Besides eating Ben & Jerry’s, rolling a joint is the most important skill for any self-respecting hippie. Spark up at the Gathering of the Vibes (gatheringofthevibes.com) music festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut (Thu 31–Sun 3), Hippiefest in Westbury, New York (Thu 31, hippiefest.net) or at Shakespeare in the Park’s production of Hair (publictheater.org), running through Aug 31. David Bienenstock, High Times editor-at-large and author of The Official High Times Pot Smoker’s Handbook, quenched his cotton mouth and taught us how to prep a doobie like a pro.

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 1: Break it up
Separate your pot, then mash it with a grinder or scissors as you would herbs for a recipe; remove seeds and stems. “Not too dusty,” says Bienenstock. (Speaking of food, now’s the time to call in your pizza delivery order.)

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 2: Step 2: Fill ’er up
Fold rolling paper down the middle and evenly fill the crease. Stick to unflavored papers; Bienenstock likens using fruity varieties to “putting ketchup on a steak.” Working outward, pinch both sides of the paper and roll back and forth to compact buds.

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 3: Roll it up
With the sticky end facing you, tuck in the paper and wrap up. Lick the paper and seal shut without too much slobber.

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 4: Light it up
Bite off the smoking end and twist the other side before lighting. “Burn a little before inhaling,” says Bienenstock. Commence profoundly stupid conversation.

See previous How To