It’s a world of unspoken habits, strange rituals, and quirks when you step into the circles of true cannabis connoisseurs. From how you handle the goods to the odd beliefs that shape the smoking experience, it’s clear that dedicated users have a code all their own. Here’s a raw look at the customs, superstitions, and downright ridiculous beliefs that keep this culture ticking.
Some habits are universal, and understood by every smoker worth their stash. The first? Never, ever break the rotation. Once a joint or bowl makes its way around, that order is sacred, even if someone steps out or comes back. If you break the flow, it’s almost sacrilege. And when it comes to a fresh bowl, don’t “corner it.” Hitting it lightly on one side keeps the green for everyone else—not torching the whole thing like a rookie.
There’s even a pecking order for who sparks up a new joint or bowl. The person who rolled it, packed it, or brought the bud typically gets first dibs. Then, there’s the unspoken “puff-puff-pass” rule, strictly observed by old-schoolers who will eye you hard if you linger too long with their precious strain.
Then comes the superstition of “rolling karma.” This one’s big with serious smokers who believe that rolling technique affects how a session goes. A poorly rolled joint that “canoes” or burns unevenly is considered bad luck, and some blame “rolling karma” on whoever prepared it. In their eyes, rolling a smooth, even joint requires the right mindset—no distractions, no negativity. If the vibe gets broken mid-roll, don’t be surprised if the joint falls apart, which for some is a sure sign to start fresh.
And then there are the strain-specific superstitions. Some smokers swear off particular strains because of the effects they associate with “bad juju.” Take strains like Green Crack, known for its intense sativa kick. More than a few hardcore users avoid it, convinced it brings on a jittery high or “bad vibes.” Meanwhile, some die-hard indica lovers won’t touch certain sativas after sunset, convinced it’ll mess with their sleep or leave them with lingering paranoia into the night.
Lighting up itself is a ritual. Some smokers are deeply superstitious about which side of the joint gets lit first—never light the filter end if you want to avoid bad luck. Then there’s “third toke’s a charm,” a common belief that the third hit from any joint or pipe is the one that’ll really take you to the next level. More amusingly, some insist on taking the first hit themselves because “passing it off cold” (not hitting it before handing it over) supposedly brings bad luck to the entire session.
Another quirky belief involves “shotgunning” smoke for good luck. Shotgunning—exhaling directly into someone else’s mouth—is thought to share energy or “good vibes” with a smoking buddy. Some people take this ritual seriously, always shotgunning to bring positivity to the session. Bizarre as it might seem, it’s a time-honored way to add some flavor to the smoking experience.
Some connoisseurs won’t even use a random lighter or pipe, convinced it messes with the vibe. Whether it’s a Zippo with their initials or a well-loved glass pipe, they claim these pieces have absorbed energy from past sessions, making them “luckier” or “stronger.” Borrowing someone’s piece is fine—just don’t hit it too hard or ash too aggressively, or you might “curse” the pipe for future use.
And for some, trying a new strain on a Friday night is a no-go. The “Friday Night Curse” is a belief in certain circles that new strains on Fridays bring paranoia or disappointment. Nobody knows exactly why, but in a culture that values ritual and timing, many prefer to keep familiar strains at the end of the week, saving new experiments for more low-key nights.
These beliefs, eccentric as they may be, are part of what makes cannabis culture layered and intriguing. They speak to a reverence for the plant and for each session—a reminder that for many, lighting up isn’t just a habit but a ritual to be respected, quirks and all. So, do you have your own superstitions or habits when it comes to lighting up? Drop us a line or tag us on social media with your rituals, and let’s keep the conversation going.
© 2024 Pot Culture Magazine. All rights reserved. This content is the exclusive property of Pot Culture Magazine and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations in critical reviews.
Discover more from POT CULTURE MAGAZINE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a comment