Whether you’re a veteran smoker or a rookie, chances are you’ve noticed that stoners tend to follow some rules when they blaze. In this post we’ll examine some of the cornerstones of this so-called “weed etiquette.”

Remember, these are just general guidelines and individual groups of smokers may do things a bit differently. However, if you’re smoking with people you don’t know very well, follow the tips below and you can rest assured to be remembered as the polite stoner.

On the other hand, if someone new joins your circle of smokers, don’t blast them if they don’t know any of the rules below. Chances are that they’re new to weed or that they follow a slight variation of these rules in their group of friends.

NO PEER PRESSURE

If someone doesn’t want to smoke, don’t make them. Any smoke session should be free of peer pressure at all times. Simply make the offer and let people decide for themselves if they want in or not.

GIVE GUESTS GREEN HITS

If you’re smoking bongs or pipes, let your guests take the first hit. Nothing tastes better than a freshly packed bowl, and allowing someone else to enjoy that first hit is a super polite gesture.

PUFF PUFF PASS

If you’re more into joints, blunts, or spliffs, this is the golden rule. Take two puffs of the green and then pass it on. And we’re not talking two huge, lung-busting tokes. Nobody likes that guy. Just take two normal, relaxed tokes, and hand the J or blunt over to the next guy/gal. However, if you’re smoking bongs or pipes, only take one hit before passing it on.

PASS THE DUTCHIE TO THE LEFT-HAND SIDE

Rotation is important to ensure everyone gets a nice, even buzz. Always passing to the left is a simple way to do so. This goes for ANY smoke session.

IF IT’S NOT YOUR TURN, SAY SO

If, for some reason you get passed the green when it’s not your turn, be honest and pass it on to whoever’s next in line.

ROLLERS' RIGHTS

“Whoever rolls it, sparks it.” All stoners appreciate the dedication that goes into a perfect roll job. So, whoever put in the hard yards should be rewarded with that clean, tasty first hit.

LEARN HOW TO SPARK PROPERLY

There are multiple techniques for properly lighting a joint or blunt and they’re all concerned with the same goal; getting a good, even burn. While it’s probably best to research a few different techniques and pick what works best for you, here’s a common technique that we like to use:

Don’t hit the joint or blunt directly with the flame. Also don’t try to light it while it’s in your mouth. Instead, hold it in your hand and keep the flame a few centimetres away from the tip. Slowly twist the joint/blunt to get a nice, even burn on all sides and some bright red embers. Now take one or two short puffs and check the tip. You should have an even, solid burn happening.

IF YOU CAN’T ROLL, ADMIT IT

No one likes the guy who rolls for pride and ends up passing around a flimsy, loose joint that looks like a stretched-out sock. Don’t be that guy; if you can’t roll, admit it and let someone else handle it.

LEAVE SOME GREENS FOR THE OTHERS

When it’s your turn to hit a bowl, don’t burn the whole thing to a black crisp. Instead, light a small corner of the cone to leave some greens for the next person waiting in line. Doing so means everyone gets to enjoy a clean, fresh hit rather than sucking on dry ash and carbon.

DON’T PASS A CASHED BOWL

This is another rule for the bong/pipe lovers. If the bowl has run dry, let the next guy/girl know instead of playing dumb. Even better, offer to pack it for him and you’ll be remembered forever. If you’re hosting a sesh, you should be reloading bowls on behalf of everyone else.

ALWAYS CLEAR THE CHAMBER

Always clear the chamber of a bong, pipe, bubbler, or dab rig before passing it on. If you don’t, the smoke will go stale and taste awful for the next in line. If you don’t know how to empty a chamber, just ask someone in the circle to show you.

ALWAYS FIX A RUN ON A JOINT/BLUNT

A run is when one side of a J or blunt is burning faster than the other. Some people consider it a sign of a bad roll job, but it can be caused by a number of factors. If you notice a run, moisten the side of the joint/blunt that is burning faster and turn it so that side is facing up. That should help to control the situation.

ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE ILL

Don’t bring your sickness into a smoke circle. Instead, let everyone know you're sick and ask to smoke a personal pipe or smaller doobie to avoid passing on whatever it is that you’ve got.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SESH

When you’re heading out for a smoke session, try to contribute wherever possible. Either bring some of your own weed and offer it to the group or stock up on some basic munchies/drinks to share once your eyes are red and your tummy’s rumbling.

DON’T HOG THE TUNES

Is there a better way to enjoy killer weed than listening to your favorite tunes? If you’re listening to music while blazing, make sure to give everyone a chance to put on something they like.

Did we miss any of your favorite stoner etiquettes? Make sure to let us know in the comments below and remember to check out our blog for more articles like this one.