Why Do Joints Run?

Running is a great activity to keep in shape, and canoeing can relax both body and mind. However, when a cannabis user says their joints are running or canoeing, we're sure no fun or relaxation is involved. But what is this travesty we're talking about, and why do joints run?

Well, no worries! We are here to explain everything and enlighten you on how to stop a pre-roll from running.

Let’s begin!

Source: shutterstock.com/ Photo Contributor: mirjana ristic damjanovic

What Are Running Joints?

A running joint is when the joint doesn't burn evenly; one side burns faster than the other. With this, it takes the shape of a canoe, thus the name.

This could result in unlit flowers falling out, cannabis and paper being wasted, and everyone's mood would be ruined. Aside from wasting product, smokers would experience rough pulls, harsher smokey flavor, and an unpleasant experience overall.

So, why do pre-rolls always canoe? What are the main reasons for this prevalent problem?

Reasons: Why Do Joints Run?

Many factors would indicate that the joint will run. Most of the time, it's the smokers' fault. Considering this, all these reasons can be avoided.

Rolling with a bad batch

The bud's moisture will impact how quickly the joint burns. An excellent joint must contain well-dried and cured flowers.

After the cannabis plants are harvested, they undergo curing processes that let the buds' moisture escape. A smooth, delicious smoking experience and an even burn are signs of high-quality cannabis.

Portions of the joint will burn more quickly than others if the blossom is too moist or dry, which can cause canoeing. The buds are too dry and will burn quickly if they crumble when touched, similar to dry leaves.

A high-quality flower has a strong aroma, is sticky even when dried, and doesn't disintegrate when removed from the stem.

Not using a grinder

Marijuana must be thoroughly ground before a joint can be expertly rolled and burned evenly. Although it may seem obvious, a significant contributor to kayaking is unevenly ground cannabis.

In light of this, it's crucial to check that the grinder can break down plant material into particles of the same size. By doing so, you can avoid the problem you want to avoid, which would happen if various bud sizes burned at different speeds.

Not packing the product right

Once the flower is grounded up nicely, it's time to roll it into a joint. Packaging the product after taking the paper and tip is important. You can do that by using a good rolling machine. We, Sorting Robotics, might have the best solutions for that cause. You can check it and ease the process.

So, the grounded-up product should be evenly distributed on the rolling paper while making sure there's room at the end to twist the paper when made into a cone.

The key is consistency since you want to produce a tight roll and avoid air gaps. However, you also don't want to overpack and render the joint unusable. You should ensure the joint is smooth and free of outward lumps or bumps.

After the joint is rolled into a cone shape, it's important to tap at the tip on a flat surface a few times before twisting the top. This will pack the loose flower down, and a noticeable amount of room will open up at the top.

This extra room can be filled up with more grounded cannabis or just twisted as it is. After it's twisted, it's best to flatten the top out. The bulbous shape would disrupt the even burn, while a flat top will ensure the joint burns evenly.

Spark it up right

Ensuring the joint begins appropriately is just as crucial as using high-quality, well-ground cannabis. This entails bringing the flame close to the joint's end all the way around.

If not, the joint may move forward while the opposite side is still stepping off the starting line. To check if the joint burns evenly, gently blow on the embers.

Sparking a joint on a windy day

Sometimes, it's not the smoker's fault that the joint is running because it might be due to the wind. When sparking up a joint on a windy day, it's best to do it indoors.

However, shielding the joint is necessary if smoking inside is out of the question. We advise smokers to turn their back to the wind. If it's a group smoking, it's best to shield the one who lights up the joint by making a circle around them.

Extra Tips for Preventing a Canoeing Joint

Add moisture to the cannabis

Sometimes, the roll itself isn't the issue; rather, the issue is the moisture level of the cannabis being utilized. Too-dry marijuana flowers can burn easily and are far more likely to result in a running joint.

Adding extra moisture could be a good idea when using dry or older buds. You can add extra moisture by blending hash with the cannabis or applying a small coating of marijuana concentrate to the rolling paper.

