One of the first ways that people smoked was by simply rolling a substance up in something flammable and lighting it so they could inhale. There are a number of smokers who still prefer to roll their own hits. It allows you to pack it exactly to your liking, and there is a certain satisfaction that comes along with preparing your own smokes.
In this blog post, we are going to look at the different types of rolling papers and what makes them desirable and popular with smokers today.
Basic facts
Two key factors in rolling papers are how sensitive they are to moisture and the rate at which they burn. These two factors are determined by how porous the individual rolling papers are. Certain types of papers are given additives to help control these factors. Additives can also help control the rate of the burn, and the amount of smoke and ash that the paper produces.
When chlorine or calcium carbonate are added, the rolling papers usually take on a whitish hue. Brown papers typically indicate fewer added chemicals. These pure rolling papers are intended to eliminate aftertaste and make them easier on the lungs as well. There are even flavored papers, which may have been the inspiration for the modern flavored e-juices that people vape.
Rice paper
You won’t find a thinner rolling paper than rice paper, and your lungs will appreciate that fact. Because they are so thin, they can be hard to get a grip on, and even harder to roll properly. There is usually no aftertaste whatsoever when smoking with rice paper, and you get a nice slow burn despite how thin the paper is. One thing to watch out for, though is that it is next to impossible to roll with rice paper if it’s humid. So if you are going to roll your smokes in a tropical type climate, you definitely want to look at a different type of rolling paper.
Cellulose
Many people think that clear or transparent rolling papers are made of plastic. That’s not the case, as they would become toxic very quickly. Clear rolling papers are absolutely safe to smoke and are made of one hundred percent natural plant cellulose. Cellulose tends to provide a very slow and steady burn, while offering relatively smooth hits with little to no aftertaste. The real draw to cellulose rolling papers is the novelty of seeing what you are smoking through a transparent tube while it slowly burns down. It is a unique experience, to say the least, and every smoker should at least try rolling with cellulose once in their lifetime.
Hemp
During the last decade or two, industrial hemp has become an increasingly popular substance. Hemp rolling papers typically are additive-free and are most often light brown in color. They offer a relatively slow burn and the taste of whatever you are smoking is unencumbered by any chemical additives.
Smokers who are conscious of the environment will love the fact that these rolling papers use no trees whatsoever and are made strictly from hemp fibers. They offer a steady burn that very rarely requires you to relight. However, they do burn faster than rice paper, so be ready to inhale! Hemp rolling papers usually leave you with a faint and somewhat musty aftertaste but many smokers have actually said that they enjoy its flavor. They are relatively easy to roll and grip which makes them a preferred paper for many rollers.
Wood Pulp
Wood pulp is usually the rolling paper of choice in humid climates. It is rough and somewhat abrasive which makes it easy to roll and grip. Just remember that it is also harsh on the lungs and burns rapidly.
If you prefer to roll your own hits or have always wanted to try it, come check out the selection of rolling papers we have available at The Smoker’s Guru.
