What’s the best rolling paper around? That’s like asking if a bong or vaporizer is better. Sure, each has its own pros and cons, but ultimately, it’s all about personal preference. With that said, good and bad papers still exist and you definitely don’t want to ruin a good roll with crappy papers. From beginner to expert, you’ll be able to use this list to find what works best for you.
5th Place: Bambu
Novices and seasoned tokers alike instantly recognize Bambu’s eye-catching packaging and if you aren’t sure what to grab in a pinch, these papers will get you through the night. The papers aren’t especially notable for thinness, flavor or burn, but if you’re new to rolling, you’ll find these papers to be wonderfully forgiving. To all those young rollers, try these out first!
4th Place: Randy’s
Randy’s hold something quite special for expert and beginner tokers. These papers have a thin piece of wire in each paper, but before you finish your shocked reaction, listen to how the wire works. First, the wire serves as a support when you roll, which is good news if you’re rolling on the fly, in the dark or with a fuller grinder than you intended. Of course for beginners, this is fantastic news, but even the most experienced tokers won’t sneeze at the helpful little wire in the mist of a crowded music festival. As you smoke your joint, bend the wire backwards so you don’t have to worry about grabbing the edge of the roach just right.
3rd Place: Zigzags
Zigzags are like the department store of rolling papers. No one will think less of you for using them, but you can’t expect to get the best smoke of your life either. These more traditional papers are typically made with wood pulp, but some varieties contain hemp or flax. Don’t let any self-proclaimed paper expert fool you. Some Zigzag options give excellent tasting and slow burns, so with this brand, the quality of the paper will vary somewhat with the type you choose. With Zigzags, get a full sampling of the product line before you decide to take them or leave them.
2nd Place: Elements
Elements are a natural rice paper with an extremely slow burn. They come in nearly every size, including three-meter rolls. These papers have a patented honeycomb design, which helps bring about that famously slow burn. Because they are made from rice, you won’t see too much ash from these papers and you certainly won’t expect to taste the paper as it burns. The papers are extremely thin, but they don’t tear easily, which is great for beginners. Additionally, the gum sticks very well with minimal saliva.
1st Place: Raw
The vast majority of tokers swear by Raw. These papers are completely vegan, un-dyed and natural. They are a bit thinner than Elements and burn slowly without a noticeable taste. Like the second place contender, you can buy Raw in nearly every size imaginable and the company has recently released an organic, non-GMO line available online at Raw Thentic, or Every One Does It. If you want to feel as comfortable as possible with what you’re inhaling, Raws can afford you plenty of peace of mind. However, beginners and some experts have problems with these papers because the gum requires some attention before it sticks. Moreover, the paper will tear easily with too much moisture. Especially for novices, these papers have a bit of a learning curve.
Truthfully, the difference between first and second place is a matter of opinion. Though Raws will keep first place in this list, note that many a toker would go to bat for Elements “rightful” spot as the best paper around, but don’t take our word for it. Try these out for yourself!
