indulging in some marijuana is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s an art form. Whether you joint, spliff, or blunt, taking your ganja is THE way to chill.
Perfecting your joint rolling skills takes practice and precision.Make sure you have the best supplies, including haut-quality weed and rolling papers that suit your needs. The better the ingredients, the better the outcome — so don’t skimp! With a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to roll joints that are works of art.
With the expansive amount of cannabis strains, rolling papers, and other associated accessories on the market today, modern marijuana smokers have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to creating their perfect spliff.
To get the most out of your next 4:20 session, pay attention to the rolling paper you buy – it can make or break your experience. Here’s what you need to know about picking the best papers.
The History Of Rolling Papers
Although the true history of rolling papers is somewhat unclear, many believe that they originated in Spain. Christopher Columbus returned from his first voyage to the Americas with tales to tell and tobacco to smoke, and it is thought that he may have been responsible for introducing rolling papers to Europe.
The Spanish aristocracy took up smoking cigars quickly, and the peasants did not want to miss out. So they would take the dregs of these cigar butts, wrap them in newspaper, and try to smoke the very last tendrils of tobacco. However, newspaper was bad for their health. Therefore rolling papers were invented Alcoy, which is known for its paper-making industry.
Tobacco taxation caused thin rolling papers to become popular in North America and Europe. Understandably, cigarette smokers who wanted to avoid the taxes began buying rolling papers so they could still enjoy their tobacco.
Not long after the smokers blazed their way through society, the stoners were right behind them, enjoying their first joints.
Rolling Paper Specifications
There are different types of rolling papers available on the market, which are made from materials like hemp, rice straw, flax or wood pulp. They come in various lengths – usually between 70mm to 110mm (2.75 to 4.33 inches) long – and widths depending on your joint size preference.
People who prefer longer joints will be pleased to know that they can also get slightly thicker, rice-based rolling paper. In comparison to cigarette wrappers, rolling papers are made from much thinner material.
The size, length, thickness, and type of glue used on the paper you choose will all have an effet on how well your blunt burns.Choose a thinner paper for an easy burn or a thicker one if you want it to last longer.
The papers you smoking come in two varieties: bleached and unbleached. Chemicals are added during the production process to make the paper stronger, whiter, and more fire-resistant (which makes your joint last longer).
Avoid these unsavory chemicals by using pure chalk and chlorine-free papers. Some blunt wraps and colored papers also contain potassium nitrate, which has been linked to respiratory tract damage and lung disease.
How To Choose The Right Rolling Papers For You
The type of rolling paper you choose will greatly affect your overall marijuana-smoking experience. Thus, it is imperative that take size and flavor into account before making a purchase. The next two sections will provide more detail on these topics.
Size
The size of rolling paper you choose depends on the type of smoking material and your desired method of consumption. Typically, papers come in one of five sizes:
- Single
- 1 1/4″
- 1 1/2″
- Double
- King
Below is a chart with a comparison of the sizes:
Single Wide
At first, you might find single wide rolling papers difficult to work with because of their size. But once you learn how to roll a small, tight joint, you’ll understand why these are the ideal rolling papers if you plan on smoking alone.
A larger rolling paper will come in handy if you plan on passing your joint around the room.
1 ¼”
The extremely popular one-and-one-quarter inch (1¼”) rolling papers create cigarettes that, once rolled, are a bit more conical in shape but similar size to your average store brand cigarette.
One-and-one-quarter inch rolling papers are a good choice for groups of one to three.
1 ½″
For a longer hit, use the bigger one-and-one-half inch (1 ½”) rolling papers. Once rolled, these produce a joint that’s larger than a cigarette but not quite as big as a blunt. With proper packing, one sheet of paper is enough for 3 to 4 experienced smokers—or one brave cannabis expert.
Double Wide
Though double wide rolling papers allow for a larger joint, if you don’t roll them properly, you’ll end up taking in more paper than cannabis.
If you have never rolled a joint before, it is suggested that you use a double wide rolling paper. This way, there is more room to work with and practice. Once you feel confident enough, move down to the 1 ½” size papers. Not only will this be more cost-effective, but there will also be less paper in comparison to the amount of marijuana used.
