When people say they're rolling a cone, they usually mean filling one. Pre-rolled cones come already shaped, with the filter tip built in, so there's no rolling paper to wrestle with. You grind, fill, pack and twist. Done right, a cone burns slow and even from the first light to the filter. Here's how.
What you need
- Pre-rolled cones
- A grinder
- A packing stick (most cone packs include one; a pen or chopstick works too)
- A rolling tray, so nothing ends up on the floor
Step 1: Grind it right
Grind to a medium-fine, fluffy texture. Chunks leave air pockets that make the cone canoe, burning down one side. Powder packs too tight and makes it hard to pull. A four-piece grinder gets you an even grind every time.
Step 2: Open the cone up
Cones get squeezed flat in the pack. Gently roll the open end between your fingers until it's fully round again. Don't pull on the paper; it tears easily at the top.
Step 3: Fill a little at a time
Hold the cone upright by the filter. Add a small pinch of herb, tap the filter end on the table to settle it, then add another pinch. Dumping it all in at once leaves gaps that burn unevenly. A folded piece of paper or the crease of your rolling tray works as a funnel.
Step 4: Pack it lightly
Every few pinches, press the herb down gently with the packing stick. It should feel firm, not hard. Test it by pulling air through the filter. If it's hard to pull, it's packed too tight; loosen it with the stick.
Step 5: Twist it closed
Stop filling about a quarter inch from the top. Give it a final light pack, then twist the extra paper closed. Tear off the twisted tip before you light it, and rotate the cone in the flame so the whole end catches evenly.
Filling for a group or a whole week? Bulk boxes of 800 or more cones cost far less per cone than small packs.
Which cone size should you get?
Cones are named by paper length. How much each one holds depends on the brand and how tight you pack, but here's a rough guide:
- 1 1/4 cones (about 84mm): about half a gram. A good everyday size for one or two people.
- 98 Special (98mm): about three-quarters of a gram.
- King size cones (about 109mm): about a gram. Better for sharing.
Paper matters too. Unbleached papers like RAW have a natural brown color. Ultra-thin papers like RAW Black burn slower and taste cleaner. Colored and flavored cones like pink cones are mostly about the look.
Common problems
- Burns down one side: the grind was uneven or there's an air pocket. Pack it a little more evenly next time, and light it by rotating the cone in the flame.
- Hard to pull: packed too tight, or ground too fine. Loosen it with your packing stick.
- Paper tears while filling: you're forcing it. Add smaller pinches and tap instead of pushing.
- Keeps going out: packed too loose. Tap it down and pack the top gently.
FAQ
Do you roll a cone or fill it?
Pre-rolled cones are already shaped, so you fill them. "Rolling a cone" is just what most people call it.
Is a cone better than a regular joint?
A cone is wider at the end you light, so it burns more evenly. It's also much easier to get consistent than rolling from a paper.
Do pre-rolled cones come with filters?
Yes. Pre-rolled cones have the filter tip built in.
What do I use to pack a cone?
Most cone packs include a packing stick. A pen, chopstick or paper clip works too.
Shop all cones, rolling papers and grinders at HIGHBOIS. Everything ships in plain packaging.
