Introduction
Learning how to roll a backwood is a rite of passage for many smokers. It’s a skill that takes time and practice to master, but the end result is worth it: a slow-burning, flavorful joint that’s the perfect accompaniment to any occasion. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to roll your own backwoods at home, including materials, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a beginner, this guide has everything you need to get started.
Materials and Prepping
Before you can start rolling, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Backwoods (we recommend starting with an original flavor until you get the hang of rolling)
- Cannabis (grind it up finely using a grinder)
- Filter (optional, but recommended to avoid inhaling small pieces of cannabis)
- Rolling tray or flat surface
- Lighter or matches
- Scissors or a sharp knife
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to start prepping. The first step is to remove the tobacco from the backwood. To do this, gently unravel the backwood until you reach the tobacco. You can throw this away or save it to use in a future joint. Next, moisten the backwood to make it pliable. You can use saliva or water to do this, but if the taste of saliva bothers you, feel free to use a damp paper towel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your materials prepped, it’s time to start rolling! Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Place the backwood on your rolling tray or flat surface with the sticky side facing up.
- Take a small amount of ground cannabis and distribute it evenly across the backwood. Be sure to leave some space at the end for the filter.
- If you’re using a filter, roll it up and place it at the end of the backwood opposite the sticky side.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers, begin to roll the backwood back and forth, tucking the cannabis into a compact cylinder shape.
- Once you have the desired shape, begin to roll the backwood up tightly, using your fingers to ensure a firm seal. You can use a little bit of saliva to help seal the backwood if necessary.
- Trim off the excess paper at the ends of the backwood using scissors or a sharp knife.
- Finally, use your lighter or matches to light the end of the backwood, and enjoy!
Troubleshooting
Even the most experienced backwood rollers encounter a few bumps in the road from time to time. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- If the backwood is too dry, it will be difficult to roll. Try moistening it with water or saliva to make it more pliable.
- If the backwood is too wet, it will be prone to tearing. Be sure to only moisten it enough to make it pliable, rather than soaking it.
- If the backwood is too loose or uneven, your joint won’t smoke evenly. Take your time while rolling, and use your fingers to ensure a firm seal.
- If your joint won’t stay lit, you may need to relight it periodically. This can happen if the backwood is too tightly packed or if it’s burning unevenly.
Conclusion
Rolling a backwood takes skill, but with a little bit of practice, anyone can master this classic smoking technique. Remember to start with quality materials, take your time, and be patient. Troubleshoot any issues as they arise, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strains and flavors.
