How to Light a Joint

Smoking a fat, perfect joint is easily one of the best ways to enjoy cannabis. However, if it is your first time or you haven’t smoked cannabis in years, you may not be sure about how to light a joint properly. Even if you're a cannabis connoisseur, if your joints burn unevenly, you might need to brush up on the basics. Understanding the best way to light a joint is essential to have a positive smoking experience. Thanks to its convenience, joints are one of the simplest ways to consume cannabis and share it with friends. For this reason, everyone has their own style of lighting a joint. However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a technique involved; creating the perfect burn depends on many factors that will ultimately give you a supremely enjoyable smoking session. "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this."

How to Properly Light a Joint

Before going into the process of lighting a joint, there are specific steps to follow in order to make the most out of your joint. Baptizing is a divisive practice among joint aficionados. Baptizing is when you moisten your joints before smoking them, it will burn more slowly, allowing you to enjoy the effects of cannabinoids fully rather than your flower being reduced to ash quicker than you can inhale. While some consumers swear by it, many smokers are philosophically opposed to it. As it is usually done with saliva, other people might feel disgusted by this step if you are going to share the joint. However, there are some alternatives like honey, brown alcohol like rum or whiskey, and even brandy or cognac will do the work. To properly baptize your joint, hold the top part, and pull it through your mouth, moistening it with your lips or the element of your preference. During actual smoking, another tip is to put a little bit of saliva on your finger and carefully moisten under the burns to extend the duration of your joint.

Lighting a Joint

To begin with, grab a classic Bic lighter. In case you don’t have one, you can also use matches, hemp wick, and even a stove. Virtually anything that provides a good flame is perfect to light your joint. The objective is to create a cherry -the tip of the joint that is actively burning-. To do so, hold your joint between your thumb and index finger and, with the other hand, apply a gentle flame to the tip. Slowly rotate the joint in your fingers to create an even burn, which will ultimately produce a smooth smoke. Also, while lighting up, take small puffs, but don’t inhale the first draw. When the cherry is completely lit and even, you are ready to start inhaling. Try not to draw too much at once, since it will encourage a faster burn right away. Smaller and longer hits will make the joint burn more slowly and produce a smooth smoke. An important tip is to avoid inhaling during ignition. We know it looks cool, but it often results in an uneven cherry and canoeing, the dreaded run of fast-burning herb that can sabotage a good joint. If you are smoking with other people, we are sure you don’t want to be the one who ruins a perfectly rolled joint.

How to Light a Joint Without Lighter

While some cannabis consumers prefer traditional lighters, there are some other sparking options out there to light up the fruit of your hard labor. Welcome to the ignition department.

​Do’s and Don'ts

Did you lose your clipper? You can thank the Universe because now you’re about to know exactly what you can do and what you shouldn’t when it comes to lighting a joint without a lighter.

DO’s

• If you are health-conscious, switch to hemp wicks, and you won’t be disappointed. To light a joint with a hemp wick, first spark up its end and angle it slightly up or down to stay in control of the burn. Twist the joint to create an even flame all around and alternate between puffs and flame. Easy peasy.
• Since hemp wicks are coated in beeswax, you’ll always have to be careful not to drip some. Once your joint is lit, put the hemp wick aside.

• When matches are the only fire-lighting tool you have around, wait for a few minutes before lighting the joint to let the chemicals burn off, especially sulfur. This way, the chemicals don't interfere with the unique taste of your joint.

DON’TS

• If you have a sensitive respiratory system, avoid butane lighters. Butane fumes can act as an allergen, irritating your eyes, skin, and lungs. Likewise, the fumes of regular candles can contain some irritants. Although it takes large amounts of an allergen to seriously damage the lungs, using these lighting alternatives constantly can represent a risk.
• Don’t inhale while lighting your joint with matches unless you want to drag some irritant chemicals like potassium chlorate, sulfur, and phosphorus to your lungs. Added to this, it may alter and corrupt the flavor of your weed.

