A guide to joint filters

Most people with any sort of experience consuming cannabis products know a joint filter as an optional homemade addition to any joint or spliff and not much more. This is unfortunate considering the benefits that come from using a filter for both aesthetic and efficiency reasons. There are several different kinds of pre-made options to choose from as well as at least a few that you can make at home yourself. Here we will cover the very best joints filters including a step by step guide to creating your own, and a list of pre-made joint filters.

Homemade Joint Filters

Making your filter will be the cheapest route and the one that most people choose. There are a couple of different methods to choose from including a basic rolled filter and a cone filter. The best joint filter will be made using a paper that is thinner than cardboard while being thicker than basic sheet paper. It should not contain any harmful colors or inks that could not only be detrimental to your health but will also likely tarnish the taste of your joint. Some of the materials you can use include:

• An empty cigarette pack
• Business cards (thinner ones)
• Dye free file folders
• Index cards
• Cereal box

There are also premade joint filter papers available. One of the most popular is made by the famous RAW company who makes an easy to manipulate precut pack of filter papers that is made using unrefined fibers providing both strength and purity.

Link to purchase

How to make a basic filter

1. To roll a simple paper joint filter, even for a straight rolled joint or spliff, you will first need to select your material.
2. Once you have chosen your base, you will need to cut a thin strip that is approximately one inch long and 5.cm wide. While some people do prefer larger or longer filters one inch gives plenty of breathing room to accommodate most roll sizes. Extra can always be removed at the end.
3. Once you have a strip cut, then you can take it between your thumb and pointer finger on your dominant hand and create little accordion style folds. You will want at least two although some prefer four or more to make shapes in the center like hearts or letters. The number of folds should be no larger than the joint you are preparing the filter for as it must be able to fit inside.
4. Once you have a fair number of folds complete, you will take the tail of the strip and wrap it around the folds to create a perfect circle. This needs to be done loosely to allow for air flow.
5. Now you are ready to install your premade filter. You can do this by resting it on the edge of a packed paper before you roll it, but many find that difficult and prefer to insert it into the end of a pre-rolled joint just before smoking it.

How to make a cone filter

Making a cone filter is a bit different but easy to master with a little practice. The key with this one is to create a cone rather than a cylinder that will evenly fill the base of a cone joint. Cone filters are unique because they require being installed before the rolling takes place as they will not fit to insert afterward.

1. Select the material you would like to use for your cone joint filter.
2. Cut a curved strip that is approximately 0.5cm wide and one inch long. The curve will produce the cone shape that will fill the tip of your joint.
3. Just like with a basic roll, you will need to make accordion style folds beginning at one end of the strip.
4. Once you have completed a sufficient number of folds, you can wrap the folds using the tail end of the paper until it is wide enough to suit your particular needs.
5. Remove any excess paper using scissors.
6. Place the cone filter at what will be the narrowest part of your cone joint and proceed to roll as normal while keeping the filter held firmly in place.

Where to get filters for joints

Purchasing premade joint filters is by far the easiest way to enjoy a smooth filtered haul with the least amount of work.

1. Charcoal filter tips
Cost: $8.99
Charcoal joint filter tips are disposable and only good for one use each but are often preferred since they can be traveled with without risking breaking them.

Where to purchase: https://www.grasscity.com/int_en/tune-activated-charcoal-filter-tips-40-pack.html?nosto=category-top-sellers-rolling_papers

2. Glass filter tips with a metal casing
Cost: $16.00
Glass filter joint filter tips that sport a metal casing are the highest quality filter tips you can buy. They will not affect the taste and can stand up to abuse without breaking. They are also washable and reusable.

Where to purchase: https://www.grasscity.com/int_en/purr-glass-smokey-rolling-tip-black-with-colored-accents.html

3. Hollow Glass Filter Tips
Cost: $2
Hollow glass joint filter tips are popular due to their price point. They have the benefit of being affordable and offering a completely tasteless experience and can be washed to be reused but are incredibly breakable since they are made using a thin hollow blown borosilicate glass.

Where to purchase: https://www.grasscity.com/int_en/reusable-glass-filter-tip.html

4. Paper Rolling Tips
Cost: $31.99
The most basic premade joint filters are made of paper, and most resemble those you would make yourself at home. They are well received because they have very little taste and are easy to dispose of, but they do heavily limit the size of joint or spliff you can roll with them since they are so small.

Where To purchase: https://www.grasscity.com/int_en/lefties-rolling-tips-box-of-50-packs.html