There comes a time in every stoner’s life when they’ve chosen a nug, ground it up into a fluffy consistency, and are ready to roll a fat one, just to realize that they’re out of a crucial material, rolling papers. With no corner shop in sight, what do you do? Luckily, one thing 420 lovers are known for is their ingenuity and creativity. Just think about the crazy meals you’ve made when there’s nothing in the fridge or cupboard when the munchies hit! Instead of racking your brain on how to light up, we have a few rolling paper alternatives you can use in dire situations that use materials most people already have on hand or can easily find. We’re also going to cover what to look for when choosing rolling papers (no they are not all the same), 6 of the best rolling paper alternatives, materials you can use as a last resort, and some of our favorite brands that tokers around the world know and love. Let’s jump right in!
What to look for in a rolling paper
If you’ve been in the 420 community for a while, you know that most smokers have a preferred rolling paper brand that they will stick by no matter what (the best rolling paper brand debate can get very serious). Despite the brand, there are certain characteristics that make the overall smoking experience more enjoyable. Those who smoke joints or blunts look for rolling paper that burns slowly and evenly, is made from non-toxic materials, is easy to roll and seal, and that will not interfere with the flavor of the smoke. A few things to keep in mind and research prior to trying out a new brand of rolling paper are:
- What materials are used? - Wood pulp, hemp, rice, or other types of rolling papers all taste a little differently and some prefer certain materials over others. Pick a natural, unbleached material that’s free of artificial dyes. You’ll also want to see what the brand uses for the glue strip. Tree gum or sap is the most natural type of sealant used for rolling paper and is believed to be the safest option. Also steer clear of any papers containing heavy metals, potassium nitrate, or calcium carbonate, which have been found in some brands.
- What joint size and shape will you roll? - Do you like to take a few hits from a pinner to decompress after work or do you prefer to roll massive cones for the whole crew to share? Rolling papers come in various sizes depending on the size of the joint you’ll be rolling. The most common sizes are 1 ¼” (76-78mm x 45-48mm) and King Size (100-110mm x 55-60mm), however there’s also Single Wide (the smallest size best for solo sessions), Slim King Size (the length of a King Size with the width of a 1 ¼” size), and 1 ½” size. If you have’t perfected the art of rolling just yet, you can always get pre-rolled cones that just need to be stuffed with ground dry herb.
- How thick is the paper? - Rolling paper isn’t your typical printer paper, it’s nearly transparent for a reason. Paper thickness makes a huge difference to the smoking experience because thicker paper like those made entirely from wood pulp has a faster burn rate than ultra thin paper like rice paper or medium-weight paper like hemp. In addition to burning quicker, thicker papers can also influence the flavor of the smoke. On the other hand, due to how thin it is, rice paper is known for going out mid-smoke no matter how good of a joint roller you are.
- How much experience do you have rolling joints? - Most smoking accessories like bongs and dab rigs take some time to get the hang of and rolling perfect joints is considered an artform by many professional tokers. Some papers are easier to roll than others, so take your experience level into consideration when picking rolling papers. Thicker, larger papers have easier rollability in general, while wider and ultra-thin papers are more difficult for beginners to manage. Newbies should practice with wood pulp or hemp rolling paper in King Size before trying smaller sizes or rolling paper alternatives.
6 best rolling paper alternatives
If you love smoking joints and blunts, but traditional rolling papers aren’t your thing, it’s time to try alternatives to rolling paper. In the past, nearly all traditional rolling papers were made using wood pulp, however today there are numerous brands that tailor to each and every smoking preference so even the pickiest of joint rollers can find a rolling paper substitute they’ll love. These are the 6 best rolling paper alternatives we can’t live without:
Blunt wraps
With fewer people smoking cannabis with tobacco, there are more and more brands that have re-engineered the blunt wrap with tobacco-free alternatives. Blunt wraps are a great rolling paper substitute, especially when at a party or social event where you’ll be sharing. Juicy Jays Terp Enhanced Hemp Wraps make any smoking experience a little more exciting with mouthwatering flavors like papaya punch, coconut cream, and grape soda. Another great rolling paper alternative is Minty’s Organic Blunt Wraps, which are made out of mint leaves for a slight menthol flavor in each hit.
Hemp rolling paper
After your typical wood pulp rolling paper or empty cigarette, hemp rolling paper is the most popular pick. Hemp makes a great rolling paper alternative since it’s made from the same smoking material and gives the joint zero added flavor. Most hemp paper is considered medium-weight and has easy rollability. Made in Alcoy, Spain, the first pure hemp paper ever produced commercially is Skunk Rolling Papers, which is still a 420 favorite. Bob Marley Hemp Rolling Papers are another top pick as they’re tree-free and chlorine-free, made with unbleached, organic hemp and come in a range of sizes.
