Using a filter in your joints can make the smoking experience much better, and smoother. There are many reasons for why you would want to use a filter (as explained below). So why not start now? In fact, you won’t even need official filter tips to do this. You can use some homemade filter tips that are easy to put together, and are disposable! Some options will not even require assembly, simply stick it in the end of your joint and you are good to go! Check out our joint filter substitutes!
In this post, we will take a look at three different options for creating joint filter substitutes. These three options are simple and affordable, choose the one(s) that is best for you! In addition, there are many other options that we have not listed; just get creative and you can come up with your own! But first, let’s talk about why you would want to use filters in the first place.
Why You Should Use Filters
Joint filter tips offer a few benefits compared to simply rolling a joint and smoking it as is. While these small benefits are not substantial, they may make your smoking experiences a bit better and your long-term smoking lifestyle a bit healthier.
One of the main reasons for using filters is to prevent scooby snacks. These are the tiny pieces of weed that tend to slip through the joint and into your mouth. If you frequently smoke joints, or even blunts, you know exactly what these are. They are very unpleasant and can simply be avoided by using a filter.
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Another reason why filters are great is that they offer more space for the smoke to travel through. This allows more time for the smoke to cool, making it less harsh and a bit smoother. Of course, filters are nowhere near as long as the actual joint itself, so this does not make a significant difference. However, this is one small thing that filters can help contribute to.
Filters can also help you to smoke the entire joint, using all of your weed. Most of the time joints are rolled with weed sticking out at both ends. Without a filter (and a roach clip), you will not be able to smoke all of that weed. There would be no place for you to hold on to it! Filters give you a place to hold your joint so that you can finish the entire thing.
I should mention that not only joints need filters. The other option for using filters is in blunts. Commonly, blunts do not include filters, however there is no reason why you should not add one in. They offer the same benefits as with a joint. But what should you use as joint filter substitutes if you do not have some already?
Construction Paper
The first option for creating your own filter tips is to use construction paper. This type of paper is preferred over regular lined paper since it is thicker. Joint filters are suppose to be thicker than the actual rolling paper or blunt wrap used so that the filter does not burn along with the weed. Also, a sturdy filter ensures that it will hold up throughout the entire smoking session.
In order to roll a filter with construction paper, simply refer to the image above. Cut out a piece (about 1/3 the size of the paper) and make small folds in a zigzag shape until you have a small piece left to wrap around the zigzags. Make sure your filter is rounded, or will at least fit inside your rolled joint.
As with any other joint filter, make sure you do not accidentally combust and smoke the construction paper. If you do, it will be very harsh. Many stoners use this as an indicator as to when their joint is completely out. When the harshness hits, your joint is finished. Skip the harshness by simply paying attention to the amount of weed left in your roll.
Rotini
Imagine using pasta inside a joint? Now you don’t need to imagine it, you can actually make it happen. Rotini pasta noodles work great as filter tips. Simply buy a box and you will have tons of filters!
The best part about these filter substitutes is that you do not need to put them together as a filter, such as with the construction paper above. You can pick up a box of rotini from your local grocery store and then you will have filters at hand ready to be used.
It’s not a good idea, however, to cook with or eat the same rotini noodles that you have used as a joint filter. Since boxes of these noodles typical come with many, you can set a handful aside to use as filters, and cook with the rest. Or, use the whole box as filters. That should last you awhile (unless you smoke all day, everyday).
Index Card
Lastly, we have index cards. These paper cards work very similarly to construction paper. One index card can make about 1-3 filters, depending on how big you want them. In addition, these cards are typically sold in packs, so you can buy a set and have many filters to make. This is unlike construction paper, which are usually sold one-by-one.
To make a joint filter from an index card, simply follow the same guidelines as you would with construction paper. And remember, do not smoke them! The smoke will be very harsh and unpleasant. Also, index cards are typically lined, meaning they have ink in them which you definitely do not want to be smoking.
That was three different household items that can be used as joint filter substitutes. Do you know of anything else that could be used? There are tons and tons of other ways to make filters, and the stoner community seems to always figure out something new. Have a filter substitute that you would like to share? Drop a comment down below! Thanks for reading!
