A joint failing to draw properly, or “not hitting,” is a common frustration caused by mechanical or combustion failure. This issue stems from a breakdown in the delicate balance required for sustained, even burning, rather than the material itself. Failures are usually traced to problems with physical construction, the condition of the material, or the method of ignition.
Problems with Density and Rolling Technique
The most frequent mechanical failure point is the density of the packed material, which directly impacts the joint’s internal airflow. When the material is compressed too tightly, it eliminates the necessary microscopic channels that allow air to pass through, creating an effective “plug” that makes drawing nearly impossible. This restriction starves the ember of oxygen, causing it to extinguish or burn only weakly, leading to a harsh, hot draw if any smoke is pulled at all.
Conversely, packing the material too loosely results in poor structural integrity and a rapid, uncontrolled burn. Loose sections contain large air pockets, allowing too much oxygen to feed the ember unevenly, which often causes one side of the paper to burn faster than the other. This uneven burn, known as “canoeing,” wastes material and interrupts the session. Proper placement of the crutch or filter is also relevant, as inserting it at an angle or pushing it in too far can collapse the inner material, blocking the draw hole.
Material Condition and Grind Size
The condition and preparation of the starting material are equally important factors determining how a joint burns. Optimal combustion requires the material to have a moisture content typically ranging between 10% and 12%. Material that is too dry burns extremely fast and hot, often leading to a harsh sensation and the rapid degradation of flavor-rich terpenes. If the material is too damp, however, the excess water requires more energy to vaporize, which results in a weak burn that struggles to stay lit and produces a sour taste.
The size and uniformity of the grind also dramatically influence airflow and burn characteristics. A medium, consistent grind is considered the standard because it maximizes the material’s surface area while maintaining enough structure for air channels. Grinding the material too finely, to a powder-like consistency, allows it to compact tightly even under minimal pressure, severely restricting airflow and creating a dense blockage. Large, unground chunks, on the other hand, create inconsistent air pockets and hot spots that contribute to an uneven burn.
Ignition and Uneven Burning
Even a perfectly rolled joint can fail due to improper ignition or consumption technique, commonly manifesting as canoeing. This occurs when the paper and material burn faster on one side, causing the ember to snake down the joint. This uneven burn is often caused by failing to “cherry” the tip, meaning the entire circumference of the paper and material was not lit evenly before drawing.
If the joint is lit only on one side, that side will start to burn ahead of the rest, initiating the canoe. The environment also plays a role, as a strong cross breeze can feed oxygen to one side of the ember, accelerating its burn rate. Inhalation technique contributes as well; drawing too gently may allow the ember to cool and extinguish, while drawing too hard and rapidly can overheat the material, leading to a harsh sensation and encouraging the fast-burning canoe effect.
Quick Fixes and Prevention
When a joint is already struggling to draw, immediate fixes focus on clearing the blockage or correcting the burn path. If the draw is completely blocked, gently inserting a thin, stiff tool, such as a paper clip or a needle, into the crutch end can sometimes clear a compressed plug near the tip. For a joint that is canoeing, you can slow the faster-burning side by lightly moistening the paper just ahead of the ember with saliva or lip balm.
A more direct fix for canoeing is to hold the lighter briefly to the unlit, slower side of the joint, allowing it to catch up to the faster side. To prevent these issues, ensure the material is broken down to a consistent, medium texture before rolling. Focusing on a consistent packing density from the crutch to the tip, and taking the time to light the entire perimeter of the joint evenly before the first draw, will significantly improve the burn.