The Art of Cannagars: A Luxurious Return to Cannabis

Since the rise of legal cannabis, plenty of innovations have altered how we smoke it, from the rise of flower vapes to the evolution of prerolls. And now, thanks to the prevalence of high-quality cannabis, we can now enjoy the cannagar, or “cannabis cigar,” a luxurious and sophisticated way to enjoy your cannabis. And in case you were wondering how to get started, we’ll teach you the differences between cannagars, blunts, and joints, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and how to make your own cannagar. Moreover, we'll explore various kits you can purchase to simplify the process.

Cannagars, Blunts, and Joints: What's the Difference?

Cannagars are hand-rolled cannabis products that combine quality flower and cannabis concentrate, usually wrapped in cannabis or hemp leaves. They offer a slow-burning, long-lasting experience that is perfect for special occasions and group gatherings. Because they’re bigger than blunts and joints, they can also cost more. High-end cannagars like Leira can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the quality of the cannabis. And there’s a LOT of cannabis in them — think four to 12 grams, at least

Blunts, on the other hand, are cannabis products rolled with a tobacco leaf or a hollowed-out cigar, which imparts a distinct tobacco flavor. Blunts are generally larger than joints — think one or two grams — and closer to tobacco-containing European spliffs than cannagars, which may not be to everybody’s taste.

And as we know, the classic joint is rolled with a thin, typically white paper. Joints are smaller and less potent than blunts or cannagars, but more suitable for casual users.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Cannagars can truly deliver on taste and potency for experienced users. They burn slowly, providing a prolonged session that can last for hours. Plus, if you’re using a cannabis or hemp leaf as your covering, you’re not worrying about tobacco inhalation. However, cannagars require more time and skill to create, and due to their size and potency, they might not be the best choice for solo use or for those with a lower tolerance.

Blunts also provide a strong, slow-burning experience. But again, there’s the tobacco issue, which is a definite turn-off for those who are strictly cannabis smokers. Traditionally, cigar smokers don’t inhale the tobacco from cigars anyway, which means blunt smokers are definitely outliers in their habits.

And of course, most users can quickly make a passable joint. They’re portable and perfect for a casual smoke session. They're ideal for individual use or for passing around among friends. However, joints burn relatively quickly and may not offer the same level of potency or luxury as cannagars or blunts.

Creating Your Own Cannagar

While ready-made cannagars can easily be purchased in a dispensary, anybody can make a cannagar with the proper tools and materials. Here’s how:

1. Gather your materials: You'll need cannabis flower, cannabis concentrate or oil (optional), cannabis/hemp leaves, a skewer or chopstick, parchment paper, and a cannagar mold (optional but recommended).
2. Grind your cannabis flower: Use a grinder to break down the flower into a fine, even consistency.
3. Prepare the cannabis leaves: Carefully remove the stems from the leaves and blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds. Then, transfer them to ice water to cool before patting them dry with a paper towel.
4. Fill the mold: If using a cannagar mold, pack it tightly with the ground cannabis. If you don’t have a mold, gently press the cannagar using your hand and shape it into a cylindrical form, similar to a cigar. Make sure to pack or shape it tightly and evenly to ensure a smooth burn. Add a layer of concentrate if desired. Insert the skewer or chopstick down the center of the mold to create an air channel for proper airflow.
5. Press and bind: Allow the mold to sit for a few hours or overnight to compress the cannabis. Once firm, remove the cannabis core from the mold and wrap it with the cannabis leaves, using a bit of concentrate or oil to help them adhere. Wrap the cannagar with parchment paper and let it cure in a cool, dark place for a few days or up to a week. This curing process will help the leaves adhere properly and ensure a smooth, even burn.
6. Cure and age: After a few days, unwrap the parchment paper and check the cannagar's firmness. If it feels too soft, rewrap it and let it cure for another day or two. Once it reaches the desired firmness, you can age your cannagar for an even smoother and more refined flavor. Store it in a cool, dark place for one to four weeks.

If you don’t feel confident in your cannagar abilities, you can purchase a cannagar kit from Las Vegas-based Purple Rose Supply Cannagar Kit. Their mold sizes accommodate anywhere from one to 14 grams of cannabis, and include a wooden mold, skewers, and a packing tool to help you create a professional-looking cannagar.