Rolling Papers Differences and Decision Aid

Most smokers have a favourite type of rolling paper with which they always roll their cigarettes or joints. Nice wide rolling papers, old school Mascotte papers or extra thin RAW rolling papers for example. Don't have a favourite yet or just want to know more about the hundreds of different types of rolling papers? Here you can find out what the differences are and what each brand has to offer. This is the long rolling paper selection guide.

What is long rolling paper?

Long rolling papers are thin, elongated papers used to roll smokables such as tobacco and weed. Rolling paper always has an adhesive edge, so that you can close a joint or cigarette. Rolling paper is extra thin, so that you inhale as little as possible while smoking. It is made of various materials such as rice paper, wood pulp and hemp. It is available in different colours and sizes. Rolling paper is often white because it is bleached. Unbleached rolling papers have a brown colour. Small rolling papers are usually used for cigarettes and long rolling papers, also called king-size, for joints.

The History of Rolling Papers

People have been smoking all sorts of things since the beginning of time. The oldest evidence of tobacco use dates back to 300 AD. The use of weed goes back even further. It is claimed that people in India smoked weed as far back as 2000 BC. However, the use of rolling papers or cigarette papers for smoking is not so ancient. Traditionally, people smoked through pipes and chillums. It is not known exactly when the first people started rolling their smokables in rolling paper. In Europe cigarettes became popular around 1855. After the Crimean War soldiers took cigarettes with them from South Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In 1881 a cigarette machine was used for the first time. Not long after that tobacco was rolled in rolling paper.

By looking at the history of some of the rolling paper manufacturers, you can get an idea of where it comes from. OCB is a French brand that is at the heart of paper production. In 1822 René Corentin Bolloré and his brother Guillaume Claude Bolloré invented a paper mill. They founded a paper factory. In 1918, the OCB brand was created. The company has been exporting OCB rolling papers all over the world since the 1930s. Closer to home, we find Mascotte. The Dutch company is one of the oldest tobacco brands in the world. It was founded in 1858 under the name Mignot & de Block BV. It gained a significant market share during the Second World War, when the importation of paper was restricted. In those days, Mascotte rolling was made from bible pages out of necessity. Today, Mascotte rolling paper is one of the most modern in the world.

Rolling a joint with long rolling papers from Smoking

Buying Long rolling paper - What to look out for?

If you have no idea which rolling papers to choose, you can use this article as a selection guide. When buying long rolling papers there are many things to choose from. It may seem the same, but it is not. Here is what to look out for!

Size

You can find rolling papers in all sizes. In our shop you can easily filter on the size. Choose the size of the rolling paper if you know what you want to roll. Small rolling papers like the ones from Rizla are mostly used for tobacco. Medium Size, 1¼ Size or Single Wide are medium sizes that can be used for both large cigarettes and small joints. Long rolling papers are available in King-Size and King-Size Slim size. King-Size is wider, so more fits in the rolling paper. This is perfect for rolling big, thick joints. It is also great for inside-out rolling. King-Size Slim rolling paper is the slimmer version. Less rolling paper means less loss of taste, but also less space. It all depends on what you like best. 

Note: the same size can be King-Size with one brand, but King-Size Slim with another. Check the product pages for more information about the size of the rolling papers.

Material

Rolling papers are made from all kinds of materials. Organic long rolling papers by RAW are made of hemp, our Dutch-Headshop rolling papers are made of extra strong and sustainable wood pulp, Futurola rolling papers are made of rice paper and Greengo rolling papers are made exclusively of recycled paper. Special rolling papers from Pay-Pay are made from alfalfa. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. For example when it comes to strength, gradual burning or taste. You have to try them yourself to find out what smokes best for you.

