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What is the scientifically best way to roll a joint?

Published

1 year ago

October 19, 2023

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How do you get as high as possible? It’s an age-old question that has consumed weed smokers, growers, researchers, scientists, and anyone who’s ever put some kind bud to their lips since humans first discovered the plant.

Recently, a study came out on the best way to roll a joint and get the highest concentration of cannabinoids. We’ve read, questioned, and tested it to see if there’s any validity to the study’s findings.

What is the best way to roll a joint?

You’d think that reaching certain degrees of high is a numbers game around buying weed with the highest percentage of THC possible — but it’s not. Scientists reported in a study by Scientific American that, with joints, how high you get is largely defined by how the joint was engineered, from how the weed was broken down and rolled to how the joint burns.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

They broke the weed down by different weed particle sizes and hand-rolled the joints to test it. Then, they measured what percentage of cannabinoids reached the end user’s lips and bloodstream. The results alleged that the quality of a joint and getting the most cannabinoids and compounds per puff is about the size of the weed particles after grinding them, the roll quality, and how evenly the final product burns.

The study was headed by Markus Roggen, president and chief science officer of Delic Labs, a cannabis and psilocybin research facility in Vancouver, British Columbia. Roggen and his colleagues questioned whether cannabinoid concentration was the most important factor in determining cannabis’s intoxicating effects and what other factors contribute to an enjoyable experience.

The team of scientists crafted a study where a smoke machine puffed on three pre-rolled paper cones in the same capacity and then measured the volume of cannabis compounds that were delivered. They used a coffee grinder and sieve to grind the cannabis and then hand-rolled the joints. The samples had weed particles that were one millimeter, three millimeters, and five millimeters in diameter.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

They made joints from half-gram samples of each and used a “smoke cycle simulator” that inhaled six times for three seconds before exhaling. Filters collected the aerosols at the machine’s 3D-printed mouthpiece, and the researchers used analytical chemistry techniques to measure aerosol levels from puffs taken at the beginning, middle, and end of each joint.

How did we roll the “best” joints possible?

I used this chart to determine what kind of sieve to purchase to get the particle size right. Then I hit Amazon for the cops:

Note: smoking by particle size requires way too much work, and I know you aren’t going to put that effort in. But we did, ya know, for science. However, human trial and error greatly affects variable results in this experiment.

Before testing, I knew the best time to smoke would be in the morning while I was completely sober, so I spaced the samples out between Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. The original study agreed that a human volunteer could not assess this many samples back-to-back with accurate results.

Step 1

I used a red Solo cup and a basic kitchen scale to weigh 0.5-gram samples of LA Cherry Runtz from Flight Path. I rubbed them against the sieves to break down the weed.

Step 2

I hand-rolled the samples into 1.4-inch OCB Virgin Cones.

Step 3

I inhaled.

During the smoke, I hit each joint six times for three “Mississippis” — the true way to count seconds, just as the study suggested. I jotted my journey over the following three hours to remember and compare the feelings.

Results

Ultimately, I know what you’re wondering: Could I really tell the difference between the highs based on particle size? Unfortunately, no, I could not. I just got high like any other time I’ve smoked a lil’ half-grammer.

When using different sieves for different particle sizes, I did not detect a higher high between a joint rolled with 1mm and 5mm particles. Perhaps some sort of monitor would have suggested differently, but if we’re going off of a human test and human feelings, it simply wasn’t there.

What does this study mean for the future of joints?

As of right now, nothing. Weed companies are not about to start marketing products based on particle size in a world where they are still fighting the THC percentage and indica vs sativa vs hybrid battles. But the information is still nice to know.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Amber Wise, scientific director of the cannabis testing lab Medicine Creek Analytics, said, “Roggen’s data supports the argument that THC percentage matters less than particle size, and pre-roll manufacturers will find this useful.” According to Scientific American, the study concluded that further progress would require addressing variability that persisted in the team’s measurements — even between identically prepared joints.

In future work, Roggen and his colleagues plan to examine how other factors, including humidity, combustion source, and packing density, influence a joint’s architecture and effects. We’ll be around to test those findings, too.

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allergies

Cannabis Can Help A Sore Throat

Published

14 hours ago

April 2, 2025

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There is a buzz about sore throats today. While they are most common in colder months, spring allergies bring the pain also. This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. Overuse of the voice, like talking loudly or singing for long periods, can tire out and strain the muscles in your throat, causing them to feel sore. The good news is cannabis can help a sore throat.

RELATED: How Hemp Helps You Sleep

For those seeking natural alternatives to manage cold symptoms, cannabis is emerging as a promising option for throat irritation. Increasing research at medical center specifically targeting sore throats shows early insights. The data suggests cannabinoids and terpenes could offer symptom relief through their unique properties.

medical marijuana — Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which studies indicate possess anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce throat swelling and irritation. Terpenes such as eucalyptol—found in some strains—are traditionally associated with decongestant effects, potentially easing respiratory discomfort. These components work synergistically to calm inflamed tissues, though their direct impact on sore throats requires further clinical validation.

