5 Surprising Benefits of Using a Spliff Instead of a Joint

The choice between a spliff and a joint comes down to more than just what’s inside—it’s about the ritual, the rolling process, and the smoking experience you prefer. While a joint rolled with only cannabis offers a pure weed aroma and high, a spliff can change the flavor profile, alter the effects, and even spark a different kind of social vibe. 

Whether you’ve been smoking spliffs for years or you usually reach for a marijuana cigarette made with just cannabis, you might be surprised at the unique benefits a spliff can offer.

Key Takeaways

• A spliff blends cannabis and tobacco for a distinct smoking experience.
• Tobacco slows the burn and can create a smoother, steadier session.
• Mixing the two changes flavor and mellows the cannabis high.
• Spliffs can stretch cannabis supply and lower costs.
• Rolling and sharing spliffs is a cultural tradition in many regions.
  

What is a Spliff?

A spliff is a marijuana cigarette made by rolling a mix of cannabis and tobacco in rolling papers, sometimes with a crutch at one end. Unlike a joint, which typically contains only cannabis, a spliff combines both for a different flavor profile, smoking experience, and potency.

Benefits of Using a Spliff Vs Joint

While both cannabis-only joints and cannabis-and-tobacco spliffs offer their own appeal in cannabis culture, spliffs bring some unique qualities that can change the way you enjoy your smoking experience. Here are a few ways they differ in benefits:

Smoother, Longer Burn

The smoking tobacco content in a spliff can make it burn slower and more evenly than a word joint typically rolled with only cannabis. This means you spend more time smoking weed and less time constantly relighting, allowing for a more relaxed, steady session.

Enhanced Flavor Profile

Mixing cannabis with tobacco can create a unique taste that blends the earthy aroma of smoking cannabis with the richer, sometimes sweeter notes of tobacco leaves or tobacco paper. Many smokers enjoy how this combination mellows the flavor without overpowering the cannabis.

Milder, More Manageable High

Because spliffs contain less cannabis than a typical word joint, the THC hit is often more mellow. The nicotine in tobacco can add stimulating effects, offering a balance that some find easier to handle, especially in social settings. This mix can make a significant difference for smokers who prefer a more balanced buzz.

Cost and Resource Efficiency

Using less cannabis in each roll can stretch your stash further. If quality weed is expensive or hard to come by, spliffs offer a way to enjoy the cannabis high while making it last longer. They also tend to burn faster than thicker blunts, making them a quick but satisfying option.

Cultural and Social Connection

Spliffs have a rich history in places like Europe, Jamaica, and the West Indies, where they’re commonly preferred and typically rolled for sharing among friends. Rolling spliffs can be part of a shared tradition, sparking conversation and connection in both casual and ceremonial settings.

How to Make a Spliff (For Beginners)

If you’re new to smoking spliffs, learning the rolling process is a simple skill that can make your smoking experience more personal and enjoyable. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to making your first spliff:

1. Gather Your Materials – You’ll need rolling papers, a crutch (optional but recommended), cannabis, and tobacco. Make sure your weed is ground evenly and your tobacco is loose and dry enough to mix.
2. Prepare the Mix – Decide on your cannabis-to-tobacco ratio based on your personal preference. Some prefer more weed for a stronger cannabis high, while others use more tobacco for a milder effect. Mix them evenly to ensure a consistent burn.
3. Create the Crutch – Roll a small piece of stiff paper into a filter tip, also called a crutch. This helps keep the mouth end of the spliff open, prevents bits of cannabis or tobacco from getting in your mouth, and makes rolling easier.
4. Fill the Rolling Paper – Hold the rolling paper with the gum strip facing up and toward you. Place the crutch at one end, then spread your cannabis and tobacco mix evenly along the paper.
5. Shape and Roll – Use your fingers to gently shape the mix into a cylindrical form. Pinch the paper between your fingers and roll it back and forth to pack the contents before tucking one edge under and rolling upward.
6. Seal the Spliff – Lick the gum strip and press it down firmly to seal the roll. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold its shape but not so tight that airflow is restricted.
7. Pack and Light – Tap the filled end of the spliff gently on a hard surface to settle the contents. Twist the open end closed, light up, and enjoy the smoking experience at your own pace.
   

Tips for Enjoying the Spliff Experience

A few small adjustments can make the experience smoother, tastier, and more enjoyable. 

Here are some tips to get the most out of it:

• Experiment with Ratios – Try different cannabis-to-tobacco mixes to find your ideal balance of potency, flavor profile, and stimulating effects.
• Use Quality Rolling Papers – Hemp or rice papers can enhance the taste and aroma while burning more evenly.
• Grind Evenly – A consistent grind helps your spliff burn slower and more smoothly without creating hot spots.
• Don’t Overpack – Keep airflow in mind; too tight a roll can make smoking harder and less pleasant.
• Mind Your Surroundings – Spliffs have a distinctive aroma, so be aware of the smell if you’re in a shared or public space.
• Pace Yourself – The combination of THC and nicotine can feel more stimulating, so take your time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Share the Ritual – Rolling and smoking spliffs can be a social tradition—invite friends to join for a mellow, communal experience.
  

Final Thoughts

Spliffs aren’t just another way to smoke—they’re a blend of tradition, flavor, and a unique balance of effects that can transform the way you enjoy cannabis. Whether you prefer the mellow potency, the slower burn, or the cultural connection they bring, trying a spliff might just change your smoking routine for the better.

Ready to roll your next spliff? Read here to learn more rolling tips and tricks and enhance your smoking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spliffs healthier than joints?

Not necessarily. While a spliff uses less cannabis than a joint, the tobacco content introduces nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes, which can increase health risks. The combination may feel smoother for some, but it’s not a healthier alternative—especially for those avoiding nicotine.

Can you roll a spliff without tobacco?

Technically, no—a spliff is defined by the mix of cannabis and tobacco. If you roll without tobacco, it’s considered a joint. However, you can substitute with herbal blends that mimic the burn and flavor without nicotine if you want a similar experience.

Do spliffs smell different from joints?

Yes. The aroma of a spliff combines the earthy, skunky scent of cannabis with the sharper, smokier smell of burning tobacco. This mix is often stronger and more noticeable than the scent of a joint rolled with only cannabis.

What’s the difference between a spliff and a blunt?

A spliff is rolled in standard rolling papers and contains a cannabis-tobacco mix, while a blunt uses a tobacco leaf or cigar wrap and typically contains only cannabis. Blunts are often larger, burn longer, and carry a stronger tobacco flavor from the wrap itself.

Are spliffs more common in certain parts of the world?

Yes. Spliffs are especially popular in Europe, Jamaica, and parts of the West Indies, where mixing cannabis with tobacco is a common practice. In contrast, joints made with only cannabis are more common in North America, where many smokers prefer avoiding tobacco.

How does tobacco affect the cannabis high?

Nicotine from tobacco can create stimulating effects that combine with the THC high from cannabis, resulting in a more alert and sometimes euphoric feeling. This can also shorten the duration of the high for some people, depending on their tolerance and mix ratio.