Choosing the Right Rolling Papers

So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you feel like you’ve graduated from dumping out the tobacco and shoving weed into an empty cigarette. Maybe you’ve recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for rolling blunts, joints, and spliffs, and start your journey toward rolling the perfect joint.

What Are Rolling Papers?

Rolling papers are thin sheets of paper used for rolling cigarettes or joints. These papers are typically made from materials like wood pulp, rice straw, or hemp.

When learning how to roll a joint, individuals often find they have different preferences regarding the material and shape of their rolling paper. No matter the preference, rolling papers come in various sizes, flavors, and thicknesses.

Rolling papers are generally designed to be easily combustible and easy to manipulate but slow-burning, allowing for a smooth and controlled smoking experience.

Why Use Rolling Paper Alternatives?

Rolling papers are some of the most well-known and well-loved vehicles for cannabis consumption. Cannabis users prefer rolling papers for customizability, portability, cost-effectiveness, and natural materials.

• Customizability: Rolling papers allow users to control the size, shape, and contents of their cigarette or joint.
• Portability: Rolling papers are lightweight, small, and easy to carry — perfect for rolling on the go.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Rolling papers are fairly affordable, which can be more economical (especially for frequent smokers).
• Natural Materials: Many rolling papers are made from natural or organic materials like hemp or unbleached paper, minimizing exposure to chemicals and additives found in some pre-made cigarettes.
• Aesthetics and Ritual: For some, the process of rolling a cigarette or joint is a relaxing ritual that allows users to form a personal connection to the experience that different types of cannabis pre-rolls might lack.

7 Best Alternatives to Rolling Paper

So what is the best rolling paper to roll a joint or blunt with? The answer is simple: a natural joint paper that is free of dyes, inks, harmful additives, and chemicals, preferably one that burns smoothly and stays well-lit. In lieu of regular rolling papers, there are many alternatives on the market today, such as hemp, rice, and bamboo papers. There are also other materials that can be utilized as a rolling paper substitute as a last resort.

Rice Rolling Paper

Next to traditional wood pulp cigarette papers, rice papers are probably the next most popular option that has been used by consumers for decades. These natural rolling papers are thin and offer a smooth, slow burn. They are also made with a source that is vegan-friendly and healthier for the environment. These papers tend to be nearly translucent and very smooth in texture. These even come in king size options for those who want a fatter joint or pre-rolled cones for those who want a straightforward smoke session.

Hemp Paper

Hemp rolling papers are a much cleaner natural alternative to wood pulp rolling papers. The industrial hemp plant is also a much more sustainable and renewable crop in comparison to trees, making hemp rolling papers a healthier rolling paper alternative for both the consumer and the environment. Because the bleaching process isn’t used with hemp papers, they retain a natural brown color. These fibrous papers are typically much rougher and thicker than rice papers, which provide a better grip when twisting one up.

Bamboo Paper

Like hemp paper, bamboo rolling papers are also much healthier all around, offering sustainability through a crop that can grow nearly anywhere. Additionally, bamboo, like hemp and rice, is also a vegan-friendly option for rolling papers. Bamboo rolling papers are known for being high-quality, burning slowly, and being durable thanks to the bamboo’s strong natural fibers.

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper—that stuff wedged into gift bags—is a naturally thin paper, making it a great alternative to traditional rolling papers if you’re in a pinch. If possible, try to avoid using tissue paper with ink or embellishments. Due to the lack of natural fibers, this type of paper will burn much quicker, but it will get the job done if needed.

Gum Wrapper

While some gum wrappers are made with aluminum foil, all gum wrappers have a paper sheet, and some are made solely of paper. These papers, when removed from any foil present, can be used if you find yourself desperate for rolling paper. This option, however, will roll a much smaller and shorter joint.

Corn Husks    

Though unconventional, dried corn husks can be used to roll joints. They’re all natural and tobacco-free, and large enough to roll massive joints. Plus, dried corn husks burn slowly and evenly for smoother pulls. 

