A spliff is typically smaller than a blunt, usually measuring a few inches in length depending on the rolling paper used. Users often prefer spliffs because they can customize the ratio of tobacco to cannabis to control their experience—tobacco is sometimes added to provide a "buzz of energy" or to help the cannabis burn more evenly.

Beyond the physical object, the word has permeated global culture:

Usage varies, but it often mirrors the European definition—specifically a mix of tobacco and cannabis—to differentiate it from a "joint" (pure cannabis) or a "blunt" (cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf wrap). Composition and Culture

In its place of origin, a spliff traditionally refers to a cigarette containing only marijuana.

Most commonly, "spliff" is used to distinguish a roll that mixes cannabis with tobacco. This practice is widespread in many European countries where smoking pure cannabis is less common.