Sunday December 26, 2021
420 Culture
When it comes to rolling joints, choosing the right paper is highly important. Not only do rolling papers affect the overall smoking experience, but they also play a large factor in how easy it is to roll your cannabis. Many people have a favorite rolling paper brand and claim that their papers are the easiest for them to roll with. Of course, everyone is different and has their own rolling preferences, making it difficult to definitively label one rolling paper as better than another. However, there are a few brands that stand out from the rest. Below, we’ve curated a list of the most popular rolling papers on the market.
Please note that what rolling paper you choose to use is ultimately personal preference. There are many great brands out there and finding which one suits your style best is a fun and exciting path. So, check out the papers on this list and try them out! You might just discover your new lifelong favorite. Above all, roll some joints up and enjoy!
Table of Contents:
Top Rolling Papers for Marijuana Joints
Elements
Elements rolling papers are loved among many cannabis consumers. The love for them stems from more than one reason, too. For instance, they are made with natural materials like rice and sugar and they don’t contain any harsh burning agents. Once Elements rolling papers are burned, the only ash left over is the gum that caramelizes as it’s cooked. That’s a good sign that you’re smoking a quality paper.
Another good sign is that Elements don’t easily run. They’re embedded with a proprietary criss-cross watermark that helps keep the burn even across the life of the joint.
From their slow burn hemp paper to their ultra-thin rice papers, even the packaging of Elements rolling papers is appealing. The aesthetics of their boxes beautifully matches the quality of the papers on the inside. While the rice papers are a bit more difficult to roll than the hemp papers, their thin profile, smooth taste, and effective burn make Elements rolling papers a staple for cannabis consumers around the world.
RAW
No dyes, no chalk, no burn additives. RAW natural rolling papers are what their name claims to be: raw rolling papers. They’re unbleached and unrefined products made solely out of plant material. As a result, not only are they easy to roll with, but they also add very little taste to your joint.
If you’re looking for a paper that gives you both a clean burn and a clean conscience, then consider RAW rolling papers. Why? The RAW Foundation donates meals to children in famished communities, provides fresh water and filters to folks impacted by natural disasters, and even sponsors an orphanage in Bali, Indonesia. RAW produces charismatic rolling papers because their leaders are thoughtful individuals. Their charity is a great part of their company, it’s just a bonus that their rolling papers are top-of-the-line for a cannabis consumer looking for an easy roll and a pleasant smoke.
OCB
OCB claims to be the thinnest rolling paper in the world. My ruler has a difficult time measuring the accuracy of that claim, but there’s no doubt the OCB makes some of the best rolling papers out there. OCB has been around for 100 years, and for good reason. Usually, such a thin paper might tear or be difficult to control, but OCB has perfected the art of creating thin, easy-to-work-with papers.
Over their 100 years, they’ve created paper for French bibles, letter paper, and cotton paper, among others. In 1999, however, they officially started what is now their most iconic line: OCB Premium rolling papers. They’ve withstood the test of time because they burn clean and add nothing more than what they call ‘an American taste’ to a joint. Since their OCB Premium papers were launched, they’ve added on X-Pert papers, Organic Hemp papers, and even created biodegradable, unbleached filters.
Juicy Jay’s
Juicy Jay’s started in the Big Apple (a juicy apple at the time), in the 1980s. The creators had a deep love for all things from the ’80s like 5.0 Mustangs, gold rims, and LL Cool J. With their love of ugly cars and music that hasn’t withstood the test of time, they scouted New York City in search of their idol. Without finding LL Cool J, the creator of Juicy Jay’s was still granted a new nickname that eventually inspired the name of the rolling papers themselves.
Not only are they easy to roll with, but Juicy Jay’s also make this list because they taste fantastic. From watermelon to blueberry to peanut butter to root beer, there is a flavor for every person. There’s even a flavor that harkens back to 80’s music: Vanilla Ice. Easy to roll with and adding extra flavor to your joint, Juicy Jay’s simply look cool and can add just the right amount of flare to a smoke session. With bright colors and fashionable design, Juicy Jay’s catch the eye and the love of people who like smoking joints.
Zig Zag - ‘Oranges’
Yes, they’re a bit thicker than the other papers on this list. Yes, they burn a bit faster than other papers on this list. Yes, they add a bit more ash and unnecessary flavor to joints than other papers on this list. So why do Zig Zag 1 ¼ inch papers that come in their classic orange box make it to the last spot on this list? One word: accessibility. These papers are everywhere. You can find them in virtually every gas station, they’re cost-effective, and they’re your best option when you can’t find any of the other brands on this list. Furthermore, they’re likely one of the easiest papers to learn to roll with.
