What Are Backwoods? Backwood vs. Traditional Blunts

Written by Joshua Sosin

Backwoods cigars are some of the most iconic smoking tools in the world of cannabis, and it's easy to see why fans of rolling blunts love them so much.

These cigars have a distinctive look that can only be described as rustic, and their flavorful smoke is just as unique as their appearance. Some folks love the rich tobacco taste of these cigars (especially longtime cigar smokers), but others stay away from backwoods, hoping to avoid any form of tobacco use.

We're not a tobacco company, and we certainly don't endorse the use of tobacco. However, we want you to be an informed, confident cannabis consumer and to know what's out there.

For that reason, we're here to fill you in on what backwoods cigars are, how they work, and what you should consider before you smoke backwoods for the first time.

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Table of Contents

• What Are Backwoods?

• Backwoods Cigars in the Cannabis Community

• What Makes Backwoods So Popular?

  • Natural Tobacco Leaf

  • Rolling Surface

  • Flavorful Smoke

  • The Culture

• Concerns About Smoking Backwoods

  • Why Joints Are Better Than Blunts

What Are Backwoods?

Backwoods cigars are a brand that first entered the public eye in the 1970s. Originally created by Altadis U.S.A., they were marketed to the rugged cowboy type.

The prime demographic to smoke backwoods was someone who wanted a down-to-earth, rustic smoking experience that other tobacco companies didn't offer.

This marketing pitch worked, and backwoods cigars became an overnight success. They were soon famous for their flavorful smoke, and users loved the freedom to choose between five flavors: honey berry, sweet aromatic, honey bourbon, dark stout, and Russian cream.

These cigars are machine-made, but Altadis took care to make them look like hand-rolled, natural cigars. The result is the rustic look that these cigars are so well-known for.

Backwoods Cigars in the Cannabis Community

Backwoods cigars are often used as blunt wraps in the world of cannabis. This method of smoking weed involves emptying out a cigar and refilling it with cannabis flower.

It's similar to smoking a joint, but the presence of some tobacco in the wrap adds a distinctive flavor, and the wraps themselves are a big part of the experience.

Before going any further, we want to reiterate that we don't endorse consumption of tobacco products, nor do we sell any blunts or other tobacco-infused goods in the Mood Shop.

What Makes Backwoods So Popular?

In the world of cannabis, backwoods are popular for their unique look and flavor, as well as how convenient they are for rolling blunts. Here's a bit more detail on what sets them apart:

Natural Tobacco Leaf

Many blunt wraps are made from homogenized tobacco pulp, which has a smoky flavor that some stoners love. However, a typical wrap doesn't have the same natural sweetness that backwoods offer.

This is because backwoods cigars are made from a whole tobacco leaf rather than pulp, which gives them their one-of-a-kind taste and look.

Many stoners find that the flavor and aroma of the tobacco leaf pairs exceptionally well with the natural terpene content in cannabis, bringing out new tastes and smells.

Rolling Surface

A backwoods cigar is bigger than many cigarillos and smaller cigars, which are some of the standards for blunt-rolling. The larger size offers a much bigger rolling surface for a stronger, more loaded-up blunt.

This is a big benefit for communal smokers who love to pass a blunt or joint around. The larger size compared to other cigars is also part of why backwoods cigars are so well-known.

Flavor Options

Sweet aromatic, dark stout, honey berry, and more are all ultra-popular backwoods flavors that have helped these cigars lock in their iconic status.

Some stoners find that the added flavors, along with the tobacco, lend themselves to a more pleasant and immersive smoking experience.

The Culture

Backwoods cigars are pieces of stoner history. They were immortalized by hip-hop culture, with many rappers mentioning them in lyrics and holding them in photos and music videos.

Combine the heavy advertising from the tobacco company behind backwoods with all of their appearances in pop culture, and you have the recipe for a legendary cigar.

Concerns About Smoking Backwoods Cigars

If you're considering rolling a blunt using backwoods, it's important to consider more than just their flavors and rustic appearance.

Using tobacco products can lead to some serious health risks, and the nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive. Smoking a joint, which doesn't contain any tobacco, is considered a safer alternative that still produces a powerful, enjoyable high.

Why Joints Are Better Than Blunts

Backwoods will always be legendary for their aroma and unique style. However, they still don't have anything on high-quality joints.

The simple combination of rolling paper and cannabis flower is the quintessential recipe for an amazing smoking experience.

There's no tobacco involved (which means no addictive nicotine), and the added crutch or filter provides an easy draw without much harshness.

In addition, unlike backwoods blunts, you can get pre-rolled joints to save you time and effort. Pre-rolls, which are available in the Mood Shop, give you a perfectly portioned amount of cannabis, helping you control your intake and explore new strains.

Before You Smoke Backwoods...

If you're interested in a flavorful, aromatic smoking experience, backwoods might seem like the perfect choice. However, we think you're much better off with a high-quality joint.

Cutting tobacco products out of the equation gives you a purer smoking experience without the risks associated with cigarette smoking. In addition, you can find plenty of different Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains in the Mood Shop, so it's easy to get the exact flavor profile you want.

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