​​How to Light a Cross Joint

Some people like to level up their rolling game and make a cross joint. However, knowing how to light a cross joint may be confusing once you’ve mastered this technique. The process is not as difficult as it looks, though. Spark the thick joint's cherry and gently puff on the butt end. Once it stays lit, ignite the twisted ends of the slim joint and take small drags. Congratulations! You've successfully lighted your cross joint. Now, sit back and enjoy the show because this Jay burns tremendously. PRO TIP: If you want your Cross Joint to burn evenly, sealing the air cracks it’s an important step to make sure that smoke travels from the burning ends to your mouth. Otherwise, both air and smoke will leak out the sides, making it almost impossible to get a good hit.

​How to Light a Joint Evenly

Has it ever happened to you that when you roll a fine joint and you light it up, it starts to burn down farther on one side than on the rest of the joint? If the answer is yes, do not feel sorry for yourself, we all have been there. This phenomenon is known as canoeing, and even though it can be quickly fixed by wetting a fingertip with saliva and dampening the burned-down end, the best thing you can actually do is check what you are doing wrong.

Not too loose, not too thick

First, be mindful of how you pack your 'J.' If your joint is loosely packed or too thick, it will consume irregularly. An improper, careless igniting technique can sabotage even the best-rolled joint.

Patience is your best pal

To avoid canoeing, twist and turn the tip of your Dobbie slowly to create the “cherry.” Start by applying the flame to only the tip and slowly rotating the joint between your fingers, ensuring that you equally light up the whole twisted end. Cherries always take a bit more direct heat, so please wait for it to burn to start inhaling properly. Once the cherry is off to a strong, even start, alternate between inhaling and applying additional flame to round and even it out as needed. Be patient while creating a long-lasting, fully lit cherry so you won't have to relight. Take nice, gentle drags; otherwise, if you inhale too fast during the lighting process, your jay will burn catastrophically.

Why Shouldn't I Inhale During Ignition?

We know that it seems the right thing to do, but the truth is that it is not. Lighting a cannabis joint is different from lighting a cigarette, in which you apply the flame directly while inhaling. We don’t recommend dragging while igniting the joint, as it often results in an uneven burned cherry. Besides sabotaging a good joint, you’ll be inhaling butane and increasing the possibilities of canoeing your ‘J,’ especially if it is a twax joint or blunt. However, this technique can be an in-a-pinch solution in high-wind scenarios, and it’s totally acceptable.

​Joint Smoking Etiquette

Suppose that you’re chilling with your friends and suddenly you’re handed a joint. Just like the table manners that your mama taught you, there is a Joint Etiquette that every smoking community member follows no matter their smoking experience level. Unless you want to be “that rude person” next time you hold a joint, follow the code of conduct below and retain your invite to the smoke circle with these helpful tips.

Doing the Honors

Unless this privilege is granted to you, the person who spent time rolling the joint has the right to light it and hit it first. If you still don’t have complete control over the ignition process, it’s better to politely say something like, “You worked so hard pulling this amazing joint out; you are the one that should do the honors,” than carelessly lighting it like a cigarette.

Puff, Puff, Pass

Show your good manners at the smoking circle by taking two hits and passing them. It is joint smoking’s golden rule. Although everyone loves to hear a good story when they gather to smoke, please don’t keep the joint for yourself while telling an anecdote unless someone instructs. We know that your friends appreciate that you share your thoughts, but the joint is not your microphone, so stick to the “puff, puff, pass” rule to keep sharing. Otherwise, everyone will turn anxious seeing how the appreciated joint is consumed until the cherry goes out in your hand.

Ash it Before You Pass it

So, you already puff twice, and now you’re about to pass the joint. The next step is to check the ash. No one wants ashes falling all upon their shirt or getting their carpet burned, right? Skipping the responsibility of ruining your friend's furniture with burn holes is easy: Ash it before you pass it.

