Learning how to light a joint properly can save you both weed and time. Incorrect lighting can waste weed and ruin your joint. This guide will show you how to light a joint correctly and the best flame sources for your next smoking session. Remember, the proper lighting technique works best if your joint is rolled correctly!
Avoid Canoeing
When lighting a joint, ensure a perfect balance in the flames around the cherry (the glowing tip). Canoeing occurs when only one side of the joint burns, wasting weed and ruining your experience.
To avoid canoeing:
- Twist the joint in the flame so all parts of the tip burn evenly.
- Ensure your joint isn’t rolled too tightly, which can make it hard to smoke.
- Be patient and ensure an even burn when you first light up.
- If you’re in a windy spot, it can affect your joint and cause canoeing.
After ensuring the cherry is evenly lit, take a few puffs to get the ember going. Keep hitting the joint to maintain the burn. If you encounter issues, remember that practice makes perfect!
Best Method: Using a Hemp Wick
Lighting a joint with a hemp wick is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly methods. Hemp wicks, made from organic fibers of the hemp plant coated in beeswax, preserve the flavor of your joint and continue to burn long after you’ve stopped smoking. Here’s how to use a hemp wick:
- Light one end of the hemp wick.
- Angle the hemp wick slightly up or down to control the flame.
- Twist the joint in the flame to create an even burn.
- Be mindful of dripping beeswax or falling embers.
- Take some pulls on the joint to get the ember going evenly.
- Put the hemp wick out after lighting your joint.
Hemp wick is better for you and the environment compared to lighters, which can be wasteful and introduce butane into your lungs.
Is It Bad To Use A Lighter?
Butane lighters are the most common way to spark up a joint. However, butane can cause allergic reactions and irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. Although large amounts are required to cause significant harm, the risks may not be worth it.
Candles, unless entirely organic and soy-wax based, can also cause respiratory problems.
Lighting A Joint With Matches
While you can use matches, it’s not the healthiest option. Matches contain sulfur, which can alter the taste of your marijuana. If you must use a match, let it burn for several seconds to burn off sulfur and other chemicals. However, this won’t remove all chemicals, and it may still affect the taste.
Whenever possible, opt for hemp wick. It’s effective in all weather conditions, preserves the taste of your joint, and is better for your health and the environment.
Clipping Your Joint For Later
You can take a break from smoking and ‘clip’ your joint for later. Find an ashtray or another non-flammable surface, such as concrete, and press down gently on the end as you would with a cigarette. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent crushing the joint.
A clean way to clip your joint is by applying pressure to one end of the cherry and letting it roll off. Alternatively, you can suffocate your joint by placing it in a doob tube (a sealed joint tube).
Remember, the next time you light up, it might taste a bit ashy but will still be effective.
Final Tips
- Organic Cannabis: For the best experience, consider using organic, premium cannabis flowers. Check out our Online Dispensary for top-quality options.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure a better smoking experience and get the most out of your joint. Happy smoking!