The Art of Rolling

Rolling a joint is more than just a means to an end; it's an art form that has been perfected over generations. From the streets of Amsterdam to the beaches of Jamaica, every culture that embraces cannabis has put its unique spin on spliffs

The act of rolling is a social ritual, a skill passed down from friend to friend, a moment of anticipation before the main event. It's a practice that has evolved alongside cannabis culture, reflecting changes in society, technology, and the plant itself.

Rolling papers, the canvas of this art form, have a rich history dating back to the 16th century in Spain. Originally used for cigarettes, they found a new purpose in the 1960s and have since become an industry of their own, with countless varieties catering to every preference imaginable.

Basic Rolling Techniques

Before we embark on our global tour of joint styles, let's cover the basics:

The Standard Joint: 

This is your classic, straight joint. Start by creating a filter (also known as a roach or tip) from a small piece of cardboard. Place your ground cannabis in the paper, distribute it evenly, then roll it up, tucking the paper under as you go. Lick the gummed edge to seal, and twist the end closed.

Cone-Shaped Joints:

Popular in Europe, these joints are wider at the lighting end and taper down to the mouthpiece. The key is to distribute more cannabis at the lighting end and less towards the filter. This shape allows for a smoother draw and can be easier for beginners to roll.

Inside-Out (Backstrap) Method:

This technique, popular in the Netherlands and UK, involves rolling the joint with the gummed side of the paper facing inwards. Once rolled, you lick the paper through to the gum strip, seal it, then tear or burn away the excess paper. This results in a slower-burning joint with less paper taste, you’ve probably heard someone say “I only smoke backstraps” with a smug smile on their face.

European Styles

Europe has long been at the forefront of cannabis culture, and its rolling styles reflect this rich history.

The Dutch Tulip:

Named after the Netherlands' favourite flower, this joint resembles a tulip bud on a stem. Create a large cone, fill it with cannabis, then attach it to the end of a regular joint. It's a showstopper at parties but requires some advanced rolling skills.

The Italian Hashish Joint:

In countries where hash is more common than flower, this style reigns supreme. Create a thin "sausage" of hash, place it in your paper, then roll it up with a mix of tobacco. The hash burns slowly, flavouring the entire joint.

North American Innovations

North Americans have put their own spin on joint rolling, often prioritising novelty and potency:

The Cross Joint:

Made famous by the greatest stoner movie of all time "Pineapple Express," this joint-within-a-joint creation requires three papers and some careful engineering. The result is a cross-shaped joint that burns from three ends at once. It's more of a novelty than a practical option, but it'll impress anyone.

The Plumber's Joint:

This style involves using a hollow tube (like a drinking straw) to create a channel through the centre of your joint. This allows for better airflow and a more even burn. Remove the tube before smoking, and enjoy a joint that hits like a pipe.

The California Barrel:

Popular in the Golden State, this is essentially a very fat joint, often the size of a cigar. It's rolled using king-size papers or by sticking multiple papers together. This style is all about excess, perfect for sharing with your mates.

Caribbean and Latin American Rolls

The birthplace of many cannabis traditions, these regions have their own unique rolling styles:

The Jamaican Steam Roller:

This massive joint is created by rolling several standard joints together into one supersized cone. It's often seen at Rastafarian ceremonies and is designed for communal smoking.

The Cuban Cigar-Style Joint:

Influenced by Cuba's cigar-rolling tradition, this joint is tightly packed and often contains a mix of cannabis and tobacco. The key is to roll it very tightly for a slow, even burn.

Asian Influences

Although less associated with cannabis culture in popular media, Asia has its own unique contributions to rolling styles:

The Thai Stick:

More of a preparation method than a rolling style, Thai sticks involve skewering buds onto a stem, wrapping them in fan leaves, and then curing them. The result can be smoked as is or broken up and rolled into a joint. This method was popular in the 60s and 70s and is seeing a revival in some circles.

The Indian Chillum-Style Joint:

Inspired by the traditional chillum pipe, this joint is cone-shaped but smoked with the wide end in the mouth. It's often mixed with tobacco and requires a specific smoking technique to prevent scooby snacks.

Each of these styles reflects the culture it came from, the type of cannabis available, and the preferences of local users. BUT things are about to get a lot more creative…

Modern Artistic Rolls

In recent years, joint rolling has evolved into a true art form, with some rollers creating intricate designs that are almost too beautiful to smoke:

The Braided Joint:

This advanced technique involves rolling three thin joints, then braiding them together like hair. The result is not only visually striking but also provides a slow, even burn. It's a favourite among cannabis influencers on social media.

The Rose Petal Roll:

For a touch of romance, some rollers have started using rose petals instead of rolling papers. The petals are gently dried, then licked to make them pliable before rolling. The result is a fragrant, flavourful smoke that's as beautiful as it is unique. Maybe give this one a try on valentines day ;)

Smokeable Art Sculptures:

Taking rolling to the extreme, some artists create elaborate sculptures entirely out of rollable materials. From animals to famous landmarks, these creations blur the line between cannabis culture and fine art. While not practical for everyday use, they are absolute show stoppers, with some pieces reported selling for tens of thousands… hmm career change? Maybe.

Tools of the Trade

Every artist needs their tools, and joint rollers are no exception:

Rolling Papers:

From classic wood pulp to modern rice papers, hemp wraps, and even gold-leaf papers, there’s unlimited variety to choose from in today’s world. Each type offers different burning properties, flavours, and aesthetics.

Grinders and Scissors:

A good grinder ensures your cannabis is the right consistency for rolling. Some prefer scissors for a more hands-on approach or to preserve trichomes, but it’s not exactly practical.

Rolling Machines and Accessories:

For those who struggle with hand-rolling, machines can produce perfect joints every time. Other accessories like cone fillers, rolling trays, and humidity-controlled storage containers can elevate your rolling game.

Tips for Perfect Rolling

Mastering the art of rolling takes practice, but here’s some tips for the newbies out there.

Proper Grinding Techniques:

The consistency of your ground cannabis can make or break your joint. Too fine, and it might burn too quickly; too coarse, and it might not burn evenly.

The Importance of Distribution:

Evenly distributing your cannabis in the paper is crucial for a smooth burn. Some rollers use a card or pen to help pack it down.

Perfecting the Tuck and Roll:

This is often the trickiest part for beginners. Practice tucking the paper around your ground cannabis and rolling it up smoothly. The tightness of your roll will affect how it burns.

To Conclude

The art of rolling continues to evolve, reflecting the changes in cannabis culture, technology, and social attitudes. From simple hand-rolled joints to elaborate smokeable sculptures, rolling has become a form of personal expression.

As cannabis becomes more accepted globally, we can expect to see even more innovations in rolling techniques. Whether you're a daily roller or just an appreciator of the craft, the world of joint rolling offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of culture, art, and cannabis.