Tracing the History and Culture of Cannabis Blunt Use

The Origins of Blunt Smoking

Tracing the origins of smoking blunts takes us back to the 1970s, when hollowed-out cigars packed with marijuana started gaining popularity in inner cities across America. The exact person who first had the idea to split open a cigar and fill it with weed may be lost to history, but we can look at the cultural forces that led to the rise of the iconic blunt.

The Rise of Cigar Culture

In the 1970s, cigar smoking was regaining popularity after decades of declining use. Soldiers came back from the Vietnam War with a taste for imported cigars, and the cigar industry capitalized by aggressively marketing to Americans. Advertisements promoted cigars as a status symbol for successful men. Richly-appointed cigar lounges and bars popped up in American cities as places where men could unwind over drinks and fine cigars.

At the same time, marijuana use was also becoming more mainstream and accepted among young people. The hippie movement of the 1960s challenged attitudes about drug use and led more people to experiment with cannabis. As marijuana became associated with counterculture rebellion, some users were looking for creative ways to consume it.

Hollowing Out Cigars

It didn't take long for cannabis aficionados to discover the convenience of emptying out a cigar and using the tobacco leaf wrapping to roll marijuana like a joint. The cigar wrapper allowed marijuana to be rolled in a thicker, slower-burning package. Unlike joints or hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes, the cigar wrap did not need constant relighting. The hollowed-out cigar was basically an improvised way to smoke marijuana at a leisurely pace.

At first, any inexpensive machine-rolled cigar might be used for this purpose. But Philadelphia "blunt" brand cigars, with their phallic shape and decorative tobacco leaf wrapping, eventually became the cigar of choice for stuffing with marijuana. Smoking these "Philly blunts" spread through East Coast cities in the 70s and 80s.

The Term "Blunt" Takes Hold

The actual origin of using the term "blunt" is murky. Some claim it refers to the impact of the strong marijuana and cigar combination. Others say it compares the hollowed-out cigar to a "blunt weapon." Or it may simply come from the popularity of Philadelphia Blunt brand cigars. Whatever the specific origin, "blunt' became the commonly used slang term for a cigar filled with marijuana.

Rap Music Spreads Blunt Culture

By the 1990s, references to smoking blunts appeared more and more frequently in hip hop music. Rappers portrayed blunts as the ultimate status symbol to show off wealth and success. Songs about rolling up "phat blunts" portrayed the practice as relaxing yet also fashionable and hardcore. Some of the earliest rap songs to mention blunts include tracks like "Hey Buddy Buddy" by AMG and "Die Hard" by The 5th Ward Boyz.

As blunt smoking became more talked about and popularized, the trend spread beyond inner cities to suburban and rural areas. Even non-rap listeners were introduced to blunt culture through songs that reached the pop charts, like Cypress Hill's "Hits from the Bong" in 1993.

Flavored Blunt Wraps Emerge

In past decades, blunt smokers had to find ways to seal their cigar after removing the tobacco. But by the early 2000s, mass-produced wraps made specifically for rolling blunts became available. These products let smokers easily roll a tight, sealed blunt with less mess and waste.

Wraps made from tobacco leaves, hemp, or plant pulp mimic the experience of puffing on a cigarillo. They come in a variety of flavors like grape, peach, tropical fruit, and cognac that impart a pleasant aroma and taste. Flavored wrapping leaves helped blunts appeal to more casual cannabis users, not just devoted smokers.

Health Concerns Over Blunt Smoking

While hollowed-out cigars solved some annoyances of joint smoking, health experts pointed out the risks of inhaling cigar tobacco. Research shows that cigars contain more carcinogens, toxins, and tar than cigarettes. The tobacco in a single blunt was equivalent to an entire pack of cigarettes. Experts warned that habitual blunt use could lead to nicotine addiction and increased cancer risk, especially among younger users.

Risks of Tobacco and Marijuana

Beyond the health threats of tobacco, some physicians expressed concerns about the combination of cigar products and marijuana. They warned that users were essentially getting a double dose of smoke inhalation. Smoke from any source can irritate the lungs and contain carcinogens.

There is no concrete evidence showing that smoking marijuana alone causes lung cancer. However, research does suggest that habitual marijuana smoking can lead to damaged lung tissue and chronic bronchitis symptoms. Regular users also face elevated risks of pulmonary infections.

Secondhand Smoke Concerns

Secondhand cigarette smoke is known to be dangerous, causing over 40,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Secondhand marijuana smoke may also be unhealthy, containing toxins and tar. However, research on the effects of passive cannabis smoke is limited.

What experts do know is that secondhand smoke from marijuana builds up more in enclosed spaces. Shared exposure in confined areas like cars presents higher risks. Individuals with respiratory conditions are most vulnerable to suffering harmful effects from any kind of secondhand smoke.

The Continued Popularity of Blunts

While research shows valid reasons to be wary of overindulging, none of the health risks have stopped blunts from remaining popular in cannabis culture. Aficionados argue there is no better way to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of quality marijuana buds. Blunts allow a leisurely smoking experience that joints can't quite match. For social smokers, passing around a fat blunt can be the perfect way to relax and bond with friends.

Alternatives to Tobacco Wraps

Seeking healthier options, some smokers now prefer using wraps made from hemp or plant-based fibers instead of tobacco leaves. These products let them enjoy rolling blunts while avoiding the risks and unwanted tobacco high. Using fruit-flavored wraps makes the experience more pleasant without inhaling extra carcinogens and toxins.

Rosin Infused Blunts

More novel ways of consuming blunts have also emerged recently. Rosin, a concentrated marijuana extract, can be rubbed inside of a blunt wrap before rolling it up. Lighting up a rosin-infused blunt provides an exceptionally potent high. The rosin also burns slower than dry marijuana flower, allowing for a longer lasting smoke session.

Legalization Impacting Use

As recreational and medical marijuana become legal in more areas, some blunt smokers are moving away from traditional Swisher Sweets and backwoods cigars. Instead, they are using hemp wraps or pure cannabis leaves. Consuming blunts made fully from cannabis offers the same experience without the unhealthy tobacco.

However, old habits die hard. Cigar-inspired blunts are so deeply embedded in cannabis culture that they will likely remain popular for decades to come. Their enthusiasts are willing to accept the tradeoffs of potential health risks to enjoy the experience of slowly sipping a fat blunt among friends.

Tracing the Origins

Blunts have now been a staple of marijuana use for nearly 50 years. While the health impacts of mixing cigar products and cannabis may warrant caution, the cultural allure of smoking a blunt remains as strong as ever. From improvised origins in the 1970s to mainstream popularity today, generations of marijuana aficionados have helped establish robust blunt culture.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.