Sure, you may have heard of the cannabis blunt, but do you really know what it is, where it came from, or how to enjoy it? We’re taking a deep dive into what it’s made of and why it remains so iconic after all these years. Learn the difference between wrap types, how blunts compare to joints and spliffs, and what to expect from the full blunt experience.
Blunts at a Glance: A cannabis blunt is a cigar that’s had its central tobacco filling replaced with ground cannabis, leaving the outer tobacco wrap. As a result, blunts offer a richer and more intense flavor, a slower burn, and the added effects of nicotine and other intoxicating compounds present in tobacco. Some blunts feature nicotine-free wraps made of hemp paper, offering a smoother, gentler ride while retaining the core blunt experience.
What Is a Blunt?
A blunt consists of cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf or cigar wrap instead of rolling papers, like a joint. While larger than traditional pre-rolls, it’s the wrap (not the size or the flower) that’s the defining characteristic of a blunt.
Inside, you’ll typically find 1-2 grams of ground flower, along with optional cannabis concentrates, ranging from kief to rosin to distillate, for an infused session.
Some newer variations use extra-width hemp paper for a smoother, nicotine-free experience. Overall, blunts offer a slower, longer burn time, thicker, richer smoke, and a highly distinctive taste profile.
Blunts have also been a huge part of pop culture for the past few decades. Besides all those ‘90s hip-hop tracks referencing “Phillies blunts” and other brands, there’s the “dream blunt rotation” meme, which asks of the ideal group of celebrities, fictional characters, or public figures someone would most want to kick back and share a blunt.
Blunts vs. Joints vs. Spliffs: What’s the Difference?
Blunts aren’t the only way to enjoy cannabis in a rolled-up, ready-to-go format. To help you sort through the options, here’s a comparison chart that demystifies the terms.
| Factor | Blunt | Joint | Spliff |
| Wrap | Tobacco leaf or cigar wrap | Rolling paper | Rolling paper |
| Contents | Cannabis only | Cannabis only | Cannabis + tobacco |
| Nicotine | Yes (unless hemp wrap) | No | Yes |
| Burn Time | Longest | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flavor | Rich, tobacco-forward | Clean, strain-forward | Tobacco + cannabis blend |
| Experience Level | Any | Beginner-friendly | Any |
Is a joint better than a blunt or a spliff? It all comes down to your personal preferences and goals. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose one, the other (or both!).
What are the best ready-to-roll options on dispensary shelves? Brush up on your cannabis knowledge with our guide to pre-rolls.
What Is a Blunt Wrap? Types of Wraps Explained
The wrap is what truly defines the blunt, but these days, there are more options than most people realize. From tobacco leaves and Backwoods to hemp paper, here’s a quick breakdown.
Tobacco Leaf Wraps
As the most classic and traditional wrap, the natural tobacco leaf is hard to beat. This includes the popular Backwoods cigar brand, noted for its sweet flavors and all-natural wrap. It lends itself to the unroll-and-repack method, which has earned it something of a cult following. The result is a rustic, slow-burning blunt with a distinctly rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with bold and aromatic strains.
It’s important to note that tobacco leaf wraps, by nature, contain nicotine, an addictive stimulant drug and nitrogen-containing chemical.
Cigarillo Wraps
Cigarillos like Swisher Sweets, White Owl, and Phillies are another popular blunt base. Gut the tobacco filling, pack with ground cannabis, and you’re good to go. They’re widely available at convenience stores and gas stations, making them one of the most accessible options for rolling on the fly. These wraps also contain nicotine.
Standalone Blunt Wraps
Pre-made, optimized for rolling and ready to fill, these products, which include Juicy Jay’s, Game, and other popular brands, offer a wide range of flavors, sizes, and other options. Because they’re designed specifically for blunt rolling, they tend to be more forgiving and consistent than gutting a cigarillo, making them a solid choice for newer rollers. As with tobacco leaf and cigarillo wraps, they contain nicotine.
Hemp Wraps (Tobacco-Free)
A modern tobacco- and nicotine-free option, wraps made of hemp paper are growing in popularity. Made only of all-natural hemp fiber, they’re a smoother-tasting and user-friendly way for consumers to enjoy the classic weed blunt experience while skipping tobacco entirely.
