Cannabis
Puff, Puff Pass, And the Art of Social Smoking
Some of us smoke socially, some of us prefer to toke up in the privacy of our own space. Either way, there’s etiquette involved. When it comes to social smoking, there is the widely-known standard of puff, puff, pass. This exists with other conventions of social smoking; and is a consistent part of smoking culture, today.
Puff, puff, pass meaning
Vapes and edibles are catching on in a big way in the last few years, but there’s something about the good old joint; which maintains through generational, and industrial change. It’s nice to stand with a group of friends, or fellow-smokers, and share a story or a laugh, while passing a joint around. Is there really any specific rule for doing this? Of course, not!
However, despite a lack of formal literature on joint smoking etiquette; the convention of puff, puff pass, has embedded itself into social smoking society. And in the end, its really mainly a matter of having respect. Sure, everyone wants to make sure they get their own buzz-on, but its important to think about the group.
The term ‘puff, puff, pass’ is nothing more than a format. Each member of the smoking circle gets to hit the joint two times, before passing. The pass is generally to the left, but this is less important than making sure everyone gets a fair shot at the joint. There is nothing about how long a toke can be, so a person is free to hit the joint as hard as they want, when its their turn.
This tradition continues on as a word of mouth ritual. With no rules to govern it, or official cap on the number of tokes allowed in a turn; it shows one interesting thing. That people search for some kind of order and fairness, even when no one is making them. Somehow we always gravitate back to this model, in most any social smoking scenario.
There’s no rule saying that in a social environment, a person must share their weed. But I’ve found through life that if you show up to a party with weed, and choose to smoke it in a corner without sharing; you might get the evil eye from those around. It is understandable that many won’t want to share their well-earned stash; but its also good to remember, that sharing yours now, means getting included in someone else’s share, later.
Puff, puff, pass history
According to Emily Earlenbaugh of Cannabisnow, the phrase puff, puff, pass proceeded another popular word from 1960’s and 70’s US smoking culture. Back then, if you hogged the joint at your term, someone was sure to shout out ‘don’t ‘bogart’ the joint!’ The word ‘bogart’ is a slang term used beyond the world of weed, to indicate a person is keeping something for themselves, and not sharing with others.
That term actually does come from famous actor Humphrey Bogart, who was known to have a cigarette stuck into the side of his mouth, but with no apparent drawing on it. He wasn’t actually keeping anything from anyone; but the idea of holding onto something endlessly, stuck in its application with social smoking. It’s also applied to shared cigarettes. While this term was much more popular many decades ago, its still heard often enough today, if something holds onto the joint too long.
Earlenbaugh, however, gave no further uncovered information about where the term actually originated. Unlike a lot of modern terminology that is easily traced back to the statement of a person, or an event; this is a little bit harder. Apparently, where puff, puff, pass originated is not as well-known as the phrase itself. In fact, I can’t find a single entry online that is able to explain how this term came to be.
What we do know, is that it doesn’t seem to show up in the language as a coined term, until after the hippy era. Some even grew up with the simpler ‘puff, pass,’ which only allows for one toke per turn. I could not dig up anything more on it either, which means the ability to know the origin of this phrase; may be gone with the wind.
Critics of puff, puff, pass
Critics abound everywhere, even when the arguments make very little sense. If nothing else, as I mentioned, puff, puff, pass shows an interesting desire to move away from chaos and toward order. Something that people nearly universally choose to do when it comes to smoking weed socially; even though no laws prevail. Even the biggest outlaw sorts, will still hold true to smoking etiquette, because its such a standard thing to do.
What are people unhappy with? In her article on the phrase, Earlenbaugh brings up a couple things, that get repeated in other places, as well. You can decide for yourself whether you want to care about these things, or not.
The first is about disease. Despite the fact we’re a species that procreates by sexual encounters that explicitly don’t involve condoms; and despite the fact we’re social animals that crave touch, and come from societies with such thoughts baked into the very crust of existence (think of the double cheek kiss); people still get weird about passing a joint. We can literally watch other animal species sticking their wet noses into each other’s wet noses, or genital areas; yet this logic of basic humanity and animalism, is often lost to modern culture.
