How to Roll a Joint (with a Video)

Your buds just asked you to roll one up. Your hands begin to sweat, your brain and fingertips are at odds, and you’re terrified that your whole friend group is going to learn your secret. You’re the only one that can’t roll! Or maybe, you just want to learn how to prep a nice joint so it will be there waiting for you when you get home from a long day at work.
Either way, we realize that rolling a joint can feel like a daunting task. That’s why our cannabis experts here at The Pass have compiled some tips for rolling up. Read on and watch our video to start growing your skills — and remember, practice makes perfect! Happy smoking.
What You’ll Need to Roll a Joint
Before you can start rolling up, you’ll need to get all your sesh supplies together. In addition to your favorite flower, of course, here are the items you’ll need to roll a joint:
- Rolling papers. There are a variety of options for rolling papers when it comes to sizes, brands, and materials (such as rice paper and hemp).
- Tip/filter. While not essential, most smokers like to use a tip or filter to help with airflow and prevent “scooby snacks,” or drawing little bits of ground-up bud into your mouth when you inhale.
- Grinder. You’ll need to break down your cannabis into smaller pieces to make it easier to roll. A grinder will produce a consistent size and texture, providing a smoother, more even smoke. You can also consider buying pre-ground flower, like our Select Grind line at The Pass, to avoid having to grind your own.
- Rolling tray. While some may prefer to just roll up on a table or over a magazine, a dedicated rolling tray can be an excellent addition to your rolling setup. They keep everything organized and in one place, and some even have compartments for the rest of your rolling items like papers and grinders.
- Lighter. Once your joint is rolled and ready to smoke, don’t forget your lighter so you can start the sesh!A Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling a Joint
The cannabis experts at The Pass have made an easy 10-step instructional video for rolling a joint, which we’ll also outline below.
Step 1. Hold the paper with the gum strip (translucent adhesive) side up.
Step 2. Place and hold the filter with your nondominant hand.
Step 3. Put in about a gram of ground-up flower.
Step 4. Cradle and roll both sides to round out the flower.
Step 5. Hold the filter and roll the paper’s nonadhesive edge over the filter.
Step 6. Hold the filter while you tuck and roll the non-adhesive side down the rest of the joint.
Step 7. Straighten any kinks and then lick the gumstrip.
Step 8. Seal the gumstrip down.
Step 9. Pack down the ground-up flower with a poker and twist the open end closed.
Step 10. Light up your joint!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rolling a Joint
Rolling a joint can be tricky, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you get it just right:
- Using too much or too little flower: Finding the right amount of flower to use is key. Too much can make it hard to seal, while too little can result in a loose joint that burns unevenly.
- Not grinding the flower properly: Unevenly ground flower can lead to an uneven burn. Aim for a uniform grind that is around a medium consistency — not as thin as sand but no large chunks, either.
- Using damaged papers: Crumpled or torn rolling papers can make rolling difficult. Always use fresh, flat papers.
- Rolling too tightly or too loosely: A tightly rolled joint will not draw well, while a loose one will burn too quickly.
- Rushing the rolling process: Take your time! You’ll eventually get faster and better at rolling — but while you’re just learning, it can take time and patience.
Alternative Rolling Methods
Is rolling a joint just not your thing? No worries. You’ve got a few other options.
- Cones. Pre-rolled cones are ideal for smokers who want to spend less time rolling and more time smoking! Simply stuff the prepared cone with ground flower and spark up. It’s the perfect way to “roll” your own joint without having to actually roll up.
- Pre-rolls. For the ultimate convenience, you can purchase pre-rolled joints from a dispensary. On our menu at The Pass, we have a wide variety of pre-roll options featuring top brands and sought-after strains. Don’t forget to check out our Tokin’ Tuesday daily deal, where you can mix ‘n’ match any 10 Green Gold Group, The Pass, Impressed, or EOS pre-rolls for a bundle price of $50!
Roll Your Way at The Pass
Whether you’re looking for accessories and tips from our experts to roll your own joint or prefer to pick out a convenient pre-roll from our menu, we’ve got you covered. Visit our store to chat with a budtender for more info, or order ahead online for easy pickup. We can’t wait for you to roll up!