How to Choose the Best Blunt or Joint Paper

So you already love smoking cannabis, but did you know that the type of paper you use can make or break the experience? Whether you’re rolling a quick joint or prepping for a smoke session with a blunt, the right paper makes all the difference. 

When you first start smoking joints or blunts, the papers seem interchangeable. However, not all wraps are created equal – some burn too quickly, some add unwanted flavor, and others contain additives you don’t want to inhale. If you’re ready to level up your rolling game, we can help. Let’s explore how to choose the best blunt or joint paper so you can start your journey toward rolling the perfect joint.

Understanding Joints and Blunts

Joints and blunts are two of the oldest and most popular methods for smoking cannabis flower. They’re iconic – you’ve likely seen them represented everywhere from movies to music to cannabis propaganda. But although they are similar in nature, they’re not quite the same. 

The most notable difference is that blunt wraps contain tobacco. They are rolled using tobacco leaves, much like you would see on a cigar or cigarillo. In fact, many people buy cigars and cigarillos with the intention of removing the tobacco, replacing it with cannabis flower, and re-rolling it into a blunt. 

Joints, on the other hand, contain no tobacco (unless you add some, in which case it’s a spliff). They use thin, see-through papers typically made from materials like wood pulp, rice straw, hemp, or bamboo.

When first learning how to roll joints and blunts, people often find they have different preferences regarding the material and shape of their rolling paper. Rolling papers come in a wide variety of sizes, flavors, and thicknesses, so there’s something for every smoker. 

Key Characteristics of Joints

Joints are some of the most well-known and well-loved vehicles for cannabis consumption. They are generally designed to be easily combustible and easy to manipulate, but slow-burning, allowing for a smooth and controlled smoking experience.

Some of the top reasons people choose joints over other methods include: 

Customizability: Rolling papers allow users to control the size, shape, and contents of their cigarettes or joints.

Portability: Joint papers are lightweight, small, and easy to carry – perfect for rolling on the go.

Cost-Effectiveness: Rolling papers are fairly affordable, which can be more economical (especially for frequent smokers).

Natural Materials: Many rolling papers are made from natural or organic materials like hemp or unbleached paper, minimizing exposure to chemicals and additives found in some pre-made cigarettes.

Aesthetics and Ritual: For some, the process of rolling a cigarette or joint is a relaxing ritual that allows users to form a personal connection to the experience that different types of cannabis pre-rolls might lack.

Different Types of Rolling Papers 

So, what is the best rolling paper to roll a joint or blunt with? The answer is simple: a natural option free of dyes, inks, harmful additives, and chemicals, preferably one that burns smoothly and stays well-lit. 

The most common is wood pulp rolling paper, and this is likely what you’ll encounter if you buy a pre-roll at the dispensary. They’re made from wood fibers and come in all sorts of different sizes and thicknesses. 

If you’d like to try something a little different, there are many other varieties on the market today, such as hemp, rice, and bamboo papers. Other materials can be utilized as rolling paper alternatives as a last resort, but it’s important to make sure they are safe to inhale. 

Rice Rolling Paper

Next to traditional wood pulp cigarette papers, rice papers are probably the next most popular option that has been used by consumers for decades. These organic rolling papers are thin and offer a smooth, slow burn. They are also made with a source that is vegan-friendly and healthier for the environment. These papers tend to be nearly translucent and very smooth in texture. These even come in king-size options for those who want a fatter joint or pre-rolled cones for those who want a straightforward smoke session.

Hemp Paper

Hemp rolling papers are a cleaner, more natural alternative to wood pulp rolling papers. The industrial hemp plant is also a much more sustainable and renewable crop in comparison to trees, making hemp rolling papers a healthier rolling paper alternative for both the consumer and the environment. Because the bleaching process isn’t used with hemp papers, they retain a natural brown color. These fibrous papers are typically much rougher and thicker than rice papers, which provide a better grip when twisting one up.

Bamboo Paper

Like hemp paper, bamboo rolling papers are also much healthier all around, offering sustainability through a crop that can grow nearly anywhere. Additionally, bamboo, like hemp and rice, is also a vegan-friendly option for rolling papers. Bamboo rolling papers are known for being high-quality, burning slowly, and being durable thanks to the bamboo’s strong natural fibers.

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Flavored Specialty Papers

Some smokers like to mix things up with flavored or infused papers. You can find options ranging from fruits like blueberries or grapes to candy canes and chocolate chip cookies. While these can add some fun spice to your session, be sure to look for options made with natural flavoring and minimal additives to avoid harsh smoke or unwanted chemicals.

