It doesn’t matter if you use rolling papers to smoke cigarette tobacco or some of the legal marijuana that’s becoming increasingly available, you’re are going to want to make sure that you not only have the best ones available but that you use them correctly. Nothing is worse than smoking a cigarette or a joint that’s been improperly rolled. That’s the reason that we wrote this guide on the subject. We believe that everyone should have the best information possible to guide them in their rolling endeavors. With that said, let’s begin with a tour of the history of rolling papers and then work our way outwards from there.
The History Of Rolling Papers
Even though most of the general public believes that rolling papers were invented by the French during the 19th century, the truth is that rolling papers were first invented by the Spanish during the 18th century. The first papers that historians know were created were created in Spain in 1703 but these papers weren’t widely available. It would be quite a few decades before rolling papers would become properly produced and sold.
The first commercially available cigarette paper invented was produced in 1764 in Alcoy, Spain. Cigarette papers would then become popular in France and then became popular in the rest of Europe and North America when taxes were placed on cigars and cigarettes.
Buying The Perfect Rolling Papers
Now that we know where rolling papers come from, let’s turn our attention to buying ones that will work best for your needs. As of the writing of this article, there are 5 different cigarette papers sizes: Single, 1.25-inch, 1.5-Inch, Double-Wide, and King Size. Let’s examine each of these in more detail.
Single Size
Of all the rolling papers available, these are the smallest. They’re approximately 68-70mm long and 34-36mm wide. This small size might make it difficult for many people to handle, but some people like this size. This size is perfect for rolling a pinner.
1.25-Inch (1-1/4-Inch)
These papers are about the size of a standard cigarette, although they do tend to have more of a conical shape to them than a cigarette. This is a good size for a person to smoke by themselves or to share with two of their friends.
1.5-Inch (1-1/2-Inch)
These papers are approximately 76-78mm long and about 60-62mm wide. That’s a little bit larger than what most people would smoke by themselves, but it’s not as large as a blunt. It’s a good joint size for approximately four people to smoke at one time.
Double-Wide
Double Wide rolling papers are approximately 76-78mm long and 63-99mm wide. These rolling papers are among some of the least popular ones available—probably because the paper to tobacco or weed ratio is so high. However, they’re a good size for people who are just beginning to roll joints because there’s plenty of room in which to work.
King
King-sized cigarette papers are approximately 100-110mm long and 55-60mm wide. They’re more popular than double-wide rolling papers—primarily because they burn better and have a better weed to paper ratio. They’re also easier to handle and are good for 4 or more people to smoke at one time.
The Composition Of Rolling Papers
The next thing that we want to cover in this guide is the different types of paper being used for rolling paper today. Let’s briefly examine each of these different paper types and see how they affect the performance of the rolling papers that they are made from.
Wood Pulp Papers
Wood pulp papers are used for making cigarettes and for smoking legal marijuana. They are widely used, they are very easy to roll and they burn slowly. That’s probably why they are some of the most popular rolling papers available.
Hemp Rolling Papers
Hemp rolling papers have become increasingly popular over the past decade or so. These papers tend to have a mild flavor to them that won’t distract from the flavor of the substance being smoke and they tend to burn well.
Rice Rolling Papers
Rice papers are some of the best rolling papers a person can buy. They have a light and clean taste to them, burn slowly, and make very little ash. They are also supposed to be healthier than wood-pulp papers, but we haven’t found any studies that have confirmed this theory.
Cellulose Rolling Papers
These papers are made from cotton mallow and are also supposed to be a healthier alternative to other types of rolling papers—although, like rice papers, that can’t be confirmed as of now. What we are sure of, however, is that these papers hardly produce any ash and they burn cleanly and smoothly.
24K Gold Rolling Papers
The last type of rolling paper available is those made out of 24K gold. They are made out of gold foil paper, they burn slowly and they have a smooth draw to them. Unfortunately, they’re also very expensive—which one can imagine considering that it’s made from gold. The main draw of this type of paper is the “wow” factor. Sometimes it’s worth it to impress your friends.
How To Roll Using Rolling Papers
Okay, now that we understand how to buy great cigarette papers, it’s now time to turn our attention to using those papers to roll up the perfect joint or cigarette. Let’s get started, shall we?
Step One: Lay Out Your Rolling Paper
The first step is to place your rolling papers on the table—making sure that the glue faces up and that it’s the furthest thing away from you.
Step Two: Add The Product
The next step is to add the tobacco or marijuana to the rolling paper making sure to sprinkle it lengthwise.
Step Three: Roll It Up
Grab the side closest to you, fold it slightly over the tobacco or marijuana, and then roll it into a tube. Close and twist it up, give it a good lick and press the gummed side down against the paper. It’s now ready to smoke.
