What are Joints? – The Complete Beginner's Guide
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Time: 8 min
You're not the only one who wants to know what are joints but is unsure of where to begin. Many people have the same questions now that cannabis will be legalized in Germany in 2024. We have everything you need, whether you're new to joints or simply want to learn more.
In reality, joints are very basic. Simply roll dried cannabis in thin paper. No need for tobacco, additives, or expensive equipment. It's just paper and cannabis. Consider it the most straightforward way to consume cannabis, much like eating bread and filling in a sandwich.
Table of Content
Learning the Fundamentals of Joints Difference: blunt, spliff, joint Choosing Your Rolling Papers Paper Sizes: What Works When Rolling Your First Joint: Step by Step Getting Ready The Rolling Process Mistakes Everyone Makes Preparing Your Cannabis Staying Safe and Smart European Legal Landscape Storage and What to Expect When Mistakes Are Made Cannabis Culture and Good Manners Conclusion FAQ
Learning the Fundamentals of Joints
The allure of joints is their simplicity. In contrast to fancy gadgets or bongs, joints keep things straightforward. When to light up, how much, and what goes in are all up to you.
What distinguishes joints, then? It's the content of pure cannabis. Blunts use tobacco wraps, while spliffs combine tobacco and cannabis. However, joints only use paper and cannabis. This implies that you can enjoy the full effects of cannabis without the health risks associated with nicotine or tobacco. For what reason do people favor joints? There are a number of causes. They are:
- Extremely portable
- Quite covert
- Additionally, you don't have to bring a lot of equipment or worry about batteries dying.
It can be almost meditative to roll a joint. Additionally, sharing a joint with friends fosters tradition and a sense of community.
Difference: blunt, spliff, joint
Understanding these differences isn't just for sounding smart. It helps you find what works best for you.
Type |
What's Inside |
Size |
Wrapped In |
How Long It Lasts |
Joint |
Pure |
Small to medium |
Thin rolling papers |
10-20 minutes |
Spliff |
Cannabis mixed with tobacco |
Medium |
Rolling papers |
15-25 minutes |
Blunt |
Pure cannabis |
Large |
Tobacco leaf wrap |
20-45 minutes |
- A pure cannabis experience is provided by joints. As cannabis gains acceptance and the negative effects of tobacco become more apparent, more Europeans are choosing them.
- In Europe, particularly in regions with a strong tobacco culture, spliffs are still widely used. They contain nicotine but use tobacco for structure and burning. Since legalization, spliffs have become less popular among German users.
- American hip-hop is the origin of blunts, which use tobacco leaves or cigar wraps. Compared to joints or spliffs, they are larger, last longer, and contain more cannabis. In addition to adding flavor, tobacco also contains nicotine.
Choosing Your Rolling Papers
The type of paper you choose is very important. It alters the overall experience, the way things burn evenly, and the way they taste.
- Hemp papers - are excellent in terms of flavor. They are thinner than wood pulp papers but thicker than rice papers because they are made from hemp fibers. They bring out the flavors of cannabis without overpowering them.
- Rice papers - are ideal because they burn slowly and have a neutral flavor. They can be challenging for novices due to their extreme thinness. However, they produce minimal ash and allow you to fully enjoy the terpenes in cannabis.
- Wood pulp papers are an excellent place to start. They are widely accessible and simple to handle. They are excellent for learning, but they burn more quickly than rice or hemp papers.
- Flavored papers - These papers include artificial flavors like vanilla or strawberry. Because they overpower the cannabis's inherent flavors, most people stay away from them.
Paper Sizes: What Works When
The length of your session and the amount of cannabis you use are influenced by the size of your paper. And the joint types that you choose.
- 1¼ inch papers - are perfect for beginners and solo sessions. They hold 0.3-0.7 grams of cannabis and burn for 5-15 minutes. They're great for learning without wasting your cannabis.
- King size papers - can handle 0.5-1.2 grams and last 15-25 minutes. They're good for sharing or longer sessions but require better rolling skills.
- King size slim papers - offer a good balance. They have the length of king size but the width of 1¼ inch. They're suggested for beginners, especially with hemp or wood pulp papers.
Rolling Your First Joint: Step by Step
Breaking it down makes rolling your first joint less intimidating. Expert advice: before consuming cannabis, try using herbs like chamomile or oregano.
Getting Ready
Prepare your supplies, including filter tips, rolling papers, cannabis flower, and a grinder. Locate a spotless, level area with adequate lighting.
Grind your cannabis until it's medium-fine. Small, uniformly burning pieces are what you want. Create your filter by folding a small piece of cardboard accordion-style or rolling it into a spiral. This gives your joint structure and prevents cannabis from falling through.
The Rolling Process
- Set up the paper with the sticky strip at the top, facing you. Place your filter at one end of the paper.
- Spread your cannabis evenly along the paper, using less near the filter end. Most joints use 0.3-0.8 grams of cannabis.
