Cannabis Etiquette: 6 Unwritten Rules of Cannabis Smoking You Need to Know

It’s sort of funny. Smoking cannabis began as a rebellious act, something outside the norm. But it now has a lot of rules.

Over time, smokers have established a whole system of behaviors, an etiquette, if you will. If you are a new smoker, you may not follow the rules. So, here are six unwritten rules and habits of cannabis you need to know.

#1 – Making the pass.

No one knows how it started, but you are expected to defer to whoever rolls the joint. The roller gets to light the spliff, take the first hit, and pass it clockwise at will. Whenever it gets to you, you take your two puffs maximum, flick the ash, and pass it clockwise again.

The social circle expects everyone to share alike, so you don’t want to bogart (commandeer) the treat. Breaking the clockwise passage by telling a long story or joke will upset the circle. And, whatever you do, don’t talk about anything depressing because everyone’s there to chill.

#2 – Don’t slobber.

Everyone wants their share, so you should handle the smoke gently. You should not reshape it or squeeze it. And, you surely don’t want to slobber all over the mouthpiece. It’s not sanitary, and it will destroy the carefully rolled joint.

If you are a new smoker and don’t know how to handle the passing and the puffing, you should let everyone know. They’ve been in your shoes and are very happy to coach you. Marijuana smokers have a firm community willing to help them join.

Don’t join the circle if you are sick. The others will understand and appreciate your not passing your germs. If you just let them know, they’ll be okay with you smoking a private pipe.

#3 – Share the load.

Abby Hutmacher, writing for the Colorado Pot Guide, points out that it is fair to share the cost in some way or another. You can contribute a bud to the party. But, if you can’t, you can bring some munchies or beverages worth about $5 as a polite gesture.

If you’re smoking someone else’s stash, it’s another reason not to consume the joint that’s being passed. It’s also a good reason not to complain about the selection or quality of the strain. If you could do better, you should do it and not blame your provider.

Sometimes, sharing means not participating. If some of the people in the gathering don’t want to smoke, that’s their choice, and you should not badmouth them either.

#4 – Be respectful.

If you are a guest at someone’s home, you should respect their property. This means not burning, ashing, or trashing the furniture, carpeting, or décor.

You don’t blow smoke in someone else’s face, and you don’t share with pets. The group should hold off on having fun until any children are out of the picture.

If there are novice smokers in the group, you want to make everyone comfortable, especially since they might experience some anxiety. And, it behooves you not to con guests, experienced or not, into super strains that produce paranoia.

Respect also means not spitting, so if you’re tempted, you should leave the room for the bathroom. And, most marijuana smokers do not welcome cigarette smokers to the circle, so if you smoke tobacco, you can smoke outside. In any case, The California Aggie recommends that you don’t walk off with anyone else’s lighter.

#5 – Smoke and stay.

It’s rude to smoke and leave. If it’s a smoking circle, you should leave time for some relaxed conversation, for a movie, or for some music. Share and extend the experience.

If you’re smoking after dinner, it’s only courteous to remain for a talk. Marijuana is likely to make you chatty in the first place, but it also draws people together with fewer inhibitions. And that’s what makes a community out of a group.

The key purpose of smoking is the desire to chill. Of course, how you chill means different things to different people. For the dedicated pothead, chill means couchlock and video games. But the occasional users want smart and intelligent conversation, a chance to enjoy the view, or a chance to listen to music, whatever it takes to make a shared experience.

#6 – Be good to your dealer.

If your only option is the black market, it pays to treat your dealer well. You want to control the situation; otherwise, you’ll be in danger.

Always travel with a companion to the designated area to exchange information with someone you haven’t dealt with before. It’s smart to drive a nondescript vehicle and drive carefully but calmly.

Try to work with a dealer whom you can meet someplace less suspect than behind a Dunkin’ Donuts at 3:00 in the morning. And, if the dealer is delivering, you might offer an invitation to enter, enjoy a snack, or share the smoke.

If you live and buy in a state where weed is legal, you’ll want to be polite with your retail store budtender. They deserve thanks and appreciation for their service and expertise. Well-trained, they are positioned to advise you on purchases and coach you on your next steps in your cannabis selection. You can share your experiences with other strains and ask for help making more suitable future choices.

Follow the “club” rules

Cradi Jordan of Lady Bud defines etiquette as “a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. According to Emily Post, it is a method of ‘treating people with consideration, respect, and honesty. It means being aware of how our actions affect those around us.”

Most weed smokers are not lone tokers. They will form or join a smallish group of friends or co-workers in a pattern of behaviors surrounding their purchase and use of cannabis products. In time, the specific group will establish its own code of behavior, including some rules not listed here. And, that’s okay, but these six unwritten rules and habits of marijuana smoking you need to know will help you get a comfortable start.