Because they burn cleanly and don’t compete with the flavor of the flower, hemp wraps are a particularly good pick for anyone who wants to let the strain’s natural taste shine.
Ready to try rolling for yourself? Learn how to roll the perfect blunt with our step-by-step guide.
How Much Weed Is in a Blunt?
Weed blunts typically contain 1–2 grams of flower, depending on the wrap size. It’s worth noting that, in general, cigar-based wraps hold more flower than other options. Then, there are infused blunts, which hold the same amount of flower as a regular blunt but add the potency and intense flavors of concentrates or extracts.
Because these products offer such potent effects, it’s a good idea to start low and go slow. Blunts last a long time thanks to their slow burn, so there’s always the option to pace yourself and enjoy a second session later on.
What’s the Best Type of Cannabis To Use in a Blunt?
The wrap may get most of the attention, but flower quality matters just as much to the overall experience. Here’s a quick checklist to help you orient towards the highest-quality, most satisfying blunt-smoking experience possible.
- Grind consistency: In blunts, a medium grind is ideal: Grind too fine, and it falls out; grind too chunky, and it burns unevenly.
- Quality matters more in a blunt: Since that slower burn means more time to savor the flavor, starting with high-quality flower pays off.
- Strain choice: Whether you prefer energizing sativas, relaxing indicas, or more balanced hybrid strains, they all work here. If you need guidance or suggestions, don’t hesitate to ask your budtender.
- Avoid shake or trim: These budget-priced options are fine for some formats, but if you’re chasing the high life, go for whole flower; it will give a better burn and superior overall flavor.
Beyond flower selection, blunts also lend themselves well to infusing. Like pre-rolls, they can be loaded with concentrates and kief, the dried trichomes of fresh cannabis flower, for an added layer of potency and flavor. Just remember: a little goes a long way
Grinding up some cannabis for a fresh blunt? Head to our weed grinder guide for the ideal consistency every time.
Explore the Wide World of Blunts and Pre-Rolls at Mission Dispensaries
Though they resemble oversized joints, weed blunts are something unique: An extra-large portion of ground cannabis stuffed into a natural tobacco (or, in some cases, hemp) wrap. As a result, they offer a uniquely rich flavor, a slow burn that’s ideal for sharing, and a wide and ever-expanding variety of styles and flavors.
At Mission, we go out of our way to source the freshest selection of blunts, pre-rolls, and other convenient options. Check our dispensary menus in Massachusetts or Illinois, or come in and ask our budtenders for curated guidance. Ready for more? Expand your cannabis knowledge with our blog.
What Is a Blunt? FAQs
What is a blunt made of?
Historically, cannabis blunts are made by removing the filling of a cigar, replacing it with ground cannabis, but retaining the natural tobacco wrap. While this style remains popular, some newer variations use a cigar-style wrapper made of hemp paper to mimic the thick texture and slow-burning experience of a classic blunt but without tobacco or nicotine.
What is the difference between a blunt and a joint?
Because blunts are typically made with a natural tobacco wrapper, they have a more intense and earthier flavor than joints. If you’re new to the world of cannabis products, you may want to start with joints for a less intense experience.
What’s the best wrap to use for a blunt?
There’s no single best wrap; it comes down to what you want out of the experience. Tobacco-based wraps like Backwoods or cigarillos deliver that classic, rich, earthy flavor, while hemp wraps are a great pick if you want to skip the nicotine without sacrificing the slow burn. When in doubt, ask your budtender.
Can you roll a blunt without tobacco?
Yes, you can roll a blunt without tobacco by using a tobacco-free wrap or other natural alternatives. While traditional blunts are made by hollowing out a cigar or using a tobacco-leaf wrap, the term has expanded to include tobacco-free options.
Are blunts stronger than joints?
In general, yes. While the cannabis in joints isn’t stronger than that found in a joint, blunts are physically larger, meaning they may contain more THC. Also, some people find that the nicotine contained in natural tobacco wrappers lends blunts a special intensity.
