Spliff vs Joint vs Blunt: Pros and Cons of Different Smoking Methods

Joint, blunt, doobie, jay, roach—you’ve probably heard all these names used to describe smokable cannabis rolled in paper. While they’re often used interchangeably, the differences usually come down to the type of paper or the size of the roll.

But when it comes to a spliff vs joint, these terms aren't easily swapped. So, what’s the difference?

A joint contains only cannabis rolled in a paper, making it pure marijuana without any added ingredients. The paper can vary, including hemp, rice, or wood pulp. A spliff, on the other hand, is rolled similarly but contains a mix of cannabis and tobacco.

Curious how spliffs, joints, and blunts compare? Keep reading for a deeper dive into cannabis terminology.

Tables of Contents
What’s a Joint?
What’s a Spliff?
What’s a Blunt?
Spliff vs Joint Simplified
What Kind of Paper is Used to Roll a Joint vs Spliff?
Joints vs Blunts vs Spliffs Pros and Cons
FAQ: Joints vs Blunts vs Spliffs

Key Takeaways

• Spliffs and joints both contain cannabis rolled in cigarette papers.
• Spliffs contain tobacco whereas joints do not.
• Both are popular for social smoking, but spliffs may give an energetic buzz thanks to their tobacco content.
• Blunts are another cannabis smoking style that contains tobacco, but the rolling style and paper are different.

What’s a Joint?

You may already have this covered, but we’ll touch on it anyways for all the new cannabis consumers out there. A joint refers to cannabis that’s rolled into a thin paper that sort of resembles a cigarette. Joints can be rolled with a crutch or a filter, or they can be rolled without. 

The appeal of a joint is that they are quick, easy, and low-cost, and they generally preserve the flavor of the cannabis better than a blunt (which is rolled with a cigar wrap).

What’s a Spliff?

A spliff is less common than a joint, especially in the U.S. (although they are pretty popular and commonplace in Europe). Spliffs are similar to joints in that they are comprised of cannabis rolled in a thin rolling paper. Spliffs, however, contain a blend of cannabis and tobacco.

Thanks to the addition of tobacco, a spliff is a sort of mix between a joint and a blunt (which contains tobacco by default since its wrapped in a tobacco leaf).

Like a joint, though, spliffs are thinner and are often rolled with a crutch or filter. Still, they are usually enough to be shared with one or two friends, and many people enjoy the combination of tobacco and cannabis for a daytime, social smoke.

How much tobacco is in a spliff?

There’s no exact science to how much tobacco goes in a spliff, or what kind of tobacco you should use. Just like there are hundreds of cannabis strains to choose from, you can also choose your tobacco blend and proportions to meet your particular preference.

What's a Blunt? 

A blunt is a type of cannabis cigar that involves rolling cannabis in a tobacco leaf wrapper, typically from a cigar or cigarillo. Unlike joints or spliffs, which use rolling papers, blunts are distinguished by their tobacco leaf wraps, which contribute to a unique flavor and a slower burn. This combination of cannabis and tobacco makes blunts heavier and more robust in taste.

Blunts are generally larger and thicker than joints and spliffs, making them suitable for sharing in social settings. The tobacco in the wrap can add a stimulating effect, complementing the cannabis high and providing a different smoking experience. Many users appreciate the extended smoking session and the distinctive flavor that blunts offer.

Joint vs Blunt vs Spliff Simplified

To break it down, spliffs, joints, and blunts are all defined by how much cannabis and tobacco they contain.

Joints only contain cannabis, blunts contain cannabis but are rolled with a tobacco leaf, and spliffs contain a mix of cannabis and loose tobacco rolled in a joint paper. All three smoking apparatuses have their place, and choosing your favorite smoking style is really a matter of preference.

Keep in mind that smoking tobacco may come with an increased risk compared to smoking cannabis on it’s own. Smoking, in general, poses some level of risk to the lungs (which is why many people opt for cannabis vapes instead!).

What Kind of Paper is Used to Roll a Joint vs Spliff?

Both joints and spliffs are rolled with cigarette papers or rolling papers, although the type of paper you choose is totally based on preference.

