Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
The Emory Wheel

From Our Sponsors

Spliff vs Joint: What's the Difference?

This content was paid for by an advertiser. The Emory Wheel newsroom was not involved in creating this content.

A joint is simply cannabis rolled in paper – it's just pure marijuana, no extra stuff added. The paper can be of various types, from hemp to rice paper, but it contains only cannabis.

A spliff is made with a rolling paper like a joint, but the filling has tobacco and cannabis mixed together.  This combo alters the taste, smell, and impact, with tobacco's nicotine bringing a stimulating edge to cannabis's mellowing effects. If you're interested in trying a spliff or joint, you can find rolling papers, filters, and other accessories at dopeboo, a leading online head shop. It's important to know the difference, especially in social situations or places where these terms might have legal meanings. Knowing whether you're after a spliff or a joint helps you make sure you're getting what you want.

What is a Spliff?

Spliff uniquely combines soft materials and joints, distinguished mainly by composition. The main difference separating a crack from a joint is the addition of tobacco. Like a joint, cracks are made from a mixture of marijuana and tobacco that is coated in an optional rolling paper. These combinations alter the smoking experience, as the nicotine from tobacco tends to produce a more arousing high, as opposed to the typical relaxing effects of marijuana alone. 

The decision to combine tobacco with smoking is questionable of one's own choice. It's important to remember, though, that while mixing substances might offer a distinct experience, medical marijuana users should avoid it because of the health risks linked to tobacco.

What are the Effects of Spliff?

Psychosocial Experience:

Spliff smoking produces unique effects due to the interaction of the active ingredients in tobacco and marijuana. Nicotine, the stimulant and hallucinogenic properties mixed with marijuana, is what some call a "head runner." This feeling is not just the effect of smoking pot.

Modified Effects of Cannabis:

Spliffs still provide a high equal to that of pure marijuana, but the tobacco content usually makes the effects less potent than when smoking a blunt or joint. Users usually report feelings of euphoria, relaxation, lightheadedness, tiredness, and increased hunger.

Physical health risks:

Prolonged nicotine use, a leading factor in addiction, is linked to heightened risks of respiratory issues, cancer, and lung diseases. Many users think combining marijuana with nicotine does not mitigate these health risks. The American Lung Association has already given warnings that smoking marijuana is very dangerous. It releases harmful chemicals and carcinogens akin to those found in tobacco smoke.

Physical Sensations:

Frequent consumption of spliffs can pave the way for nicotine addiction, resulting in strong physical dependence and intense cravings. This addiction often manifests in various psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, aggression, and irritability, all commonly associated with nicotine dependence. 

Moreover, a significant number of marijuana users who smoke spliffs report experiencing psychological issues. These issues can range from heightened anxiety and depression to, in less common instances, episodes of psychosis. This highlights the complex psychosocial impact that the regular use of spliffs can have on individuals.

What is a Joint?

Joints are widely recognized as the most common form of rolled cannabis in the United States. They consist exclusively of cannabis enclosed in rolling papers, often referred to as joint papers. These papers are typically lighter or translucent and are usually free from the additives found in tobacco papers. 

Joints remain a popular choice for their simplicity and the unaltered flavor of the cannabis they contain. joints as a pure method of consuming marijuana, preferred by many for its straightforward composition and traditional smoking experience.

What Are The Effects of Joint?

Here are some effects and aspects of joints as a common form of cannabis consumption.

Psychological Experience:

The primary psychoactive compound present in marijuana, known as THC, is capable of inducing a variety of mind-altering effects. These effects can include feelings of euphoria, heightened perception, and occasionally a distorted perception of time. Users may also notice a capacity for imagination, creativity, and philosophical thinking.

Calm and Relaxation:

After smoking a joint, many smokers claim to feel relaxed as well as calm. This is frequently linked to CBD-rich strains, which offer calming and anxiety-reducing properties.

Physical Sensations:

Users may feel a reduction in discomfort, a relaxation of their muscles, and occasionally a sensation of lightness or heaviness in their limbs.

Enhanced Appetite:

One of the most well-known effects of smoking cannabis is an increase in hunger, also known as the "munchies." Those who experience difficulty eating due to illnesses or therapies may find this helpful.

Altered Sensory Perception:

Joints can enhance one's sense of taste and smell, making colors vibrant.

Adverse Effects:

Dry mouth, red eyes, and short-term memory loss are a few possible adverse effects. Anxiety, paranoia, or vertigo can sometimes happen, especially with high-THC strains.

