Rolling Papers

Rolling papers are thin sheets of specialized paper used for hand-rolling. They're made from various materials, including hemp, rice, and wood pulp, and come in different sizes, thicknesses, and burn rates to match different preferences and rolling styles.

Key features:

• Various materials: hemp, rice, wood pulp, flax
• Multiple sizes from single-wide to king-size
• Thickness affects burn rate and handling
• Gum strip for sealing (typically natural or acacia-based)
• Bleached or unbleached options

Material significantly affects the experience. Hemp papers are durable, easy to work with, and burn at moderate speeds — a good all-around choice for most people. Rice papers are thinner and burn more slowly with minimal ash, but they're more delicate and require a careful rolling technique. Wood pulp papers are thicker and easier to handle, but they burn faster and can slightly affect the flavor. Flax and other specialty materials offer different characteristics.

Size determines how much material you can roll and what shape you'll end up with. Single-wide (standard cigarette size) works for personal rolls. The 1.25-inch size is slightly wider and more versatile. The 1.5-inch size accommodates more material. King-size and larger formats suit group sessions or extended personal use. Length matters too — some papers are designed shorter, others longer for different rolling styles.

Thickness (often described in grams per square meter, or gsm) affects burn rate and handling. Thinner papers (13-14 gsm) burn slower and affect flavor less, but require careful rolling. Medium papers (18-20 gsm) strike the balance between ease of handling and decent burn characteristics. Thicker papers (25+ gsm) are easier to work with, but they burn faster.

Using rolling papers: Start with evenly ground flower for consistent burning. Place the material in a line along the center of the paper, leaving space at one end if you're adding a filter tip. Shape the paper around the material with your thumbs and forefingers, rolling it back and forth to evenly distribute, shape, and gently compress the contents. Tuck the unglued edge under, roll up to the glued edge, lick the gum strip, and seal. The technique improves with practice. Your first rolls might be loose or uneven, but consistency comes quickly. Store papers in their original packaging, away from moisture, as humidity can affect both the paper and the gum strip. Many people try different paper types to find their preference.