These papers come in many different sizes–1 ¼, 1 ½, wide, and king–which will affect the final size of your joint or spliff. You can also choose from thin, ultra thin, regular, and different paper thicknesses, as well as different paper materials, including hemp, rice, wood pulp, flax, and more. These all affect the smoke output and flavor, or lack thereof, of the smoking experience.

Finally, you can find rolling papers that are flavored with artificial and natural flavors, such as cherry, chocolate, or menthol flavored rolling papers.

Ultimately, any combination of these options can be used to roll either a spliff or a joint. The one key difference is that larger papers are usually chosen for rolling spliffs in order to accommodate both the tobacco and the cannabis.

Joint vs. blunts vs. spliffs: Which is best?

If you’re having trouble choosing between spliffs, joints, and blunts, let’s explore the pros and cons of each:

Pros	Cons
Portable and discreet to carry Easy to light Social, good for sharing Preserve flavor of cannabis Can be put out and saved for later	Rolling a joint is more difficult than rolling a blunt Not very discreet to smoke (strong smell)

Pros	Cons
Portable and discreet to carry Easy to light Can be shared easily Daytime buzz/energetic feeling from tobacco May smell more like a cigarette, making it more discreet to smoke	Tobacco may impose increased health risks Can dilute the flavor of cannabis Can be difficult to learn to roll properly Need to experiment with proportions to get the blend right.

Pros	Cons
Portable Easy to light Great for sharing with larger groups Can be put out and smoked later Tobacco leaf may add energizing feel Wraps come in many flavors and are easy to access Easier to roll than joints and spliffs	Tobacco may pose increased health risks Tobacco wrap will dilute flavor of cannabis Hard to find unflavored wraps

Can I Use Hemp to Roll a Joint or Spliff?

You’ll be happy to know that you can use any kind of cannabis to roll a spliff, joint, or blunt. Many people are learning to love hemp’s non-psychoactive effects, and Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-O are all gaining popularity. Aside from providing a different range of effects, hemp flower is available online and can be shipped directly to your door.

Looking for Delta-8-THC flower to roll up? Check out our Elev8 Collection.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between joints, spliffs, and blunts is essential for a tailored cannabis experience. While each offers a unique way to enjoy the herb, personal preference and health considerations play a pivotal role in one's choice.

As cannabis culture evolves, so does consumption style, and being informed helps users navigate their ideal method for enjoyment.

FAQs aboutJoint vs. blunts vs. spliffs

Do blunts ruin your teeth?

Blunts can cause dental issues due to tobacco content and smoke exposure. Regular use may lead to staining, decay, and gum disease.

How many cigarettes equal a joint?

Comparing a joint to cigarettes isn't straightforward due to varying THC and nicotine content. One study suggests a single joint could equal 5 cigarettes in lung impact.

Why is it called a blunt?

"Blunt" comes from the Phillies Blunt brand cigar, historically hollowed out and refilled with cannabis. The term now generally refers to any cigar refilled with cannabis.

Which country smokes the most?

China leads in cigarette consumption, with over 300 million smokers. Russia and Indonesia also have high smoking rates.

Is a joint stronger than a spliff?

A joint is typically considered stronger than a spliff because it contains only cannabis, while a spliff is a mix of cannabis and tobacco. The strength depends on the ratio of cannabis to tobacco in a spliff.

What's better, joint or blunt?

The preference between a joint and a blunt depends on individual taste. Joints are rolled with paper and contain only cannabis, offering a cleaner flavor. Blunts are rolled with cigar wraps and typically provide a longer-lasting and more robust smoking experience due to the added tobacco.

What do Americans call a joint?

Americans commonly refer to a joint as a "doobie," "jay," "reefer," or simply "joint."

Why is it called a spliff?

The term "spliff" is believed to have originated in the Caribbean and refers to a mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled in a paper. It distinguishes this type of roll from a pure cannabis joint.

Why are spliffs so good?

Spliffs are popular for several reasons:

• Balanced Effects: The mix of tobacco and cannabis can provide a balanced high with the stimulating effects of nicotine and the relaxing effects of cannabis.
• Economical: Adding tobacco can make cannabis last longer.
• Smooth Smoke: The combination often results in a smoother smoking experience.

What is a doobie?

A "doobie" is a slang term for a joint, which is a rolled cigarette containing cannabis. It is a common term used in American cannabis culture.