Five Types of Rolling Papers found in Shops

Despite how popular Zig-Zag papers have become, they are not your only option when it comes to rolling papers. There are five popular types of rolling papers, all of which have a different feel and burn rate to them. Read on to learn more about your rolling paper options and how to find your best fit.

by: Amy B. | 04/12/21 1:30PM

 

If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of pre-rolls, then you probably already know the difference between each type of rolling paper. However, if you are new to rolling your own joints then there are at least five types of rolling papers you should know about. They each will have a different trick to rolling with them though. Depending on your rolling skill level, one type of paper might fit your rolling style perfectly while other types might end up a crumpled mess.

wooden rolling papers being smoked by a man hemp background

1. Wood Pulp Papers

The first type of rolling paper you should try out is the classic wood pulp rolling paper. Since most paper is made out of wood pulp, this type of rolling paper will feel familiar between your fingers. It is the hardiest of all the rolling paper options and the easiest for beginners to use. Some wood pulp papers are even combined with other fibers to make them even more durable for rolling. They can come in a variety of thicknesses and in both white and brown, depending on if the paper is bleached or not. They will also survive a little bit of nervous sweating and shaking if it is your first time rolling your own joint. Once you have your joint rolled just right, classic wood pulp papers burn evenly and at a medium rate. They are the most versatile of all rolling papers and a great place to start.

 

2. Hemp Papers

If a classic wood pulp paper is not quite what you were looking for, then you should move on to trying out hemp rolling papers. These types of rolling papers are made with industrial hemp, obviously, and burn a bit slower than wood pulp papers. What’s less obvious is that hemp is a durable and versatile material used to make a wide variety of products including clothing, rope, and CBD products. When hemp is used in rolling papers, it compliments joints perfectly. The hemp papers do not interfere with the flavor of your dry herb and are still very sturdy to roll with. These types of papers will wick away moisture like wood pulp papers but dry just as quickly. They are often unbleached and have a light brown color because of that. They are thought of as the more sustainable option for rolling papers since hemp is a fast-growing and space-efficient plant in comparison to trees. Once your joint is all rolled up, hemp papers will provide a medium burn rate and an overall enjoyable smoking experience.

white rolling hemp papers with white background

3. Rice Papers

Rice rolling papers are not for the faint of heart. They have an almost transparent look and a very thin consistency. These papers are made with pressed rice, so they taste natural and do not interfere with the flavor of your rolled-up ground herb. They are also one of the trickiest kinds of papers to roll with though since they are so thin. They also do not mix with humidity well, and should only be rolled with dry, confident hands. If your rolling skills are to par though, you will find that rice papers burn at an even pace with your dry herb -- not too fast, not too slow, but just right.

 

4. Cellulose Papers

Some of the more unusual types of rolling papers are those made with cellulose. These papers are completely transparent, which means that you can see your rolled-up dry herb burning while you smoke it. They are made with a mix of all-natural ingredients, including water, vegetable glycerin, and plant-derived cellophane. The most common plants used to make this natural cellophane are eucalyptus trees and Asiatic cotton mallow, although it can also be derived from other types of cotton, flax, rice, hemp, or wood pulp. There is no gum line included on these papers because the whole paper is designed to stick when licked. With that in mind, they are some of the trickiest papers to get the hang of rolling with. They do burn slowly and evenly though and don’t interfere with the flavor of your dry herb.

man smoking joint with grey background

5. Gold Papers

If you are rolling up a joint to celebrate a special occasion, you should consider using 24k gold rolling papers. Yes, they do exist, and they are as amazing as they sound. These papers are made with edible 24k gold as well as wood pulp or hemp. They are easier to roll with than they appear and have the traditional gum line for licking and sealing. They have a slower burning consistency than your average wood pulp paper too.

Once you find the rolling paper material that fits you best, you can explore the wide variety of brands and sizes available. The most iconic rolling paper is probably the classic one and a quarter-inch wood pulp paper made by Zig-Zag, thanks to the lyrics of Afroman. “Two Zig-Zags, baby,” that’s all you need. But if you are looking for something for a special occasion, then check out the double-wide, one and half-inch, king-size, and king-slim size papers. They can hold drier herb than the average one and a quarter-inch paper and way more than a single wide rolling paper. No matter what your rolling style is though, there is sure to be a brand, size, and type of paper that will be your perfect fit. You just have to give them all a try first!

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