Randy’s Wired Rolling Papers
While not as popular with modern joint smokers, Randy’s wired rolling papers are a timeless classic offering a functional approach. These papers have been proudly produced in the USA since 1975 and the wired design makes them ideal for beginners since it has a more rigid structure than a loose leaf of paper.
The stainless steel wire also serves as a handle for better gripping of the roach as the joint burns down. Say goodbye to awkward passes and difficulty consuming the last bits of your joint (for those who roll without filters) by using Randy’s!
Shine 24k Gold Rolling Papers
If you’re a fairly seasoned cannabis consumer then odds are you’ve come across a Shine paper before. Made from a blend of edible 24K gold and hemp, these rolling papers are a stylish option for those looking to spice things up or celebrate a special occasion.
With plenty of sizes, styles and variations, Shine papers are a unique way to consume cannabis and sure to spark conversation during your next smoke session.
Curved Papers
These patented papers are perhaps the most unique offering on our list. As the name implies, Curved papers have a unique design with careful curvature to help roll better joints that burn evenly. Curved papers are perfect for beginners and help rollers better “tuck” in their cannabis, a step that is often difficult with square papers.
Created by MIT graduate Michael O’Malley, Curved rolling papers are made in New York state and available in several different sizes. Give them a try if you’re looking for something new!
What Rolling Papers are Easiest to Roll?
Let’s face it. Everyone rolls joints differently (check out the video below to see how PotGuide rolls their joints) which makes it difficult to truly crown one brand champion of “easiest papers to roll with.” That said, there are certainly products out there with ease of use and beginner joint rollers in mind. Randy’s, Zig-Zags and Curved papers are all fairly well-known for being easy to roll with and are recommended often for those just starting their joint rolling careers.
At the end of the day, the easiest rolling papers are the ones that feel most comfortable in your hands. Try a few different brands out and be sure to note which ones you were pleased with and which ones fell short of expectations. The good news is that rolling papers don’t change all that often so if you find a brand you like odds are you’ll be able to match rolling consistency time after time.
How Do You Pick Out Rolling Papers?
Choosing your rolling papers can be an arduous task, especially with the amount of options available. The good news is reading this article is a great first step!
Instead of going in blindly and facing decision paralysis, harness the power of online reviews and anecdotal experience of peers. That way you’ll have a better idea of what’s out there and what you might be interested in before you have to make a purchase. Don’t worry though, rolling papers are relatively inexpensive (Roughly $1.50 to $3.50 per pack) so there’s no harm in doing some trial and error.
Beyond trying them out and rolling with them, another important factor to consider when selecting rolling papers is the taste and experience of actually smoking them.
Do they give off an added flavor? Can you taste the flower you rolled or does the burnt paper mask your weed’s terpenes? Is the burn even or does the joint canoe (careful here, as your own rolling skills play a factor in even burning as well)? Take notes while you smoke your joints and try to determine which papers resulted in the best experiences. You can also make things more fun by inviting friends into the fold and having a rolling paper party!
Do You Need Filter Tips for Rolling Papers?
Adding a filter tip, or crutch, to your joints can result in an elevated smoking experience but it is definitely not necessary for a quality roll. That being said, filter tips can add extended tactility to your joint and help you smoke all of the weed that was rolled without any going to wast.
Filter tips can also help increase airflow, resulting in a more consistent drag and even burn throughout. With better airflow also comes increased flavor potential and the avoidance of resin build up at the mouthpiece. So, while not completely necessary most veteran consumers will argue that a filter tip is essential for a more refined experience.
Do Rolling Papers Expire?
The makeup of rolling papers is fairly simple and typically doesn’t contain any compounds that will mold or rot. That said, the most important element of a rolling paper in terms of function is the adhesive strip that seals your joint when licked.
Rolling paper adhesive does have decent longevity, especially if the papers are kept in a cool, dry environment. However, adhesive can certainly degrade over time and become less sticky when wet. In this instance, a paper would not really be expired but it would be difficult to roll successfully with.
As long as you keep your rolling papers in their packaging, free of moisture and away from sunlight their lifetime should be indefinite.
What’s your favorite brand of rolling paper and why? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Gabriel Côté (license)
