roll a joint

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