Every true toker knows that to reach legendary status you need to master the art of rolling the perfect joint and blunt. Like any new skill, learning how to roll a joint takes patience and practice, but lucky for you, rolling a joint is easy to master. Impress your friends at your next smoke session when you’re able to pull off a smooth burning pinner in one minute flat and do it in ultimate style with an iconic Zig-Zag paper.
Are Zig-Zags easy to roll?
Zig-Zags are a timeless French rolling paper brand that has been in the paper business for over 140 years, so they know a great rolling paper when they see one. You won’t go wrong with any Zig-Zags paper from their long list of products, but some are preferred for joints, while others are better for cigarettes. In general, thicker rolling papers are easier to roll and the best choice if you’re just starting your joint rolling journey. French Orange Zig-Zags, often referred to simply as the “orange pack” are some of the easiest rolling papers to use. Start out with these before graduating to thinner, harder to roll papers such as the Zig-Zags Ultra Thin pack. You can also opt for a rolling machine until you get comfortable creating joints on your own. Even if you’re an expert roller, these handy machines are a great investment if you like to have pre-rolls ready to smoke at all times or need to roll more than three or four joints at a time.
How to roll Zig-Zags
Are you ready to become the go-to person of your smoking group with the best joint rolling skills? This masterclass in rolling won’t take long. Start by collecting the materials listed below, which you should have if you’re already a cannabis enthusiast. Now put on your favorite playlist and get comfortable. It’s time to add a new essential skill to your stoner handbook and maybe you’ll get good enough to pass on the knowledge to a buddy or two. Let’s get to it!
Materials:
- Zig-Zag rolling paper
- Herb grinder
- Cannabis strain of choice
- Crutch (also called a filter or tip)
- Poker for tamping (pen, bobby pin, etc.)
- Lighter and ashtray
- Optional: Rolling tray
How to roll the perfect Zig-Zags
- Grind the dry herb - Whether packing a bong bowl or rolling a joint, cannabis flower nugs need to be broken up into smaller pieces to burn evenly. Using your fingers, break apart a nug and place the pieces into the bottom teeth of the herb grinder. Replace the top half and twist back and forth. You’re aiming for a fluffy, even consistency with small pieces, but it should not become powder. It is possible to over grind your herb, so keep an eye on it! Some grinders have a built-in kief screen that allows the potent trichomes to fall through and be collected in a different chamber. When packing your joint, don’t forget to add a pinch of kief if enough is collected. This will increase the potency of your joint.
- Prepare the tip - If your pack of Zig-Zags comes with tips, all you need to do is tear one off and roll it up. If not, you can use any thick cardstock (index cards work great) or thin cardboard to craft your crutch. Even though you won’t be lighting the crutch, always choose a piece of cardstock that doesn’t have any ink, just to be safe. The point of the tip is to create a space between the end of the joint and the cannabis flower so the dry herb doesn’t pass through and get inhaled. There are also reusable glass tips, which make for a sturdier joint.
- Roll up the joint - Remove one Zig-Zag paper from the pack and check to make sure the glue line is on the top, facing inside. Working over a rolling tray to catch any fallen herb, add your tip to one side of the paper and begin pinching in the ground cannabis to fill up the joint. Don’t add more flower than the height of the crutch. Hold the joint with your thumb in front and start rolling it back and forth so the flower starts to form a log. When the bottom side of the paper begins to roll on top of the crutch and flower, pinch the end with the crutch and carefully roll the rest of the paper over the bottom side to tuck it in securely.
- Seal and tamp - Lick the glue line and seal it onto the backside of the paper. You want it to be rolled tightly and there shouldn’t be any gaps in the joint where there is no weed. Hold the joint with the crutch facing the table and give it a few light taps. Using the poker, tamp the flower down lightly towards the crutch to remove any final gaps. You don’t want it to be too tightly packed or it won’t burn smoothly. There still needs to be some space between the ground herb for air to pass through easily. Twist or pinch the end closed so the flower doesn’t fall out when you light up.
- Light it up! - That’s it. You’ve done it! Grab your lighter and an ashtray. It’s time to light this baby up!
How to use Zig-Zag cones
If you want to roll right this minute, using Zig-Zag cones is even easier than rolling joints and requires no practice! Zig-Zag cones are rolling papers that come pre-rolled into a cone shape so all you need to do is grind up your favorite strain and fill up the cone. Zig-Zag cones are available in 1 ¼ size and King Size depending on your smoking preference. 1 ¼ size are the standard for solo smoking sessions or if you like to pre-roll a bunch of joints to keep them on hand, while the longer King Size cones are good for sharing or lengthier sessions. Both sizes come with a pre-installed crutch and are ready to pack right out of the box. Simply use a small funnel or your fingers to pinch in the ground dry herb. Remember to give it a little tamp half way through for even burning and pinch or twist the end closed so the flower doesn’t fall out.
It’s nearly 420, so pick out some rolling papers or pre-rolled cones and start practicing before the stoner holiday hits. In addition to Zig-Zags, we also have many other popular brands like Blazy Susan, Elements, Bugler, OCB, and a bunch of rolling kits that come complete with rolling papers, tips, and a portable rolling tray!
