Spliff vs. Joint: What’s the Difference?
Article written by
Emma Stone
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
Spliffs and joints are two popular ways of smoking weed. The main difference between a spliff and a joint is the presence of tobacco. Spliffs contain a mixture of weed and loose tobacco leaves, while joints contain pure cannabis. However, these two methods of smoking also have features in common. For example, you can wrap spliffs and joints in cigarette rolling papers.
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What Is a Spliff?
A spliff is a blended smokable product that contains a mixture of ground cannabis flower and loose tobacco leaves rolled in cigarette paper (sometimes called tobacco paper).
Spliffs typically consist of about 50% tobacco, but users can include as much or as little as they like, depending on their personal preference. Technically, any amount of tobacco mixed with cannabis can be considered a spliff.
Spliffs are relatively straightforward to roll and smoke. Tobacco leaves generally result in a smoother, more consistent smoking experience than cannabis alone, as tobacco burns more evenly than dried cannabis.
Spliffs are typically favored by those looking for an energetic high that is more cost-effective than smoking pure weed. The combination of tobacco and weed is known for delivering a heady buzz. However, the nicotine content in the tobacco leaves makes spliffs addictive. Spliffs are more prevalent in the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean than in the United States.
Origin of the Word “Spliff”
The term spliff is believed to have originated in the West Indies, with the word possibly a blend of split, referring to the ready-made wrap, and whiff, referring to the odor of the smoke. In Jamaica, spliff is a slang term that refers to a cigarette that contains cannabis but no tobacco.
However, beyond the shores of Jamaica, spliff almost always means a mixture of weed and loose-leaf tobacco. Spliffs are particularly popular in the UK and Europe.
What Is a Joint?
A joint is sometimes described as a marijuana cigarette. Joints contain pure cannabis that is rolled or stuffed into a rolling paper (also known as a joint paper). Joints represent one of the most popular methods of smoking cannabis, as they are easy to transport and smoke on the go. You can roll your own or purchase a pre-rolled joint from a dispensary.
Spliffs vs. Joints: Similarities and Differences
Spliffs and joints share several features in common. Some of the most noteworthy similarities include the following:
- Rolling papers: Both spliffs and joints are made using rolling papers instead of cigar wrappers or blunt wraps, like those used by Swisher Sweets cigars. Rolling papers are made of wood pulp, hemp, or rice paper, with different thicknesses available. You can purchase thin papers or thick papers, depending on your preference. Flavored papers are also available for smokers seeking an extra kick.
- Dried flower: Both spliffs and joints contain dried cannabis flower.
- Paper filters: Both spliffs and joints can include a paper filter, aka crutch, to help the smoke last longer and prevent any plant material from being inhaled.
- Sizing: Both spliffs and joints are roughly the same size as a tobacco cigarette.
- Transportable: Spliffs and joints, like a cigarette, are easy to transport and smoke while moving.
- Appearance: Spliffs and joints can look identical, so if you’re in a social setting and are unsure what is being passed around, it’s a good idea to find out before you inhale.
- Rolling process: Spliffs and joints are rolled similarly, and it can take some practice to get it right.
However, spliffs and joints are also distinctive. Here are the most fundamental ways in which they differ:
- Spliffs contain a mixture of weed and tobacco leaves, while joints contain pure marijuana. The proportion of weed to tobacco in a spliff can vary.
- Spliffs may be more addictive due to nicotine in the tobacco leaves; spliffs may be more addictive than joints.
- Spliffs may be more harmful to the lungs than joints, as tobacco can produce carcinogenic compounds during combustion, leading to chronic respiratory conditions.
- Spliffs are more cost-effective than joints as cannabis is blended with tobacco, but this may be a false economy as more spliffs may be smoked over the course of the day.
- Joints deliver a more pronounced high than spliffs as they contain more cannabis, which means a higher concentration of THC.
- Spliffs can provide a more buzzy, energetic feeling due to the nicotine in the tobacco leaves.
- Spliffs tend to burn more evenly and consistently than joints due to the inclusion of tobacco leaves. Joints that aren’t packed or rolled correctly can burn on one side but not the other, a phenomenon called canoeing a joint.
When to Smoke a Spliff
Spliffs are ideal for individuals who want to enjoy the experience of weed while stretching their stash. If you live in an area where high-quality weed is hard to find or very expensive, rolling a blended smoke represents a more economical choice.
Spliffs are also highly customizable — you can add as much or as little tobacco as you want. Finally, spliff smokers often seek out the buzzy, energizing high that’s not as intoxicating as a joint, and the nicotine adds a little kick, making for an uplifting experience.
When to Smoke a Joint
Joints are rolled with pure weed, making it easier to get high. If you’re health conscious, a joint is less harmful than a spliff, as they don’t contain nicotine, which is addictive and has been linked to carcinogenic effects when it combusts. If you enjoy the experience of smoking pot and want an experience that’s pure cannabis, opt for a joint over a spliff.
How to Roll a Spliff
Rolling a spliff is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Select your rolling papers. Plain, unflavored papers are standard for rolling a spliff, but you can also opt for flavored papers that enhance the experience of your smoke. Popular flavored options include watermelon, strawberry, pineapple, and marshmallow.
- Determine your ratio of weed to tobacco, and prepare your mixture. Spliffs require quality, refined tobacco for rolling. Grind your cannabis flower.
- Hold the paper in a U shape with the glue edge facing up, and place the filter at one end. The filter can be pre-purchased or handmade from readily available materials.
- Arrange the blend of tobacco and weed along the center of the paper, moving out from the filter. Try to arrange the bud as evenly as possible to ensure an even burn and prevent bulges.
- Holding the paper taut, roll and tuck the paper around the tobacco-cannabis mixture. Use a tiny lick or dab of water to fasten the paper down in that spot.
- Roll the rest of the paper into place using the glued end as a guide, ensuring the spliff is evenly packed. Wet the adhesive part and seal it. This is one of the trickier steps and takes practice.
- You will probably have some extra room at the tip of your joint. Use your fingers and a packer tool to load it with leftover tobacco and weed. You can also pack the weed down by tapping the filter end on a flat surface, which helps remove air pockets that can prevent the spliff from burning evenly.
- Seal the tip of the spliff.
Due to the health risks and dangers associated with combusting tobacco, it is not recommended that medical cannabis patients utilize this method of consumption.
The Bottom Line
The most significant difference between smoking joints and spliffs is tobacco. Spliffs contain tobacco, while joints do not. Spliffs are associated with a more energizing smoking experience due to nicotine. Joints, on the other hand, deliver a more intoxicating high. Spliffs are often favored by those who cannot easily access weed and want to make their supply last a long time.
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Originally Published: December 2022
Last Updated: April 2024