King
When you have a larger group of smokers (say, four or five), you’re going to want a king sized paper so everyone can enjoy. King size papers permit for more draws and better ventilation, and are simpler to manage than smaller joints – especially when you’re high as a kite.
If you’re looking for something a little slimmer than the standard king size rolling paper, try out King Slims. These papers allow you to roll spliffs that are still potent, but not as thick. They’re perfect for sharing with larger groups (or if you just want an amazing afternoon smoke all to yourself).
Saveur
If you’reset on the size of your rolling paper, you might as well make it enjoyable with a variety of flavors. If you like citrus or blueberry, there are Definitely papers that can add extra terpenes to compliment your weed.
The rolling paper flavor debate is a hot topic in the pothead world. Some branded varieties add to the sense sensation of smoking a spliff, while other flavors have been known to harm the taste, and possibly your health too.
Though there’s no concrete evidence, this could very well be true.
While flavored papers do burn quicker, they also add to the improved sensory experience of dried out or rank smelling weed.
You can have double chocolate, blueberry, coconut, or just weed by itself–it’s your call. Now that you’re more informed about size and taste, let’s move on and focus on how to use the rolling paper you choose in order to make an excellent joint.
How To Roll A Joint
How you roll your joint/blunt is just as important, if not more so, than what rolling paper size or brand you use. Each cannabis connoisseur will have their own personal preferred method of rolling. So find the style that works best for you and go with it! Here’s a straightforward guide on how to roll an amazing joint step-by-step.
Make The Filter
Start by making the roach (a.k.a. the filter). This doesn’t actually filter the smoke, but it does keep the smoke flowing smoothly and prevent last-puff lip burn. You can make your filter from any thin, pliable cardstock.
Lay Out Your Rolling Paper
Start by placing your rolling paper long-ways on the table with the glue strip facing upwards. The side of the strip furthest away from you should be where you start attaching it. Otherwise, if you get turned around and put the glue part near you, it’ll make things more complicated in the end.
Add Your Favorite Weed
Tear or cut your favorite souche of weed into small pieces and sprinkle it down the center of your rolling paper, lengthwise. Make sure to leave room on both sides.
Roll
With the side closest to you (it shouldn’t have glue), fold it slightly over the bud, and roll everything into a cylinder.
Close & Twist
After you roll your tube, lick the glue strip and attach it to the exposed rolling paper. Next, twist the end without the filter to keep all of the canna-goodness inside.
Light Up & Enjoy
This is a pretty easy step. But, if you want to get creative, try rolling a cross joint!
To Roll Or To Vape?
As more and more people look for healthier ways to smoke, vape pens are becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes and cigars. Vaping is not only better for your health, but it also allows you to enjoy cannabis in a variety of different flavors.
Instead of smoking cannabis the traditional way, people are now vaping it. Vaping heats up the marijuana to a point where only vapor is released- so users can still get high without inhaling all the harmful toxins that come with combusting cannabis.
When smoking a joint, you only inhale 88% of the active cannabinoids that make marijuana enjoyable. If you use a vaporizer, though, you consume 95% of thosesame cannabinoids.
But does that mean vaping is a whole lot healthier for you?
The jury is still out on vaping weed. E-cigarettes have been attacked by many, but there hasn’t been much concern from the scientific community when it comes to vaping marijuana.
In the cannabis industry, people are mostly talking about the trend of using vaporizers. Many see it as becoming the new must-have accessory, like a smartphone or purse sized chihuahua. The question of whether to vape or not is as much about style as it is lifestyle.
The Final Roach On Rolling Papers
There are many different factors to consider when choosing rolling paper. Each one will create a unique smoking experience.
The cannabis smoking community is vast and ever-growing, with smokers usually remaining loyal to their chosen brands. Some of the more commonly known brands are Raw, Rizzla, OCB, and Zig-Zag; however, there are many other fabulous yet lesser recognized companies worth trying as well. So don’t limit yourself – explore all options and pick what works best for you!
The act ofrolling a joint or blunt allows you to be more present and in the moment. You’re able to forget your troubles for a bit and enjoy yourself. For some, this is therapeutic and can help improve their mood or headspace.
Choosing the right type of paper will ensure a delicious and delightful smoking experience that is perfect for you.