There are dozens of methods when it comes to consuming cannabis. While we at Greeley Gallery in north Portland think there’s no bad way to do it, sometimes the best way is the old school way – smoking a joint.

Of course, we sell our own hand rolled joints, but even still, every marijuana smoker should know how to roll a proper joint. There is no shortage of ways to do it, but the goal is for the end result to burn evenly and slowly. Before we get started, let’s begin with how much weed you should use.

How Much Weed is in a Joint?

We recommend starting off with ½ a gram of weed. Not only does it work great with 1 ¼ sized rolling papers, but it makes the act of rolling a bit more manageable. As your skills improve, feel free to add more cannabis or upgrade your rolling paper.

As a point of reference, our handmade pre-rolled joints contain 1 gram of weed. Although, we also offer packs of pre-rolls which contain either 1 or a half gram of weed, if you’re interested in a visual comparison.

One more thing before we get to the good stuff. Here’s a quick list of supplies you’ll need while you follow along with our instructions:

• • Cannabis flower of your choosing

• • A grinder for the flower

• • Rolling papers

• • Something to make a crutch out of (this is what you inhale through. A small slip of paper or business card will do)

• • A pen, or something similarly shaped to help pack your joint (optional)

  As always, our staff at our marijuana dispensary near Arbor Lodge Park are happy to answer questions or offer advice. Don’t hesitate to ask! Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

Step One: Grind Up Some Cannabis

Unless you want to wind up with sticky fingers, you’ll want to use a grinder to break up your cannabis into a shake. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up from us when you get your bud.

Grinders work great because they’re easy to use and contain the flaked cannabis until you’re ready to smoke it. Although you don’t have to use one. Breaking your bud up with your fingers works too. You just might need to wash your fingers a few times afterward.

Step Two: Make Your Crutch

Also called a tip, or filter, your crutch can be made out of just about anything. Ideally a small piece of thicker paper, like a business card, works great. For added convenience, just rip a small strip from the flap of your rolling paper package – some even come with material for you.

Roll the slip of thick paper into your desired thickness and place it at one end of the rolling paper. Technically, you don’t need a crutch, and obviously it’s not the type of filter found on cigarettes. But having one does help prevent flakes of cannabis from entering your mouth when you inhale. It keeps your shake from falling out and it helps stabilize your joint’s structure which makes it easier to smoke.

Step Three: Put Your Cannabis Shake on Your Paper

Take that half gram of cannabis you ground up earlier and place it evenly along the middle of your rolling paper. With your flower inside and the two long sides up, your joint should resemble a taco.

Step Four: Roll it into Shape

Begin shaping the cannabis with your thumb and index fingers while rolling it evenly and work the shake into a cylinder shape. Like Goldilocks, you don’t want to roll it so tight that it restricts the airflow, but not too loose so it burns unevenly. You want it in the sweet spot – somewhere in the middle. This is the part that takes the most practice.

Once you’re happy, tuck one side of the paper into the joint and roll it up like a yoga mat. Lick the adhesive edge of the paper to seal it up.

Step Five: Pack and Twist It

Your crutch should be at one end of the cylinder while the other end is open. Grab that pen, toothpick, or whatever object you found and pack down the cannabis by pushing the pen into that opened end.

Feel free to add back in any bits that fell out during the rolling process and pack it up. But make sure to leave some space to twist the end. This will seal your joint and prevent any spillage until you’re ready to light it up.

Final Thoughts

Smoking a joint is an iconic choice for any marijuana fan. Once you get the hang of it, there’s something almost therapeutic about the ritual. It becomes like an art form.

Besides, joints are super easy to store, or share with friends. Not to mention if you’re smoking alone and don’t want much, you can take a couple puffs and save the rest for later.

As we mentioned before, feel free to stop into Greeley Gallery. We are happy to give you some pro-tips and answer any questions you have. Plus, we have everything you’ll need to create your own joints.