Blunt Smoking Surges in Unexpected Demographics

A new study¹ published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence reveals a surprising twist in cannabis consumption trends: blunt smoking has surged sharply between 2015 and 2022, especially among groups that historically smoked less.

Based on eight years of National Survey on Drug Use and Health data from over 326,000 adults, the study examined demographic and behavioral patterns in blunt use.

The findings shed insight on how cannabis culture continues to evolve in the era of legalization, wellness marketing, and social normalization, and why public health experts are paying attention.

The Study: Who’s Smoking Blunts Now

Researchers analyzed data from adults across the United States and found that blunt smoking increased substantially from 2015 to 2022. While cannabis use overall has been increasing nationwide, the shift in who is using blunts was particularly fascinating to researchers.
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• Blunt smoking is spreading beyond its traditional cultural base, especially among White and Hispanic adults.
• Women are closing the gender gap in cannabis smoking behaviors faster than expected.
• Non-drinkers represent the fastest-growing new blunt user group.
• Daily blunt smoking among White adults rose the most sharply overall.

These numbers tell a story of cultural crossover. What was once viewed primarily as a trend in Black and Latino communities, particularly among younger men, has now expanded into demographics once considered unlikely participants, such as older, White, and female consumers.

The authors concluded that the groups showing the largest increases were “those with historically lower rates of blunt smoking.” In other words, the blunt is no longer niche; it’s mainstream.

Blunt, Joint, or Spliff? Understanding the Differences

Before diving deeper into why these shifts matter, it’s essential to clarify what exactly a blunt is, and how it differs from a joint or a spliff.

Cannabis Joint: A joint is made by rolling cannabis flower in thin, usually white rolling papers. It contains only cannabis, no tobacco, and burns relatively fast.

Cannabis Spliff: A spliff combines cannabis with tobacco inside the paper, producing a slower burn and a different high. Spliffs are more common in Europe than in the U.S.

Cannabis Blunt: A blunt uses a tobacco leaf or cigar wrapper to roll cannabis. Because the wrapper itself contains tobacco, it delivers both THC and nicotine.

Why Blunts Carry Added Risks

Blunts are often marketed, or at least perceived, as a smoother, longer-lasting smoke. The thick tobacco wrap burns slowly, giving users more time to share or enjoy the session. But that same wrapper introduces a hidden cost, including:

1. Nicotine Dependence

Unlike a pure cannabis joint, blunts contain enough nicotine to trigger physical dependence. Users who start with blunts may find it harder to quit, even if they believe they’re only “smoking weed.” Studies show that blunt users often experience dual cravings for nicotine and THC, making cessation more complex than for cannabis-only users.

2. Cardiovascular Strain

Nicotine raises heart rate, tightens blood vessels, and increases blood pressure. Combined with THC, which also affects cardiovascular function, this pairing may place extra stress on the heart, especially among older adults or those with existing conditions.

3. Increased Lung Irritation

The thicker the tobacco wrap is, the longer the burn time, which means more tar and particulate matter. Over time, that can increase respiratory irritation, chronic cough, or bronchitis-like symptoms. The risk profile is closer to smoking cigars than to typical cannabis joints.

Why the Blunt Smoking Surge Matters

The demographic shift revealed by this study is more than a cultural curiosity; it’s a public health signal. Blunts introduces exposure to tobacco, which researchers have long known can lead to dependence and harm.

Historically, blunt use was concentrated among certain subcultures, especially younger men in hip-hop and urban circles. Now, older adults and women are adopting blunts at rising rates, possibly due to social trends, changing cannabis norms, and marketing that positions blunts as “authentic” or “traditional” cannabis experiences.

But as the authors note, future research is needed to understand patterns of initiation and escalation; in other words, what’s driving this adoption, and whether it could evolve into higher rates of cannabis use disorder or nicotine dependence.

How Cannabis Culture and Consumption Trends Are Changing

At MyCannabis.com, we’ve reported extensively on the shifting landscape of cannabis use, where nontraditional demographics are embracing cannabis in new ways. From stories about older adults turning to low-dose edibles for sleep and pain relief to the growing popularity of CBD tinctures among first-time consumers, the modern cannabis consumer no longer fits a single mold.

The latest findings on blunt use echo this larger movement toward mainstream, diverse adoption. What began as a niche practice has now expanded into unexpected groups, showing that cannabis trends are evolving beyond youthful experimentation into lifestyle integration. Yet this also introduces new concerns: some of these “non-conventional” users may not realize that blunts differ significantly from joints or vapes, bringing added nicotine exposure and respiratory strain into play.

In other words, while cannabis continues to shed stigma and gain traction as part of everyday wellness culture, it’s crucial to remember that method of consumption matters. As we have consistently emphasized, education and transparency are key to ensuring this new wave of consumers can enjoy the benefits of cannabis safely and responsibly.

The Bottom Line

The takeaway from this study is not to stigmatize blunt smokers; it’s to inform them. Cannabis use is becoming increasingly normalized, but the nuances of how it’s consumed still matter. As cannabis trends continue to evolve, education must keep pace, helping consumers make informed choices about what they inhale and how it affects their bodies.

References:

^{1. Mantey, D. S., Ruleman, A. M., Üsküp, D. K., Twitty, D., & Montgomery, L. (2026). Trends in blunt smoking among adults in the United States, 2015–2022. Addictive Behaviors, 172, 108507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108507}