Marijuana
Choosing The Right Rolling Papers
For Smoking Marijuana
There are many different kinds of rolling papers on the market. This can be confusing to the novice. Even long time smokers may use a paper because it is available at the local store.
The information presented on this page is intended on helping you make an informed decision on choosing the rolling paper that is right for you when smoking marijuana, hashish, or hash oil.
Rolling Paper Width
Rolling Paper Width: The width of a rolling paper is based on the distance from the bottom of the paper to the top (where the glue line is at the top, as it is when being rolled).
The most common size rolling paper widths are:
Single Wide --- 1 1/4 Wide --- 1 1/2 Wide --- Double Wide
Single width papers are the most common size.
They are referred to as singles, regular size, 1.0 size, etc.
There is no standard for width, so a double wide rolling paper produced by one company might be a different width than a double wide paper made by another company.
However, rolling paper widths produced by most manufacturers usually fall somewhere in these ranges:
--- Single Wide: between 1 1/2 inches - 1 3/4 inches
--- 1 1/4 Wide: between 1 3/4 inches - 2 1/2 inches
--- 1 1/2 Wide: between 2 inches - 3 inches
--- Double Wide: between 2 1/2 inches - 3 1/2 inches
A wider paper will allow the user to roll thicker joints than a single width paper. You can roll joints the thickness of a cigarette with single wide rolling paper, if you want a thicker joint you will need a wider paper.
Only use paper wider than a single when smoking big joints that require it. In general, single width papers are effective when rolling joints of marijuana smaller than a half gram. Larger smokes will warrant a wider or longer rolling paper.
Rolling Paper Length
Rolling Paper Length: The length of the most single wide rolling paper is between 2 3/4 inches to 3 inches long. A joint rolled with a paper this length will be a little shorter than a king size cigarette.
Some manufacturers make longer papers usually designated as king size or extra long. There is no standard, so a king size rolling paper produced by one company will probably be a different length than a king size paper made by another company.
Rolling Paper Gum
Rolling Paper Gum: The gum on rolling paper can be all natural gum or some kind of cheaper imitation. If you have a choice, use natural gum or ungummed rolling paper.
Rolling Paper Thickness
Rolling Paper Thickness: Usually referred to in such terms as free burning (thick), mediumweight, lightweight (fine), extra thin (extra fine). Thinner paper allows more air to pass through the paper when you inhale. This helps the joint burn slower than a thick paper would.
Thick rolling papers are best for someone who is learning how to roll because it is easier to roll with thicker paper. They are usually referred to as free burning rather than quick burning.
A thin paper (fine or extra fine) is usually recommended when rolling marijuana or hashish, but a quick burning paper comes in handy when smoking marijuana that is damp.
Homemade Filters
If you make homemade filters for your joints by tearing them from the package the rolling paper comes in, it is better to try 'roll-up-tips' for doing so. They are available at most well stocked headshops.
Roll-up-tips are made from non-chlorinated and chemical free paper. They are ideal for this purpose and recommended for all smokers that use a homemade filter.
Except when forced to do otherwise, it is best to stay away from anything with colored printing. Even all white cardboard is probably unhealthy unless it is chemical and chlorine free. Cigarette and rolling paper package cardboard can be particularly bad.
Notes
If you are an occasional smoker this might not be an important issue. If you are a daily smoker or have concerns about your health, you might want to give some thought to the information presented here.
When choosing a rolling paper, an expensive brand may not be an indication of quality. If you smoke cannabis products (marijuana, hashish, hash oil) try to get rolling paper that is:
--- all natural paper or 100% hemp
--- ungummed or all natural gum
--- lightweight or extra fine
--- naturally slow burning
Preparation of marijuana prior to smoking is very important. For joints that burn evenly, seeds and large stems should be removed and the marijuana should be broken down into small particles that are roughly the same size.
You can use something like a pair of scissors or an herb grinder to break marijuana into smaller pieces. In addition to grinding marijuana to a uniform size, an herb grinder will also grind up small stems that often poke holes in thin rolling papers.
Related Books Spliffigami
This will help the novice roller learn the craft if they are willing to invest some time. The book describes the basics of how to roll a joint with information a person who rolls joints with marijuana, hashish, or hash oil should know.
In addition, the book shows how to roll different kinds of joints. From simple one paper joints to complicated multiple paper creations. A good book for beginners and more advanced students. Includes images of all joints described.
Spliffigami