For many cannabis enthusiasts, the joint quality all hinges on the flower. For others, it’s the method used to roll the joint.
But one oft overlooked yet pivotal element of the joint smoking experience is the rolling paper.
Rolling paper can have a major impact on virtually every facet of your consumption, from the quality of the burn to the flavor of the joint.
Plus, the safety of rolling paper can vary greatly depending on the source, as some rolling papers contain contaminants that are harmful when inhaled. And with more types of rolling papers hitting the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right type for you.
So, let’s break down some popular rolling papers to help you make an informed decision and find the best rolling paper for you.
Top rolling paper brands for weed enthusiasts
Picking the right rolling paper can make or break your joint experience. Whether you’re after a smooth, clean burn or a little extra flavor, there’s a rolling paper out there that fits your vibe. Let’s break down some of the most popular brands that smokers keep coming back to. Many of these popular brands can be easily found at convenience stores.
1. Raw
The Lowdown: RAW papers are all about keeping it natural. Made from pure hemp and completely additive-free, they deliver a clean, organic smoke.
Why They’re Loved: Smokers dig RAW for its unprocessed feel and eco-friendly approach. The slow, even burn means you can savor every hit without rushing. Additionally, raw rolling papers have been recognized at the International Cannabis Awards.
Random Fact: RAW papers have a unique watermark that’s designed to prevent runs and ensure a slow, even burn. But here’s the kicker: the founder of RAW, Josh Kesselman, is known for his deep love of rolling papers and has one of the largest collections of rare and vintage rolling papers in the world.
2. Elements
The Lowdown: Elements papers are ultra-thin, made from rice, and designed to let your bud’s flavor take center stage.
Why They’re Loved: If you’re a purist, Elements are your go-to. These papers don’t mess with the taste of your flower, and their crisscross watermark ensures a smooth, even burn with minimal ash.
3. Zig-zag
The Lowdown: Zig-Zag is the OG of rolling papers, instantly recognizable by its classic orange packs. They offer a wide range of options, from standard white to brown and even flavored varieties.
Why They’re Loved: Reliability and nostalgia are key here. Zig-Zag has been around for generations, trusted by smokers for its consistent quality and easy accessibility.
4. OCB
The Lowdown: OCB has been rolling since 1918, offering ultra-thin papers in both organic hemp and traditional options.
Why They’re Loved: OCB is for the smoker who appreciates both quality and eco-friendliness. It’s a sophisticated choice that doesn’t compromise on either.
5. Juicy Jay’s Flavored Rolling Papers
The Lowdown: Juicy Jay’s are all about flavor. With options like blueberry and watermelon, they turn your smoke session into a tasty treat.
Why They’re Loved: For those who like to add a little sweetness to their joint, Juicy Jay’s are a fun twist on the traditional rolling paper.
6. Bob Marley
The Lowdown: Made from pure hemp, Bob Marley papers deliver a natural smoking experience with a smooth, even burn.
Why They’re Loved: These papers are a nod to the legend himself, bringing an authentic, laid-back vibe to any smoke session.
7. Rizla
The Lowdown: Rizla’s been around since 1796, offering everything from thin to ultra-thin and even flavored papers.
Why They’re Loved: Longevity speaks for itself. Rizla’s consistent quality appeals to smokers of all kinds, no matter what they’re looking for in a paper.
8. Blazy susan
The Lowdown: With their distinctive pink hue, Blazy Susan papers are vegan and non-GMO, offering a smooth, slow burn.
Why They’re Loved: Blazy Susan isn’t just about looks—they’re functional and add a pop of color to your sesh.
9. High hemp
The Lowdown: High Hemp papers are all about that pure, green smoke. They’re made from 100% organic hemp, with no GMOs or additives.
Why They’re Loved: Health-conscious smokers appreciate the purity and clean burn that High Hemp brings to the table.
10. Smoking
The Lowdown: This Spanish brand offers something for everyone, with varieties ranging from classic red to ultra-thin blue and organic green.
