Smoking a joint with friends is practically a rite of passage for cannabis consumers. But with this shared rite comes some rules of the road. As it turns out, over the 5,000 plus years of humans consuming the herb, cannabis has evolved and today claims its own unique slang, language, humor, literature, music, art, and etiquette. And nowhere is that etiquette more pronounced than when it comes to rolling, smoking and sharing a joint.

How to Smoke a Joint by Yourself

Whether you’ve rolled your own joint or opted for a pre-roll, the first step in lighting up is to “roast” your joint. Unlike a cigarette, where you light and inhale at the same time, joints should be roasted before inhaling by holding the flame to the end of the joint. Then rotate the joint to make sure it’s evenly lit all the way around. Roasting the joint first also helps to prevent canoeing (AKA running) or an uneven burn.

You may also want to consider adding a homemade filter or tip, also known as a crutch, which holds the end of the joint open, keeps plant matter out of your mouth, and protects your fingers and mouth from getting burned as you work your way down the roach. A crutch is really simple to construct and can be made with just about any kind of stiff paper (think about the thickness of a business card).

Now that you’re ready to start puffing, take a steady hit, then exhale slowly. If you are new to smoking, you’ll most likely cough, which is really normal. Drink some water between hits to soothe your throat and remember, smoking a joint is not like smoking a cigarette, where you smoke the whole thing down. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and take a break if needed.

Smoking Joints with Friends

Smoking joints with friends is where the rules of joint etiquette really apply. One of the first rules of smoking with friends is that the person who rolls the joint sparks it. However, the roller is, of course, allowed to pass the privilege to another.

Take two reasonably-long puffs without hogging the joint, and pass to your left, unless house rules specify otherwise. When you exhale, make sure that you don’t blow your smoke into someone else’s face, which is, at the very least, inconsiderate. And before you pass, ash your hit. This way, ashes won’t fall on your friends’ floor, furniture, clothing or skin (not cool, and ouch).

Speaking of hogging the joint, don’t hold onto it during your turn, also called “babysitting,” or “bogarting.” This usually happens when the holder is sharing a story, but regardless of how enthralling that tale might be, people don’t want to wait and watch the roach burn down while you hold court.

There are a few other tips to help you unlock Emily Post status in your smoking circle. An important thing to remember is that sharing a joint with friends is a communal activity, where laughs, stories, and yes – germs are shared. So do your best to not to slobber all over the joint (the person to your left will thank you), and if you are sick, be respectful of the group and let them know (and maybe bring your own piece). And last but not least, don’t peer-pressure a friend if they choose not to participate. It’s important to be respectful of both consumers and non-consumers.

SMOKING YOUR JOINT

1. Place the filter end into your mouth.
2. Use your lighter or match to ignite the other end.
3. Lightly suck air through the joint like drinking through a straw in order to light it.
4. Puff, puff, pass… or otherwise, take one or two drags (inhale the smoke) and wait. Do not smoke it continually like a cigarette. Give it time to take effect and pace yourself.

We urge you to smoke cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes responsibly. Inhaling any burning material exposes the body to carcinogens that have been linked to health conditions and the development of disease.

Smoking is one of the oldest practices in use, but it is not the only way to consume marijuana. Read Your Guide to Cannabis Consumption to learn more about the many methods available and their benefits.

A joint is another name for a cannabis cigarette

Marijuana is the most commonly smoked substance in the world, after tobacco. Smoked cannabis is known under different names in different countries. For example, in Canada and in the United States, it is commonly referred to as a joint, while in the United Kingdom, it is known as spliff. A joint is another name for a cannabis cigarette. Depending on how big you want it, a joint can usually fit anywhere between a quarter of a gram and even up to an eighth of an ounce. A joint was one of the first ways that marijuana was smoked. Simply put, a joint is a rolled marijuana cigarette. It is often rolled with partially translucent papers – known as rolling papers – that lack the awful additives found in cigars and cigarettes. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to rolling papers. However, going organic is always a good choice for those who aren’t too fond of inhaling paper smoke. Rolling papers can be made of a slew of healthy composites, including corn, plant cellulose, hemp, rice, flax seed, wood fibers or wood pulp. However, the interior of a joint is exclusively marijuana.

A joint was one of the first ways that marijuana was smoked. Simply put, a joint is a rolled marijuana cigarette. It is often rolled with partially translucent papers – known as rolling papers – that lack the awful additives found in cigars and cigarettes. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to rolling papers. However, going organic is always a good choice for those who aren’t too fond of inhaling paper smoke. Rolling papers can be made of a slew of healthy composites, including corn, plant cellulose, hemp, rice, flax seed, wood fibers or wood pulp. However, the interior of a joint is exclusively marijuana.