Bamboo rolling paper
Quick growing and sustainable, bamboo has risen in popularity amongst eco-concious smokers. Bamboo is more durable than rice paper and has a good, slow-burn like regular tree-based paper. Add OCB Bamboo Rolling Papers to your shopping cart. Each paper is lined with natural acacia gum and every pack comes with tips included for convenient rolling when out and about.
Rice rolling paper
One of the most popular alternatives to rolling paper for joints is rice paper due to it’s ultra-fine weight that’s esentially tasteless. Rice rolling papers offer an exceptionally smooth and slow burn, making them a top pick alongside hemp when it comes to rolling paper alternatives. There are many brands that use rice paper, however Elements Rolling Papers is one of the most well-known (you’ve probably already tried a joint rolled from Elements at some point). These translucent papers come in a massive 300 sheet pack so you’ll never run out and uses sugar gum as a sealant.
Pre-rolled cones
If you get bored of constantly rolling joints, are a novice roller, or always seem to reach for pre rolls, give pre-rolled cones a shot. These rolling papers are already rolled into a cone shape most times with a pre-installed tip and are ready to be filled with ground flower. Simply pour in and tamp down the dry herb and you’re ready to light up! Pre-rolled cones are definitely one of the best rolling paper alternatives if you want to save time or need to roll several joints at a time. Try the wood pulp SMK Gold Pre-Rolled Cones or the Bob Marley Pre-Rolled Cones made from hemp. Both are King Size and are perfect for passing around a group of friends.
Bong, pipe, or other smoking accessory
There are a variety of ways to partake in cannabis without knowing how to roll or having rolling paper or wraps handy. For a cleaner burn and larger hits, try bongs, glass pipes, or a dry herb vaporizer. When in a pinch, you can always create a makeshift pipe or bong like a gravity bong or apple pipe with materials you have around the house. Many smoking accessories aren’t too pricey however, so of course it’s best to have a fully functioning bong or glass pipe in your arsenal.
Last resort alternatives to rolling paper
There’s a reason rolling paper works so well. They are specifically designed for rolling joints with no additional flavors so the flower can shine, while burning slowly for an unparalleled smoke session. Plus, rolling paper brands use non-toxic inks (or no ink at all) and gum or glue that’s safe to burn and inhale. This is why we will always recommend stocking up on packs of rolling paper or cones so you’ll never get down to the last rolling paper and have to resort to potentially unsafe alternatives like notebook paper, tissue paper, gum wrappers, or parchment paper. The following alternatives for rolling paper will burn relatively well, but should only be used as a last resort if you’re really in a pinch.
- Dictionary, encyclopedia, phone books, or bible pages - I bet you haven’t heard the term phone book in a long time (or may not even know what it is), but all of these books have extra fine paper that burns almost the same as rolling paper. Certain types of notebook paper will also work if it’s very thin, however all of these should be used as rolling paper only as a last resort since most contain ink and possibly other ingredients not meant for smoking.
- Empty cigarettes - If you have a tobacco smoker in the group, you’re in luck! All you have to do is use an empty cigarette to easily create a perfect joint. When out and about with out real rolling papers, cigarettes are the easiest option to find. The cigarette paper burns exactly the same as a normal joint and all you need to do is remove the tobacco by slowly massaging and rolling it between your fingers until it falls out. Then, fill it just like you would with a pre-rolled cone, pinching in ground herb little by little and tamping it down so it won’t need to be relit mid-session.
- Tissue paper - Tissue paper is just as thin as rolling paper, so dig in the cupboards and find where you stuffed it away from last Christmas. Try to find unbleached, undyed tissue paper that doesn’t have ink, glitter or other embellishments on it if possible. A joint rolled in tissue paper is going to burn extra quickly, but it will get you a few good puffs in when no other option is available.
- Gum wrapper - If you’re out of rolling paper, you probably can easily find a gum wrapper! There are all types of gum wrappers and some have aluminum foil or tin foil on one side. You want to find one that’s made only from paper or entirely remove the aluminum foil backing. Gum wrappers get the job done, but because of their small size, you’ll end up with a mini joint.
Not into getting creative or using rolling paper alternatives? We got you. Instead, head over to our online smoke shop and stock up on your favorite packs of rolling papers so you’re never left in the cold. We also have a wide selection of bongs, pipes, dab rigs, vaporizers, rolling trays, herb grinders, and everything else you could need for an amazing and hassle free smoke session.