- Shape things up by gently rolling the paper between your thumbs and forefingers, forming a cylinder shape.
- Tuck and roll the non-sticky side of paper under the cannabis, then roll toward the adhesive strip. Keep it snug but not too tight.
- Seal the deal by licking the adhesive strip and pressing it down. Use just enough saliva to make it stick.
- Pack and finish by gently tapping the filter end to settle everything, then twist the open end closed.
Mistakes Everyone Makes
It is difficult to draw from joints that contain too much cannabis. It usually works better to use less cannabis than you believe you need. Uneven burning results from uneven spreading. Before rolling, take your time spreading the cannabis evenly.
Preparing Your Cannabis
It's important to grind your cannabis properly. It burns too quickly and could get past your filter if it's too fine. You'll experience harsh hits and uneven burning if it's too chunky.
The key is moisture. Overly dry cannabis crumbles and smokes harshly. It won't burn at all if it's too wet. When you gently squeeze good cannabis, it feels a little springy. Before grinding, remove all stems and seeds. These result in uneven burning and harsh smoke.
Staying Safe and Smart
Take your time and start small, especially if you're new to this or dealing with strains you don't know. You can never take it back once it's in your system, but you can always smoke more.
If at all possible, avoid the tobacco. While spliffs continue to be popular throughout Europe, pure cannabis joints remove the risk of nicotine addiction and the health risks associated with tobacco use. The Cannabis Act in Germany places a strong emphasis on harm reduction strategies like these.
Consider your current location. Authorities may forbid public consumption even in locations that are legal. Cannabis use is prohibited in Germany close to playgrounds, schools, and youth centers.
Never, ever use cannabis while operating a motor vehicle. and other cannabinoids impair your judgment and response time, in general.
European Legal Landscape
Adults can now carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and use it in private thanks to Germany's historic legalization in April 2024. Cannabis social clubs offer legal ways to obtain your supply, and you are allowed to grow up to three plants at home.
In Europe, each nation responds to this in a unique way. While Germany is at the forefront of recreational access, other countries, including the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, have their own strategies.
Even between nations that tolerate it, cannabis cannot be lawfully transported across international borders. When you enter a neighboring country, something that is completely legal in Germany becomes illegal.
Age restrictions are universal. Although medical professionals advise delaying use until the age of 25, when brain development is complete, cannabis products are legal in all European jurisdictions for adults 18 and older.
Storage and What to Expect
Storage is important to preserving potency and quality. Store it in airtight containers away from moisture, heat, and light. Jars made of glass are excellent for long-term storage.
Depending on your tolerance, metabolism, and the potency of the cannabis, effects typically start to manifest anywhere from right away to around fifteen minutes. You usually reach your peak in half an hour.
For most people, the entire experience lasts between one and four hours. The progression follows a pattern: first there is relaxation, followed by peak effects, and finally there is a slow decline. While sativa-dominant strains tend to energize your mind, indica-heavy strains tend to relax your body.
When Mistakes Are Made
Usually, uneven burning (runs) occurs when you roll one side of the cannabis too loosely or don't distribute it evenly. As you prepare, take your time and ensure that the thickness remains constant.
Generally speaking, harsh smoke indicates that your cannabis is either too dry, too finely ground, or burns too hot. Try adding some properly cured cannabis or varying the consistency of your grind.
When joints are packed too tightly or the filter is clogged, it becomes impossible to draw through. Reduce the pressure while rolling, and ensure that your filter permits adequate airflow.
Cannabis Culture and Good Manners
In European cannabis culture, sharing remains essential. Move to the left when passing joints around, avoid holding onto it while speaking (this is referred to as "parking"), and participate fairly in the conversation. For that is the true joint meaning. being unified and harmoniously sharing each other's time.
Be considerate of others' preferences regarding tobacco mixing, strain selection, and speed. Instead of peer pressure, personal choice and harm reduction are becoming more and more important in German cannabis culture.
Conclusion
You become a part of the cannabis culture by learning to roll joints. Start with high-quality materials and modest quantities. Keep in mind that everyone begins somewhere. Germany is at the forefront of Europe's expanding cannabis culture. Both the traditional and modern aspects of cannabis use are depicted in joints. We can help you if you're new to cannabis or want to get better. With our advice, you can enjoy joints in a safe manner.
"One spark, and suddenly the world feels lighter."
FAQ
What is the recommended dosage of cannabis for my first joint?
For your first joint, start with 0.2–0.3 grams. Beginners can handle this amount. If you want more, you can always make another.
Can I smoke a joint that has been sitting for weeks?
It won't taste good, though. Although they taste harsher, stored joints last for two to four weeks. Use the cannabis in a fresh joint if it's brittle and dry.
How should a joint be extinguished and stored for later?
To extinguish it, press the lit end against an ashtray. Never use water. After cooling, remove the burnt end to prevent a harsh taste and store it in a small container.
Author: Edijs Eleksis
Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!
