How to Light a Joint (Without Wasting Half of It)
Updated: 6/3/25
Lighting a joint seems simple enough, until it burns unevenly, won’t stay lit, or torches your weed before you even take a puff. Whether you’re a first-timer or just tired of canoeing half your stash, this guide will help you light a joint the right way.
From choosing the best flame source to avoiding rookie mistakes, here’s how to spark up smarter and smoother.
Key Takeaways
Lighting a joint evenly prevents canoeing and wasted weed
Rotate the tip gently while lighting to create a balanced cherry
Hemp wick is a clean-burning, flavor-friendly flame source
Butane lighters and matches can affect taste and air quality
Relighting a joint later is totally fine if you do it right
What Happens If You Light a Joint Incorrectly?
If the flame hits one side more than the other, you’ll get what’s called canoeing. One sideburns fast while the other doesn’t burn at all. You end up wasting weed, fixing it mid-smoke, or tossing a half-charred joint in frustration.
Poor lighting can also lead to uneven airflow, constant relighting, and a harsher hit. It all starts with how you spark it.
How to Light a Joint the Right Way
Think low and slow. A little patience makes for a much better experience.
Hold the joint just above the flame (not directly in it)
Gently rotate the joint so all edges of the tip catch evenly
Don’t puff while lighting. Let the cherry form first
Once it’s lit, take 2–3 pulls to solidify the burn
Pro tip: If you’re outside, block the wind with your hand or body for a steadier light.
What’s the Best Flame to Light a Joint With?
Here’s how common flame sources stack up:
| Flame Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp Wick | Preserves taste, no butane, eco-friendly | Drips wax if tilted too far |
| Butane Lighter | Fast, easy, widely available | Harsh taste, inhaling butane fumes |
| Matches | Cheap, accessible | Contains sulfur, alters flavor |
| Candle | Hands-free lighting option | May emit toxic chemicals if non-organic |
Hemp wick wins for flavor and safety. But for convenience, butane still reigns.
Using a hemp wick? Light the tip like a candle, then use its steady flame to evenly toast the joint while rotating. It gives you more control and preserves flavor better than a lighter, with no butane taste tagging along.
Is It Safe to Use Lighters, Matches, or Candles?
Most people use lighters, and while it’s generally safe, you’re inhaling trace amounts of butane each time. It’s not going to ruin your lungs overnight, but it’s not the cleanest option either.
Matches are okay in a pinch, but they can alter flavor due to sulfur and other chemicals. Let the match burn for a couple seconds before lighting your joint to reduce that.
Candles should be your last resort. Unless they’re organic soy wax, they can release stuff you don’t want to inhale.
Can You Save a Joint and Relight It Later?
Absolutely. If you’re halfway through and want to pause, just snuff it out gently on a non-flammable surface. A metal ashtray or concrete step works great.
You can also drop it in a doob tube (pre-roll tube) to cut off oxygen and preserve the cherry. Just know that when you relight it, it might taste a little ashy, but it’ll still do the trick.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to light a joint properly isn’t about being fancy. It’s about preserving your weed, enjoying a smooth smoke, and not ending up with half a canoe in your ashtray. Use a clean flame, rotate with care, and treat your joint like the finely rolled gift it is.
Light it right, and it’ll love you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to light a joint evenly?
Hold the tip just above the flame and rotate slowly to toast all sides. Don’t puff until the cherry is glowing all the way around.
Why does my joint keep burning unevenly?
Uneven burning, or canoeing, is usually caused by improper lighting or an uneven roll. Try relighting the unburned side or using a hemp wick for more control.
Is it bad to use a lighter to light a joint?
Not necessarily, but butane can impact taste and air quality. Hemp wick is a cleaner, more natural option if you’re concerned.
Can I save part of a joint and smoke it later?
Yes. Just snuff it out gently and store it in a doob tube or clean container. It may taste a little burnt, but it’ll still get the job done.
How do I light a joint without it canoeing?
Go slow and rotate it in the flame evenly. If one side still burns faster, try touching up the unlit side with a lighter or wick.
