Why Won’t My Joint Stay Lit? [6 Key Reasons Why]

We’ve all been there.

Gathered in a circle with friends, the ambience is just perfect, and you’re eager to indulge in the relaxation that a joint promises. But, to your dismay, it refuses to stay lit.

Instead of a night filled with rest and relaxation, you find yourself constantly relighting your joint, wondering why it won’t stay lit.

But why does this happen? Well, the answer’s fairly simple.

A joint’s consistent burn can be disrupted by factors ranging from cannabis grind texture to rolling tightness and even the choice of paper. 

If you want to learn more about this and discover how to keep your joint perfectly lit, continue reading. We’ve compiled everything there is to know on the topic.

Let’s get started.

Is It Normal For Joints to Not Stay Lit?

Absolutely! While it might be frustrating, many factors can affect the burn of your joint.

So if you’re being too hard on yourself because your joint won’t stay lit, then don’t. It’s perfectly normal, and everyone experiences it from time to time.

Consider Reading: Do Joints Expire?

How Come My Joints Won’t Stay Lit?

Here are the various reasons why your joint won’t stay lit:

Reason 1: Inconsistent Grind

Your cannabis should resemble a consistent, fine texture. Larger chunks or a non-uniform grind can interrupt the burn. If you’ve broken up your cannabis using your fingers or scissors, the inconsistency might lead to your joint going out.

How to Fix

Aim for a light, fluffy, and even grind using a quality grinder.

Beforehand, ensure you’ve removed any twigs or seeds from your buds. These can slow down burning, disrupt the cherry, and seeds might even pop, causing an uneven burn.

If you suspect your grinder might be the issue, consider checking out our weed grinders section. We highly recommend our Large and Pocket Grinders.

Additionally, you can read our ‘How to Properly Use a Grinder‘ article to achieve consistent results with your weed.

Reason 2: Rolled Too Tight or Too Lose

A joint is like a campfire – it needs the right balance of oxygen. Too tight, and it suffocates; too loose, and you might encounter issues like canoeing, causing it to burn unevenly.

How to Fix

You’re aiming for the Goldilocks of rolls: not too tight, not too loose.

It should be firm but should allow adequate airflow. This will ensure it burns evenly and consistently. Over time and with practice, you’ll find the right balance for a perfect roll.

If you ever pack it too tight, you can give it a gentle shake or roll it between your palms to create a bit of space.

Consider reading our ‘The Ultimate Guide to Rolling the Perfect Joint‘ if you want to make sure that you achieve that perfect roll.

Reason 3: Cannabis Isn’t Cured Properly

Especially resinous strains sometimes need a longer cure because of their dense nature. While stickiness indicates quality, too much of it can hinder the burn. Freshly harvested buds can be too moist, causing interruptions during burning.

How to Fix

Proper curing is the answer.

If your cannabis feels too wet or “sticky icky”, let it sit in a jar for a couple of days in a cool, dark place.

The right moisture level is achieved when stems snap rather than bend. While patience can be challenging, remember that well-cured cannabis offers a far superior experience.

Continue Reading: Why Curing Is Important for Quality Weed

Reason 4: Choice of Rolling Papers

Your choice of rolling papers can be a game-changer. Papers come in various materials, with some designed for slower burns due to bleaching methods. The thickness of the paper plays a significant role in its burning speed.

How to Fix

Consider switching to thinner, natural rolling papers that allow better airflow.

Brands like RAW, Juicy Jays, and Juicy Hemps are highly favored from our users for their consistent burn and quality.

Check them all out in our rolling papers section.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling a bit experimental, you can explore rolling paper substitutes like tissue papers, empty cigarette tubes, rose petals, tampon papers, gum wrappers, and more.

Reason 5: Filter Issues

Much like a tight roll, a tightly packed filter can disrupt airflow, causing your joint to extinguish. Additionally, if your cannabis is too moist, oils can clog the filter, or debris from the joint might accumulate in the filter.

How to Fix

Make sure that your filter is not overly tight. If it becomes clogged during your session, give it a gentle roll between your fingers to improve airflow.

Remember, a well-made filter should allow adequate air to flow, ensuring a consistent burn.

Reason 6: Quality and Growers’ Techniques

Sometimes, factors beyond rolling and preparation play a role. For instance, cannabis grown with certain products might affect its burn. This could be due to a myriad of reasons, from the growing process to post-harvest handling.

How to Fix

Explore various strains and sources.

If you consistently encounter issues with a particular strain or from a specific source, consider making a change.

Our Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains are sourced from top-tier suppliers that adhere to the best cultivation practices. We recommend checking them out, as well as our full range of weed products, in our cannabis section.

How Do You Make a Joint Stay Lit?

Here are additional tips that you can keep in mind when trying to light up your joint:

Perfect Your Rolling Technique

The way you roll your joint plays a pivotal role. With practice, you’ll learn to achieve the right balance for a consistent burn.

Also Check: What’s the Difference Between a Spliff, a Blunt, and a Joint?

Rotate As You Light

Gently rotating your joint while applying a consistent flame promotes an even burn from the start.

Related: Why Do People Hold Joints and Cigarettes Differently?

Mind the Environment

Believe it or not, the environment in which you’re smoking can impact how your joint burns. Avoid smoking in excessively windy or humid conditions, as these can disrupt the burning process.

Maintain Your Cannabis

Store your cannabis in a cool, dry place to maintain its optimal moisture level.

You can read more in our ‘How to Properly Light a Joint‘ article for detailed steps on lighting and maintaining your joints, allowing you to enjoy every session without worries.

We discuss various joint-related topics such as How to Inhale, Store, and Put Out a Joint, so be sure to check us out if you’re interested to learn more.

We also offer pre-rolls.

From our regular to our king-sized, and even our premium rolls, you won’t face these issues.

At BMWO, we aim to make certain that our readers and customers get the best out of their smoking experience every single time.

Remember, every joint that doesn’t stay lit offers a chance to learn. So, keep rolling, stay lit, and savor the journey!

FAQs About Joints Not Staying Lit

We might have answered some of your questions below: