Buyer’s guide to weed rolling papers
We rolled dozens of joints, cones, and blunts to find the best for weed.
Rolling papers are diverse, with dozens, if not hundreds, of types. These small, thin rectangles of paper used for rolling joints can be plain and white, unbleached and natural, or colorful, infused with flavored additives, and playful for the senses. Some are big, some small, and some are sold in long rolls for custom projects.
Some rolls eschew paper, instead using materials like rose petals or even 24K gold for their weed. Variations like rice, hemp, and bamboo are a long-standing part of the product category too.
So we smoked through dozens of papers and paper-alternatives, to show you all the best and most unique rolling papers out there. Check out Leafly’s guide to rolling papers.
Different types of weed rolling papers
Size
Papers come in numerous sizes, starting at around 1 inch wide and roughly the length of a cigarette. The most popular size by far is the 1¼-inch-wide paper, due to its ease of rolling. But the sky’s the limit: King size papers start around 1½ inches wide and several inches in length, up to a foot in length or more—5-meter rolls are available for ambitious acts of consumption, like the sculpture works of Tony Greenhand.
Material
Once upon a time, rolling papers were primarily made out of paper from trees, rice, and flax pulp. Increasingly, manufacturers are exploring new materials like bamboo, hemp, and more exotic choices like gold leaf, rose petals, and goji berries.
Flavor
Flavored rolling papers have been around for upwards of a century, but never before have so many options been in competition. Whether you want lip-licking candied notes, subtle natural enhancements, or loud terpene infusions, your local smoke shop has something for everyone.
Form
Loose leaves are the standard, but cones and wraps are popular too. Unlike the loose leaves sold in booklets, cones are pre-shaped: empty, conical joints, into which weed is packed. Wraps are larger and thicker, designed to supplant cigar wrappers for rolling blunts. Other options combine all of these to create something new.
Everyday rolling: 1¼-inch rolling papers
1¼-inch rolling papers are the de facto standard for cannabis consumption. Where 1-inch-wide papers—usually for tobacco—can feel too narrow to easily roll a full-size, 1-gram joint, the extra bit of a 1¼-inch paper makes it a touch easier to shape and evenly distribute ground weed into a joint.
Additionally, 1¼’s are usually 3 inches in length—a little longer than 1-inch papers—so they can accommodate a cardboard crutch or filter. We recommend folks who are new to rolling joints start with 1¼’s and adjust from there if need be.
Zig-Zag French Orange 1¼ Rolling Papers (“the Orange Pack”)
$2.35 per 32-leaf booklet
Zig-Zag’s French Orange 1¼-inch Rolling Papers (32 leaves per booklet) are a classic that can be bought at just about every convenience store and gas station in the US. And for good reason—they’re easy to roll, inexpensive, and their neutral flavor doesn’t distract from the weed.
Orange Zig-Zags, or “the Orange Pack,” measure 1¼ inches in width and 3 inches in length. These Goldilocks proportions promise an approachable rolling experience: more beginner friendly than the 1” papers often bundled with rolling tobacco, but not so large that the paper overwhelms the weed come smoking time.
Made of unbleached natural flax plant fibers and 100% raw natural Arabic gum, Orange Zig-Zags are white leaves. White papers are usually whitened by chemical means, and therefore white rolling papers may be less eco-friendly than unaltered alternatives.
Orange Zig-Zags are thicker than other options on this list, making them more durable and tear resistant. That said, they burn on the quick side and the smoke can feel dense and harsh next to thinner papers, many of which we’d opt for.
In truth, Orange Zig-Zags are the go-to: a no-brainer gas-station purchase that usually sits next to the 1-inch Zig-Zags—aka “the White Pack”—and which is leaps and bounds ahead of tobacco-focused brands like Tops and JOB.
Zig-Zag Organic Hemp 1¼
$1.40 per 50-leaf booklet
A close cousin to the orange pack, Zig-Zag’s Organic Hemp 1¼’s are unbleached, organic, and contain all-natural Arabic gum.
Available in the standard 3-inch length as well as the 4¼-inch-long King Slim version, these remarkably thin papers—branded as “ultra-thin”—are an improvement to the thicker, French Orange classics.
The material redesign offers a smoother smoke, with less paper taste and harshness, which we attribute to less processing and less paper.
While these aren’t as common at gas stations, they’re worth seeking out through specialty shops or online retailers.
RAW Organic Hemp Rolls
$1.75 per 5-meter roll
RAW Organic Hemp Rolls—one roll measuring 1¼ inches wide and 5 meters in length—can put shorties, longies, and doobs all at your fingertips without needing to tear papers in half or join multiple leaves to achieve your dream joint. Tear joints to whatever length you want.
RAW Organic can be credited with debuting vegan, all-natural rolling papers, employing hemp years before manufacturers like Zig-Zag took up the practice. Organic materials, unbleached pulps, and plant-based glues first came together as core brand materials under RAW’s banner.
And though numerous companies have knocked off RAW’s packaging innovations—crutches, integrated rolling trays—and material designs, they’re still the only manufacturers to make 1¼-inch-wide, 16-foot-long rolls—enabling consumers to fashion joints of any length.
Cones
There’s no two ways about it: The ability to roll a perfect joint is the result of trial, error, and repetition. And even with practice, things don’t always go right.
Which is why many people opt for prefabricated cones—empty joints that need only be packed with ground weed; no fussing with edges or licking glue strips.
To use a cone, grind or break up weed, fill the paper, and pack down the flower with a tamping rod, which is usually included, but can be subbed for a chopstick, pen, or drinking straw.
RAW Natural Cones
$2.99 per 6-Pack
All-natural, vegan, rolling paper manufacturer RAW leads the cone category with Classic and Organic Hemp varieties.
RAW delivers a perfect cone every time, burning long and even when packed with care. The narrow end features a crutch—a cardboard mouthpiece that blocks loose weed from pulling into your mouth through the bottom of the joint.
As with other RAW products, the natural brown paper is unbleached and tissue-thin to reduce foreign flavors. RAW cones are also free of additives like charcoal that are sometimes added by manufacturers to hasten the burn.
Rolling paper alternatives
Smoke Roses — Rose Petal and Goji Berry Cones
$19.99 per 4-pack
Created using either real rose petals or flattened goji berries, Smoke Roses’ cones burn slow while adding flavor.
The rose petal version is sweet and floral yet way more smooth and subtle than we expected. And the goji berry iteration was a delightful complement to some loud nugs of Rainbow Belts, creating a bright, fruit-punch flavor parade that didn’t feel chemically enhanced or unnatural.
While we’ve never been strong proponents of flavored papers, Smoke Roses was a pleasant surprise. It’s a gift we can see fitting in at weddings, birthdays, and any celebration involving weed.
Priced at $19.99 for 4 cones, the Smoke Roses lineup is an indulgence probably best reserved for special occasions.
OCB Bamboo Rolling Papers
$3 per 32-leaf booklet (Slims)
OCB is a French rolling paper company that’s been in operation since 1918. According to their marketing materials, they’re the only imprint offering American consumers bamboo alternatives to the more common rice, flax, and hemp pulps, which have been crafted with “sustainably grown, responsibly harvested bamboo fibers and natural acacia gum.”
Available in 1¼ (50 leaves per booklet) and Slim (32 leaves per booklet) sizes, with or without tips, OCB’s bamboo papers are created without bleach or chlorine. They’re another strong option for eco-conscious consumers seeking a more natural, sustainable rolling paper.
With the focus on manufacturing processes, it can be easy to forget that OCB’s bamboo-based papers also smoke great. Running on the thin side, they do little to influence the flavor of your weed, burning smooth and slow for a relaxed session.
Elements Artesano 1¼ Rice Rolling Papers (with tips & trays)
$3.29 per 50-leaf booklet
Created by the founder of RAW Natural, Elements is something like a sister brand. The company pre-dates RAW, claiming fame with a magnetic booklet and rice-based papers.
Like RAW, Elements was founded by and for cannabis consumers. Their product line incorporates numerous size options and packaging accents inspired by the needs of weed lovers, including rolling trays and joint tips built right into the booklet with their Artesano series products.
Elements is one of the cleaner and slower-burning options we’ve tried, and their continued focus on cannabis consumers is welcomed with open arms.
Flavored rolling papers
Here’s a little known piece of history: The first flavored rolling papers were created by the RizLa+ company in 1907, offering menthol and strawberry variations of the classic rice-based papers.
These days, flavored papers are many, including lip-coating modern classics, terpene-enhanced palm leaves, hemp wraps, and flavored blunts, for both the nose and mouth to enhance a smoke’s bouquet.
Juicy Jay’s Lip-licking flavors
$2.50 per 32-leaf booklet
If smoking weed while wearing flavored chapstick appeals to you, Juicy Jay’s await your consideration. Made in dozens of flavors, Juicy Jay’s—created by the founder of RAW and Elements—has led the charge in the modern revival of flavor-coated rolling papers.
I recently revisited the Juicy Jay’s lineup after about 20 years, and they’re roughly the same as they were way back when. To experience flavors like pineapple, mango, and blueberry, consumers lick their lips before and after taking a hit. The flavoring coats the lips and the notes are candied and decidedly artificial—so, not for purists.
Also not for purists are the dyes and printed patterns used to communicate a paper’s given flavor. For instance, Juicy Jays’ Watermelon papers are dyed flamingo pink and patterned with black seeds.
Bear in mind, Juicy Jays won’t do much to flavor the actual smoke—other products more effectively infuse flavor into the burn. Rather, these papers impart a flavor to the lips that’s distinct and separate from the herb: a little something sweet to experience while smoking.
King Palm rolls
$2.75 per 2-Pack
King Palm makes all-natural, all-leaf rolls using real palm leaves. Complete with a thick built-in filter that’s unique to the brand, each roll comes with a wooden tamping rod to pack down herb for an even burn. Natural and flavored options are available in several sizes.
Flavored options encompass cannabis callouts like Lemon Haze alongside Mint, Mango, Watermelon, and others . These are delivered via a terpene pearl embedded in the filter, similar to Camel cigarette’s Crush line—the terpene pearl is squeezed between thumb and forefinger until it snaps to release an aromatic rush of terps.
King Palm’s terpene-enhanced options are crowd-pleasers and appreciated as an experience of their own. Of all the flavored options we tried, these most actively compete with existing terp profiles. In fact, they’re so potent that they at times overpower the weed—which, depending on what you’re smoking, may or may not be desirable.
Regardless of flavor, King Palm’s authentic, raw palm leaves burn molasses-slow, resulting in a remarkably laid-back experience. Adding to the mellow mood, when left in an ashtray unattended, these rolls self-extinguish without much, if any, racing.
Between the unique terpene infusions, approachable price point, and relaxed experience, King Palm’s rolls are easy to recommend. They’re fit for newcomers and old-timers alike.
High Hemp Herbal Wraps
$1.99 per 2-pack
Rolling papers are to joints as wraps are to blunts. Transforming a cigar into a blunt requires practice and skill, which is partly why standalone blunt wraps have become popular.
Wraps are now made alternative fibers like hemp in addition to tobacco. For example, High Hemp Herbal Wraps are a 100% organic hemp-based product sold in both natural and flavored options.
Options like Baked Kookie, Banana Goo, and Blazin’ Cherry are perceptible not so much as flavors but as aromas—the weed and the wrap are experienced on parallel tracks but not necessarily together. It’s a bit like eating food by a lit scented candle—an acquired taste, but not unlike traditional flavored cigars.
Novelty rolling papers
Some rolling papers exist simply for the fun and excitement of doing something special and different. Whether it’s an aesthetic upgrade or a celebratory boost, we found a few novel products that we couldn’t pass up without trying at least once.
Shine’s 24K Gold Rolling Papers
$22 per 2-leaf pack
Shine’s 24K Gold Rolling Papers tap into a “make it rain” psychology.
Made of legit 24-karat gold leaf and sold in various sizes starting at $11 per sheet, Shine’s papers are all about embracing excess and defying traditional projections of wealth. To smoke a golden joint is to levitate above material concerns.
Whether they’re peak-baller or post-bling, Shine’s gold leaves are delicate in the hand. We found ourselves holding our breath while assembling a joint, unable to shake the feeling that the whole operation could fall apart at any moment. Nonetheless, a doob fit for Midas himself was rolled.
So how did it burn? Somewhat harsher than average, the smoke was heavy in the chest, though without any flavor alterations. The experience didn’t register as any more or less enjoyable than that of a normal joint. After all, burning gold is more about getting revved up with a group of friends than it is about armchair connoisseurship or comparative analysis.
While Shine’s 24K Gold Rolling Papers are the priciest on this list, the manufacturer also makes a traditional hemp paper under the Blaze imprint that’s become a fast favorite in the king-size category (1½+ inches wide). Blaze papers run $1.50 per 32-sheet booklet, a great add-on when purchasing Shine’s flagship gold leaves.
