Cannabis Etiquette 101: Beyond the “Puff Puff Pass”

You're sitting in a circle with friends, passing around a cannabis flower joint, but wait—is there a right way to do this? Welcome to the world of cannabis etiquette, where the unspoken rules of smoking marijuana can make or break your smoking experience. Let's delve into what cannabis etiquette is all about and why it's more than just "puff, puff, pass."

What is Cannabis Etiquette?

Cannabis etiquette encompasses the unwritten rules and social norms that govern the consumption and sharing of cannabis.¹ It's about respect, consideration, and ensuring that everyone in the smoking circle has an enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a newbie, understanding these etiquettes can elevate your cannabis sessions to a whole new level.

Marijuana Etiquette 101

If you’ve been invited to or included in a smoke session with friends, chances are good that everyone knows you’re a chill person, so don’t stress too much. At the end of the day, not knowing all the details isn’t going to get you kicked out, especially if you approach the session like any good person would. Still, you don’t want to go into it without a clue, and that’s where knowing the rules for marijuana etiquette can really help:

Be Welcoming

When inviting others to join your smoke session, make them feel welcome and comfortable.¹ Offer hospitality and create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. That said, nobody likes feeling pressured, especially when it comes to consuming cannabis. Respect everyone's boundaries and never force anyone to partake if they're not interested.

Don’t Pressure Anyone

This goes for all things in life—if someone isn’t interested in trying something, don’t pressure or force them.² Blowing smoke in someone’s face might seem funny at the time, but it can quickly turn a session sour and get you uninvited to any future events.

Sharing is Caring

Sharing is a fundamental aspect of cannabis culture.¹ If you're part of a group smoke session, contribute something to the mix—whether it's cannabis, snacks, or even good vibes.

Be Transparent

Honesty is key when it comes to sharing cannabis.² If you’re leading the session, always inform your fellow cannabis enthusiasts about what strain they're smoking or the edibles they’re eating. Transparency builds trust and ensures that everyone knows what they're getting into. If you’re joining the session, make sure you ask questions if you’re concerned a strain might not be right for you.

Respect Roller’s Rights

If someone takes the time to roll a joint or pack a bowl, show respect for their effort.² Avoid criticizing their rolling skills or messing with the joint without permission. The person who rolls the joint should always be the first one to spark it. Always.

Puff, Puff, Pass

The age-old mantra of "puff, puff, pass" is a golden rule in cannabis circles.³ Take two hits before passing the joint to the next person on your left to ensure everyone gets a fair share. Keep the rotation flowing smoothly to maintain a harmonious smoking experience for all.

Keep It Clean

There are two ways to keep a session clean: don’t smoke when you’re sick, and respect the smoking environment by keeping it clean and tidy.¹ Cleanliness contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and shows consideration for your surroundings and the people in it.

Light the Right Way

When lighting a bowl, "cornering" the bowl—only lighting a portion of the cannabis—allows everyone to enjoy fresh greens.¹ Avoid "canoeing," where one side of the bowl burns faster than the other, resulting in uneven hits.

Respect the Space

Whether you're smoking indoors or outdoors, respect the space and property of others.¹ Avoid smoking in prohibited areas and be mindful of noise levels.

Know Your Limit

Cannabis affects everyone differently, so know your limits and consume responsibly.² Pace yourself and avoid overindulging to prevent unpleasant experiences. If you notice someone overindulging, encourage them to take a break.

Answering Cannabis Etiquette FAQs

If you’re looking to join or host your first smoke session, don’t worry. We’ve got answers to questions you may have:

Do you pass a pre-roll to the left or right?
According to tradition, joints are typically passed to the left.⁴ There are a variety of possible places this tradition started, from old naval traditions to religious experiences. Wherever the first left pass originated, today, passing to the left is a simple rule that keeps the rotation consistent and prevents confusion.

What should I bring to a smoke session?
It's always appreciated when guests contribute to the session. You can offer to bring cannabis, snacks if people get the munchies, drinks, or even music to enhance the experience. If you didn’t know you were going to be joining a session, or you don’t have anything handy, just offer money. Some cash or a quick Venmo can ensure you are invited back the next time.

How many times should I hit a pre-roll before passing it?
As the saying goes, "puff, puff, pass."³ The first hit to try, the second hit to enjoy. Take two hits before passing the pre-roll to ensure everyone gets a turn without bogarting the joint.

Understanding Cannabis Etiquette

Good cannabis etiquette is about fostering a sense of community, respect, and camaraderie among marijuana enthusiasts. By following these unwritten rules, you can ensure that everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience during smoke sessions, and most importantly, you’ll ensure you get an invite back for next time.

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Sources:

1. “Cannabis etiquette: expert advice on consuming consciously,” Weedmaps, August 31, 2023, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/cannabis-etiquette-expert-advice

2. “Weed Etiquette: Smoking Tips You Should Know,” Herb, December 7, 2023, https://herb.co/news/culture/10-rules-for-smoking-marijuana

3. “Where Did the Term ‘Puff, Puff, Pass’ Come From?” Cannabis Now, November 13, 2021, https://cannabisnow.com/culture-puff-puff-pass/

4. “Why do we always pass to the left and what’s the white lighter curse? Weed superstitions explained,” The Growth Op, October 30, 2019, https://www.thegrowthop.com/cannabis-culture/why-do-we-always-pass-to-the-left-and-whats-the-white-lighter-curse-weed-superstitions-explained

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