10 Unspoken Rules of Sharing a Joint With Your Friends

Puff, puff, pass it to the left, always.

Photo by Juliano Astc

There is one rule that all smokers know and obey: when it’s your turn to pass the joint, always pass to the left. Some people say it’s a nod to Musical Youth’s hit song ‘Pass the Dutchie’ in a way of speaking, others just like things to be organized.

There is nothing more disturbing to the equilibrium of a smoking session than passing to the right. If you are new to the rotation, following this unwritten code will keep you from incurring side-eyes and sighs from your crew.

Don’t Be the Bogart 

The phrase “don’t bogart that joint” is not only a lyric, it’s a lifestyle. Coming up with a long story to tell your ex back, or are you debating Marvel vs. DC while holding onto the joint for too long? Rookie move.

Keep your convo short and sweet; take your puff-puff and pass. Your friends didn’t come to watch you hoard the goods.

No Wet Lips Allowed 

No one wants to hit a wet joint, so do yourself a favor and keep your lips together. A little slobber? No big deal — own up to it and dry it off like the responsible stoner that you are. Your friends will appreciate your honesty and your hygiene.

The Roller’s Rights 

The roller is often the unseen hero of any session. Whether they provided the supplies, formed the ideal cone, or simply had the most stable hand, the roller gets the first toke. It’s a polite and considerate way of saying thank you and guarantees they will roll again the next time.

Ash Like You Care 

It may seem like a small thing, but ashing properly is actually pretty important. No one wants to feel like they're catching stray embers in their jeans or finding ash on the couch later. Having a designated ashtray within easy reach and using it is a big plus, the quirkier or more homemade the ashtray, the better.

Mind the Rotation 

Do not just jump back in wherever if you step out of the rotation for any reason: bathroom break, snack run, existential crisis. Don't just cut in mid-rotation, wait for the joint to come around naturally. Disrupting the flow and sparking some silent judgment is a surefire way of doing that.

Don’t Preach About Your Strain Knowledge 

You're a walking encyclopedia of cannabis knowledge, but there’s no need to drop terpenes 101 mid-session. Don’t clutter the air with educational tidbits when no one asked. Let the weed speak for itself.

BYO Snacks 

The proper stoner knows that munchies are inevitable, and not bringing snacks to the party is a foul. Now, no one expects a charcuterie board, but killing it with a bag of chips or some cookies can make you a legend to your friends.

Respect the Set and Setting 

You are expected to match the energy of every sesh. When the group is quietly vibing to lo-fi beats, don’t blast Enter Sandman from your phone or when the energy is high, people are cracking jokes. Don’t be the buzzkill, sitting in silence. Read the room and vibe accordingly.

When the joint is burnt out, don’t argue over the roach. Let it die in peace. If you are the last one to have it, then make sure that everyone has had their share before calling it quit. But always offer a group cheer or just a ‘great sesh, guys’ to end it. It’s the mic drop of the stoner world.

Sharing a joint isn’t just about getting high; it’s a tradition, it’s a way to connect with people and it’s a science. Follow these unwritten rules, and you will be the kind of friend that everyone wants to have around.