How to Roll a Cone Joint, Step by Step (Plus the Cross Joint)

How do you roll a cone-shaped joint?

A cone joint is wider at the lit end than at the mouthpiece, and it burns smoother and more evenly than a straight joint. To roll one, make a cardboard crutch, sprinkle well-ground weed along the paper's crease, roll it so the tip ends up wider than the crutch end, then lick, seal and pack the top. Like any joint, you can roll it however you like: small or huge, with concentrates, with high- or low-THC strains. 

Joints are among the most popular ways to consume cannabis, even though these days there's a huge range of methods and every kind of accessory out there. 

Today we're talking about the cone joint — in Argentina some people call it a "bate," a bat. What sets it apart is that the tip is wider than the mouthpiece. It's the favorite roll of the counterculture crowd, since it's become a symbol of that world. 

Keep in mind that cones aren't always giant monsters packed with gram after gram of your favorite herb. You can roll them in whatever size you like, bigger or smaller. 

What you'll need

1. Your strain of choice

2. Rolling papers

3. A cardboard crutch (filter tip)

4. A pen or toothpick (to pack the weed)

Things to sort out before you roll

a. Pick your paper: this matters a lot, because when you smoke a joint you're smoking the paper too. A bad paper can leave an unpleasant taste and produce compounds that are bad for your health. The best papers are the ones with the fewest additives that aren't bleached with chlorine.

On top of that, cheap paper makes rolling a pain: it tears, it doesn't stick well and it's generally annoying to work with.

b. Prep your weed for rolling: the best move is to grind or break up the buds. A grinder is the most efficient tool, though some people just use their fingers (or even scissors). If it's not ground enough, the weed won't burn evenly, but if it's ground too fine, you'll end up with a loose, dusty mess that smokes harsh. You want something in between. 

c. Choose the right crutch: it's another key part of rolling a joint, although you can skip it if you're using a glass tip, for example. 

You can find all kinds of filter tips at most head shops. But the most basic version is just a small strip of cardboard, like the cover of a pack of rolling papers. To make one, tear off a little piece of cardboard and roll it into a spiral, forming a small cylinder slightly narrower than the joint you're planning to roll.

A crutch does three things. First, it makes the joint sturdier, acting as a "base" that adds stability to the finished product. Second, it guides the paper as you roll and lets you smoke all the weed while keeping your fingers clean and unburned. 

Finally, it may also catch some of the tar and resin that could otherwise end up in your mouth and lungs. 

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How to roll a cone joint: step by step

Step 1: Make the crutch

Roll a crutch at least 0.6 cm (about 1/4 in) across from light cardboard. Hold it at one end of the paper's crease, with the glue strip at the top (make sure it's facing you, on the inside).

Step 2: Fill it

Sprinkle as much well-ground flower as you want along the center crease. That can be anything from half a gram up to 3 grams if you're going for a massive cone. Get creative here: play around with strains, other herbs or concentrates. 

Step 3: Shape your cone

Fold the extra paper over the crutch and the flower using your thumbs and gentle pressure. With a motion like snapping your fingers in slow motion, tuck the paper into the flower as the joint starts taking shape.

Step 4: Roll it up

When you get near the top of the paper, lightly lick the glue strip. Finish rolling upward and gently pack the weed down with a pen or another thin tool. Tuck or twist the leftover tip.

Step 5: Light it up

Light it evenly and carefully so it doesn't "canoe" — that's when one side burns way faster than the other and opens a hole down the side. 

Now you've got all the tips you need to roll a solid cone joint. It might feel a little tricky at first, or not come out perfect. Like anything else, it takes practice. 

That's why we recommend beginners start with a regular joint, the simplest and easiest kind to roll. Once you've got that down, you can move on to cones and perfect your technique. 

If you don't want to waste your weed, practice with something else with a similar texture, like tobacco, yerba mate (the South American tea leaf), oregano or another kitchen herb. 

Why do we recommend the cone? Because it burns better than a straight joint, giving you a smoother, more consistent smoke.

Don't be afraid to play around and experiment. That's the beauty of rolling your own. Go for it and have fun. 

How do you roll a cross joint?

Rolling a cross joint takes a specific technique, since it's shaped like a cross instead of the usual cylinder. Here's a quick rundown of how to put one together:

1. Gather your materials: Grab everything you need, like rolling papers, tobacco or cannabis, and a grinder.
2. Grind: Break the herb down with a grinder until it's in small, even pieces.
3. Set up the cross: Take two rolling papers and join them in a cross shape, overlapping one corner of each.
4. Fill: Put the right amount of ground herb in the center of the cross formed by the papers. Make sure it's spread evenly.
5. Roll: Start rolling the joint from the base of the cross, using the overlapping papers as a guide. Press gently to get a tight roll.
6. Seal: Once you're done rolling, seal the cross joint by threading a paper tab through the opening that formed in the center of the cross. Twist the tab to close the joint and lock it in place.

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