Weed Etiquette – The Unspoken Rules of Weed
This article is part of our series on Weed Etiquette. Check out the rest of the series here!
Weed etiquette? Rules? What is this, boarding school? You’re a free spirit, and rules are meant to be broken, yes, but when it comes to weed etiquette, breaking the rules may be the reason your smoking buddies have been so “busy” lately. But don’t worry – we’ve compiled a few Dos and Don’ts that should help keep everyone happy.
Don’t Torch the Bowl
Lighting too much of the bowl ends up being wasteful and can result in a huge hit that you weren’t prepared for (in this case, try to exhale completely before coughing, or it will hurt your throat and make you cough even more). Be modest, there’s no rush.
Don’t Complain
Words hurt. If you don’t like the rolling job, don’t smoke it! Even better, offer to roll up next time. Everyone loves that guy!
Pass to the Left
Left is law. None of those fancy figure-8 maneuvers. Keep it simple and make sure no one misses out. That is poor form and is going to get you shunned, FAST. Be sure to warn the next toker in line if you think the bowl is burned out (even better is to refill it and pass it over) and always…
Keep the Mouthpiece Dry
There is nothing worse than waiting patiently for your turn only to be passed a slobbery piece or soggy joint. I’m sure we’ve all been there. Keep it dry, or at the very least, wipe it off before you pass it on.
Don’t Be Clumsy
Be careful not to break any glass pieces or spill the bong water or the weed. If you do, you can save the day by reading #5 and #6 from these helpful tips on how to clean up spilled weed. Take care while handling and be gentle. If you damage someone else’s belongings, be quick to offer reimbursement. Smashing someone’s glass is akin to tearing their heart out of their chest. Be kind to your fellow cannabis enthusiasts.
Know Your Limit
A common mistake that nearly everyone makes at one point. Take some time between your hits — what’s the rush, anyways? Keep in mind that different strains and methods of smoking yield will different effects. Edibles and concentrates can be easy to overdo it with. Be patient so you can reach that sweet spot without spoiling it. And one of my greatest pet peeves; never force others to overdo it. Not everyone has the same tolerance as you, so when you’re getting ready to give your newbie friend their first dab, please, please, start small. And then take that and cut it in half. You don’t want to ruin the experience for them!
Pick a Safe Sesh Spot
Don’t get high in a place that you don’t feel safe. This is never a good idea and is more than likely going to leave you or someone you’re with feeling paranoid and anxious. If someone does have some horrible anxiety from consuming cannabis, check these tips out for managing THC-induced anxiety. Likewise, make sure you are comfortable with the group you are smoking with — you always want to be in a safe, carefree environment when you are getting high. Alternatively, don’t be obvious about smoking cannabis or being high in public. We get it, you smoke weed.
Pro tip: Smoking in public can increase anxiety, but it is also illegal. If you are looking for a safe smoke spot, always look to smoke on private property! If you must consume cannabis in public, be discreet and act like a grown up, please.
BYO Bud and Food
No one likes the person who never brings any bud and happily gets high at everyone else’s expense. Don’t be that person. If you don’t have any weed to bring, offer to pitch some money or food for everyone to enjoy. The best stoners always bring some sexy new smoking papers to try or have some incredible munchies on hand to share with friends.
Never Blow Smoke in Someone’s Face
I can’t believe I have to include this, but as a reminder, never blow smoke in someone’s face. As an accident or a joke. It’s a sure-fire way to spoil the mood and it is just plain rude. Modern day cannabis enthusiasts are not assholes, do not be one. You’re representing all of us now.
Have an Activity Planned
In order to prevent the inevitable and unending “What do you wanna do?”, “I don’t know, what do you guys wanna do?”, have a suggestion in mind before you get high. This is going to save a lot of wasted time and will be greatly appreciated by everyone! Think about local places within walking distance of where you will be and create an adventure. Scavenger hunts are a sure way to bring the party, just do a little prep beforehand. If you’re a lazy toker, Google is your friend.
Never Joke About the Cops
Joking about the cops is a sure fire way to kill the vibe and put everyone on edge. Don’t do it.
Keep Up the Good Vibes
Be courteous and make sure to everyone feels welcome and at ease. This goes a long way — if you make people feel uneasy or unwelcome, intentionally or not, chances are they won’t want to light up with you again.
Overall getting high in a group shouldn’t be a chore, it should be enjoyable experience for everyone involved. What are some of the no-no’s in your friend group? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to send this guide to anyone that might need an etiquette reminder!
22 comments
Why is pot against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the thought of making nature against the law seem to you a tad not natural?
Never put the lighter in your pocket when the blunt is still lit and being passed.
If your smoking a blunt please whip your mouth and swallow! Why because you don’t wanna wet the blunt up! This is a big issue when smoking. Some people just have some wet ass mouth! NOT COOL!
I LOVE love LOVE living in a state with legal weed. no excuse for anyone not to bring their own weed and when we run out we just walk to the corner dispensary ?? eat your hearts out.
I Love Love LOVE living in a state with legal weed. No excuse for anyone not to bring their own weed and when we run out we just walk to the corner dispensary and buy some more. Eat your hearts out;)
You forgot one of the biggest mistakes, we all know that one nigga that smokes way too much of a joint that isn’t even his and pass it way too late
If u roll blunt u light it, never light a blunt if u didn’t roll it!!! Unless the person who rolled say u can light it
I shouldn’t have to say this but pass that damn thing if you know there’s a lot of heads 2 and out no one wants to watch you smoke and talk with the blunt
Please no talking with the blunt, start the story telling after the blunt is passed. Also remember 2 and out no more than 3 hits especially if there’s a lot of heads no one wants to watch you smoke let everyone join
1) don’t start a story before you hit the blunt 2) all bongs must be christened by snapping a peaker in one hit 3) don’t steal someone else’s lighter
My daughters last boyfriend used to come to our house with it and NOT OFFER any to us! How rude and un weed like was that?! ALWAYS offer to share with your host! (I can’t believe the nerve of some people!) We always do. Thought it didn’t need mentioning but it obviously does. Peace ???
So f4ck1n jealous of you guys
Yes bro, 100%
I actually do that out of courtesy, with having to breath in the initial paper smokes. I also smoke with a lot of people who seem incapable, but that’s besides the point.
Puff puff pass…..simple Ohhh….n dnt b tense, f**ks up d essence of d mash up. Smoke away weeders
PASS THE BLUNT BEFORE YOU TELL A STORY. I hate seeing someone hold the lit blunt while they continue on telling half their childhood memories.
Rollers rights. The roller always sparks
i assume its going well there would love it to be legla here
hope youe enjoying it wish it was legal here
While I’m for the legalization of recreational pot use, your argument is stupid. The castor bean grows naturally on our planet. Want to try some? Scorpion venom occurs naturally on our planet. Does that mean it’s not healthy?
“Puff puff pass”. It’s often misunderstood. This means when passing a joint, you take two hits off of it. If you just hit and pass, the joint will burn too quickly and run. As long as the joint is rolled well, there won’t be excessive wasted smoke as you hold the joint while holding your first hit.