An iconic symbol of cannabis and hip-hop culture, the blunt has a deep-rooted connection to both communities. It became many rappers, hip-hop artists, and fans’ favorite method to cope with the stress and struggles. A surefire way to relax, escape, or simply enjoy life.
Obviously, smoking isn’t the healthiest way to consume the plant. Then you add tobacco, which has long been known to increase health issues like heart disease, respiratory problems, and more. While the blunt remains prevalent in both cultures, there’s also a growing awareness of healthier consumption methods.
Originating from the Caribbean, here’s how the blunt represents the cannabis culture in music and media.
The Blunt’s Roots
Blunts have been a staple in the genre for over 50 years. Hip-hop is well-known for artist smoking weed that incorporate this activity into their daily routine. It started as a cultural movement that began in the 1970s in New York City. DJs, breakdancers, graffiti artists, and MCs smoked hollowed out cigars (a processed tobacco leaf) and then filled it with marijuana.
They eased their socioeconomic realities with the new culture and a blunt. How did it evolve from the 1970s to now?
The normalization of the blunt became reflected in the lyrics that depicted the lifestyles of many hip-hop artists. In 1988, both King T, “Flirt” and Big Daddy Kane “Raw” mentioned blunts.
The ritualistic and communal aspects of blunt smoking represent everything about the cannabis community. The illegal activity rooted itself as a cultural symbol, as the blunt is often celebrated in music and culture. Imagine, it helps artists rebel against the system.
This created blunt enthusiasts like Notorious B.I.G. – “I only smoke blunts if they roll propa….”
The Symbolism, Identity, and Imagery of the Blunt
“Blunt smoke comin’ out the nose….,” Notorious B.I.G. lyrics show the influence blunts have on hip-hop culture and imagery. Key figures like Snoop Dogg helped make the plant mainstream.
He has legendary stoner stories from smoking with Tupac at the Poetic Justice premiere (in 1993) to him getting medicated before his televised Super Bowl halftime show performance (2022). Snoop even hired a “blunt roller.”
Everyone has heard of the “lighter flick.” Lil Wayne revealed he smoked 15 blunts before recording a verse on a song. Showing the focus of the blunt is more about lifestyle, enjoyment, and its therapeutic/creative influence. It is a societal norm.
“20% of regular smokers prefer blunts above any other smoking method,” according to a 2015 study.
Blunts have had a multifaceted impact on the hip-hip and community. Inspiring people to be more open about their cannabis use. The legalization of cannabis has opened new avenues for hip-hop artists to enter the industry.
Are There Advantages of Smoking a Blunt?
People tend to either love or hate wacky tobacky. The main complaint is the harsh smoke of tobacco. But there are many reasons smoker’s love blunts.
Tobacco adds a slow burn “high” to the experience, they’re portable, and communal. You can smoke a blunt anywhere. And they last longer.
The main reason people smoke blunts is to consume a lot of weed at once. According to Healthline, “smoking an entire blunt is roughly the equivalent of smoking six joints.”
But there are other methods to smoking “fatties.”
“What the Health is Up with Blunts?”
Smoking has toxins, carcinogens, and irritants. And tobacco is known to be addictive. Blunt smokers may develop a dependence on its nicotine content. Blunts share the same health risks as cigarettes.
Understanding the health implications is complex. Although cannabis has many health benefits, concerns come into play when it’s consumed in highly toxic cigars and wrappers. In the 1990s, tobacco companies targeted young adults with fruity flavors and brightly colored packaging.
Wiz Khalifa’s rise to fame brought more attention to smoking “papers” because of his anti-blunt stance.
But Tobacco brands like White Owl, Backwoods, and Swisher Sweets are still popular. Even with New York City mayor signing a series of aggressive anti-tobacco bills in August 2017, smoking blunt is still a go to for many hip-hop fans. California banned flavored tobacco with Proposition 31 but it is still used to inhale cannabis.
Many companies are now focusing on offering products that cater to health-conscious consumers
How Will We Address Health Issues Associated with Tobacco Use?
There’s been a rise in the popularity of tobacco-free alternatives like hemp wraps, which maintain the ritualistic and communal aspects of blunt smoking without the same health risks.
Award winning craft brand Gentleman Quinns uses hemp wraps while still honoring the legacy of the blunt. Their Lead Bluntador personally rolls or inspects every “Big Ass” Blunt. They contain no tobacco or nicotine. Currently only in Colorado, but they deserve to be in every recreational state.
Credit to Gentleman Quinns
Packwoods (CA only), King Palms, and High Hemp Co. all offer solutions to avoid tobacco products. Each of these companies offers unique solutions that cater to the growing demand for healthier, tobacco-free options. They cater to consumers who are mindful of the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine but still enjoy the experience of smoking.
Credit to Packwoods
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, vaping and edibles have become more popular. As alternatives to smoking blunts, They reflect the changing consumer preferences, health consciousness, and technological advancement in the cannabis industry.
Vaping involves consuming cannabinoids without the tar and carcinogens associated with smoke. Edibles provide a smoke-free experience altogether, but consumers still get the health benefits. Both vaping and edibles offer more discretion compared to smoking blunts.
The Blunt is Hip-Hop but not Healthy
Although inhaling smoke is harmful to your lungs, the blunt will never go away because it’s renaissance appeal, the social aspects, and the unique experience it offers to users. However, tobacco is so unhealthy – hopefully the culture and community continue to create alternative ways to consume our favorite plant.
With the diversification of consumption methods within the cannabis culture, will the hip-hop community adapt to the newer forms of cannabis consumption?