Trip clear cellulose rolling papers
$1.25 per 50-leaf booklet
You know those breath strips that are like gel capsules that have been flattened out into little sheets? Well, it turns out that you can make rolling papers from that material.
Trip Cotton Mallow Clear Rolling Papers are translucent leaves made of cotton mallow, appearing a bit like plastic or cellophane. But while smoking plastic would be deeply inadvisable, Trip Clears burn smooth, imparting little to no flavor. As such, some folks might argue that these pulp-free alternatives are superior to traditional papers.
Yet, while a flavorless rolling paper is an accomplishment, the smoke has a unique way of coating the mouth—leaving behind a thin but perceptible layer of gelatin texture that’s probably not for everyone.
Considering the mouthfeel next to the somewhat flavorless experience, Trips are a bit of an anomaly. Completists can add this to their bucket lists, but we don’t strongly endorse the experience as the mouth-coating feel is a little unsettling.
Randy’s Wired Rolling Papers
$2.35 per 32-leaf booklet
With a wire built into the edge of the paper that functions like a handle/roach clip when the joint burns down to the end, Randy’s Wired Rolling Papers help consumers get every last bit of herb from their doob.
While roach clips can do the same job as the wire—and a crutch or filter should eliminate the need for either—the convenience of a built-in handle has been attracting consumers since 1975.
The burn is a little harsh and the paper bright white and thicker than many modern options. Nonetheless, Randy’s Wired Rolling Papers are a classic.
Z’s Life Standard Woodgrain
$10 per booklet, each containing 50 leaves and perforated crutches
Cannabis lifestyle accessory maker Z’s Life’s offers a lineup of rolling papers that’s a bit of a departure from competitors. Where paper manufacturers typically attract customers with different materials, quality, and function, Z’s Life sells not a leaf but a look — and, in turn, a feeling.
Unique packaging treatments are Z’s bread and butter: think booklets embossed in wood grain or leather textures, shimmering holographic laminations, and opalescent neon exteriors.
Inside the heavy-duty booklets are organic, non-GMO, and additive-free papers as well as perforated crutches. The leaves are weighted on the thin side of thin, and put to use, Z’s papers offer a smooth and nondescript burn—better than some, but not an immediate standout.
With refined finishing touches like gold magnetic closures, Z’s Life seems to be mining the mood boost that comes when sporting a fresh new accessory, like the feeling a person might feel when carrying, say, a new wallet. Such accessories impact our sense of self and empower a tool kit of personal style.
The question of value then becomes a matter of personal taste and social context. Does a leather-like booklet of papers bring you closer to the person you want to be in the world? Would a pack of regular papers muddy the image you’re hoping to project? Only you can decide that.
Cone-filling machine
OTTO by Banana Bros
If rolling a joint or packing a cone sounds a little too foreign or intimidating, rolling machines and electronic cone-filling gadgets might be exactly what you need. These devices intend to eliminate much of the learning curve of rolling, streamlining delicate handiwork to make joint craft accessible to those with limited experience, time, or ability.
OTTO by Banana Bros. features an electronic grinder that funnels directly into a cone caddy. Users simply drop an empty cone into the caddy, load a few nugs into the grinder, press go, and voilà: a fluffy stream of finely milled weed dribbles into the cone.
Few mechanical devices are fully automated or self-sufficient, and the OTTO is no exception. After it mills and dispenses herb, users must manually pack their cone and clear the grinder of debris and resin by hand. After maybe a dozen run cycles, regular upkeep and detailing become a must.
Maintenance is to be expected with any grinder and doesn’t negate the OTTO’s utility or gadget appeal. But the operational realities do limit it: It’s great for parties and knocking out a few pre-rolls, but it isn’t going to stand in for a steady pair of hands—especially for folks living with motor impairments.
Nonetheless, this automated cone filler transforms a fussy task into a whimsical play of techno-canna futurism. As such, we’re happy to flag it for regular cone consumers and compassionate caregivers.
Matt Stangel
Matt Stangel is Leafly’s Oregon Product Specialist. His cannabis-related writings have appeared in The Guardian, Willamette Week, Cascadia Magazine, and elsewhere—links to which are available at Cannapinions.com.
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