Everything You Need to Know About Different Types of Rolling Papers

The humble joint, a cannabis smoker staple and classic way to enjoy your favourite bud. Whether you’re new to cannabis, or a seasoned pro, chances are you’ve encountered this popular delivery method before. However, unless you’re preparing your own joints, you might not often think about what goes into rolling one. 

This blog is all about rolling paper. We’ll answer “what is rolling paper,” and help you find the best type for you. With many options available, including flavored rolling papers—like wood pulp or hemp rolling papers—and rolling papers made from different materials, the choice of which paper to use is almost as personal as your choice of cannabis strain. 

Get ready to explore the different types of rolling papers, and take your smoking experience to the next level. 

What is Rolling Paper?

Rolling paper, also called cigarette paper, is a thin sheet made from plant materials that is used for rolling cannabis cigarettes, called joints. Unlike tobacco cigarettes, joints are typically rolled by hand. Joint papers need to be flexible and easy to manipulate to roll dried cannabis flower into a tight, well-packed joint for smoking. The rolling paper you choose will affect the taste and burn of your joint, so it’s important to find what works best for you. 

Different Types of Rolling Papers

Rolling papers are more than just a vehicle for smoking cannabis. Rolling paper companies want you to have the best smoke possible with products that will enhance your smoking experience. 

Flavoured vs. Unflavoured

As you develop preferences for certain strains, don’t neglect the opportunity to try different types of rolling papers too. Flavored rolling papers can add a taste and aroma to your smoke. Popular flavours include fruit and mint, but you can find almost any flavour imaginable, ranging from subtle to bold. 

Purists who want to enjoy a natural smoke flavour or avoid artificial additives, can opt for unflavoured rolling papers, which will have a minimal impact on the taste of the smoke. Hemp papers are especially celebrated for their close to neutral taste. 

Bleached Versus Unbleached

Rolling papers also come bleached and unbleached. You can easily distinguish the two by the difference in colour. Bleached papers are treated with chemicals like chlorine or calcium carbonate, which changes the colour to white and can help slow down the burn. 

These days, many rolling paper companies opt for more natural processing for health and sustainability. Unbleached papers, which are typically brown or off-white, avoid unnecessary chemicals for a more natural combustion and taste.

What Are Rolling Papers Made of?

Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, let’s take a look at some common rolling paper materials. Each material has different properties that affect burn speed and porosity, which in turn affects the smoking experience.

Rice Paper

Rice rolling paper is one of the thinnest options, meaning it burns slow with minimal ash, making it better for your lungs. Rice paper is made from processed rice, so it’s all-natural with very little aftertaste. However, the thinness of rice rolling papers makes it tricky to roll and vulnerable to damp air or weather conditions. 

Hemp Rolling Papers

Hemp rolling papers are beloved for how easy they are to roll and their barely there aftertaste. Because they’re made from hemp fibre rather than wood pulp from trees, these popular rolling papers are also considered an environmentally friendly option. Hemp papers usually come unbleached with a medium burn rate.

Wood Pulp Rolling Papers

Wood pulp rolling papers are a common choice for beginners who need something a little more substantial while working on their rolling skills. Slightly thicker than other types of rolling papers, wood pulp papers have a more noticeable taste and a fast burn rate, meaning that more experienced joint rollers may want to choose a different material. Nevertheless, wood pulp papers have remained a popular option for their durability in wet weather and widespread availability. 

Flax Rolling Papers

Similar to rice rolling papers, flax paper is a thin, slow burning option for a relaxed smoking experience. While flax is more commonly used in rolling paper blends, 100% flax rolling papers make a smooth paper that is easy to roll, eco-friendly, and almost completely flavourless.

Rolling Paper Sizes and Their Uses

Not only do rolling papers come in a variety of materials, there are also different sizes depending on how long you want your joint to last and how much cannabis you want to consume. Here are the most common size options:

Single Wide

This is the smallest option for rolling papers, ideal for solo use and a short smoke.

1¼ Size

These rolling papers produce a standard-sized joint size to enjoy on your own, or with a small group.

1½ Size

Slightly larger than the average 1¼ size, these rolling papers are ideal for a bigger joint or a larger group.

Double Wide

These rolling papers hold more cannabis, making them a good option for a bulkier joint to be shared with others.

King Size

King size rolling papers are best for group sessions or long smoke sessions.

Where to Buy Rolling Papers

When buying rolling papers, it’s important to always shop at authorized retailers with high-quality products. The smoke from your rolling papers will ultimately end up in your lungs, so you want to avoid potential risks, contaminants, and toxic ingredients, like heavy metals, artificial dyes, and pesticides, as much as possible. 

Shop Rolling Papers at True North Cannabis Co.

Now that you’ve found the answer to “what is rolling paper,” and learned about the different types, you’re ready to get started. True North Cannabis Co. is your friendly neighbourhood Cannabis shop with a variety of rolling papers and the cannabis to go inside. Whether you’re getting ready to roll your first joint or you’re the designated joint roller at parties, our knowledgeable budtenders are happy to help you find anything you need.

We offer affordable prices and promotions everyday of the week so you can stock up on an old favourite or try something new. Come visit a True North Cannabis Co. location and explore our available products today!