SA’s best rolling papers in 2022 – and more helpful tips!
When it comes to Marijuana, rolling up is still one of the best ways to enjoy your herb. However, it can be difficult or downright nasty in the case of someone not using premium rolling papers.
In this article we’ll discuss what to look out for and what to avoid, ending with SA’s premium rolling paper brands and some pro tips on the perfect cannabis rolling experience.
Types of rolling papers
Rolling paper can differ largely in terms of appearance, flavor, taste, even how it burns and the kind of ash it leaves behind. The 5 most common materials used to make rolling paper are:
- Rice
- Hemp
- Wood Pulp
- Flax
- Esparto
What’s the difference between rolling papers?
The materials and chemicals used to make these 5 main types of rolling papers greatly impact its varying thickness, flavor, and burn quality. Here’s everything you need to know to help choose the best rolling paper for you.
Rice – Arguably your second most common rolling paper material and the type that is least damaging to your lungs. They’re made from rice, stretched too thin sheets, and offer some of the slowest burns on the market. Perfect for longer, more relaxed smoking sessions – even prolonged sessions with friends. Rice rolling papers can be extremely thin, so although they may be healthier than the rest, they can prove challenging to roll with as a beginner.
Hemp – First off, these papers do not contain any THC or CBD, so no need to associate hemp paper with cannabis other than the fact that it creates a ‘whole’ cannabis smoking experience. In other words, everything you’re inhaling comes from the same species of plant. Brands like RAW and OCB are some of the best and most popular for very good reasons. They’re generally thicker and thus easier to roll with, and also have a nice slow burn. So no more canoeing when toking!
Note: Canoeing is when your paper burns faster on one side than the other. This happens when low-quality paper burns too fast or if you haven’t packed your smoke dense enough
Wood Pulp – Pretty much the standard-issue rolling paper that’s widely available since it’s the same as cigarette paper. It’s inexpensive and easy to use due to its thickness in general. On the downside, they tend to burn faster and use bleach to get that pure white look.
Flax – Obtained from the Linum or Linaria plant, flax is another popular raw material used to make rolling paper, and interestingly also linen cloth. It’s popular for its smooth smoking experience and, if you don’t want any interference in your herb’s flavor, odor, or taste – flax rolling papers will be a good choice for you.
Esparto – These papers come from Esparto grass, sometimes referred to as “needle grass”. It was common in the earlier days of rolling paper but has dropped significantly in popularity because it’s incredibly harsh and contains more carcinogens than any other type of rolling paper.
What makes a good rolling paper?
The one you can easily use and enjoy! With so many options on the market, it can be incredibly easy to fall for a marketing gimmick and end up attempting to roll with a paper that’s too thin for your current skill. Used incorrectly it can also cause canoeing.
The industry is always booming with new and innovative ways to enhance your rolling experience. But, in a nutshell, these points are what makes a good rolling paper:
- Raw & organic materials
- No chemical additives
- Readily available
- Slow burn
- The thinner the better
What rolling papers are easiest to roll?
When choosing rolling papers for beginners, we recommend a thicker, smaller paper. There are generally two rolling paper sizes: small, and king size. King size sheets can prove difficult to use at first, where choosing a smaller paper will give you more control and a steadier basis to pack your cannabis on.
The best rolling sheets for weed
Cannabis connoisseurs are always looking for the purest way of consuming their favorite herb. Rolling up some expensive, high-grade flower only to realize your rolling paper tastes bad and burns too quickly can ruin a session.
Choosing hemp-based papers will work excellent for joints. They burn nice and slow and are generally very thin as well! In addition, hemp paper is made from the same subspecies of the plant you’re currently taking on, so you’ll have an all-around premium cannabis smoking experience.
You won’t have to worry about canoeing, cough-fits, or any funky tastes or smells. Hooray!
Health-conscious smokers – what to consider when choosing rolling papers
Let’s have a deeper look into three of the points mentioned above, which health-conscious smokers should be on the lookout for:
Raw & organic materials – The same as with food! Using natural substances without mixing them up will prove to be a better overall smoking experience. It’s healthier and easy to use.
No chemical additives – Of course, we don’t want to be inhaling chemicals that we don’t need. Watch out for white papers – they use bleach to get that perfect look!
The thinner the better – Cutting down on the amount of paper you’re burning and inhaling can save your lungs from a substantial amount of tar in the long run.
Both RAW and OCB are the best rolling paper to date in 2022
Cannabis rolling tips
Rolling a respectable size and shape joint can be a tough challenge at first. Use these basic tips to impress your friends (or yourself) the next time you decide to burn one out:
Grind your cannabis to a flakey consistency – Believe it or not, grinding your cannabis too much will have you packing powder, this can be extremely harsh on your lungs. On the other hand, attempting to pack a flower that hasn’t been ground enough will have your joint dying after each drag.
Use the right sheet for your skill level – There’s a reason people prefer different rolling paper sizes; some find it easier to roll with small rizlas, others prefer king size to practice with. Find what feels comfortable for you and remember to consider the thickness of your papers. Thinner papers are harder to roll with but worth it in the end.
Use the right-sized tip – Decide how thick you want to roll first, then use a tip (mouthpiece) that fits the thickness of the base of the joint you’re aiming for. These are usually around 5mm and can be made of simple hardened paper. Check out RAW’s King Size + Pre Rolled Tips and OCB’s Virgin Ultra Slim Papers + Tips for rolling papers that come with pre-cut tips for easy rolling.
Best rolling papers in South Africa
South Africa’s best rolling paper brands all have something in common; they’re made from premium organic materials, are widely available, and are as thin as it gets. Some even approach transparency.
RAW King Size + Pre-Rolled Tips will have you smoking as nature intended it! It’s unrefined and made of pure hemp to create the ultimate, uninterrupted smoking experience.
RAW Black King Size Slim is a unique artisan paper produced in Spain where the dry Valencian winds make humidity optimally low. These ultra-thin papers are tasteless, allowing you to taste your terps. This is a top-shelf product suitable for high-end cannabis connoisseurs.
Juicy Jay Kingsize is your local go-to if you’re into smoking with added flavors that can be tasted on the lips, tongue, and cheeks! They use a special process when infusing their flavors which puts them miles above the rest.
OCB Virgin Papers King Size Slim Ultra Thin + Tips is yet another excellent rolling paper in the popular OCB ranges. They’re unbleached, ultra-thin, and use Arabic gum – a natural non-toxic derivative from the acacia tree.
All the above and more are available at a Vaperite shop near you. Alternatively, you can check our vapeshop.
