What’s in a Blunt? A Beginner’s Guide

Blunts are a popular way to smoke weed. But if you’re new to cannabis, you might be wondering: what is a blunt? What’s actually in it? And how is it different from joints or other smoking methods?

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about blunts. We’ll cover what they’re made of, how they’re used, and what makes them different. Whether you’re curious about smoking a blunt for the first time or just want to learn more, this guide will help.

What Is a Blunt?

A blunt is a cigar or cigarillo that’s been hollowed out and filled with cannabis instead of tobacco.

It’s usually made using a tobacco leaf or wrap, which gives it a distinct flavor and burn. Blunts are known for burning slowly and delivering a strong hit, thanks to the combination of the tobacco wrap and the cannabis inside.

So when someone asks, “Is a blunt weed?” the answer is yes—a blunt is filled with weed. But it’s also partly made of tobacco, depending on the type of wrap used.

What’s in a Blunt?

Let’s break it down simply. A blunt typically contains two main things:

Cannabis (weed) – The main ingredient. This is usually ground flower.
Tobacco leaf or wrap – The outer shell that holds the cannabis. This could be from a cigar, cigarillo, or a blunt wrap bought in stores.

Some people also add concentrates like wax or kief for a stronger effect, but in general, a blunt just includes weed and a wrap.

Blunt vs. Joint: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to mix up blunts with joints, especially if you’re new. Here’s how they’re different:

Wrap material: Joints are rolled with thin, white rolling papers. Blunts use thicker, brown tobacco wraps.
Tobacco content: Joints have no tobacco. Blunts usually do because the wrap is made of tobacco leaf.
Burn time: Blunts burn slower and longer.
Flavor and effect: The tobacco wrap adds a different taste and a mild buzz from nicotine.

So when you’re choosing between the two, think about the flavor, burn time, and whether you want any tobacco in the mix.

Why Do People Like Smoking a Blunt?

Blunts have a strong fan base in cannabis culture. Here’s why:

Slow burn – A blunt burns for a while, making it ideal for sharing or longer sessions.
Flavor – The tobacco wrap adds a bold flavor, which some users enjoy.
Buzz – The small amount of nicotine in the wrap can add a mild head rush, especially if you’re not used to tobacco.
Tradition – Blunts are popular in music, media, and social circles. They’ve become a part of weed culture.

Different Types of Blunt Wraps

There are a few ways to make a blunt, and it often comes down to the wrap you use.

1. Cigar or Cigarillo Wraps

You can split open a cigar (like a Swisher or Backwoods), empty out the tobacco, and refill it with weed. This is the “traditional” way of making a blunt.

2. Pre-Made Blunt Wraps

Blunt wraps are sold in smoke shops and dispensaries. They come in different flavors and are made just for rolling blunts.

Some examples:

Swisher Sweets
Backwoods
Game
Zig-Zag blunt wraps
High Hemp (tobacco-free)

3. Tobacco-Free Wraps

These are popular with people who want to avoid tobacco but still enjoy the blunt experience. Hemp wraps are a common choice and come in many flavors.

How to Roll a Blunt

Rolling a blunt is a skill, but you can get the hang of it with practice. Here are the basic steps:

Grind your weed – Make sure it’s even but not too fine.
Split the cigar or unwrap the blunt wrap – If using a cigar or cigarillo, carefully cut it open and empty the tobacco.
Moisten the wrap – This helps prevent cracking while you roll.
Fill it with weed – Spread the ground cannabis evenly inside the wrap.
Roll and seal – Roll the wrap around the weed and seal it by moistening the edge.
Bake it (optional) – Some people run a lighter flame gently along the blunt to dry and seal it.

How Much Weed Goes in a Blunt?

It depends on the size of the wrap. Most blunts hold 1 to 2 grams of cannabis.

Larger wraps (like Backwoods) can fit more, sometimes up to 3 grams. Smaller ones (like Swishers) may only hold 1 gram.

If you’re new to blunt weed, start with less and see how it feels.

How Strong Is a Blunt?

Blunts can feel more intense than joints or bowls. That’s because:

You’re smoking more weed in one session.
The tobacco wrap adds nicotine, which can increase the “head high.”
Blunts burn slowly, so you might take more hits than usual.

If you’re not used to nicotine, start with a hemp wrap or share your blunt with someone.

Is Smoking a Blunt Safe?

Smoking anything has health risks, especially when it involves combustion (burning materials and inhaling smoke). With blunts, you also have:

Nicotine exposure – Even a little tobacco contains nicotine, which can be addictive.
More smoke – Because blunts burn longer, you may inhale more smoke than with a joint or a pipe.

If you want to reduce risks:

Use hemp wraps instead of tobacco.
Don’t mix in additional tobacco.
Take smaller hits and go slow.

How Long Does a Blunt Last?

A single blunt can last 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how much weed is inside and how many people are smoking.

They’re often used in group settings because of their size and burn time.

When Should You Try a Blunt?

If you’re curious about blunts, here are some good times to try one:

At a chill hangout with friends
On a weekend or evening when you have time to relax
When you want a longer session
If you like bold flavors and don’t mind a bit of tobacco

If it’s your first time, you don’t have to finish the whole thing. You can save part of a blunt by putting it out and relighting it later.

Tips for First-Time Blunt Smokers

Here’s a quick list of tips if you’re new to blunt weed:

Start small – You don’t have to smoke the whole blunt.
Stay hydrated – Blunts can dry out your mouth.
Know your limits – The mix of weed and tobacco can feel strong.
Use a hemp wrap – This avoids nicotine while keeping the blunt feel.
Don’t rush – Take breaks between hits to stay comfortable.

Blunts and Cannabis Culture

Blunts are more than just a way to smoke—they’re a part of cannabis history and pop culture.

They’ve been mentioned in countless songs, used in group sessions, and become a symbol of shared cannabis experiences. For many people, a blunt is more than a smoking method—it’s a vibe.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try a Blunt?

Blunts can be a fun and flavorful way to enjoy cannabis, especially with friends. They burn slow, hit hard, and offer a unique experience thanks to the wrap. But they’re not for everyone—especially if you want to avoid nicotine.

Now that you know what’s in a blunt, how it’s made, and how it compares to other smoking methods, you can decide if it’s right for you.

If you’re ready to explore more cannabis products—like cannabis pre-rolls, blunts, and blunt wraps—check out our curated selection at DankMart. We’ve got quality weed and accessories shipped across the U.S.

REFERENCES:

Wikipedia. (2025, April 18). Blunt (cannabis). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blunt_(cannabis)

Adrienne S.L. Medically reviewed by Alan C., Pharm.D. (2019, October 21). Blunts, Spliffs, and Joints: What to Know Before You Roll Up. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-blunt

Dr. Louisa Degenhardt, Ph.D, AO, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS