How to Stop a Joint from Canoeing

Nothing ruins the vibe of a good smoke sesh quite like a canoeing joint.

The problem is well known to all cannabis users: the cigarette lights up, a few puffs are taken, and one side of the cigarette starts burning faster than the other, resulting in a poorly burned, unevenly consumed product. It is frustrating, it is wasteful, and it should be avoidable. The good news is that with a little technique and a bit of preventative care, you can make your joint burn evenly and enjoy every puff. 

Whether you are a rookie or a pro at rolling joints, this guide has all the information you need about why joints canoe and, more importantly, how to prevent it.

What Is Canoeing and Why Does It Happen?

A canoe burn occurs when one side of your joint gets burned through more than the other, resulting in an uneven burn that looks like a dugout canoe. Such a problem is not new, particularly with hand-rolled joints, and there are numerous potential causes.

The most obvious one is uneven packing: if the buds are not evenly distributed, some parts will burn faster than others. Air pockets can also result in uneven burns if the roll is loose.

Poor lighting techniques, such as lighting only one end of the joint or holding a flame too close, can ensure that you experience canoeing from the very beginning. There is also the issue of wind: smoking a joint outdoors without shielding it can destroy a perfectly rolled joint in no time. Nevertheless, all of these issues can be fixed with a little skill.

Roll Like a Pro

Photo by Dad Grass

The first step to preventing canoeing is rolling your joint like a pro. A properly rolled joint is your first line of defense. Evenly grinding your flower is crucial; a good grinder is important because it ensures the cannabis is consistent and leads to a smooth, uniform burn. Tight—but not too tight—packing of the joint is equally important.

Air pockets form in loose rolls, while overly tight ones restrict airflow, making it hard to draw. Using a filter tip or crutch not only helps maintain the joint’s structure but also helps to ensure steady airflow, which helps to reduce the likelihood of canoeing.

Light It Right

The way you light your joint can either make or break your smoking experience. Instead of putting it straight in the mouth, take your time and toast the tip of the joint. To evenly “toast” the end, rotate it over the flame; don’t let one side burn more than the other. When it’s evenly lit, take a few gentle puffs to make sure it’s burning consistently. Don’t torch the tip or keep the flame in one spot because this can cause it to burn one side faster, creating that annoying canoeing effect.

Fixing a Canoeing Joint

The best-rolled joints can also canoe, but there’s no need to panic — there are ways to fix it. If you notice one side burning faster than the other, flip the joint over so the faster burning side is on top. This is because heat rises, and this can help to slow down the burn on that side and make things more even. Another trick is to very lightly wet your fingertip and touch it to the faster burning side. This tiny amount of moisture will slow down the burn, giving the other side a chance to catch up. If the canoeing is due to loose flower in the joint, then tapping it gently will help to redistribute the material and fix the problem.

Some things can also cause canoeing while smoking a joint, especially if you are smoking it outside. One of the biggest culprits is wind. If you are lighting up outside, make sure to block the wind with your hand or another object when lighting and taking puffs off of your joint. This is especially true for smoking in the wind, where rapid inhaling in an attempt to keep the joint lit only makes the problem worse. In this case, it is better to take slow, steady puffs in order to keep the burn even.

You don’t have to ruin your smoke sesh with canoeing. With the right technique of rolling the cigarette, the right approach to lighting it, and a little patience, you can enjoy smooth, even burning joints every time. 

Whether you’re passing the joint with friends or vibing solo, these tips will keep your cannabis experience elevated and your precious flower from going up in uneven smoke. So, next time you see that dreaded canoe, don’t despair. 

These hacks will help you save your sesh, and remember: practice makes perfect, so keep rolling and puffing until you get it right.