Corn Husks

Though unconventional, dried corn husks can be used to roll joints. They’re all natural and tobacco-free, and large enough to roll massive joints. Plus, dried corn husks burn slowly and evenly for smoother pulls.

Rolling Techniques and Preferences

The best rolling papers will make rolling a joint significantly easier and more enjoyable, especially for those still perfecting their technique. 

Some smokers prefer using pre-rolled cones for convenience – you only need to pack, twist, and go. These are great for beginners who are still perfecting their rolling skills but want the convenience of a joint. More experienced smokers like the challenge of rolling from scratch.

There are a couple of common ways to roll joints. Many people choose the classic hand-roll method, which gives them more control over the density of their joint. Others use a rolling machine for perfectly even rolls every time. The “cone” technique, where you start tight at the filter and taper outward, provides a slower, more even burn that’s great for sharing. 

Rolling a blunt can be a little trickier, as the tobacco leaves are more difficult to maneuver. However, with a little practice, anyone can do it. You can buy a cigarillo and break it open to replace the filling with flower, or you can purchase tobacco leaves to do it yourself from scratch. After that, the process is similar to rolling a joint – simply grind your flower, distribute it evenly, reroll the blunt, and seal it with moisture before lighting. 

The name of the game is consistency. You want your joints and blunts to have evenly ground and distributed cannabis flower all the way through to eliminate common problems like canoeing or having the spark go out. 

If rolling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy cannabis. Glass pipes, bongs, and vaporizers all offer cleaner, more controlled sessions. But for many, nothing beats the satisfaction of a perfectly rolled joint with a curated paper choice that complements their flower.

READ: How to Roll a Joint: Step-by-Step Guide

The Difference Between Rolling a Cigarette and a Joint

Hand rolling cigarettes and joints are fairly similar processes, but one contains tobacco leaves while the other uses cannabis flower. People who roll their own cigarettes use many of the same techniques and materials as marijuana smokers. 

While the most popular joint rolling papers come from wood, cigarette rolling papers are commonly made from other plants like hemp, bamboo, or flax. They come in various sizes and thicknesses to allow people to choose their own journey, and they may have additives that allow them to burn more slowly or with additional flavor. 

Once you have your papers, the techniques are basically identical. Tobacco leaves are ground up and distributed evenly, with a filter added to prevent the plant matter from getting into your mouth and lungs. 

Some rolling paper companies, like Raw, have built a business catering to cigarette and cannabis smokers alike. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: an eco-friendly, easy, and smooth smoking experience that allows us to enjoy our favorite plants. 

Final Thoughts 

In the end, choosing the right blunt or joint paper comes down to personal preference and the kind of smoke you want. Each material offers something different: hemp papers have a natural, earthy flavor; rice papers burn slowly and cleanly; and bamboo papers are durable and sustainable. 

All of them have their own pros and cons, so the best paper is the one that fits your rolling style and enhances your cannabis rather than hiding the flavor. Take the time to experiment with a few varieties of papers, pay attention to how they burn and taste, and stick with what feels best. A good roll starts with a good paper, and once you find yours, every session will be more enjoyable and unique to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have rolling papers?

If you’re out of traditional rolling papers, you can use alternatives like dried corn husks or even rose petals. Some people also use empty cigarette papers or pre-rolled cones if they have them on hand. Just make sure whatever you use is safe to inhale and free of dyes or chemicals.

What are the best natural rolling paper alternatives?

Hemp, rice, and bamboo papers are some of the best natural options. They’re made from plants without harsh additives, burn evenly, and offer a cleaner flavor. 

Are hemp wraps better than regular rolling papers?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Hemp wraps are thicker and burn more slowly, while traditional rolling papers are thinner. Both are natural, smooth, and free from tobacco.

Can I use household items as joint papers?

You can, but we don’t recommend it. Most household papers, like notebook or printer paper, contain dyes or chemicals that aren’t safe to inhale. Stick to papers specifically made for smoking or natural alternatives.

What is the healthiest option for rolling blunts or joints?

Unbleached, additive-free papers made from natural fibers like hemp, rice, or bamboo are the healthiest options as they don’t have the chemicals found in flavored or bleached papers.

What’s the difference between rice, hemp, and palm leaf papers?

Rice papers are thin and slow-burning with a smooth, light flavor. Hemp papers are thicker with an earthy taste. Palm leaf papers are sturdier and burn longer, making them a solid choice for blunts.

Can I make my own DIY joint paper?

Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Most homemade options won’t burn evenly or safely. It’s always better to keep natural rolling papers or wraps on hand for a cleaner smoke.