Best Rolling Papers For Beginners

New to rolling? Finding the best rolling papers for beginners is key to getting smooth, even burns and an easy roll every time. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most beginner-friendly options, breaking down different materials, sizes, and popular brands so you can find what fits your style and skill level best.

Our Quick Picks:

RAW - This is a classic, reliable brand celebrated for its natural, unbleached papers. RAW offers organic hemp options that burn evenly and are vegan-friendly.
OCB - This brand is known for its high-quality, ultra-thin papers made from flax fibers. They also offer organic hemp and bamboo paper options.
ZIGZAG - A legacy brand you might already be familiar with. Zigzag rolling papers are famous for being made from wood pulp. Sturdy and easy to handle for new rollers.
Elements - Made from pure rice paper, Elements burn with almost zero ash. They are designed for a slow burn and have no flavor, letting you taste your herbs fully.
Blazy Susan - Famous for their pink papers, Blazy Susan has vegan and GMO-free options that slow burn and look rad for your sesh.

How to Choose Your First Rolling Papers

Finding your favorite may take a little trial and error, but here are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing:

Type of Material

Wood Pulp:

Pros: Sturdy, easy to grip, and great for beginners learning to roll. Widely available and affordable, making it the go-to choice for first-timers.
Cons: Burns faster than other papers and can leave a stronger aftertaste.

Hemp Rolling Papers:

Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, and tear-resistant. Hemp papers offer a balanced thickness that provides a slower, more even burn and a smooth smoking experience.
Cons: Slightly thicker than rice papers, which can affect how tightly you roll.

Rice Rolling Papers:

Pros: Ultra-thin and clean-burning with minimal ash, giving you the purest flavor.
Cons: Delicate and harder to handle, so they require more skill and patience when rolling.

Size and Width

Single Wide:

Pros: Compact and easy to roll, perfect for solo sessions or quick hits.
Cons: Smaller size means shorter smoke time.

1 1/4" Size:

Pros: The most popular and versatile size. Great for sharing with one or two people and easy to find in most brands.
Cons: Slightly larger, so it may take a bit more practice for beginners.

King Size:

Pros: Ideal for longer or group sessions with a slow, even burn. Perfect for those who enjoy a big smoke.
Cons: Can be trickier to roll for beginners and uses more material per joint.

Bleached vs. Unbleached Papers

The choice between bleached and unbleached papers mostly comes down to personal preference.

Bleached Papers: These are the classic white rolling papers, treated through an oxygenation process that’s safe and non-toxic. They’re smooth, consistent, and easy to find.
Unbleached Papers: Naturally brown in color, these haven’t gone through any bleaching process. They’re preferred by smokers who want a more natural, cleaner-tasting smoke with less aftertaste. RAW Black papers are a perfect example of a premium unbleached option.

Flavored vs. Unflavored Papers

Flavored rolling papers, like Juicy Jay’s, are infused with tastes such as fruit, mint, or candy, adding a fun twist to your session. If you’d rather enjoy the pure flavor of your herb, stick to unflavored, natural papers for the most authentic smoking experience.

Why Cones Are Perfect For Beginners

Struggling with rolling? No worries! The easy solution is to grab some pre-rolled cones. These are rolling papers pre-shaped into a hollow joint, including a crutch or filter tip.

All you have to do is fill the cone with your ground material, pack it down, twist the end and your good to go. It’s a quick process that takes seconds. They’re a game-changer for beginners and let you skip the whole rolling hassle. The convenience is unmatched.

Here are our best-selling cone Brands we have in stock:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy Rolling Papers?

There is no better place to buy rolling papers and accessories than Cloud 9 Smoke Shop. We carry the widest variety at affordable prices. Shop online or visit one of our locations near you to stock up on your favorites.

Are some rolling papers healthier than others?

Yes. Many tokers are trying to cut down on the chemicals they put into their bodies as much as possible, which explains why organic hemp papers have become so popular. Everyone wants rolling papers that are as pure as the herbs they use. To be safe, always look for papers without additives like chemicals or dyes, which can be harmful to your lungs.

How do I properly store my rolling papers?

Store your rolling papers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. This prevents them from drying out, becoming brittle, or absorbing unwanted moisture, which can affect their performance.

What are the top-rated rolling papers for a slow burn?

For a slow, smooth burn, look for papers made from hemp or rice. Brands like Elements, OCB and RAW are great for slow and even burning. Ultra-thin rolling papers also burn more slowly than thicker papers.