Smoke Session Etiquette 101: 10 Essential Cannabis Rules

If you have been consuming the ganja in social settings for decades, marijuana etiquette may be second nature. But for the noobies in the group, these unspoken rules can get a little confusing.

TOP 10 GUIDELINES FOR A GREAT SMOKE SESSION:

To help you master the customary code of polite toking behavior, we’ve decided to post a series of some of the most common rules of marijuana etiquette.

1. THE ROLLER OF THE JOINT SHOULD BE THE LIGHTER OF THE JOINT.

Although it’s always polite to offer your guest first dibs, there is an exception when it comes to #smokesessions.

It is not only okay but is proper to light your own marijuana IF you’ve rolled the joint or blunt. If someone else uses your weed to roll, they should light it.

While this decree may sound pointless, wouldn’t you want to be the first after you just spent the time rolling? Besides, you would want to ensure you did an appropriate job, wouldn’t you?

Now it should be said that it is acceptable for the roller to OFFER this privilege to someone else if they choose.

2. OFFER YOUR GUEST THE FIRST HIT

This should sound like basic common courtesy. As a host, you should always offer your guests first dibs, so of course the same standards would apply to group smoke sessions.

As the host, it’s your responsibility to make your guests feel welcome, so offer your best. In this case, the “green hit.”

In our opinion, it’s always gracious to offer first before partaking. This would also apply if you rolled OR packed, and whether or not it’s your place or your weed.

3. TAKE OUT THOSE STEMS AND SEEDS – BUT DON’T TOSS THEM!

If you are planning on growing your own marijuana, hang on to any seeds, however, make sure to set them aside. Not only do seeds taste bad when they are smoked, but they’ll cause your bowl or joint to pop and spark #nothanks.

That goes for stems as well, and although they won’t be useful for future grows they can still be of great benefit. Why not make some stem tea to go along with the joint? Now that’s some top-notch hosting!

Try our Stem Tea Latte Recipe. Need a grinder? We got you covered. Take a peek through our Head Shop.

4. WHY TO THE LEFT?

“Pass the Dutchie to the left-hand side.” We’ve all heard it.

Although it may be commonly thought of as just a catchy song lyric by the 1980s group Musical Youth, it is actually a very beneficial rule for larger group smoke sessions.

This common etiquette establishes a distinct direction in the cannabis rotation and is notably helpful once a few joints or bowls have been consumed and short-term memory loss becomes a thing.

Here’s an example:

“Who’s next?”

“I think John is next.”

“John is here?!”

“I think this is John’s house, bro.”

5. PUFF PUFF PASS!

When smoking from a pipe, you should take a single hit before you pass. However, if it is a joint or blunt you’re smoking, taking a couple of hits before passing to the next person is acceptable.

Therefore, this common phrase is nothing more than simple instructions: take two puffs off a joint before passing it to someone else.

6. CAN YOU ROLL A JOINT – FO’ REAL?

Rolling a good joint can be hard to do, and it takes a lot of practice to master.

But smoking a poorly rolled jay can be a real bummer in a smoking sesh, resulting in either wasted weed or an unsmokable product.

If your rolling skills aren’t quite up to par yet, let your friends know. Someone else will probably offer to help.

Alternatively, pick up some KT pre-rolls and leave the hassle to us!

7. DON’T TORCH THE BOWL

Can’t roll a dube? Why not pack a bowl instead? Just don’t torch it.

The best hit is a green hit, so don’t keep it all to yourself.

Rather than burning the whole surface of a bowl, light only a small corner so that the next person (or two) can enjoy a green hit too.

8. ADMIT IT WHEN YOU’RE SICK

Marijuana has many health benefits, but exposing friends to the flu isn’t one of them.

If you’re sick, skip the sesh, take a pass, or better yet, bring your own one-hitter.

Want to smoke a joint or blunt, but your only friend with weed is sick? No problem.

Just grab yourself a Bic pen cap. You know, the ones with the holes in the top of them. Put the joint or blunt into the opening where the pen would go and your sick buddy has a reusable mouthpiece while you hit straight off the joint.

9. DON’T PUSH IT!

Sure, you love weed, and most of your friends do too.

Marijuana has helped you with countless things and there’s no argument that the benefits are vast.

But not everyone shares the same adoration of weed the way we do, and that’s okay.

If someone is hesitant to try marijuana or is simply opposed altogether, don’t hassle, push, or bully them.

Respect everyone’s decision to either try it or not. Besides, their pass is your gain.

10. DON’T TELL SOMEONE THEIR WEED SUCKS

Know the old saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

This is one of the cardinal rules of etiquette in any situation. If you can follow it, you’ll avoid a whole herd of other social faux pas.

So remember, no matter how tempted you are to dis someone’s stash or boast about how your bud is superior, being negative usually makes you look worse than the ganja you’re criticizing.

Instead, try to find something positive to say. And mean it too. Fake, sarcastic positivity doesn’t fool anybody.

And for heaven’s sake, be thankful.

I’m starting to believe that “Thank You” is the most under-appreciated and under-used phrase on the planet. It is appropriate in nearly any situation and is often a better response than most of the things we say.

And if you really, really want to tell your buddy he needs better bud, we do offer gift boxes with a wide selection of grades to choose from.

WHY SMOKE SESSION ETIQUETTE MATTERS

Whether you’re sharing a joint with close friends or meeting new people at a social gathering, good cannabis etiquette helps everyone enjoy the experience.

Following a few simple smoke session rules can prevent awkward moments, reduce wasted cannabis, and make group sessions more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Respect, communication, and consideration are the foundation of every great smoke sesh. The more comfortable everyone feels, the better the session becomes.

COMMON SMOKE SESSION MISTAKES TO AVOID

Even experienced cannabis consumers occasionally forget the basics. Here are a few common mistakes that can quickly disrupt the vibe:

• Holding the joint for too long
• Skipping people in the rotation
• Over-lighting an entire bowl
• Criticizing someone else’s cannabis
• Pressuring others to smoke more than they want
• Showing up sick without a personal mouthpiece
• Forgetting to contribute when appropriate

A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping every smoke session enjoyable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMOKE SESSION ETIQUETTE

What does “puff puff pass” mean?

“Puff puff pass” refers to taking two puffs from a joint before passing it to the next person in the rotation. It’s one of the most widely recognized rules of cannabis etiquette.

Why do people pass to the left?

Passing to the left creates a consistent rotation around the circle. This helps avoid confusion, especially during larger smoke sessions.

Who gets the first hit of a joint?

Traditionally, the person who rolled the joint lights it first. However, many hosts choose to offer the first hit to their guests as a sign of hospitality.

What is a green hit?

A green hit refers to the first hit from a freshly packed bowl before any part of it has been burned. Many cannabis consumers consider it the most flavorful hit.

Is it rude to refuse cannabis in a group session?

Not at all. Everyone has different comfort levels and preferences. Respecting someone’s decision not to consume cannabis is an important part of proper smoke session etiquette.

What should I bring to a smoke session?

Many people contribute cannabis, rolling papers, snacks, drinks, or accessories. While not always required, contributing something is generally appreciated.

BUILD THE ULTIMATE SMOKE SESSION SETUP

Good etiquette is only part of the equation. Having the right accessories can make every session smoother and more enjoyable.

From grinders and rolling trays to rolling papers and storage solutions, the right gear helps you get the most out of every smoke session.

Check out our blog on Smoking Accessories Every Cannabis Enthusiast Should Have to learn which accessories are worth having on hand.