Avoid Cloudy Faces

When inhaling, be conscious of the force and direction in which you exhale your hit. The most polite thing to do is tilt your head slightly upwards or downwards when exhaling. Although getting tripped up by a cannabis breeze is common, no one likes to take a cloud to the face.

Complete the Circle

As we mentioned above, it’s well known in the smoking community that the joint roller is the one who lights it, hits it first, and then passes it to the left. Continue passing the joint to the left until the ‘circle’ is completed, which means that everyone has hit the joint once. To avoid the possibility of skipping someone unintentionally, continue passing the joint to the left, maintaining the order until it finished.

Don’t Pass the Roach.

When you reach out the last 1/4 of a joint, it starts to taste “funny.” When this happens, you know that it’s time to let go of the joint. Take one or two more drags and put out the roach, don’t pass it.

Don’t Show up with your Hands Empty.

It’s always awkward when someone frequently jumps into the joint rotation without contributing. If you’re up for a smoking session, providing a considerable bud amount is the best thing you can do. If you don’t have any bud to contribute, your friends will appreciate it if you offer cash or food, for example. Doing so will ensure an open invite to the smoking circle.

Tips for First Time Weed Smokers

Welcome to the cannabis world! If this is your first time smoking cannabis, don't panic, we have you covered. The beauty of this plant is that it affects its users differently. While some first-time smokers assure that they felt light-headed or had no effects at all, others have shared that they got utterly stoned. Keep reading down below for knowing what to expect, plus some helpful tips that will ensure an enjoyable smoking experience.

Choose your Smoking Device

Even though joints are a staple of the smoking community, there are plenty of different smoking options, including blunts, bowls, bongs, one-hitters, vapes, and other varieties of devices on the market. Nevertheless, the intensity of a bong hit is not recommended for novice users. If this is your first time, you might want to keep it simple by sharing a joint with a friend. Moreover, vaporizers are a great, mild alternative for first-smokers and those looking to avoid potential respiratory irritation. Visit our shop to see our tasteful variety of vape cartridges and start your smoking journey.

Check your Strain’s Effects

Before you start, knowing what you’re smoking it’s essential. Are you smoking an energizing Sativa, a relaxing Indica, or perhaps an evenly balanced hybrid with the best features of both worlds? Knowing the expected effects of a strain will help you go through the process and enjoy the trip. On the one hand, when you smoke a Sativa strain, expect a euphoric head high with uplifting effects. You'll feel energized, alert and focused. These are strains best suited during the day, ideal for fulfilling creative tasks. On the other hand, Indica varieties are perfect after a long day of work. You’ll feel a relaxing body buzz that will soothe any pain, followed by an intense appetite stimulation, aka the munchies. Finally, a strong sedative effect comes upfront for a good night's sleep. In case you want to start smoking but don’t want to feel a strong high, you can always try CBD flower. Unlike THC, this cannabinoid won’t get you high, but it will still offer you a relaxing, mellow sensation. Botany Farms has the best organic hemp flower for you to enjoy, so check out our garden.

THC Content

Be aware of the THC content of the strain you’re using. Although some sites suggest 10mg of THC for starters, we recommend beginning with a lower dose, like 2.5mg when smoking and 5mg of THC if you’re ingesting it. Choose strains with a moderate level of THC (15%-20%) or with some CBD to take the edge of the intoxication you feel. For first-time smokers, two inhalations are all it takes to feel THC’s potent effects, but if you feel buzzed after a single hit, sit back and enjoy the ride. A tiny amount can go a very long way, so always play safe, stay within your limits, and wait the recommended time average to check how you are feeling before increasing the dose. If you consume too much cannabis when getting high for the first time, you may experience confusion, anxiety, and paranoia.