Why They’re Loved: Smoking papers are all about variety and reliability. If you like to experiment with different types, this brand’s got you covered.
11. Daysavers
The Lowdown: DaySavers is a newer brand that’s making waves with its high-quality pre-rolled cones and rolling papers. Backed by rigorous testing for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbials, DaySavers ensures a clean, safe smoking experience. They’re also involved in pioneering research aimed at improving cannabis product standards.
Why They’re Loved: Beyond just selling rolling papers, DaySavers is committed to advancing cannabis research and consumer safety. Their products are some of the most transparent and compliant on the market, making them a trustworthy choice for anyone serious about their smoke(Leafwire, Emerald Magazine).
With DaySavers now in the mix, this list of top rolling papers just got a bit more comprehensive. Whether you’re rolling with a classic like RAW or experimenting with the safety and research-backed DaySavers, your joint is bound to be a cut above the rest.
The right rolling paper can take your joint from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re rolling with RAW or spicing things up with Juicy Jay’s, find the one that matches your style—because your perfect smoke is just a roll away.
Pre-rolled cones: Convenience meets consistency
Pre-rolled cones are a game-changer for weed smokers who value both convenience and consistency. These cones simplify the process of rolling a joint, offering an easy and efficient way to enjoy your favorite strains without the hassle of perfecting your rolling technique.
What are pre-rolled cones?
Pre-rolled cones are pre-shaped, ready-to-fill rolling papers, usually with a built-in filter tip. They come in various sizes, typically ranging from small “personal” cones to king-size options that are perfect for sharing. Most cones are made from the same materials as traditional rolling papers—like hemp, rice, or flax—ensuring that you get the same clean burn and flavor profile.
Why use pre-rolled cones?
Ease of Use: One of the biggest advantages of pre-rolled cones is their simplicity. Just grind your weed, pack it into the cone, twist the end, and you’re ready to smoke. This eliminates the need for rolling skills, making it ideal for beginners or anyone in a hurry.
Consistency: Pre-rolled cones ensure a uniform shape and size every time, which contributes to an even burn and a smoother smoking experience. This is particularly beneficial if you’re sharing with friends or want to ensure every joint burns perfectly from start to finish.
Variety: Many brands offer pre-rolled cones in different materials, sizes, and even flavors. This variety allows you to tailor your smoking experience to your preferences. Whether you want an ultra-thin rice paper or a more robust hemp option, there’s a cone out there for you.
Bleached vs Unbleached Paper Rolling Papers
If you’ve ever purchased rolling papers, you’ve probably seen the words “bleached” and “unbleached” displayed on rolling paper booklets.
It’s only natural to think that unbleached rolling paper is the safer choice, right?
The truth is that neither paper type contains any bleach, as rolling paper producers do not use bleach to whiten their papers.
The word “bleached” is just a marketing tactic used by rolling paper companies to differentiate their white products from other paper types. Bleached paper tends to produce more ash and has a harsher smoke compared to unbleached paper, affecting the overall smoking experience.
The real difference between white and non-white rolling papers comes down to refinement. White paper is refined to remove wood pulp, which contributes to brown paper color. Brown rolling paper is still refined, just not to the same level as white paper.
So, does this make any difference to the consumer? Technically, yes. The extra level of refinement in white paper removes the slight earthy flavor that is left in brown paper.
Less refined paper is also slightly harsher than white paper. However, there are several factors that contribute to the harshness of your smoke, like how the joint is packed.
Rolling Paper Options
There are several popular types of rolling paper that each have slight but distinct differences that will impact your smoking experience. Let’s break them down so you can find the right one based on your preferences. Rolling papers are typically thin sheets made from various plant-based materials.
Refined white
Refined white remains a popular mainstay of rolling papers, thanks to their clean appearance and neutral flavor. This is the paper used in what many people consider a classic joint.
