How to Smoke a Blunt

While there’s really no wrong way to smoke a blunt, the fact is that sometimes the difference between a blunt that smokes well and one that doesn’t is in the technique, not the roll or pack.

So to have the best blunt-smoking experience, you need to know how to smoke a blunt the right way. Not only will it lead to better experiences, but you’re more likely to be invited back for the next session.

Besides, if you’re going to do something, do it right; amiright?

Smoking a Blunt: The Basics

So let’s start at the very top: what is a blunt? A blunt is basically a cannabis cigar that uses a thicker wrap than the traditional rolling paper found in joints and pre-rolled cones.

Blunts get their name from the machine-rolled “blunt” cigar size and shape that were traditionally used to wrap them. But modern blunts and pre-rolled blunt tubes are more often made with hemp wraps or other non-tobacco alternatives.

For our purposes, that doesn’t matter. Thanks to the way hemp wraps are made, they tend to burn and smoke in the same slow way as a classic cigar leaf-wrapped blunt, so from here on out a blunt is a blunt is a blunt.

One more thing: this isn’t a speedrun. You chose a blunt. Make a little time for it. If you were in a hurry, you’d have packed a dogwalker. So settle in, whether alone or for a group sesh.

A blunt is made to be savored. This is about the experience, not just the high.

Because of that, you may want to find somewhere comfortable; perhaps put on some music or whatever.

Now, gather your supplies. In this case, you need your blunt, a fire source and an ashtray or some other place to put a blunt. I find the blunt lends itself to taking a break or two. Setting it down can not only help correct any canoeing issues, but giving yourself a minute or two for the high to settle in can give you a deeper experience.

How to Light a Blunt

In the simplest terms, to light a blunt you just hit it with fire and inhale. But there is some nuance to making sure you get a good light that doesn’t send you up the creek in a canoe, if you know what I mean.

As a note, I tend to shy away from cigar torches. Sure, they work, but it’s really more firepower than you need for a blunt. Instead, lean toward a traditional lighter or even something like a hemp wick, if you want to stay away from the butane.

First, Toast your blunt. This involves just touching the end with your fire before you begin to inhale. It helps preserve the flavor and promotes a more even smoke that is less likely to canoe.

To toast your blunt, hold it at about 45 degrees over the end of your flame and let the fire just gently kiss the end while you rotate it to make sure every part gets the same experience with your fire.

After toasting, put the blunt in your mouth with the lighter to the far end and give it a few puffs. You’re not trying to inhale yet, just flash the ends with fire and oxygen. Once it starts to catch, then slowly inhale. Remember to rotate it again though. This is especially important if your blunt is a fatty, like the 2-gram Fill-a Blunts tubes, for example.

Alight, we’re through the hard part.

How to Smoke a Blunt

Once lit, take a couple of hits and pass it along.

But when hitting a blunt, remember, it’s not a race. There is no prize for pulling as hard as you can, so be gentle. Give it a slow, even pull, rotating the blunt in your mouth as you do.

Pulling slowly will make sure the entirety of your blunt smokes, instead of pulling down the middle, or worse: one side. So don’t give it your bong rip lungs. Save those for something with a chamber where it is impressive. Take your time here. It's worth it.

And again, in a circle, the general rule is “puff, puff, pass.” hit it twice, maybe a quick third, and then pass it to the next Head. Don’t worry, it’s a blunt, it’s going to make it back to you.

What About Canoeing?

Up to this point we’ve done everything we can to avoid canoeing, but as any smoker knows, it’s not always possible.

Your blunt might not be evenly rolled, resulting in more wrap on one side than the other. Your flower might not be evenly ground or packed, which can lead to hot spots and, yep, canoeing. Your pre-rolled blunt might not be squarely packed and you could get a flare.

Shoot, the blunt gods might just not be smiling on you that day. Who knows?

Preventing canoeing starts with the grind. Get it as even as possible. After that, it’s about the pack or roll: make sure your blunts are rolled evenly or that your pre-rolled blunt tubes are consistently packed. The Perfect Pack Machine and the Fast Fill Rolling Tray are super handy here.

But even if you’ve done all that, Ish Happens, you know? So if you do start to canoe, first try to stop it as early as possible. Add a little moisture to the side burning faster or touch the slow-burning section with some fresh fire.

To even out the burn, gently roll the longer section along your ashtray to try and burn away the excess and get it even again. Then, set it down and give it a second. Often, your blunt’s burn will even itself out if given a chance.

Then, just relight.

Enjoy your blunt

And that’s it: if you’re in a sesh, pass your blunt around the circle, enjoy your hits and let the stoney settle in while the rest of the crew is smoking. Then, when you can, take a few slow pulls and pass the dutchie on the left hand side.

When you are done, set it down and enjoy the blunted experience.

Enjoy your day!