The Difference Between a Joint, a Blunt, and a Spliff

There are thousands of marijuana-related terms. They range from outdated jargon such as ‘reefer’ to more modern creations such as 420. Many of these words are used interchangeably. For example, reggie, ditch weed, and schwag all denote low-quality cannabis.

However, there are a few terms you should never use in this manner. This is primarily because they don’t mean the same thing at all! The entire joint, spliff, and blunt debate is a prime example. These are three ways to enjoy the herb and even have the same delivery method. They all involve combusting the weed and inhaling the smoke. However, they can provide a different high, mainly because they are not the same!

These days, we are blessed with an immense choice when it comes to how we use weed, not to mention the quality of what we use.

For instance, you have the option to vape weed and make it less likely that you’ll have a coughing fit. You can also purchase concentrates with a THC content of 70%+.

Despite these innovations, there is nothing quite like the experience of smoking weed via a joint, spliff, or blunt. These are old-school methods of using marijuana. Each one has attained a degree of popularity in a different part of the world. Without further ado, let’s investigate the differences between the three ways of smoking cannabis.

Keep reading to discover the difference between a joint, a blunt, and a spliff with our thorough Cannabis 101 guide.

Joints vs. Spliffs vs. Blunts

You might think that a joint, a spliff, and a blunt are similar. However, there are also some key features that set them apart:

What Is a Joint?

In many ways, the humble joint is the classic representation of marijuana. Whenever you see a depiction of the noble art of smoking weed, it likely contains the image of a joint.

The most important aspect of a joint is that it contains nothing but marijuana; hopefully, top-shelf! These days, you can find pre-rolled joints fairly easily in legal states. If you want to try your hand at rolling one, all you need are rolling papers, weed, and patience. Typically, you grind up your pot, add it to the paper, roll it up, light the joint, and enjoy it!

You have the option of rolling the paper into a straight or cone-shaped joint. Although it is simple, it is a long way from boring. There are rolling papers made from flax, rice, or hemp. In the modern era, users can sample different flavor options, including bubblegum, apple, and watermelon. Popular brand names include RAW and Zig-Zag.

For the most part, joints retain the same old-school light tan or white coloring. However, you can now purchase joints in a comprehensive and sometimes bizarre array of colors. If you are an advanced roller, you can try extra-large joints. Another option is the famous ‘tulip,’ which is a large bulb of weed sitting on top of the joint.

The cross joint is another legendary joint option and consists of three joints attached to form the shape of a crucifix.

Where Are Joints Common?

You will find joints primarily in any location where people love getting stoned and find it easy to get herb! As you’ll discover below, spliffs are often more accessible than joints in many European countries. In general, the harder it is to find cannabis, the more expensive it is.

If you have to pay $600+ for an ounce of mid-grade marijuana, you’ll want to get the most out of it. Those who get their pot from the legal market are more inclined to enjoy a joint. This is especially the case in places such as Oregon where cannabis is extremely inexpensive. There is no reason to add tobacco or anything else as a ‘filler.’

What Is a Blunt?

If you’re familiar with the appearance of a cigar, then you certainly know what a blunt looks like. Blunts are ground-up cannabis buds wrapped in thick tobacco paper. It is the same kind of paper for rolling up a cigar. It is common practice for blunt smokers to buy cheap cigars from the gas station. Examples include White Owls, Backwoods, or Swisher Sweets.

Then, they empty the low-quality tobacco from within them, only keeping the wrapper. Next, they fill the outer shell of the cigar with the weed, rewrap it, twist it, and light it up. Certain brands of cheap cigars have become standard for making blunts out of. So much so, that when you buy them, the cashier knows typically what the intended use is.

This exchange can sometimes be an awkward one, but also funny. There is a silent understanding that stoners have with shopkeepers. Blunts are packed with 100% cannabis normally and don’t usually contain any tobacco. That is part of what makes them suited for weed purists who don’t wish to taint their product. Additionally, some people prefer blunts over joints because you can generally purchase the cheap cigars in various flavors.

Where Are Blunts Common?

Throughout the United States and Canada, for example, blunts are a standard part of marijuana vocabulary. Gas stations stock Backwoods, Swishers, and White Owls. Making a blunt requires a lot of weed, as blunts are thick and packed full of 100% ganja. This is also part of what makes them so amazing for sharing in the presence of others.

Similar to joints, it seems that blunts are found in locations where marijuana is easily accessible. Cannabis is also an average price in these areas. It is more affordable in states that have a higher tolerance for pot. This means places that either recognize weed as recreationally legal or medically beneficial.

It is common to see a group of Californians hanging out in a small social kick-back, enjoying a blunt. Their herb is usually fresh, and they could easily buy it at a dispensary. In states such as New York, groups of friends pitch in to get enough weed to fill up a paper.

