soften the smoke, improve draw, and give your fingertips something to grab onto. They can range from a simple folded strip of cardboard as a “crutch” to glass tips or full-on filters.
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Single-Strain vs. Blends: Whether showcasing a single plant or combining varieties for a targeted experience, choose the joint that matches your mood. Seeking smooth, relaxing hits? Try a CBD-rich or hybrid blend. Want an energizing but focused ride? Try a flavor-forward sativa.
Modern joints go far beyond the basics. With so many infused options, filters, and blends available, the only question left is: what kind of experience are you after?
How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Joint?
Smoking a joint isn’t just about lighting up; it’s about setting a pace. Sometimes, you need to get where you’re going fast. But when time’s on your side, sharing the slow-burn of a perfectly rolled joint can be one of life’s simple pleasures.
If you’re solo, you might finish a standard pre-roll in 5 to 10 minutes. With a group, expect the session to stretch closer to 15 minutes, depending on the vibe, the format, and how much conversation you’re having as you pass around the joint.
As for how long the effects last? Most cannabis joints and pre-rolls will deliver their peak experience within the first 30 minutes, with lingering effects lasting anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. That window can shift depending on your tolerance, the strain’s potency, and whether your joint is infused with concentrates like live resin or THC oil.
Trying a blunt for the first time? Expect a slower burn and more potent effects. Whether it’s the cigar wrap or the extra flower packed inside, smoking a blunt can hit harder and faster—especially for beginners.
Choose the Right Joint for Your Experience
Wherever the journey takes you, Urb’s here to keep it smooth. Technique and etiquette go a long way, but the right format elevates everything. Infused, effect-specific pre-rolls from Urb take the guesswork out of your session and help you dial in exactly how you want to feel. If you're headed out, the Urb Jointcase keeps your experience portable, protected, and ready to roll.
Whether you’re elevating solo or passing to a friend, Urb’s got you covered.