What Are The Side Effects of Spliff and Joint?

Side Effects of Spliff

Smoking a mix can also change the taste of cannabis. For many enthusiasts, enjoying the unique flavors and aromas is a big deal. But tobacco's strong taste can really change or even ruin these subtle flavors, making the smoking experience less enjoyable.

Additionally, rolling a spliff requires a certain level of skill and experience. Unlike a straightforward joint, which contains only cannabis, achieving the right balance and roll with a spliff can be challenging. It takes practice to properly blend the tobacco and cannabis in proportions that provide the desired experience while ensuring a smooth burn. 

Side Effects of Joint

While smoking inside the joint is a popular way to consume marijuana, it comes with its own side effects that deserve attention. One important consideration is the skill required to properly play a joint. Unlike pre-packaged marijuana products, joint rolling is an art form that involves handling and finesse. Achieving a balance between density and airflow into the roll is critical to achieving a smooth smoking experience. This learning curve can be challenging for beginners, who may struggle to roll joints that burn accurately and efficiently.

Smoking a joint is its lack of discretion. Smoking a joint stands out more than other ways of using cannabis, like edibles or vaporizers. The unique smell of burning cannabis is easy to spot and can quickly catch attention in public or shared areas.

This is a big downside for those who want to keep their cannabis use private or live in places where it's frowned upon or regulated. The smoke from joints is obvious not just by smell but also by sight, making it hard to use a joint without drawing attention.

While joints are an old and favored method for the consumption of cannabis, the challenges in mastering the rolling technique and the conspicuous nature of smoking a joint are important factors to consider, especially for those seeking a more discreet or beginner-friendly cannabis experience.

Legal Status of Spliffs and Joints

The legality of a joint depends on the legality status of the ingredient that is used in its preparation. The marijuana and tobacco products used to make the crack. Legal marijuana continues to grow in the US and many places around the world. Although the U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use and recreational purposes, it remains illegal under federal law.

This discrepancy creates a complex legal situation for joint use, which is simply based on marijuana.

The division that includes marijuana should be legally considered to increase from the inclusion of tobacco. Tobacco use in most places is legal for adults, but it is heavily regulated. Classifying tobacco does not reduce the number of legal cases involving marijuana. While marijuana remains illegal, spliff use is also unlawful despite the legality of smoking.

Users need to know the specific laws in their jurisdictions regarding marijuana and tobacco. While the changing legal landscape may mean that cannabis use is becoming more acceptable, the actual legal effects vary significantly by jurisdiction, the legal effects of each cannabis consumption including joints and spliffs where marijuana is legal. 

Conclusion: Spliff vs Joint

In summary, understanding the differences between a spliff and a joint is essential for both experienced cannabis users and newcomers. While joints offer a pure cannabis experience, spliffs introduce the additional element of tobacco, affecting everything from the high to health implications.

Knowing these differences is essential, particularly in social settings or areas with specific legal implications for cannabis and tobacco use. Whether you choose a spliff or a joint, being informed ensures you enjoy your smoking experience responsibly and according to your preferences.

FAQs About Spliffs vs Joints

What is the basic difference between a spliff and a joint?

A spliff typically refers to a cannabis cigarette that contains a mixture of marijuana and tobacco, while a joint is made purely with marijuana. The primary distinction lies in the presence of tobacco.

Why do people choose to smoke spliffs instead of joints?

Some individuals enjoy the combined effects of marijuana and tobacco, finding that it creates a unique smoking experience. Others may use spliffs to moderate the potency of their cannabis.

Are there any health concerns associated with smoking spliffs due to the tobacco content?

Yes, the inclusion of tobacco in spliffs poses health risks, such as nicotine addiction and potential respiratory issues. It's important to be aware of these risks and make informed choices.

What is the basic difference between a spliff and a joint?

A spliff typically refers to a cannabis cigarette that contains a mixture of marijuana and tobacco, while a joint is made purely with marijuana. The primary distinction lies in the presence of tobacco.

Can you still get high from smoking a spliff?

Yes, you can still experience the psychoactive effects of marijuana when smoking a spliff. The tobacco, however, might alter the overall sensation and intensity of the high.

What are the benefits of smoking a joint over a spliff?

Joints are a preferred choice for those who want to enjoy the pure taste and effects of marijuana without the addition of tobacco. It eliminates the health concerns associated with smoking tobacco.