This guide covers materials and hardware for use with legal products only, in line with your state's laws. TAG makes no health claims about any rolling paper or material you choose to use.
More people are picking up natural rolling papers to enjoy their favorite materials. Rolling papers give the satisfaction of rolling, grinding, and sparking your own. But not all rolling papers are the same. They are made from different materials with different pros and cons, and you want a paper that does not interfere with the flavor and burn of what you are using. This article looks at the types of rolling papers, their materials, and how to pick a paper based on material and burn quality.
Types of Rolling Papers
Rolling papers usually feel and look similar, but they are not made from the same material. It pays to check the material, since it affects the burn, the draw, and the flavor. Synthetic materials are cheaper, while natural papers tend to burn more evenly and stay out of the way of your material's flavor. Each paper comes in different sizes, weights, and flavors.
The most common natural rolling papers include:
- Rice
- Hemp
- Wood pulp
- Cellulose
Rice Rolling Papers
Rice rolling papers are ideal if you are a skilled roller. They are thin and delicate and have little effect on your material's flavor and burn, which makes them a good pick for a longer, slower burn. New rollers may find them tricky, since they break easily and take some skill to handle. Rice papers can carry additives like sugar, so if you want to avoid additives, check the packaging. In terms of a clean, slow burn, rice papers are among the best options.
Hemp Rolling Papers
Hemp rolling papers are made from the hemp plant. They are tree-free, less processed, and sturdy, which makes them easy to use and a good fit for beginners. They tend to hold a shape well and offer a steady, even burn.
Wood Rolling Papers
Wood-pulp papers have long been a standard. Made from wood like regular paper, they are thicker than rice or hemp. That thickness makes them forgiving, so beginners can practice rolling with them.
Cellulose Rolling Papers
Ever seen a clear rolling paper? Transparent papers are cellulose papers made from cellophane. Cellophane is derived from cellulose from cotton and trees. Cellulose papers are easy to roll, sturdy, and resistant to tearing, and the transparent look sets them apart. They offer a slow, even burn.
What to Check When Buying Rolling Papers
A "natural" tag on rolling papers does not tell the whole story. Manufacturers use different additives to control characteristics like color and burn rate. It is worth checking what is in each paper you buy so you know what affects the burn and flavor. The list below covers materials and additives worth reading up on when choosing a paper.
- Coloring agents: some papers are bleached, others use dye for a particular look. If you prefer papers without added dye, look for unbleached and undyed options, including brown rolling papers.
- Burn additives: some papers use additives such as calcium carbonate (chalk) or titanium oxide to change how they burn. If you want a paper without these, check the ingredient list.
- Bleaching: a white rolling paper has usually been bleached for color. If you prefer a paper in its natural color, look for the unbleached label on the package.
As more people look for papers with fewer additives and a cleaner burn, reading the material and ingredient list is the simplest way to compare options. At Thick Ass Glass, our glass products offer a ready-to-use alternative if you would rather not roll at all.