Science reveals the secret to rolling the perfect joint

There are over 209 million cannabis users worldwide, and both recreational and medicinal users are increasingly curious about how to improve their smoking experience. A scientific study sheds light on an intriguing aspect of cannabis use: how the construction of a cannabis cigarette, commonly known as a joint, affects the release of active ingredients such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While there are many methods of consumption, traditional smoking remains the most popular, preferred by around 70% of users. Using advanced research tools, scientists have explored the chemistry behind joint smoking to discover the best way to roll them.

The role of cannabinoid concentration in cannabis use

Many cannabis users believe that the higher the concentration of THC, the stronger the effect. However, researchers have discovered that the intensity of the effect does not depend solely on THC levels. Instead, the way a joint is rolled is key in determining how much of the active compounds reach the smoker’s mouth.

As the cannabis market expands globally — now with over 209 million users — standardization of products has become crucial. Legal cannabis companies are working to ensure consumers know exactly what they are buying by accurately measuring cannabinoid levels and detecting any contaminants. While there are many methods of consumption, traditional smoking remains the most popular, preferred by around 70% of cannabis consumers. according to a 2022 Canadian government survey.

The Science Behind Joint Construction

In the center of this study Here is the basic mechanism of how a joint works. Joints are simple but fascinating devices: they contain ground cannabis inside rolling paper, which channels the smoke from the lit tip into the user's mouth. When the joint is lit, cannabinoids are released in gaseous form, which are then drawn through the loose material.

Markus Roggen, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Delic Labs, led this investigation to delve deeper into the chemistry of joint smoking. Your team tested joints made from cannabis with different particle sizes in a smoking cycle simulator, in order to understand how different factors influence the release and delivery of cannabinoids.

How does particle size affect cannabinoid delivery?

To find the ideal setup, the researchers experimented with ground cannabis into particles measuring one, three and five millimetres in diameter. They rolled 0,5 grams of each sample into commercially available pre-rolled cones. The cones were then connected to a smoking machine, which simulated six three-second puffs. Filters collected aerosols at different stages of smoking to analyse cannabinoid levels.

The findings were revealing:

1. Smaller particles for maximum intensity:

Joints with 1 mm particles had the highest concentration of cannabinoids per inhalation. The smaller particles exposed a larger surface area to the flame, resulting in faster and more efficient combustion.

2. Larger particles for longer lifespan:

Although 5mm particles provide a less intense delivery of cannabinoids, they burn more slowly, creating a longer-lasting joint.

3. Flavor and intensity vary over time:

The study revealed that terpenes, which contribute to the flavor of cannabis, are most prominent at the beginning of the joint. On the other hand, the highest concentration of cannabinoids is provided at the end.

Differences between THC and CBD administration

Interestingly, the study found significant differences in the delivery of THC and CBD. THC-dominant joints provided approximately 19 to 28 milligrams of THC per joint, while CBD-dominant joints provided a whopping 90 to 100 milligrams of CBD, or 200 to 400 percent more of the dominant cannabinoid. This disparity has puzzled researchers, as the reason behind it remains unclear.

Implications for pre-rolls and consumer experience

Pre-rolls represent a rapidly growing segment of the cannabis market, particularly in Canada, where sales of pre-rolled multi-packs have increased by 400% since 2021. However, critics often describe these products as having a harsh taste or burning unevenly. This research highlights that factors such as particle size and joint structure can improve flavor, consistency and the overall experience.

Amber Wise, scientific director of Medicine Creek Analytics, highlights the importance of this data for pre-rolled joint manufacturers. Understanding the relationship between particle size and cannabinoid delivery can help producers create more enjoyable, high-quality products.

Medical cannabis and standardized dosage

The findings also have significant implications for medical cannabis. Doctors often prescribe cannabis to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety and epilepsy, but dosing of smoked cannabis remains imprecise. Markus Roggen hopes his research will provide a framework for more effective dose control, allowing patients and doctors to achieve consistent results.

Robert Strongin, professor of organic chemistry at Portland State University, agrees that this study represents a step forward in systematically regulating cannabis dosage. By addressing variables such as humidity, combustion source, and packaging density, future research could help further refine these recommendations.

The future of cannabis research

Despite these advances, variability remains a challenge, even among joints prepared under identical conditions. Future studies aim to explore how environmental factors and construction techniques affect the smoking experience.

Ultimately, it will be consumer preferences that will continue to drive innovation in joint manufacturing. While some users are looking for quick and discreet options, such as small “dog walker“, others prefer longer-lasting products for social settings. As Wise points out, particle size may not become a common selling point, but the knowledge gained from these studies is invaluable for improving cannabis products.

Rolling the perfect joint involves more than just choosing cannabis with a high THC content. Factors such as particle size, joint construction, and even environmental conditions play a key role in the overall experience. As the cannabis industry grows, scientific research will continue to provide valuable insights into creating better, more consistent products for both recreational and medical users.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

What do you do with €3 a month? Become one of our Patrons! If you believe that independent cannabis journalism is necessary, subscribe to one of the levels of our Patreon account and you will have access to unique gifts and exclusive content. If there are many of us, we can make a difference with little!

João Xabregas

More postsBio

With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.

• João Xabregas

  https://cannareporter.eu/author/joaoxabregas/

  Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC): all about its chemistry, pharmacology, effects and safety
• João Xabregas

  https://cannareporter.eu/author/joaoxabregas/

  Spannabis bids farewell to Barcelona and moves to Bilbao in 2026
• João Xabregas

  https://cannareporter.eu/author/joaoxabregas/

  How Microbes Can Increase CBD Yield and Fiber Quality in Hemp Plants
• João Xabregas

  https://cannareporter.eu/author/joaoxabregas/

  SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals and PACCAN join forces to revolutionize medical cannabis in Asia