Paper thickness

The thickness of the rolling paper is important. Some smokers want as little rolling paper as possible, because they think it affects the taste of their joint or cigarette. The paper thickness is expressed in number of grams per square meter (gr/m2). Most long rolling papers have a thickness of 13 to 16 gr/m2. Extra thin rolling papers such as Smoking Thinnest and RAW Black have a thickness of 10 gr/m2. A substantial difference. It is an art to make thin rolling papers that do not tear easily. Therefore brands such as Smoking and RAW have come up with solutions such as double pressing or special watermarks that contribute to the strength.

Bleached or Unbleached

Traditionally, rolling papers are bleached. Sometimes other additives and pesticides are used to produce it. As we have become more conscious and sustainable, we have stopped doing this in the last few years. Unbleached rolling papers are becoming the new standard. Is it important to you that no substances such as chlorine or other toxic substances are used in the production of your long rolling paper? Or do you just not want to smoke it? Then choose unbleached long rolling papers from Smoking, Raw or Futurola.

The package of rolling papers

The package in which the rolling papers are contained sometimes has something special too. What do you think of water-repellent packages by Flamez or Dutch-Headshop? This prevents your package of rolling papers from getting damp and all the papers from sticking together. Mascotte rolling papers are nowadays only sold in packages with magnetic closure. This prevents tearing and sticking. Then there are combi packages. Tip and rolling papers in one package of for example RAW or Greengo. Or how about the Combi Pack by Rolls with carbon filters and unbleached rolling papers. That's conscious smoking!

Package or box of long rolling papers

When you have found your favourite rolling papers, consider buying a larger quantity. A box of long rolling papers is cheaper to buy and you can smoke at any time. However, not all rolling papers are available per box. 

Cones

The disadvantage of rolling papers is that you have to roll them yourself. Can't roll? Then you can consider buying cones. These are empty, pre-rolled joints. You can fill them yourself with the smokables you like. Cones are made of regular or unbleached rolling papers. There are different sizes. There are even cones made of glass or blunt rolling paper. Use a special cone filler to make beautiful joints. Have a look at the huge selection of cones in our shop.

Other details

Many brands have their own special features. RAW, for example, works with different watermarks and Greengo rolling paper has all kinds of certificates. The adhesive edge is also important. Some gums are natural and come from a certain plant or tree, others taste neutral. You name it. Our tip: read the information on the product pages carefully to see what a brand or rolling paper has to offer.

Different brands of long rolling papers

Brand & Types of Rolling Paper

Of course, it is also important to choose a brand that suits you. Each brand has a different unique selling point. It may or may not appeal to you. To give you an idea of what all these brands want to represent, here are the most important details.

  • A household name in the smoking world is rolling papers by Smoking. The Spanish brand sells its rolling papers in more than 100 countries on 5 continents. Especially Smoking Blue and Smoking Gold are very popular. Rolling papers by Smoking are praised for its strength and taste. Your rolling papers will never rip and your joints will taste like what you put in them. Besides that, Smoking Papers has the largest selection of all brands. Whatever size, colour or thickness of rolling paper you want. With this brand you are always on the right track.

  • The masters of Dutch origin! Mascotte rolling papers has a rich history. The brand is continuously innovating. The rolling papers and packages, characterized by the magnetic closure, are getting better and better. "Optimal enjoyment for the conscious user", according to the brand itself. Mascotte rolling papers roll better, stick better and burn better.

  • Futurola rolling papers has its roots in the Amsterdam coffee shop industry. Today, the company is active worldwide. Futurola has the entire production process under its own control. It makes top quality rolling papers for an affordable price. Not a huge selection when it comes to long rolling papers, but exactly what the smoker needs. Apart from rolling paper, Futurola makes hundreds of other products. For example, it is also the market leader when it comes to cones. Futurola cones come in all shapes and sizes.

  • Conscious smokers go for Greengo rolling papers. The brand only makes 100% natural products. The long rolling papers for instance are made of FSC-approved recycled paper. All unbleached, free of chlorine and pesticides. Besides rolling papers, Greengo also makes grinders, joint tubes and rolling trays from recycled THC plastic. All in the characteristic green colour. Go Green with Greengo!