As mentioned, white paper goes through an extra level of refinement which produces the white color and neutral taste. Refined white paper burns consistently, providing a smooth smoking experience without altering the flavor of the cannabis.
Like with “unbleached”, some companies use the words “rice paper” to describe white rolling paper – but this is just another marketing gimmick. White paper is derived from wood pulp, not rice, and is a favorite among smokers who want to enjoy the full flavor of their favorite cannabis strain.
If you want a clean smoke and paper that doesn’t interfere with the taste of the flower, refined white paper is for you.
Natural brown
Natural brown rolling paper remains a popular choice thanks to their slow burn.
Since brown rolling paper doesn’t reach the same level of refinement as white rolling paper, it retains more lignans. These lignans contribute to the rustic brown color.
Brown rolling papers are also slightly thicker than white rolling papers, which makes them sturdier and contributes to slower smoke.
These are a great option if you favor a slow and smooth smoking experience. Additionally, unbleached paper is often compared to bleached paper for its natural properties, burning efficiency, and ash quality.
Organic hemp
If you’re looking for a rolling paper that’s environmentally friendly, hemp is a great option. These rolling papers are made from organic hemp, a more sustainable alternative to other paper types.
Aside from their benefit to the environment, organic hemp rolling papers are known for having a particularly slow burn – even more so than natural brown paper.
They also offer a subtle but distinct natural flavor. So if you want a long lasting and earthy joint smoking experience, organic hemp is the way to go. Additionally, organic hemp papers enhance the experience of smoking weed by providing a cleaner and more enjoyable smoke.
Hemp wraps
Blunts are widely enjoyed thanks to their distinct flavor and large size, but there’s no denying their negative health effects. Traditional blunts are made using tobacco wraps, which contain harmful additives like tobacco.
Thanks to hemp wraps, however, you can enjoy a classic blunt experience without the hazardous effects. Hemp wraps are sourced from hemp fibers and are typically thicker than hemp paper. They have a similar earthy smoking profile, providing a safer alternative to tobacco-laden products.
The Importance of Testing
One of the dirty secrets about rolling papers is that they are not tested and regulated to the same standards as cannabis. As a result, many rolling papers contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on your health when inhaled.
A recent study conducted by Lake Superior State University found that high levels of heavy metals like copper were found in many colored rolling papers. A separate study by SC Labs found at least one heavy metal in 90% of rolling paper products in California, with 8% of them testing in concentrations above the allowable limits in California for inhalable products.
The advent of flavored rolling papers and natural leaf products, like palm leaf, has further exacerbated the threat of harmful materials in rolling papers. Natural leaf paper products often contain pesticides picked up from the soil, mold issues and other contaminants.
Cigarette paper also contains a laundry list of harmful additives, like calcium carbonate (used to create their white color and white smoke), titanium oxide, ammonium, and more.
With so many potential hazards, it’s critical to make sure that the rolling papers you purchase have been tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbials.
By taking a little extra time to read the label and do research on the company, you can potentially avoid inhaling harmful chemicals that threaten your health. Your body will thank you later.
How to Choose the Rolling Paper for You
With so many rolling paper options available, choosing the one for you can feel like a Herculean task. But with a little bit of knowledge and research, you can make sure that you pick a paper that aligns with your preferred smoking experience.
The type of paper you use comes down to personal preference, whether you favor the clean and taste-free experience of refined white papers or the earthy and slow burning profile of hemp paper. It’s also important to consider your rolling skills when selecting the right rolling paper, as practicing rolling can enhance your technique and overall smoking experience.
While some rolling papers contain heavy metals and other harmful chemicals, others are carefully tested and have these items removed before they ever hit the shelves. Doing a little background research to find a rolling paper company you can trust can go a long way to removing the stress of worrying about what you’re inhaling.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a great joint before you know it.
Harrison Bard is the co-founder and CEO of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers. From custom-branded and wholesale pre-rolled cones to completely customized packaging projects and pre-roll machines, Custom Cones USA helps companies bring their pre-roll projects to life.
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