Dictionary Page

If you have absolutely nothing left to use, you can always use a book page from a dictionary or encyclopedia. Like pages from bibles and phone books, dictionary and encyclopedia pages tend to be very thin, making them a decent option for rolling. However, dictionary and bible pages are covered in ink, which makes them an absolute last resort.

Other Alternatives to Smoking Blunts and Joints

Fortunately, there are many ways for stoners to enjoy the herb. Many of these still allow for smoking, just without the wraps or the need to know how to roll. There are also many ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking it.

Here are some ways to get high without having to roll a blunt or joint.

Bongs

Bongs are a tried-and-true method of consuming cannabis flower. These smoking apparatuses come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Many bongs offer water or ice filtration, which can provide a cooler and smoother smoking experience in comparison to a blunt or joint.

Glass Pipes

Pipes, like bongs, come in many different shapes and sizes to fit the consumption needs of all patients and consumers. These consumption devices also do not pose the same risks and potential dangers presented by tobacco blunt wraps. Glass pipes are very intuitive, making them perfect for beginners.

Vaporizers

For those who love to inhale cannabis but want to avoid combustion, perhaps a cannabis vape pen is just what you need. These devices come in a variety of forms, from simple-to-use disposable pens to fancy setups with mods, tanks, and various other accessories that can be used time and time again. Not only is vaping potentially safer than smoking combusted plant material, but it is also better for the environment than single-use papers and blunt wraps.

Edibles

Cannabis edibles are a very popular method of consuming cannabis. This method of consumption does not involve inhalation but rather ingesting the cannabis to reap the benefits and effects that it offers. Edibles are much more discreet, are stronger, and produce effects that last longer than inhalation methods, making them a great substitute for blunts and joints.

Handmade Devices

In the event that you find yourself in possession of some tasty cannabis flower but no way to smoke it, there are some homemade smoking devices that you can create. Examples are a water bottle bong and an apple pipe. Due to the inconvenience of having to make something and the lack of reliability with devices like this, they are the last resort for most consumers. However, avoid using soda cans or tin foil, as those can emit nasty fumes that you don’t want in your body.

Learn: How to make an apple pipe with our step-by-step guide.

Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid

While traditional rolling papers are made with wood pulp, there are many other different ways to smoke a joint available. When choosing paper for rolling joints, it is essential that you look for options that are void of heavy metals, artificial dyes, bleach, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate, including wax or parchment paper.

Additionally, any paper that is extremely thick should also be avoided, such as construction paper, thick notebook paper, and wrapping paper. Any paper that is dyed or contains ink, such as newspapers and magazines, as well as any paper that has foil or plastic added, should also be avoided.

Safety Considerations

While experimenting with different rolling paper options may seem fun or convenient, you may face serious health risks while smoking from unconventional alternatives.

When burned, materials like Bible pages and receipts can release toxic chemicals, including bleach, ink, and any other harmful coatings. Inhaling these substances can lead to serious respiratory issues and other long-term health problems.

Some alternatives, like gum wrappers or aluminum foil, can pose additional safety hazards alongside exposure to toxic fumes. Not only will they likely contain harmful contaminants, but they can also pose a serious fire risk.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many rolling paper options that don’t come with the risks of tobacco blunt wraps. While natural options, such as hemp and rice paper, are ideal, items like tissue paper and dictionary pages can be utilized as a last resort if you’re in a pinch. Choose wisely and roll up!

FAQs on Rolling Paper Alternatives

Can you roll a cigarette with normal paper?

No, you should not roll a joint with regular printer paper. This type of paper can cause toxic chemicals that, when inhaled, can pose serious health risks.

Can I use tracing paper to roll?

Yes, tracing paper can be used as a rolling paper alternative, as long as it’s thin and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or additives.

What is the least toxic rolling paper?

Rolling papers made from natural or organic materials, like hemp, are typically the least toxic option for rolling joints or spliffs.

What is rolling paper made of?

Rolling paper is typically made of wood pulp, rice stalk, or hemp.

This article was originally publish in January 2023 and was last updated in August 2024.