Every single cannabis aficionado has their favorite way to smoke, whether they collect glass or are a rolling professional. If you’re a fan of blunts, you probably have your own techniques and preferred wraps, and we’re here to help you compare your tried-and-true method with one that seriously ups your game with cannabis cigars or cannagars. 

What is a Blunt?

A blunt refers to cannabis flower that has been rolled in a wrap of some kind. There are many different kinds of blunts.

Blunt wraps can be made from tobacco or hemp and can be flavored or infused. 

Blunts can be filled with weed, cannabis and tobacco, or even a mix of weed and extracts, like wax or live resin. 

If a blunt contains tobacco or has been rolled with a tobacco wrap, it contains nicotine. 

What is a Cannagar?

A cannagar is essentially a cigar made of compressed cannabis. Cannagars use a more straightforward compression method than Thai Sticks, another specialized form of cannabis cigars. 

Just like blunts, cannagars are rolled in a wrap. Unlike blunts, cannagar wraps can be non-tobacco materials like hemp leaves, your favorite rolling papers, or even flower petals.

Cannagars are filled with tightly-packed cannabis flower, sometimes mixed with extracts to boost flavor and potency. At Purple Rose Supply, we’re experts in helping you make dank cannagars at home with our customizable blunt-press kits.

How Long Does a Blunt Last?

The burn time of a typical blunt depends on a few factors. A blunt passed around a circle will go much faster than a blunt you puff on by yourself, and a blunt packed with more flower will last longer than one with more tobacco or less flower. 

A well-packed blunt will usually only last about 15 to 20 minutes.

Technically, the more flower you pack into a blunt, the longer it will burn. That has a limit, though — pack too much weed into a blunt, and you won’t get enough airflow to get it to burn well or at all. 

How Long Does a Cannagar Last?

The burn time of a cannagar varies too, but we can say with certainty that they last a lot longer than blunts. 

A cannagar packed with 3.5 grams, or an eighth, will easily burn for an hour. A 7-gram or quarter cannagar will burn for up to 3 hours. A cannagar packed with 14 grams, or an entire half, can last up to 6 hours! Even a single-gram cannagar — about as much as goes into the average joint — will burn for half an hour. Add extracts like wax to any size cannagar, and it will burn even longer. 

A cannagar won’t just outlast a blunt — it will also be smoother, more efficient, and burn more evenly than any blunt out there. 

How to Roll a Blunt

1. To properly roll a blunt, you’ll need to prepare the blunt wrap. If you’re using a cigarillo, remove the pre-packed tobacco inside by slicing or gently tearing the wrap open. You can also buy ready-to-use, already-empty blunt wraps at most smoke shops. 
2. Next, get the wrap damp to make it easier to work with. A moist towel or even a finger dipped in water works here. 
3. Once your blunt wrap is ready to work with, fill it with flower! You can also add back in some of the tobacco if you like. 
4. Simply roll it up, dampen the edge, and gently press to seal the blunt. Quickly run a lighter over the entire blunt to ensure everything stays in place.

And there it is! Your blunt is ready for action.

How to Make a Cannabis Cigar or Cannagar

Cannagars might seem intimidating, but many people find them easier to make than a joint or blunt. A full guide is available on our website, and here are the basics. 

1. A great cannagar starts with a cannagar mold. Make sure it’s closed securely, and then insert a skewer. 
2. Pack in cannabis flower, a little bit at a time, compressing it as much as possible between each addition. The tighter you tamp it, the longer it will burn — and because of the skewer in the middle of the mold, you’ll get excellent airflow and an even burn the whole time. 
3. Once your cannagar is packed, let it cure. Smaller cannagars only need to compress for a couple of hours before they’re ready to smoke, but we always recommend curing a cannagar overnight for the best experience.
4. When you and your cannagar are ready to smoke, gently open the mold and remove the compressed cylinder of cannabis. Gently roll it in your choice of wrap and add extracts or concentrates if desired. Carefully remove the skewer once the cannagar is all dressed up, add the mouthpiece, and you’re ready to go. 
5. We typically recommend using a torch to light a cannagar if possible since you’ll want to ensure the tip is fully lit before you start puffing. 

Blunts vs. Cannagars

Trying to decide whether to bring a blunt or a cannagar to your next event? We can help.

Pros of Blunts

• Fast burn time: Great if you’re trying out a new strain or only have time for a quick smoke. 
• Ready immediately: Blunts are ready to smoke as soon as you’re done packing them.

Cons of Blunts

• Tobacco smell and nicotine content: Some people can’t tolerate or want to avoid tobacco or nicotine blunts. 
• Unpredictable burn duration and quality: Even if you’re a professional blunt roller, blunts don’t last as long or burn as evenly as cannagars. 
• Soggy blunt tips: Do we really need to elaborate on this one?
• Limited capacity: If you’re rolling for a large group of friends, sometimes one blunt just isn’t enough. In the wise words of Snoop Dogg, you should always be ready for a multiple-blunt scenario. Yet, at a certain point, one big cannagar makes more sense. 

Pros of Cannagars

• Slow burn time: Cannagars can last for hours, giving you plenty of time to appreciate your weed and the company you’re sharing it with. 
• Unlimited customization options: With cannagars, you can choose the flavor of your wrap, the flower you pack it with, any other add-ins you want, and even what it looks like. 
• Cost-effective: If you’re a regular smoker, cannagars can save money by stretching your flower longer. Cannagars in dispensaries usually come with a huge markup, so making them yourself can be a money-saver, too. 
• Makes an impression: Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion with friends or be the most popular person at a party, a cannagar will get the job done. 
• Smooth, consistent quality: A well-compressed cannagar will burn perfectly every time. 
• Ease of use: Cannagars are less prone to “blowouts” than blunts, and Purple Rose Supply cannagar kits come with mouthpieces, so you won’t have to worry about soggy blunt ends or burning your fingers while passing it around. 

Cons of Cannagars

• Curing time: Cannagars must cure, so they’re not the choice if you’re looking for instant gratification. Once you try them, though, you’ll agree they’re worth the wait. 

Make Your Own Cannagar

At Purple Rose Supply, you’ll find everything you need to make your own cannagars and take your smoke seshes to the next level. With multiple mold sizes, many wraps and accessories to choose from, and detailed instructions, you’ll be enjoying your handmade cannabis cigar in no time.