Rolling Paper 101
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Rolling Papers 101
Rolling a joint is one of the most iconic ways to enjoy cannabis. But with so many modern consumption methods now available, rolling can feel like a lost art—sometimes leaving a group of friends asking, “Wait… does anyone actually know how to roll?”
The good news? Rolling is making a comeback. With new, improved paper options hitting the market, more people are rediscovering the ritual. So we put together this Rolling Papers 101 guide—our way of helping keep the good times rolling.
How Long Have We Been Rolling?
Rolling papers have long been part of both the ritual and social experience of smoking.
The first recorded use of rolling papers dates back to around 1856, when a pharmacist in Mexico documented laborers using paper to roll tobacco.
Fast forward more than a century, and the tradition is still alive—though these days, post-COVID, “passing the joint” might look a little different.
Types of Rolling Papers
With so many options available, choosing the right rolling paper can feel overwhelming. Ideally, you want something that delivers:
- A smooth burn
- Clean flavor
- Ease of use
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Additives vs. Additive-Free
This might seem like an easy choice—but flavored papers can be tempting.
While blueberry or grape-flavored papers might smell great, they often interfere with the natural flavor of your herb. Even worse, added chemicals or flavoring agents aren’t always meant to be burned and inhaled.
Also watch out for additives like:
- Chlorine
- Calcium carbonate
👉 Bottom line: Stick with additive-free papers for a cleaner, more natural experience.
The OG: Wood Pulp Papers
Wood pulp papers were once the standard.
They’re:
- Durable
- Easy to roll
- Widely available
But they also tend to:
- Burn harsher
- Contain more chemicals
That’s why many smokers today are moving away from them. While they get the job done, there are now better, smoother alternatives.
Rice Papers
Rice papers became popular for being:
- Ultra-thin
- Affordable
- Cleaner-tasting than wood pulp
But they come with a trade-off:
- Can be difficult to roll, especially for beginners
- Burn quickly or unevenly
- Sometimes require frequent relighting
- If you’ve ever realized halfway through a session that your joint has multiple layers by accident—you’ve probably used rice papers.
The New Favorite: Hemp Papers
Hemp papers have quickly become a go-to choice—and for good reason.
With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp production expanded, making it easier to use in a wide range of products, including rolling papers.
Why hemp papers stand out:
- Slow, even burn → longer sessions
- Minimal additives → cleaner experience
- Natural flavor → doesn’t overpower your herb
- Easy to roll → more forgiving than rice papers
They strike the perfect balance:
- Thicker and more manageable than rice papers
- Smoother and cleaner than wood pulp
Another bonus? Hemp papers are less likely to go out mid-session—something rice paper users know all too well.
While no form of smoking is completely “safe,” hemp papers are one of the cleaner options available if you choose to smoke.
Final Thoughts
If it’s not obvious by now—we’re big fans of hemp papers.
Rolling might not be as mainstream as it once was, but it’s far from disappearing. In fact, with better materials and growing interest, it’s making a strong comeback.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned roller, it’s a skill—and a ritual—worth keeping alive.
And if you’re ready to upgrade your experience, give hemp papers a try. You might not go back.