Joint Rolling for Beginners - Step-by-Step Guide

Let's get your supplies together before we start learning how to roll joints. You don't need anything special—just the basics:

• Rolling papers (we suggest starting with regular size, not king size)
• Ground cannabis (0.3 to 0.5 grams for beginners)
• Filter tips or thin cardboard for crutches
• Grinder (or clean scissors if you don't have one)

• A rolling tray to keep everything in one place
• A poker tool (or a thin pen) to pack
• A lighter to test the draw

Start with regular 1¼ size papers because they're easy to work with for beginners. To help you decide, here's a quick comparison:

Hemp papers are great for learning because they burn more slowly and evenly than rice papers. Use the very thin papers only when you know the basics.

The quality of your joint depends on how well you prepare it. If you grind cannabis too finely, it burns too quickly. If you leave it in big chunks, it burns unevenly and hits hard.

• Try to get a consistency like that of coarse sea salt
• Take out the stems and seeds (though good cannabis doesn't usually have these)
• Don't grind too much; you want texture, not powder
• Cannabis that is a little wet burns more evenly, but cannabis that is dry grinds more easily

For your first joint, use 0.3 to 0.5 grams. This gives you enough to work with without being too much. Once you know how to do it, you can always roll bigger joints.

Don't worry; when you break it down into steps, rolling a joint is easier than it looks. If you follow these simple steps, you'll have a perfectly rolled joint in no time. Take your time and make sure you do each step right the first few times.

Make a filter tip first. This keeps the cannabis from getting into your mouth and gives your joint structure.

1. Cut a small piece of thin cardboard that is about 1 inch long and ½ inch wide
2. At one end, make three or four small accordion folds
3. To make a small cylinder, roll the rest of the dough around these folds
4. The filter should fit snugly but not too tightly so that air can flow through it

With the adhesive strip on top, hold your rolling paper so that it faces you. The shiny side of the tape should be facing down toward you. Put your filter at one end of the paper; this is the end of the joint that goes in your mouth.

Spread your ground cannabis evenly over the paper, leaving some space at each end. Make a slight taper, with more cannabis in the middle and less at the filter end. This makes the classic shape of a joint and helps it burn evenly.

This is where the magic happens. To shape the cannabis into a cylinder, lightly roll the paper back and forth between your thumbs and forefingers. Don't hurry this step; you're building the base for how well your joint will burn.

Tip for you: Put on light, even pressure. You want the cannabis to be packed but not too tightly. Instead of "bear hug," think "snug hug."

This is the hardest part, but you can do it:

1. Put the paper's non-adhesive edge under the cannabis
2. Wrap the paper around the cannabis, making sure everything is tight but not too tight
3. When you get to the sticky strip, give it a light lick (don't soak it)
4. Press down on the glue to seal the joint

Use a poker tool or the tip of a pen to gently pack down the cannabis from the open end. You want it to be firm but not too tight. Airflow is very important. Twist the extra paper at the end to keep everything inside.

Test your creation before you light it:

• Draw Test: Without lighting it, take a soft draw. You should feel a little resistance, but the air should flow freely
• Check the paper visually: Look for any loose spots or gaps
• Squeeze Test: Gently squeeze along the joint to see if it feels consistently firm

Don't be afraid to unwrap and roll again if something doesn't feel right. Every experienced roller has been there.

Start with the basics: Before you try cones, blunts, or other fancy techniques, you should learn how to do basic joints. First, walk, then run.

Practice with Herbs: If you don't want to waste cannabis while you learn, use dried oregano or other kitchen herbs instead. The technique works perfectly.

Keep Everything Dry: When your fingers are wet, papers stick to you instead of to themselves. When you can, work in a place with low humidity and keep your hands dry.

Roll Multiple Papers: To get used to the rolling motion, practice it with empty papers. This costs a few cents and helps you feel more sure of yourself.

Get a grip: Everyone holds papers in a slightly different way. Try moving your fingers around until you find a position that feels right.

The Dollar Bill Method: Put your paper and weed in a clean dollar bill, roll the bill to shape the joint, then take the bill out and seal the paper. This gives you more power over what you learn.

Rolling machines: No shame in using a joint roller while you practice. These tools cost between $5 and $10 and always give you the same results. They also help you learn how to properly tension your joints.

Cone Papers: With pre-made cones, you don't have to worry about rolling them; just fill, pack, and twist. They're great for learning how to properly prepare and pack cannabis.

Be aware of the laws in your area: Adults in Germany can own and use cannabis thanks to Germany's Cannabis Act, but the rules for using it in public vary from state to state. Before you light up, make sure to check the rules in your area.

Start Low, Go Slow: If you're new, start with 0.2 to 0.3 grams of cannabis. You can always smoke more, but once it's lit, you can't smoke less.

Don't ever drive while high: Cannabis makes it harder to react and think clearly. According to research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, THC can make it hard to drive for several hours after you use it. Before you eat, make plans for how you'll get there.

Be Kind to Others: Not everyone likes the smell of cannabis smoke. Think about your neighbors, people who don't smoke, and shared spaces.

The paper keeps tearing: This could be because you're using too much water on the glue or you're being too rough with the paper. Use just enough spit to make it sticky, not wet.

Can't get it tight enough: If you can't get it tight enough, it usually means you're not shaping the weed right before you roll it. To make a strong base, spend more time rolling back and forth.

The joint won't stay lit: The joint won't stay lit because your weed is either too wet, too tightly packed, or too finely ground. Go over your steps and make any necessary changes.

Burns Too Quickly: You either ground your weed too finely or rolled it too loosely. Try to get the consistency of coarse salt and pack it more tightly.

More Advanced Tips for Better Joints

Try these techniques once you know the basics:

The Boat Way: Before you add cannabis, make a small boat shape with your paper. This gives you more control over how things are spread out.

Inside Out Rolling: Roll with the sticky strip facing in to cut down on paper waste and make the taste better. It takes practice to get this technique right, but it makes joints that burn more cleanly.

Blends Made Just for You: You can make your own experiences by mixing different strains or adding CBD flower.

The Best Packing: For the best airflow and burn, pack the cannabis tighter at the filter end and looser at the tip.