Rolling Papers: The Ultimate Guide
There are a lot of ways to enjoy marijuana, but none is so classic as the joint. The doobie. The marijuana cigarette. The pre-roll, if you’re able to buy them in a dispensary.
If you’re new to smoking marijuana, you might want to try a joint before venturing off into the world of pieces and vapes and bongs. But rolling a joint requires rolling papers.
Although it’s common for people to roll tobacco cigarettes in countries like England or Australia, rolling papers are typically reserved for marijuana cigarettes and spliffs here in the US. So we’ll break down what rolling papers are, how they affect your cannabis experience, and how you can get away with not rolling a joint and smoking a wonky joint.
What Are Rolling Papers?
Rolling papers are thin sheets of cigarette-sized paper that are designed for (you guessed it) rolling cigarettes. These sheets often come in a small cardboard pack sold at gas stations, dispensaries, or smoke shops. Smokers use them to roll cigarettes with tobacco, marijuana, or other smokable substances.
What Are Rolling Papers Made From?
Rolling papers are typically made of plant fibers and wood fiber. Some of the plants used to make rolling papers include: -Flax -Hemp -Sisal -Rice straw
Some brands produce cellulose rolling papers to provide a different (or rather, lack of) taste. The ingredient in your rolling paper may affect what you taste when you inhale.
Adhesive
On most individual rolling papers, you’ll notice a thin strip of a glue-like substance. This adhesive is crucial for keeping your joint together and tight while you roll. Think of it like the sticky stuff on an envelope.
This part of a rolling paper is typically made from sugar gum or gum arabic. It’s not toxic.
Additives and Flavors
Additives and flavors may also be added to rolling papers to give them an extra special something. Not all smokers love these additions - many prefer to enjoy the taste of the weed they’re smoking and don’t want anything artificial to interfere. Flavors and brands ultimately come down to personal preference, so don’t sweat while you’re shopping for rolling papers.
Joints vs. Blunts
Not into the small, skinny joints? You may prefer to smoke a blunt. Blunts serve a similar purpose to joints, but are often larger and thicker. The biggest difference between a joint and a blunt is the material used to roll them. Blunt wraps are usually made from tobacco pulp and leaves. They have a thicker and crisper texture than rolling papers.
Rolling Papers Come in Different Sizes
If you want to enjoy a larger joint without the taste or texture of a blunt wrap, you can level up the size of your rolling papers. Most rolling papers come in a “singles” size, which produces a cigarette slightly smaller than the tobacco cigarettes that come in a pack. But you can also get: -Doubles -King size -King slims -Foot-longs -Spools and rolls
As you start to roll your own joints, you may develop a preference for a specific size.
Filters and Rolling Papers
In addition to rolling papers, you’ll also need to consider getting a filter. The filter not only keeps weed out of your mouth - it also keeps the structure of the joint intact while you roll.
You can make your own DIY filter by taking a small strip of cardboard and folding it like an accordian. (Business cards work really well if you don’t have cardboard.)
You can also buy glass reusable filters. These filters look sleek and reduce the smell of marijuana that many joints leave on your fingers. A glass filter isn’t necessary, but it’s a great way to enhance your experience if you’re tired of the same old DIY joint.
Benefits of Rolling Papers
Why choose to roll your own joint over the other forms of smoking cannabis? We can think of a few reasons.
They’re cheap. You can pick up some rolling papers from a gas station or dispensary for pocket change.
They’re discrete. It’s easier to stuff some rolling papers in your pocket than it is so stuff a bong in your pocket. Rolling papers themselves aren’t suspicious. After all, they’re also used to roll cigarettes.
You can customize your joint. Some marijuana smokers prefer to roll a spliff, which is a mix of marijuana and tobacco. Want more tobacco? Want more marijuana? Want to add some concentrate to your joint? (This is called “twaxing.”) Go ahead. Enjoy the joint that you want to enjoy.
Like the brand and size of your rolling papers, your cannabis consumption will ultimately boil down to personal preference. If you don’t mind sneaking a piece in your bag or leaving your bong at home, try those methods instead. If the taste of cannabis is better in a vape pen, buy a vape pen! Just always know that rolling papers are around if you want to roll a joint.
What Are Pre-Rolls?
The one disadvantage of rolling papers (for newbies) is that you have to roll the joint yourself. It’s not incredibly hard to roll a joint, but it does take practice and patience. You’re going to roll some crappy joints before you roll a good one.
Fortunately, we live in the age of legal marijuana. You can hop online and order pre-rolled joints from a dispensary and not worry about your rolling skills. These joints are rolled up, with a filter, and ready to smoke.
Reach out to your local budtender if you are concerned about the materials used to make rolling papers for your pre-roll.
Learn More About Rolling Papers and Smoking Joints
Want to learn how to roll the perfect joint? Our blog has all the tips and tricks you need.
If you’re stuck with a bunch of weed and no rolling papers, you still have options. Everyday household items can serve as a temporary piece or an emergency rolling paper. You can also explore other alternatives to joints: vapes, bongs, and edibles.
Reach out to your local budtender for more information on how you can tailor your cannabis experience to your tastes, preferences, and experience level.