Also, fruit peels from fruits like apples, pears, and bananas that won't mush up and adhere to the bud could be added to the herb's storage container.

Using high-quality paper

A crucial element in rolling joints is the caliber of the rolling paper. Cheaper versions won't give an even burn, whereas premium rolling paper produced from hemp or rice is thin yet strong.

Therefore, it's wiser to spend more on paper that will be useful.

Moisten the paper

There are rolling papers for marijuana that don't burn nicely. In light of this, cannabis fans choose zigzags and other slow-burning brands.

After the joint has been rolled, you add a tiny bit of moisture to the outside paper if the paper is burning too quickly and causing a canoed joint.

This can be accomplished by applying a little mist of water from a bottle or licking the finger and running it over the joint's periphery.

Mastering backward rolling

The most dependable approach to create a stick that burns gradually and gently is to roll a backward joint. As a result, less paper smoke will be inhaled.

At first, rolling a backward joint could appear challenging. But rolling a conventional joint is just as easy.

Step 1

To start, you require a leaf and a tip. You're used to loading the herb along the paper's inherent fold while rolling a normal joint.

You fold the paper back to create a backward joint along this crease. The gum strip should be pointed downward and on the surface closest to you.

Step 2

After equally distributing the substance on the paper, you roll while the tip is still at the end. After you are sure it has been spread properly and evenly, you begin rolling the herb into a thick cone with your thumbs and forefingers.

Step 3

After packing the ground marijuana tightly, you tuck a gum strip over each bud until it meets the other side of the paper. But you're not going to hide it just yet! The gum strip is now in place, and you lick it to make it sticky.

Step 4

Tuck the moist gum strip under the paper until it fully encases the plant. The joint is rolled until the gum strip is fully adhered to the opposing side of the paper.

Step 5

After this, you'll have a junction with much extra paper from the side. You then light one of the extra paper's corners with a flame and watch it burn away. The flame won't harm the remainder of the joint because of the moist gum strip.

Step 6

In the last step, you sit back, spark the joint, and let your troubles drift away.

Tips for Fixing a Canoeing Joint

No matter how good you roll, ensure the cannabis is top-notch quality; sometimes, you all get a running joint. It could happen to the best of you. The good thing is there are ways to fix a canoeing joint in the nick of time.

Lay a lick down

Once you notice that the joint is running, dampening the running side is the fastest way to prevent it from continuing. The moisture would slow down the burning on the running side.

By the time the heat dried up the dampened area, the side burning slower would have reached the faster side.

You can dampen the running side by applying saliva with your fingers. When you're having a bad case of cotton mouth, a little bit of water will work just as well.

Turn it and burn it

While smoking, it's crucial to keep rotating it. This will prevent a canoeing joint from forming where one side takes most of the flame.

Between impacts, a moderate and steady rotation will do the trick. While sharing with pals, the group will wind up doing this without even realizing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can improper storage of pre-rolls contribute to uneven burning?

Yes, improper storage of marijuana can dry it out immensely. The drier the product, the more likely it would burn faster, which could indicate that the joint will run.

Why do pre-rolls always canoe?

Most pre-rolls have too many seeds or stems, or the product is too finely ground. This always results in uneven burning.

Also, many pre-rolls aren't tightly packed. The joint will surely run if there's too much airflow from tip to top.

How to stop a pre-roll from running?

If a pre-roll has lots of airflow and the cannabis isn't packed evenly, it's best to untwist the top and push the product down. After pushing the product down, tapping the joint on a flat surface will ensure the product is evenly distributed.

Also, twisting the joint while lighting it is essential. This ensures the joint is evenly lit on all sides.

Conclusion

Why do joints run? The reasons are fairly simple and, for your luck, easily fixable. It's important to work with high-quality cannabis and know how to roll a joint tightly. Also, properly lighting a joint could make or break the chances of joint canoeing.

Nonetheless, even if the joint does run, turning it while smoking it or dampening the running side fixes the problem instantly. You shouldn't let a running joint ruin the entire mood.