Take your Time

If you're wondering how much time you should wait for increasing the dose of cannabis you are smoking, the answer is that it all comes down to the consumption method. When smoking, we recommend first-timers wait 15-20 minutes before taking an additional drag. During this period, the effects of the strain you pick will become more pronounced. Take it slow and listen to your body. When you feel satisfied with how you feel, save the rest for later by gently pressing the burning end of the joint down the way you might do with a tobacco cigarette. You should never feel pressured to finish a joint. With edibles is a whole different story. Everyone’s metabolism is different, but it is essential to know that it takes about two hours for your body to process the THC you ingested. Thus, don’t overindulge and wait this average time to check your reaction to edibles before adjusting the dosage.

Don’t Smoke Alone

We suggest having someone you know and trust by your side when trying any mind-altering substance. Since you have no idea how marijuana will personally affect you, sign up for this new, fun adventure with some friends to help keep you grounded in case you feel overwhelmed by the effects.

Put some easy-to-listen music to set you in the mood, chill out and try to make your first time smoking weed as enjoyable as possible. Share with your friends how you feel during the smoking session and help yourself not overindulge your first time. Gain more experience smoking weed and when you’re aware of your limits and tolerance, feel comfortable having a spliff on your own.

Keep Your Mouth Moist

THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors located in the submandibular glands, interrupting saliva’s production, turning your mouth into a desert. This is known as cottonmouth, one of the most common side effects associated with smoking cannabis. Keep your mouth moist and avoid this unwanted out-turn by pre-hydrating before you start smoking. An even better idea is to carry a bottle of water nearby to rehydrate before things get dry. This is a temporary side-effect, so there’s no need to panic. However, notice that the more you smoke, the stronger this side effect will be, but once the THC effects in our system have worn off, the cottonmouth side effect disappears.

Ready, Set, Munchies!

There's a high possibility that you feel starving, especially if you chose an Indica-dominant variety. Prepare yourself in advance with some healthy snacks because when the munchies take hold, you might want to eat the world without leaving the couch.

Flight Attendants, Prepare for Landing Please

On behalf of Botany Farms and its flight crew, we welcome you to the relaxation oasis often known as The Outcome. Please remain on your couch with your seat belt securely fastened because you're about to get hit by cannabis’ warm, sedative wave. Thankfully, this comedown isn't as bad as a terrible hangover. Don't worry about being too tired or sleepy - this is an expected effect and will wear off. Our advice is don’t fight it, go with it, and surrender.

Best Way to Light a Joint

As we mentioned before, everyone has a different way to light their joints, but it all comes down to one common aspect: create an even cherry. If you are still wondering if there are some other factors that may make it difficult for you to light a joint, we have some tips for you. First of all, leave the tip on. The rolled tip creates a paper overlap, which allows the paper to burn more slowly and gives you more time to make sure your joint is lit and burning evenly. Although some smokers cut if off, this will save you the frustration of seeing how the tip of your joint burns unevenly. By the time you’ve put it out, a good amount of cannabis might be already put to waste. If the weather is chilly and windy, lighting a joint will be a hassle. When smoking inside is not an option, the wind will make the flame stutter. While it might partially burn your joint, it won't be enough for it to be perfect. You can try creating a shelter with a jacket or your hands, but sometimes it could not be enough. In this case, anywhere nearby that provides even a little cover from directional wind will be essential. Is there a tree that can shield you from the direction of the wind? Sometimes a good position is all that matters. On the other hand, if you are willing to make some investments, there are lighters with windshields and lighters with wind-proof ignitions. In addition, you can get fancy with butane lighters or plasma lighters, or battery-charged flameless lighters. For these types of lighters, all you have to do is press your joint against a hot-spot unaffected by the wind. Learning how to properly light a joint will definitely make it easier for you to start smoking. Pre-rolls are perfect for cannabis lovers who don’t have time to roll a joint. If you are still brushing up on your rolling skills, check out Botany Farms pre-rolls. Our selection of CBD flower pre-rolls will give you all the benefits of whole-plant cannabis and are perfect to take anywhere. Our extremely low THC content means you can enjoy them anytime. They are a perfect way to enhance your wellness routine.