Yes, things can pass from one person to another. This can also happen at a family meal, on the subway, having any conversation with a person face to face, in a restaurant, at work, school, church, the supermarket, during sex, and anywhere else. I mean, its so easy, that’s how the fear of corona took off so badly. But that’s also a part of what we are, beings that build our immune systems through exposure. If this frightens you, or you think you see a cold sore on the lip of a person in the circle, opt out. Or don’t get closer with shotgun antics. It’s your choice in the end.
The other complaint centered on the idea of sharing. The writer, as a medical patient, didn’t necessarily like the idea of having to share one’s weed. But I think that gets a bit nit picky. If its medicine, its medicine. But if you’re going to go to a social place and smoke the stuff in front of other people without trying to be inconspicuous about it, and take the attitude of turning anyone around down…well, I mean, you might not be the most popular person at the party. Even so, its an option; as is explaining to those around that you’re sick, and this isn’t about getting stoned.
She argues that medical patients might require large amounts, and therefore the cost of sharing can pose difficulty. To be honest, I expect the majority who are sick enough to need that much weed, aren’t likely to be in the middle of tons of social situations with people they don’t know. When with regular friends, the situation is probably known; and without the pressure of being around new people who want to get in on it. If this is actually an issue for anyone, perhaps its best to find those with similar situations, to share between.
And if you don’t want to share all your weed…
Sometimes you show up to a social situation and everyone has something to offer. Sometimes you show up, and its just you holding green. While I fully promote the idea of puff, puff, pass, and sharing in general in social situations; I also know the weight of it falling on one person; and the disappointment of realizing after one night out, that your stash is almost gone.
One way to handle it is to keep your weed private, and smoke it privately only. Take a walk away from the crowd, offer to pick up snacks so you can get away for a bit, or take it in a way that other people are unaware, like an edible. If you want to get high without sharing, that’s cool. Just maybe be cognizant of it if a lot of people are around, and you know they want a hit.
Another option, best for when you know you’ll be around a lot of people; is to roll one or two for social use, and then use the rest privately. No one said you have to share everything you have. I’ve even rolled joints out of cheaper weed, and kept the better stuff for myself. The benefit of this is that you’re not seen as a non-sharer, but you don’t have to give it all away either.
Conclusion
I have smoked many people out in life, and been lucky enough to get a few hits, even when I had nothing to offer. The weed world of social smoking can be a beautiful example of sharing and caring; characterized by the practice of puff, puff, pass.
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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.
The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.
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Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.
One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.
Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.
Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.
Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.
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Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.
Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.
If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.
Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.
In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.
One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.
Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:
- Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
- Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
- Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.
The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019
These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.
As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.
Roughly 25% of people are planning to give cannabis as a holiday gift….here are some practical suggestions to make it a success.
Last year was a watershed year for Santa with 1 in 4 planning to add cannabis into their gift giving, the trend is only going up in 2024. Since the plant has become mainstream (except for a few in DC), it is to be found under the tree, next to the menorah and during festive gatherings. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend with 78% (vs. 56% of Gen X and Boomers) in planning to include cannabis in their holiday plans. But you you want to do it right, here are the best tips if you are giving marijuana as a gift.
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While giving alcohol is a long tradition, giving cannabis is does have some variances. To start, so far most can’t grab it out of personal stock or fish it out of Christmas gifts already given for the year. While Costco, groceries stores and Total Wine are the booze top sellers, it can be also purchased in bodegas, gas stations and other locations. Cannabis still has to be purchased at specialized dispensaries.
First, plan ahead when you shop. The good news is most dispensaries keep hours similar to a grocery store – open by 9 am and closing around or after 10 pm. This makes dashing in for a last minute gift or squeezing it in during the day easy. Remember to bring cash, have a plan and chill out.
The good news isyou can’t seem to be “cheap” giving weed. Most edibles are in a small price range, whereas wine bought at a grocery stores can go for $6-$100. And the quality of the wine can vary greatly. Most edibles, including gummies, are within the same price point and potency while caring on quality. Wana Brands, one of the nation’s leading gummy makers, hits the mid spot on price. Also, unless you are doing a hefty gift basket, you are can give one or two items as a trail.
Never overestimate someone’s usage. Think about the recipient’s experience level and preferences when selecting cannabis gifts. For most, consider starting with low-dose or CBD-dominant products. Gummies, vapes, oil, or gift cards are all popular choices. Also, ask the budtender what the best sellers for mid level consumers.
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