New Study Identifies Three Distinct Joint Smoking Styles and Challenges Old Lab Standards
A new study has identified three main joint-smoking styles—intense, slow, and double puffers—each producing more smoke than standard cigarette protocols, prompting calls for updated cannabis research methods
Key Points
- 1Researchers identified three main joint-smoking styles: intense, slow, and double puffers
- 2All observed cannabis puff profiles produced more smoke per puff than traditional cigarette-based lab standards
- 3The study suggests current laboratory protocols underestimate actual smoke intake by cannabis consumers
- 4Researchers plan further studies to examine how these profiles affect cannabinoid and byproduct delivery
A groundbreaking study has revealed that cannabis users tend to fall into one of three joint-smoking styles, each with unique puff patterns and smoke intake levels. The research, conducted by the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, involved observational sessions at social gatherings across five U.S. states from September 2024 to June 2025. Using a flowmeter attached to one-gram pre-rolls, researchers invited participants to smoke as they normally would, capturing real-world data rather than relying on laboratory simulations
Out of 62 initial participants, data from 51 individuals were considered valid, and the results sorted cleanly into three groups: the intense puffer, the slow puffer, and the double puffer. The intense puffer, making up 57% of the group, took sharp, fast pulls with peak smoke flow achieved almost instantly and completed within two seconds. Slow puffers, comprising 20%, favored long, steady draws that lasted nearly twice as long but never reached the same intensity. Double puffers, at 23%, were characterized by two quick draws in succession, a pattern easily spotted in group settings
The study found that each style resulted in higher smoke intake than the cigarette-based standards commonly used in cannabis research. Riley Kirk, a co-author, explained, "It’s really a difference between a fast intense pull, almost like you’re sipping boba from a straw, versus a long, slow pull that’s more like sipping a thick milkshake." Despite its gentler feel, the slow puff style actually moves more total smoke per puff, averaging 72.5 mL compared to the intense style’s 59.3 mL. The double puff method delivered the highest average at 76.8 mL when both hits were counted
These findings highlight a significant mismatch between traditional tobacco-based laboratory protocols and real-world cannabis consumption. As Kirk noted, "Cannabis smoke research has been borrowing cigarette puff settings for decades, and the issue is that cannabis consumers just don’t smoke like cigarette smokers do." The study also observed that some participants inhaled volumes well over 100 mL, indicating that current laboratory standards likely underestimate actual smoke and compound exposure
While this white paper measured only puff behavior and not the chemical composition of smoke, it sets the stage for more accurate laboratory research. The researchers plan to analyze how different puff profiles affect the delivery of cannabinoids, terpenes, and byproducts in their next study. As Kirk stated, "Our working hypothesis is that puff length and flow rate change the temperature of the ember itself, and that a longer, slower burn could produce meaningfully different chemistry than a short, hot pull."
OG Lab notes that this research could drive a shift in how cannabis smoke is studied and understood, potentially leading to revised laboratory standards that better reflect consumer habits. For cannabis enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, understanding these real-world puff patterns is essential for both product development and informed consumption. The next phase of research promises to shed light on how these styles impact the actual content delivered with each puff
