Simple Tips for a Smooth, Even Burn Every Time
There’s nothing worse than lighting up a fresh pre-roll, taking your first few puffs, and realizing one side is burning faster than the other. That uneven burn, commonly called “canoeing,” doesn’t just ruin the smoking experience—it wastes your weed. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or brand new to pre-rolls, learning how to light it properly can make all the difference between a smooth sesh and a frustrating one. Let’s break down some simple lighting tips that’ll help you get the perfect, even burn every time.
What Is ‘Canoeing’ and Why Does It Happen?
Canoeing is when one side of the joint burns faster than the other, creating a long, uneven scorch mark that resembles the shape of a canoe. It can be caused by:
- Poorly rolled joints
- Wind or improper lighting technique
- Using a flame that’s too hot or intense
- Not rotating the joint evenly while lighting
Once a joint canoes, it’s hard to fix. You can try to relight the unburnt side or gently lick and pat down the faster-burning edge, but it’s best to prevent it altogether with the right technique from the start.
Torch Lighter vs. Regular Lighter: What’s Better?
Both torch and regular lighters have their place, but each offers different advantages when lighting a pre-roll:
- Torch Lighter: These produce a high-temperature, narrow flame that’s ideal for outdoor use or for relighting parts of a joint that didn’t burn well. However, torches can burn too hot for delicate rolling papers if not used carefully, increasing the risk of charring or canoeing.
- Regular Butane Lighter (Bic-style): These are gentle enough for lighting pre-rolls with better control. The softer flame makes it easier to “toast” the tip of the pre-roll without overheating it.
For the initial light, a regular lighter is often preferred because it gives you more control over how evenly the joint gets lit.
Lighting While Rotating: The Key to an Even Burn
One of the most common mistakes when lighting a pre-roll is sticking it directly into the flame and puffing away. Instead, try this three-step technique:
- Dry Puff First: Before lighting, take a couple of “dry pulls” (draw without lighting). This helps prime the airflow and ensures the pre-roll is packed correctly.
- Toast the Tip: Hold the flame just under the end of the pre-roll without touching it directly. Gently rotate the joint while letting the heat “toast” the edges. The goal is to get an even orange glow around the tip without any harsh burning.
- Even Ignition with Rotation: Once toasted, bring the joint to your lips, light again with the same flame, and take slow, gentle puffs while continuously rotating the joint. This helps ignite the entire circumference evenly for a consistent burn.
Bonus Tips for a Perfect Session
- Avoid Wind: Lighting a joint in the wind, even with a torch, increases the chance of uneven burning. Try to shield the flame or step into a calm area.
- Pre-Roll Quality Matters: A tightly or unevenly packed pre-roll may burn unevenly no matter how well you light it. Look for pre-rolls from trusted brands that focus on consistency.
- Don’t Rush: Take your time during the lighting process. Rushing usually leads to hot spots and wasted flower.
Final Spark
Mastering the lighting technique for your pre-roll is one of the easiest ways to enhance your smoking experience. A properly lit joint not only tastes better but lasts longer, burns evenly, and helps you get the most out of your flower. With just a little patience and a few simple steps — toast, rotate, and gently puff — you can avoid canoeing and enjoy every smooth, flavorful hit.