Smoking cannabis while ill remains controversial due to potential throat irritation from heat and smoke. Instead, experts recommend gentler options:

Edibles/lozenges: THC or CBD-infused products bypass inhalation, delivering localized relief without aggravating the throat.
Cannabis tea: Warm beverages with cannabis extracts may soothe scratchy throats while providing hydration.
Tinctures: Sublingual CBD oils allow precise dosing and avoid respiratory irritation.

Beyond direct throat relief, cannabis may improve overall wellness during illness. THC’s appetite-stimulating properties can combat reduced hunger, while its relaxing effects might promote restorative sleep. CBD’s muscle-relaxing qualities could help alleviate the body aches often accompanying colds.

While preliminary findings are encouraging, users should consult healthcare providers before combining cannabis with conventional cold medications due to potential interactions. Starting with low-dose CBD products may offer benefits without psychoactive effects. As legalization expands, more targeted research is expected to clarify cannabis’s role in respiratory health.

Innovative cannabis formulations—from throat-calming lozenges to anti-inflammatory teas—are redefining how we approach minor ailments. For those navigating cold season, these plant-based solutions present a compelling fusion of traditional herbal wisdom and modern cannabinoid science

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Cannabis

White House Finally Comments On Marijuana Industry

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2025

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Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.

The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster. With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes. Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.

The administration’s current stance on marijuana reform is marked by inaction, despite campaign promises and earlier signals of support for cannabis-related reforms. A White House official recently confirmed that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana policy, leaving advocates and industry stakeholders uncertain about the administration’s priorities.

During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.

The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.

The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.

While stakeholders continue lobbying for reform, the administration appears focused on other priorities such as immigration and foreign policy. Advocates hope the President will leverage his influence to advance cannabis reform, but for now, the issue remains sidelined. Until then the industry struggles and waits.

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april fools

The History Behind April Fool’s Day

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2025

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Love it or hate it – April Fool’s Day is here to stay…and here is the history behind this unique tradition

From Britain to India, it is a popular day of pranks, laughs and silliness. From Google to Burger King has participated and some people spend endless hours planning the perfect joke. But what is the history behind April Fool’s Day? It is celebrated annually on April 1, is a global tradition marked by pranks and jokes. Despite its widespread popularity, the origins of this playful holiday remain uncertain, with several theories tracing its roots to different historical events and cultural practices.

Both April Fools’ Day and Día de Los Inocentes mark days when people play practical jokes on one another. April Fools’ Day is primarily celebrated in English-speaking countries, while Día de Los Inocentes is more widely marked in Spanish-speaking countries. A key way Día de Los Inocentes differs from April Fools’ Day is it celebrated on December 28th every year

Some of the most famous April Fool’s pranks include The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest, where the BBC broadcast a segment showing peasants harvesting spaghetti from trees in Switzerland. Another notable prank was when radio station KGB-FM in San Diego announced that the Space Shuttle was landing at a local airport, drawing over 1,000 people. Google has also been known for its annual April Fool’s jokes, such as the “Hyper Text Coffee Pot Control Protocol”. Additionally, brands like Pornhub have participated with humorous site name changes, such as “Cornhub” and “Hornhub”

One popular theory links April Fool’s Day to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, initiated by Pope Gregory XIII. Before this change, many European countries followed the Julian calendar, where the new year began around late March or early April. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year date were mocked as “April fools,” giving rise to the holiday’s name and customs.

A Burger Kind April Fool's prank....

Another theory suggests that April Fool’s Day may have originated from ancient spring festivals such as Rome’s Hilaria or India’s Holi. Hilaria, celebrated in late March, involved games, disguises, and mockery of neighbors, while Holi featured playful pranks and joyous festivities marking the arrival of spring.

The first definitive reference to April Fool’s Day comes from a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard de Dene. In this humorous tale, a nobleman sends his servant on absurd errands for nonexistent items, a prank still known as a “fool’s errand.” This poem solidifies April Fool’s Day as an established tradition by the late Middle Ages.

In France, the day became known as poisson d’avril (“April fish”), where children would pin paper fish on unsuspecting friends’ backs. This tradition symbolizes gullibility, likening victims to young fish easily caught.

By the 18th century, April Fool’s Day had spread across Europe and North America. In Scotland, it evolved into “Gowkie Day,” where people were sent on wild goose chases. The following day, “Tailie Day,” involved pranks like pinning “kick me” signs on others. Media outlets also began participating in the holiday by publishing fake headlines and stories—a tradition that continues today.

While the exact origin remains debated, April Fool’s Day thrives as an opportunity for lighthearted fun worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring laughter and mischief into everyday life, transcending cultural boundaries and historical uncertainties.

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