Written by Brandon Topp

TL;DR: A spliff is a type of joint with smoking tobacco mixed with cannabis flower. Spliffs are the cannabis smoking method of choice for some tobacco smokers and have been around for quite some time.

Disclaimer: Mood does not endorse or promote smoking tobacco. We only sell hemp-derived products. This informational piece is designed for curious cannabis enthusiasts who have heard the term "spliff" and aren't aware of what it means. When smoking joints, it's really important to know what's inside of them so you can make an informed decision on whether or not it's a smoking experience you'd prefer.

For the many cannabis smokers out there who do not use tobacco products, it's probably best to avoid smoking spliffs. For those who are curious about the definitions of spliffs and joints to get a better understanding, this guide is here to help inform you.

No matter if it's a spliff or a pure joint, it's always best to fill your thin rolling paper or tobacco-leaf blunt wrap with the finest straight cannabis flower you can find. Check out Mood's selection of Top Shelf Flower today.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Spliff?

  • Spliff Smokers Might Consider

  • Elements of a Spliff High

• What Is a Joint?

  • Joint Smokers Might Consider

  • Elements of a Pure Cannabis High

• How People Roll Spliffs and Joints

• FAQs on Spliffs vs Joints

• Mood Pre-Rolls (Pure Cannabis, Tobacco-Free)

What Is a Spliff?

A spliff is mainly considered a joint that's not only cannabis but has some tobacco mixed in, too.

Across the internet, you will find alternate definitions of a spliff that include only cannabis in rolling papers, strong cannabis in rolling papers, cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf, or cannabis mixed with concentrates or other smokables.

Because of the broad range of definitions, the spliff smoking experience can't be summed up into one simple thing.

In some circles, spliffs and joints could be the same thing, while in others, they differentiate between a doobie filled with just dried cannabis flower vs a mix of cannabis and tobacco.

The best thing any person who wants to know what's in their rolling papers can do is ask or avoid any mystery joints. You can always twist one up yourself.

To guarantee yourself a pure cannabis experience, consider picking up one of Mood's Pre-Rolls, which feature only high-end cannabis inside.

Spliff Smokers Might Consider

Tobacco content introduces compounds that can alter or tint the psychoactive effects that are common with cannabis use.

Smoking tobacco can make you lightheaded, and it can make you cough. Uses with no history of tobacco use have been known to find its effects overwhelming and unpleasant.

Smoking spliffs carries the risk of introducing these effects into your smoking experience.

Cannabis culture, thankfully, has a long tradition of smoking pot without tobacco, so even if you have found yourself being passed a spliff, remember that's far from the only way to enjoy cannabis.

Elements of a Spliff High

The consumption method of smoking a spliff can vary based on how much or little cannabis it contains and, conversely, by how much or little tobacco it contains.

Because smoking tobacco or from a tobacco wrap (i.e., a tobacco leaf) can make for a thicker, harsher smoking experience, consider prioritizing high-end cannabis to keep those rips as smooth as possible.

Because spliffs tend to be harsher, prioritize thin papers over thick papers and consider opting for cigarette rolling papers instead of a blunt wrap. There's a reason you basically never see people making a spliff with a cigar or blunt wrap.

What Is a Joint?

A joint most commonly refers to a rolled cigarette containing strictly cannabis.

It's also been used as an umbrella term for all rolled hemp — i.e., spliffs, doobies, straight-cannabis joints, etc.

Mood's Pre-Rolls and an entire selection of products align with the former — our products are all straight cannabis.

Joint Smokers Might Consider

Rolling your own joint is a calming and meditative practice that a lot of cannabis enthusiasts enjoy.

For the many of us who are not tobacco users, you can plus-up your joints with tasty concentrates like moonrocks or hash.

Elements of a Pure Cannabis High

A straight weed high is really nice. There's a cleaner and more uplifting feeling that you can enjoy compared to when you mix in tobacco smoke.

Smoking weed on its own is fun, and the variety is seemingly endless. Check out our THCa Flower section and explore the extensive variety of strains available.

FAQs on Spliffs vs Joints

Q: Are a spliff and a joint the same thing?

Historically, yes. In today's context, they often mean different things.

Across most modern American cannabis circles, joints contain only hemp while spliffs mix cannabis and tobacco.

Q: Why is it called a spliff?

According to most sources online, "spliff" has West Indian and Jamaican English roots that date back to the mid-1930s.

Several websites say the exact origin or etymology is unknown, and it's widely believed that its original meaning refers to a pure hemp or marijuana cigarette without any tobacco.

Q: What do Americans call spliffs?

A: In the United States, Americans tend to differentiate spliffs and joints by the tobacco content. These are all cannabis cigarettes. "Joint" is used as an umbrella term for rolling papers filled with pure cannabis.

"Spliff" is mainly used to refer to joints with tobacco added in.

As mentioned above, "spliff" does sometimes refer to smoking just cannabis, but that's rare.

If someone calls it a spliff, assume there's tobacco and avoid it if you're not a user of tobacco or if you want to avoid smoking tobacco.

Remember that a cigar wrap or tobacco papers contain trace amounts of tobacco, which can blend in with the cannabis during the rolling process, affecting the experience of smoking cannabis.

Q: What's the point of smoking a spliff?

A: For some people, the blend of cannabis and tobacco is flavorful and nice for smoking. Of course, the more tobacco you introduce, the further you get from pure cannabis use.

The less space in a joint there is for cannabis, the less tasty buds you can get in there.

While we do not promote tobacco content, we understand that adults are free to enjoy their cannabis as they wish. Putting cannabis and tobacco together is widely recognized as a common but totally unnecessary step when you roll joints.

It simply comes down to preference.

Q: Are spliffs dangerous?

A: We are not a health or wellness authority, so we can't give advice related to health concerns, health risks, or things like nicotine dependence.

Tobacco is not to be taken lightly, and you should absolutely speak to a doctor or qualified healthcare professional to learn more about it.

Looking at Mood's tobacco-free shop, we clearly favor a pure cannabis consumption method.

We definitely recommend smoking rolled cannabis on its own. No shade to those who are partial to the blend of cannabis and tobacco.

Mood Pre-Rolls (Pure Cannabis, Tobacco Free)

Unlike spliffs, Mood Pre-Rolls feature pure cannabis so that you can enjoy smooth, tasty rips. These full-gram gems burn uniformly and smoothly. They are delicious, convenient, and effective.

For those who like to roll their own doobies, check out Mood's selection of THCa Flower today.

Check out more hemp-focused stories at the Mood Blog today.