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Filter Tips 101: Why They Matter for Your Smoking Experience

Everything you need to know about crutches, tips, and filters

By MunchMakers Team·7 min read
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Filter tips—also called crutches or roaches—are often an afterthought for smokers. But these small additions make a significant difference in your smoking experience. Let's dive into why filter tips deserve more attention.

What Are Filter Tips?

Filter tips are small pieces of stiff paper or cardboard rolled into a cylinder and placed at the end of a joint. Unlike cigarette filters, they don't actually filter the smoke—they serve other important purposes.

Why Use Filter Tips?

1. Structural Support

Filter tips provide a stable foundation for your joint:

  • Prevents the end from collapsing
  • Makes rolling easier (especially for beginners)
  • Keeps the joint's shape throughout smoking
  • Essential for perfect pre-rolled cones

2. Improved Airflow

Proper airflow is crucial for an enjoyable smoke:

  • Creates a consistent draw
  • Prevents clogging from resin buildup
  • Allows for smoother, easier hits
  • Reduces the "tight joint" problem

3. Waste Reduction

Without a filter tip, you lose cannabis to the "roach":

  • Filter tips let you smoke to the very end
  • No wasted product left behind
  • No burnt fingers or lips
  • More value from your cannabis

4. Cooler Smoke

The air gap created by filter tips:

  • Allows smoke to cool slightly before inhalation
  • Reduces harshness on throat and lungs
  • Creates a more pleasant experience
  • Particularly helpful with larger hits

5. Lip Protection

Practical benefits for comfort:

  • Keeps resin off your lips
  • Prevents the wet, soggy end problem
  • More hygienic when sharing
  • Professional appearance

Types of Filter Tips

Standard Flat Tips

The classic option included in most rolling paper booklets:

  • Perforated cardboard strips
  • Tear off and roll yourself
  • Customizable tightness
  • Budget-friendly

Our Filter Tips Booklet includes premium flat tips perfect for DIY rolling.

Pre-Rolled Tips

Ready-to-use convenience:

  • Already rolled into perfect cylinders
  • Consistent size every time
  • Faster joint preparation
  • Ideal for high-volume use

Check out our Pre-Rolled Tips Box for instant convenience.

Cone Tips

Specially designed for pre-rolled cones:

  • Conical shape matches cone papers
  • Perfect fit every time
  • Included with our cone products
  • Professional appearance

Wide Tips

For those who prefer more airflow:

  • Larger diameter than standard
  • More open draw
  • Popular with king size papers
  • Good for slower, relaxed smoking

How to Roll a Perfect Filter Tip

If you're using flat tip paper:

Step 1: Create the Core

Make 3-4 small accordion folds at one end of the tip paper. This creates the "M" or "W" shape that prevents cannabis from passing through.

Step 2: Roll Around the Core

Wrap the remaining paper tightly around the accordion section. The tighter you roll, the more restricted the airflow.

Step 3: Adjust the Size

The final diameter should match your preferred joint size:

  • Tighter for 1 1/4 papers
  • Wider for king size papers
  • Consistent for production work

Filter Tips for Custom Products

Branding opportunities extend to filter tips too. MunchMakers offers:

Printed Filter Tips

  • Your logo on every tip
  • Multiple printing areas
  • Visible throughout smoking
  • Complete brand experience

Custom Colors

  • Match your brand colors
  • Stand out from competitors
  • Coordinate with paper packaging
  • Premium perception

Integrated Booklets

Our Magnetic Closure Booklet with Tips combines:

  • Premium rolling papers
  • Branded filter tips
  • Protective packaging
  • Complete solution

Filter Tips and Pre-Rolled Cones

All our pre-rolled cones come with built-in filter tips:

No additional filter tips needed—just fill and enjoy.

Common Filter Tip Mistakes

Too Tight

Problem: Restricted airflow, difficult to draw Solution: Use fewer accordion folds, roll more loosely

Too Loose

Problem: Filter falls out, cannabis passes through Solution: More accordion folds, tighter rolling

Wrong Size

Problem: Doesn't match paper width Solution: Match tip diameter to your paper size

Soggy Tips

Problem: Becomes wet and collapses Solution: Use higher quality tip paper, don't over-lick the joint

Accessories for Better Tips

Custom Cone Loaders

Perfect for packing cones efficiently:

  • Consistent filling every time
  • Faster production
  • Professional results
  • Brandable with your logo

Multi-Function Booklets

Our 5-in-1 Grinder Tray Booklets include:

  • Rolling papers
  • Filter tips
  • Built-in tray
  • All-in-one convenience

Tips for Dispensaries and Brands

If you're building a cannabis brand, don't overlook filter tips:

Include Tips with Papers

Customers appreciate complete solutions:

  • Papers + tips = better experience
  • Increases perceived value
  • Reduces "I forgot tips" frustration
  • Encourages brand loyalty

Offer Standalone Tip Products

Some customers need tips only:

  • Pair with existing paper stock
  • Impulse purchase opportunity
  • High margin accessory
  • Complete your product line

Brand Every Touchpoint

Filter tips are visible throughout use:

  • Logo stays in customer's hand
  • Seen by everyone in the circle
  • Subtle but effective marketing
  • Low cost, high impact

Get Custom Filter Tips

Ready to add branded filter tips to your product line?

  1. Browse our filter tip options
  2. View the Filter Tips Booklet
  3. Request a mockup with your branding
  4. Complete your rolling paper line

Questions? Contact our team for personalized recommendations.

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