  • Flamez is closely associated with Greengo and Saverette. The brand strives to produce natural and environmentally friendly products, but quality is number one. Flamez rolling papers are praised for their strength and even burn. The brand has a heart for weed and shows this by supporting organisations that work to preserve coffee shops. A special one is the Flamez Pink rolling paper. Great for anyone who doesn't mind a bit of pink. “Where there is smoke, there is Flamez!

  • We have already mentioned the French brand OCB. It is considered one of the oldest smoking brands in the world. OCB rolling papers have been around for almost a hundred years and are constantly being improved. If you want to be sure that the manufacturers know what they are doing, choose OCB papers.

  • RAW is of course THE lifestyle brand of the weed industry. With hundreds of products, it's the biggest smokers' collection there is. RAW rolling papers have a natural look and feel, and that's no lie. Just like the brand Smoking, the selection of rolling papers is endless. From Single Wide to King-Size and even Mega-Size rolling papers of 12 inches. The organic line has the most natural rolling papers you can find. These are gluten-free, chlorine-free and made without genetically modified ingredients. 100% vegan friendly.

  • When it comes to price-quality, Dutch-Headshop rolling papers are number 1. Dutch-Headshop rolling papers are of the same quality as those from the big brands. Our rolling paper is not inferior to that of Smoking, Flamez, Mascotte and Futurola when it comes to taste, strength and even burn. Top quality long rolling papers for a pleasant and fair price. Available for everyone! 

Blunt papers

Blunt rolling paper, Glass rolling paper and Flavoured rolling paper

There are a number of special rolling papers you can use to roll your joint. These special rolling papers deserve a little explanation. Rolling with these papers can be tricky and it makes for a completely different smoking experience. 

Blunt Rolling Paper

The blunt is mainly popular in the United States. It is actually a cigar that is cut open and hollowed out, with the tobacco replaced by weed. Original blunt papers are made from cigar leaves. In other words a pre-processed tobacco leaf. However, the taste of this leaf is very strong and besides that these smoking products are not allowed to be sold everywhere. That's why blunt papers are also made of hemp. You can buy blunt rolling paper in several flavours. 

In our assortment you can find blunt papers from Juicy Jays. Rolling a blunt with Juicy Jays is a little bit more difficult than rolling it with normal rolling papers. The paper is moist and you should use it quickly after you have taken it out of the vacuum package. Lick the crenellated end of the rolling paper well before gluing the joint shut and smooth it over the edge a few times. Not in the mood for hassle? Go for blunt cones by Hemparillo. Available in all sorts of flavours. Pre-rolled blunt papers that you only have to fill. Perfect!

Glass rolling paper

The most special rolling papers there are? Glass rolling paper are a surprise to everyone. The transparent rolling papers can be used to roll cigarettes or a joint. The nice thing about glass rolling papers is that you always see the contents of your joint. People who see glass rolling paper for the first time think it is plastic, but the papers of Glass Clear Rolling Papers are made of natural cellulose; not really of glass. It is made in Brazil. Remarkably, the rolling papers do not have an adhesive edge. You can use any part as an adhesive edge. If you don't feel like rolling, there are transparant cones by Cyclones. Pre-made joints from glass rolling paper, which you only have to fill up.

Flavoured rolling paper

If you have a sweet tooth, you should try flavoured rolling papers. Juicy Jays makes rolling papers in dozens of different flavours. You name it: Bubble Gum, Blueberry, Strawberry, Watermelon or something else. They have it all. The rolling papers are nicely printed on the outside and therefore your joint will look fun as well. Be surprised by the sugary taste of Juicy Jays.

Interesting article? We previously wrote a decision aid article about bongs. Discover the differences between bongs made of all kinds of materials and learn about percolators, ice-catchers and bowls.