Crossword Genius

Wanted joint passed to the audience (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needed

'wanted' is the definition.
(needing is a kind of wanting)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for needed that I've seen before include "Was in want of" , "Required; sounds like worked (dough)" , "Lacked something essential" , "Required, necessary" , "'Wanted, required (6)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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