Whether you use them every day or are more of an occasional smoker, rolling papers are an essential part of any smoker’s routine. And with today’s plethora of “smoking” options (glass, vapes, dabs, etc.), they should be, because despite all the new and innovative ways of getting high that seem to spring up daily, there’s nothing like keeping it old-school simple with a traditional doob every once in a while.
Besides, rolling them up is somewhat of a lost art form and there’s something to be said for a gentleman who knows how to roll an expertly crafted joint. However, finding the right paper to roll that expertly crafted joint can be quite the challenge. There are a ton of options out there, each with their own list of pros and cons, so we’ve made things a little easier by breaking them down for you.
Just remember that whatever kind of paper you decide to go with, it’s not nearly as important as the kind of buds you’re going to put in it. The better the quality, the better the taste, the better the burn, and the better the high, so make sure you’re rolling up something worthy of the time and effort you put into it.
PAPER:
(Popular Brands: Zig-Zag, E-Z Wider, Bambú)
The most common and well-known type of rolling papers, true paper papers are your standard run-of-the-mill rolling papers that are accessible pretty much everywhere you can think of. From local bodegas and delis to smoke shops, supermarkets, and even the most boondock of gas stations. They’re solid and reliable and are probably the easiest of all to roll up and smoke. Great for first-timers or those who were never really any good with their hands (don’t worry, we’ll assume you’re good with other parts). However, paper papers are typically thicker than most and often have added bleach, glue, and other nasty chemicals that you probably shouldn’t be inhaling, so buyer beware. There are better options out there, and once you’ve mastered the skill of rolling them up, you’re better off choosing one of them.
HEMP:
(Popular Brands: Raw, OCB, Smoking)
Hemp papers are terrific because they’re super thin and burn super slowly, not-to-mention they’re free from that nasty bleach (and whatever else) you’ll find in regular papers. That being said, their somewhat slippery feel can be a little harder to get used to, especially for those just starting to roll up. But practice makes perfect, and that practice certainly pays off, as you’ll notice that once you finally nail them down, hemp papers taste better (no taste at all), burn better (nice and even), last longer, and provide the comfort of knowing the only thing you’re smoking is 100% pure cannabis. What kind of it you’re smoking is another story, but we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
WIRED:
(Popular Brand: Randy’s)
A fan favorite here at The Hemponair, wired papers add a little fun and convenience to your joint smoking experience. Each paper comes equipped with a thin wire that enables you to finally hold that joint down to the very tip without having to worry about burning your fingers, ensuring every last bit of your buds get smoked. It also makes for a great conversation starter, as most people are rather perplexed when they’re passed a joint with a thin steel wire creeping out of it. And on that note, the thin wire makes passing the damn thing a whole lot easier too. Randy’s are available in both regular paper and 100% pure hemp as well.
RICE:
(Popular Brand: Elements)
It turns out rice isn’t just great for rolling up fish, but rolling up buds too. Made from pure rice with no added chemicals or dyes, rice papers are a solid choice for anyone looking for a more natural alternative other than hemp. They’re thinner than regular papers and burn a lot slower, making them a good choice for a lengthy session. However, thinner papers also mean tougher rolling. In addition, because rice papers don’t have much friction, they don’t exactly grip all that well. If you’re still a novice, we recommend getting a little more practice with more traditional papers before giving rice a shot.
CELLULOSE:
(Popular Brands: Trip, Glass, 1Back)
These papers are totally transparent, making it feel like you’re smoking weed wrapped in cellophane. If you’ve never come across them, they’re pretty impressive looking as you get to clearly see the contents of your joint as you smoke it. That being said, there’s something a little unnatural about the plastic texture of them. In addition, they usually contain a small amount of glycerin, a chemical that isn’t exactly something you want to be putting into your lungs. However, they don’t require any glue or gum to be sealed, so perhaps some will find that a worthy tradeoff. Only way to find out is to grab a pack and try.
By Amanda Zahr | IG: @amanda_zahr
