What is a blunt (weed)? History, definition & meaning

A blunt is a popular smoking method for consumers looking for a combination of tobacco and cannabis flavors that is typically shared by a larger group of people.

If you've used cannabis in the past, you've probably at least heard of blunts. Maybe you've been walking past them for years!

However, if you're new to the scene, you may be wondering, “What is a blunt?”

In this guide, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about blunts, from the definition/meaning and history of a blunt to wrapping materials, a comparison to joints, rolling, and more.

What is a blunt? Definition & meaning

Essentially, a blunt is like a cigar that has been stripped of its tobacco, filled with cannabis, and then resealed for smoking.

Blunts are easily recognized by their appearance. Since they are made from tobacco leaf paper, they are usually dark brown or light brown and larger in size compared to joints.

Blunts are known for their slow burn, allowing for longer, relaxed smoking. The tobacco leaf wrapper contains nicotine and provides a kick that can enhance the overall high.

Blunts can be shared with friends, making them a social way to consume cannabis. They are often associated with relaxation and recreational activities as they offer a longer-lasting smoking experience compared to other methods.

Why is it called Blunt?

Blunts are usually rolled in tobacco leaves, which are also used to wrap cigars. Most people buy cheap cigars, unroll them, and then reroll them with weed.

The name “Blunt” comes from a cigar called the Phillies Blunt. It is a cheap, machine-made cigar that is perfect for destroying to get to the wrapper. Handmade cigars, while much higher quality, can be quite expensive.

Another common name for a blunt is “LP” or “L,” a reference to the El Producto brand. “Dutch” refers to Dutch Masters.

Cigars/cigarillos from the brands Backwoods, Swisher Sweets and White Owl are also popular with blunt smokers.

The history of blunts

The origins of blunts date back to the Caribbean in the 19th century, where locals in Jamaica and Puerto Rico began smoking marijuana on tobacco leaves.

Today's blunts emerged in New York in the 1990s. The region's strict anti-drug laws forced users to disguise their cannabis joints by giving them the appearance of a cigar, which also helped mask the smell of the weed.

At that time, marijuana was a fringe drug, while cigars were a sign of nobility, elegance and power.

This method of consumption spread very quickly due to its discretion and became very popular among the famous rappers of the time (2Pac, The Notorious BIG, Snoop Dogg…), who even gave concerts with a blunt in their hand.

With the increasing popularity of American hip hop, the use of blunts also spread internationally.

What are blunt wraps?

Blunt wrap refers to the packaging material used to make a marijuana blunt.

Using a wrapper also enhanced the flavor when smoking a cannabis-filled blunt.

There are essentially two options available to you for purchasing your tobacco wrapping paper:

1. Buy a pre-rolled cigar or cigarillo, empty the contents and reuse the tobacco paper by filling it with weed before rolling it into a blunt.

2. Nowadays, tobacco leaf paper can be purchased individually, which is a more convenient alternative.

Tobacco-free “blunt wraps” are also available. These are made from hemp, banana leaves, palm leaves and other fibers.

How many cannabis flowers are in a blunt?

One reason why large blunts are so popular and ideal for sharing is the amount of weed they can hold.

The amount of weed a blunt can hold really depends on the size of the cigar or blunt wrap you are using.

A thin blunt can contain about 1 to 3 grams of weed. For comparison, a typical joint usually contains 0.5 to 1 gram of marijuana.

How long does it take to smoke a blunt?

While the time it takes to smoke a blunt will depend on the size of the blunt and how many people are sharing it, it should typically last quite a while.

Smaller blunts may take 10-20 minutes to fully smoke, while larger blunts may take 30 minutes or more.

Because of their size, blunts can hold a lot of weed and are easier to pass around during a long smoking session.

The thicker texture of a blunt wrapper also helps the smoke burn more slowly, similar to a traditional cigar.

How do you roll a blunt?

Blunts can be rolled using either a blunt wrapper or a cigar. You will also need some useful tools like a grinder to break up the dry buds.

Cigar wrappers can be brittle and difficult to work with, so it is helpful to moisten the wrapper before adding cannabis flowers.

When everything is prepared, add the ground grass, spread it evenly over the wrapper and roll it into shape.

Once the blunt is rolled, seal it by lightly licking the edge of the sheet of paper you plan to fold last.

After the blunt is sealed, briefly pass the flame of a lighter over it to “bake” the blunt, which will further ensure that the blunt holds together.

For those who have never tried rolling a blunt, it can seem intimidating. Here's a more detailed step-by-step guide to rolling a blunt to demystify the process.

What is the difference between a blunt and a joint?

The main differences between joints and blunts can be reduced to a few characteristics: appearance, size, effects and health aspects.

For more information, see our article “Comparing Joints and Blunts.”

1. Appearance and size

Blunts are usually larger than joints and hold 1.5 times as much cannabis as a joint. They look darker because they are made from cigar paper.

Joints, on the other hand, can be thinner, often transparent or white, and smaller.

2. Effect

A blunt burns longer and produces a stronger nicotine rush than joints because it uses a thicker cigar wrapper. The tobacco in a blunt also gives your weed high a buzz and more energy.

A joint does not burn as long, but contains no nicotine and is a convenient and classic way to smoke dry flowers.

3. Health aspects

Smoking cannabis in any form, be it blunt or joint, can have negative effects on the respiratory system.

However, since blunts contain tobacco, there are health risks associated with tobacco consumption – nicotine addiction.

The three best alternatives to blunts

Although blunts have gained popularity over time, not everyone prefers consuming cannabis wrapped in tobacco leaves.

For those looking for alternatives, there are several options:

1. Evaporator: Vaporizers heat cannabis without combustion, reducing the health risks associated with smoking while maintaining flavor and potency.

2. Edible: Cannabis-infused edibles offer a healthier method of consumption without inhaling smoke or the smell associated with smoking.

3. Glass Blunts: Glass blunts are reusable smoking devices that mimic the traditional blunt smoking experience.

Diploma

Blunts remain a popular part of cannabis culture, offering a unique smoking experience that combines the worlds of tobacco and cannabis.

Additionally, their larger size and slower burn rate make blunts great for sharing in smoking circles – a way to find community and relax.

However, blunts may not be the right choice for beginners. They are a little harder to put together, produce a stronger high from the nicotine, and definitely have a stronger smell.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful, and has inspired both novice and experienced smokers to delve into the world of blunts in a safe and informed manner.

You can determine which method (joint, blunt, spliff, bong, vaporizer, edibles, etc.) best suits your individual preferences when it comes to enjoying cannabis.