Joints, blunts, and spliffs–what’s the difference? They’re all ways to smoke marijuana in a convenient rolled up package, but these three rolls are not the same. 

The main difference between joints, blunts, and spliffs is that two of the three also contain tobacco. The amount of tobacco in each roll creates a different experience. And, depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll likely prefer one over the others. 

Not sure which roll would be right for you? Read on to discover the differences between joints, blunts, and spliffs, as well as each smoking method’s pros and cons. 

What Is a Joint? 

A joint is a cannabis cigarette that doesn’t contain tobacco. These small, portable rolls are made by wrapping ground cannabis in joint paper. You can buy pre-rolled joints at a dispensary or roll your own using your choice of flower and paper. 

The main difference between joints and other rolls is that joints don’t contain any tobacco. If you want to smoke marijuana but you don’t want to consume tobacco or nicotine, a joint is perfect for you. 

Notably, joints are usually the roll of choice for people who smoke marijuana for medical concerns like pain, anxiety, or stress. If you’re consuming marijuana specifically for medical benefits, it's best to steer clear of tobacco and nicotine. 

What Is a Blunt? 

Blunts are cannabis cigarettes with tobacco leaf wrappers. They’re made by placing ground marijuana inside hollowed out cigars or blunt wraps. Blunts are often made using cigarillos that can be easily found at convenience stores, such as Swisher Sweets. 

Because blunts contain some tobacco, they create a different experience compared to joints. People describe blunts as having a “buzz” due to their nicotine content. Blunt wraps also burn more slowly than joints because they’re made of thicker paper, creating a different experience during the actual smoking process as well. 

What Is a Spliff? 

A spliff is a blend of marijuana and tobacco in rolling papers. It’s essentially a cross between a joint and a traditional tobacco cigarette. The ratio of cannabis to tobacco in a spliff is usually 1:1, but it can be customized. Spliff wraps can be made with joint papers or tobacco papers.

Since spliffs contain a large amount of tobacco, they create a significantly different smoking experience compared to joints. You’ll definitely get the taste and effects of tobacco when smoking a spliff. People often describe spliffs as more energetic and buzzy than joints. 

Which Is Right For You? 

Now you know the difference between these three rolls, but which is right for you? 

If you don’t want to consume any tobacco, you’ll want to choose a joint. Beyond that, there are nuanced differences between blunts, joints, and spliffs that can change which you prefer. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each smoking method. 

Pros and Cons of Smoking Joints 

Joints have many benefits. They’re small, portable, easy to use, and easy to share. They’re easy to customize using your choice of flower and plain or flavored papers. They also don’t contain tobacco, which many consider a plus. 

Joints also have drawbacks. One is that they have a strong weed smell compared to rolls that contain tobacco, so they’re not discreet. Another is that it takes experience to be able to roll a joint well. However, dispensaries typically have a wide range of pre-rolled joints, so joints are still an accessible option for newer smokers. 

Pros and Cons of Smoking Blunts 

Blunts are portable, easy to share, and they provide a uniquely buzzy feel you won’t get from tobacco-free rolls. Cigar wrappers and blunt rolls also come in an array of flavors, so it’s easy to have variety in your blunt smoking routine. 

Yet, the pros of blunts can also be considered cons depending on what you’re looking for. Blunts contain tobacco, which has a strong smell and taste, and comes with health risks. And, in general, if you don’t want a highly flavored experience when you’re smoking marijuana, you may not like blunts. Cigar wraps and blunt rolls have a tobacco flavor and also often contain added flavors. 

Pros and Cons of Smoking Spliffs 

Spliffs contain a mixture of weed and tobacco, giving them a uniquely buzzy, energetic experience. Because they contain a significant amount of tobacco, spliffs can also be more discreet than joints when it comes to marijuana smell. These small, portable, sharable wraps may be mistaken for tobacco cigarettes.  

But spliffs aren’t for everyone. They contain a large amount of tobacco, which has a strong aroma and can be harmful to your health. Furthermore, not everyone enjoys the buzzy feel of nicotine, so mixing cannabis with tobacco simply isn’t for everyone. In general, people who don’t already enjoy tobacco might not like spliffs. Spiff smokers are often already tobacco smokers. 

Final Thoughts

Joints, blunts, and spliffs are all convenient ways to smoke cannabis, but they offer different experiences. If you’re still not quite sure which is right for you, ask a DC Collective team member for recommendations during your next visit. We’re always happy to explain different consumption methods and give personalized suggestions.