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How To Roll a Cross Joint

Learn how to roll a cross joint with the right tools, tips, and techniques—including airflow, sealing, and balanced burn.

How To Roll a Cross Joint

Written by Brandon Topp

July 21st, 2025

Rolling a cross joint is one of the most iconic and creative ways to enjoy weed.

It combines art, skill, and smoke in a ritual that’s perfect for showing off to friends — or simply celebrating your love of cannabis. Shaped like a plus sign or lowercase "t", the cross joint uses two rolled joints: a large joint as the base and a thinner second joint placed through the middle, forming that signature cross shape.

It might sound complex, but with the right tools, a little patience, and this guide, you’ll be rolling with confidence in no time.

Don’t forget — you can skip the whole process and still flex with a perfect pre-rolled Orchard Inferno Cross Joint from Mood.

Table of Contents

  • What Is a Cross Joint?

  • Hemp vs. Marijuana: What Mood Offers

  • What You Need Before You Start Rolling

  • Step-by-Step: How To Roll a Cross Joint

  • Pro Tips for Perfect Cross Joints

  • Cross Joint FAQs

  • Get Mood’s Pre-Rolled Cross Joint

What Is a Cross Joint?

A cross joint is made by intersecting two joints at 90 degrees to form a cross shape.

The main joint, often a fat joint, serves as the base, while a thinner second joint is inserted horizontally.

When done right, all three ends burn evenly, creating a smooth, full-bodied experience.

It became famous thanks to stoner movies like Pineapple Express, and remains a fan favorite for sesh nights or special occasions.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What Mood Offers

Mood exclusively sells hemp-derived cannabis, not marijuana.

That means you’re getting products that are Farm Bill compliant and packed with federally legal THCa.

Once you heat it, THCa becomes more potent — just like classic weed.

What You Need Before You Start Rolling

Set up your station on a clean, flat surface. Here’s your checklist:

  • Ground cannabis (choose your preferred strain)

  • Two small rolling papers for the cross joint, and one large one.

  • Mood Rolling Papers

  • Mood's Clear Joint Roller for smooth, tight rolls

  • Needle, skewer, or toothpick for poking holes

  • Scissors (optional)

  • Steady fingers and patience

Or skip all of this and light up instantly with the Orchard Inferno Cross Joint, rolled to perfection and ready to smoke.

Step-by-Step: How To Roll a Cross Joint

Step 1: Roll the Main Joint

Start rolling your large joint with a thick layer of ground flower. Make it dense but not too tight — you want proper airflow. This joint should be slightly thicker than the one you’ll use for the cross part.

Roll it with: Pluto – a heavy-hitting strain perfect for anchoring your cross.

Step 2: Roll the Second Joint

Now roll the thinner second joint. Use a small rolling paper and less weed. You want it to pierce the main joint cleanly without overpowering the structure.

Roll it with: Super Buff Cherry – smooth, sweet, and compact enough for a precise crossbar.

Step 3: Poke a Hole Through the Main Joint

Use a needle or pin to poke a hole side to side through the thicker joint. Do this slowly and evenly — don't rush. The hole should be close to the center, and level on both sides.

Use your thumb and fingers to hold the joint steady while you push the tool through, rotating gently for a clean hole.

Roll it with: Gary Payton – bold and balanced, ready to hold center stage in any cross joint.

Step 4: Poke a Hole in the Second Joint

Before inserting it, use your needle to poke a tiny hole in the center of the second joint. This step ensures proper airflow and helps all ends burn evenly.

Roll it with: Purple Punch – a mellow strain that’ll elevate your airflow game.

Step 5: Insert the Cross Part

Carefully spread the hole in the main joint just enough to slide the thinner joint through. Insert the second joint slowly, rotating as you go to reduce the risk of tears. Stop when it’s centered and perpendicular to the base.

If it feels loose or unstable, don’t worry — we’ll fix that in the next step.

Roll it with: Rainbow Runtz – colorful, sweet, and built for the spotlight.

Step 6: Seal with a Glue Strip

Now it’s time to seal the intersection. Tear the glue strip off an unused paper and wrap it around the cross, forming a tight seal on both sides.

If needed, use a second strip for a better seal. Make sure there are no air gaps—this ensures proper airflow and steady burning.

Using Mood’s Clear Joint Roller can help avoid loose rolls that break or fall apart mid-smoke.

Step 7: Light and Enjoy

Hold the joint so all three tips face upward. Light both ends of the horizontal joint (one side at a time), then the main joint. Take a slow inhale and wait until all ends burn evenly. If needed, rotate it to balance the flame.

Rather not DIY? Let Mood handle the hard part with the Orchard Inferno Cross Joint. Pre-rolled, pre-sealed, and potent — just light it up and pass it around.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cross Joints

  • Use a flat surface when rolling to keep your joints even and clean.

  • Moistening the glue strip just right helps with a better seal — too wet and it’ll slip, too dry and it won’t hold.

  • Let the sealed intersection dry for a minute before lighting to avoid leaks or tears.

  • A fat joint is ideal for the base, while the second joint should be slimmer for stability.

  • Roll both joints with the same flower or mix strains for a custom combo.

Cross Joint FAQs

Can I roll a cross joint with just fingers?

Yes, but using a joint roller makes for cleaner rolls and tighter joints. If you’re new to rolling, it’s a game-changer.

Why do I need to poke holes?

Poking holes ensures proper airflow, allowing smoke to travel through the cross section without blockages. Without it, the joint won’t hit properly.

What happens if one end burns faster?

That means your joint is uneven or over-packed on one side. Light each tip evenly and rotate slowly while smoking to balance the burn.

Can I mix strains in a cross joint?

Absolutely. Choose your preferred strain for each part, or mix two for a layered flavor. Just note how they interact—some combos can be intense.

Get Mood’s Pre-Rolled Cross Joint

Rolling a cross joint by hand takes time, practice, and the right tools. If you're not ready for all that — or just want guaranteed quality — grab the Orchard Inferno Cross Joint.

Expertly built with premium hemp flower, sealed tight for proper airflow, and ready to light straight out of the pack.

It’s the easiest way to impress your friends and elevate your session without lifting a finger.

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