Blunts are less common in places like Europe, which is down to the high cost of marijuana. Also, it isn’t recreationally legal in any European country. Therefore, casual users purchase it from the black market.

What Is a Spliff?

A spliff is quite similar to a joint. Its size and shape are usually that of a hand-rolled cigarette. It is quite small and thin, especially when compared to a blunt. The primary thing that sets apart a spliff from a joint is that the former contains some tobacco.

The contents of a spliff are much of a hybrid, typically not going above a 50/50 tobacco and weed mix. Some individuals enjoy spliffs more because of the additional nicotine buzz that it provides.

Where Are Spliffs Common?

Spliffs are more prevalent in parts of the world where good quality, inexpensive cannabis is hard to find. Additionally, in cities or countries where cigarette culture is widespread, discovering a spliff is not out of the ordinary. The United Kingdom is a splendid example of this. Smoking cigarettes is standard practice throughout the U.K. However, marijuana remains illegal recreationally.

At times, there is simply a shortage of quality marijuana, which is where rolling a spliff comes in handy. If you want your pot to last longer, mixing it with a pinch or two of tobacco is an ideal solution.

Adding in tobacco helps to mask the poor flavor of bad quality weed. Also, the tobacco may provide extra stimulation and energy due to its nicotine content. Aside from the United Kingdom, other countries throughout Europe also smoke spliffs frequently. It is an efficient way to consume cannabis. You can squeeze every last half gram out of your stash.

What’s Better (Joints, Spliffs, or Blunts)?

All three options have their pros and cons; so, let’s look at them individually.

Pros and Cons of Joints

There are some pros and cons of joints in comparison to spliffs and blunts:

Pros

First and foremost, it is relatively easy to learn how to roll one. Aside from weed, the only things you need are rolling papers and a lighter. You can also include a filter if that is your preference.

Once you have a bit of experience, you can roll a joint in 2-3 minutes. Joints are also small and easy to transport. You can even stash them in a cigarette box! Assuming you use standard rolling papers, there is nothing to interfere with the great taste of your weed. Then there is the small matter of versatility. You can add kief or sprinkle some concentrate on your cannabis while rolling for an extra kick.

Cons

If you are a novice user, you’ll probably find that joints burn exceptionally quickly. You also have to relight them quite often. This usually happens if your rolling technique is too loose or tight. If you don’t roll a joint properly, it could also lead to side burn. This is a royal pain in the ass that can render a joint unusable.

Pros and Cons of Blunts

Blunts come with their own list of pros and cons too:

Pros

If you are chasing a major high, you need to try a blunt! Even experienced users will find that a single blunt takes care of their weed needs. If the exterior consists of a tobacco leaf, you can also benefit from a mild buzz. This feeling is similar to what you might experience after a strong cup of coffee.

Blunt wrappers are far thicker than the rolling papers used for joints. As a result, a blunt will burn for a lot longer. If you’ve ever been in a group trying to pass a joint, you’ll know that you’re lucky to get in a couple of quick tokes. With a blunt, sharing is a lot easier. You will have a lot more fun when three people get stoned in the space of a few minutes!

A final benefit of a blunt is the infamous time bomb! This involves combining a joint with a blunt. After you have burned through the joint, you get an explosion of flavor. It is an experience you’ll find it hard to replicate with any other form of marijuana consumption.

Cons

The main issue with blunts is the difficulty in rolling one. If you find it tough to roll a joint, trying to create a blunt will drive you insane! Even when you know what you’re doing, it can take a long time to get it done. Therefore, blunts are best saved for special occasions or as part of a group of people looking to get stoned.

Pros and Cons of Spliffs

And finally, the pros and cons of spliffs in comparison to joints and blunts:

Pros

The presence of tobacco means that a spliff burns longer than a joint. You probably won’t experience side burning because the tobacco ensures that everything burns at an even rate. The nicotine in tobacco releases adrenaline and can also increase your blood sugar levels.

Spliffs have the same portability, and ease of creation benefits as joints. You may also find a spliff better for a clandestine smoke. The smell of tobacco can mask the tell-tale whiff of weed.

Cons

There are a couple of significant downsides to using spliffs. First of all, they don’t contain as much weed as joints, so it takes longer to get stoned. Secondly, you are putting your health at risk. While combusting weed can release carcinogens, combusting tobacco releases hundreds of cancer-causing toxins. If you don’t typically use tobacco, there is also a danger of addiction.

Final Thoughts on Spliffs, Blunts, and Joints

We hope this Cannabis 101 article helped to clear up any misconceptions or confusion about these three methods of marijuana consumption. The choice of whether to smoke a joint, blunt, or a spliff is an entirely personal one. All three options are useful ways to have your daily dose of weed.

We hope that you not only found this article entertaining but also educational and informative. It is important to remember that the consumption of cannabis is the sole responsibility of the user.