A Quick Guide to Rolling Papers

A Quick Guide to Rolling Papers

Rolling a joint isn’t just a convenient way to smoke, at its best it can be an art form. Don’t waste time with poor quality papers. Not only do they smoke poorly, but they restrict you from rolling a true piece of art. High quality rolling papers will allow you to engineer the dopest joints you can hope to achieve.

What are rolling papers?

It depends a little on what you’re rolling. Blunt wraps are either made of cured tobacco leaves or tobacco infused paper. Rolling papers for joints are exactly what they seem: thin paper. In the old days, scraps of newspaper were used to roll tobacco into cigarettes. Over time, specialized papers for rolling caught on. When cannabis caught on, stoners borrowed the method to roll their own cigarettes filled with cannabis flower, which we now call a joint.

Today, rolling papers can be made of hemp, rice, or wood pulp. They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. Depending on your needs and preference, you can find papers that fit your style of rolling. Longer, thicker joints benefit from a thicker paper, to support the weight of that fat doobie. Some people prefer the thinnest possible paper, as they find the smoke they produce a bit harsh. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste.

Why are some papers different colors?

The color of rolling papers depends on the material they’re made from and the processes they’re subjected to during manufacturing. Hemp papers will naturally appear slightly darker than rice paper. White papers are most often the result of bleaching via industrial chemicals. At RYOT, we prefer a natural, unbleached and untreated rolling paper. We think leaving our hemp papers as nature made them results in a smoother, tastier smoking experience. Additionally, the texture of hemp makes it easier for beginners to roll.

Rolling papers with bright colors and patterns on them are the result of artificial flavoring and coloring. Certain brands make this a central feature of their papers, with flavors resembling candy, fruit, or liqueurs. While these are certainly entertaining and a surprise for people who have never tried them, we still think the natural taste of hemp and flower is the best way to go.

How do I choose the right rolling papers for me?

Choosing rolling papers comes down to personal preference, but a short process of trial and error can help you find what’s best. As rolling papers aren’t very expensive, if you’re looking to try several types, it’s worth buying multiple sizes and brands at once and comparing them directly over a week or two, rather than smoking through a whole pack before trying another. Getting them all at once will help you find the ones you like faster, then you can give the rejects away to friends, making you seem like a generous stoner god.

Rolling papers come in five sizes:

  • Single
  • 1.25”
  • 1.5”
  • Double Wide
  • King

Typically, the smaller sizes are more difficult for newbies to roll with, though they are a better option for people who typically smoke alone. The 1.25” and 1.5” are likely most popular and resemble a traditional cigarette the most. These sizes are a good option for sharing with two to four homies.

The double wide and king-sized papers are perfect party joints (or joints for one brave, dedicated smoker). The double wide is likely the least popular size and can be unwieldy for beginner rollers. It requires an adequate amount of flower to fill out the joint or you’ll end up with a joint that’s mostly rolling paper. The king is an ideal shape for sharing around a party. If you prefer a smaller, sleeker joint, king slims can give you the best of both worlds.

What if I don’t know how to roll?

Fear not! The web is full of instructional videos. You can also purchase machines that do the rolling for you. In places where marijuana is legal, many dispensaries sell pre-rolled joints in a variety of strains. With the tools and resources available today, smoking a J has never been easier.

If you aren’t married to the idea of a joint, you may consider simpler ways of smoking like a one hitter or a portable vaporizer. Small pipes, one hitters, and herb vapes are great ways to smoke without all the hassle of rolling and grinding. A dugout one hitter is a great setup that allows you to store and smoke your weed in one convenient, portable package. With a cigarette one hitter, you can even smoke on the street without looking like you’re smoking anything more than a cigarette.

You can find all of these products at RYOT.com. Explore our products and find the best way to smoke for you. Everything we make is designed for smokers by smokers.

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