Rolling 101: From Papers to Cones (and When to Use Each)

Good rolling is half craft, half system. Whether you’re team papers or team cones, the right combo of material, size, and technique will decide your burn, flavor, and airflow. Here’s how to pick—and roll—like you mean it.

Papers vs. Cones: What You’re Really Choosing

Papers = maximum control. You decide the size, shape, density, and exact fold. Great for ritualists and perfectionists.
Cones = maximum consistency. Pre-formed with a filter, they pack fast and burn predictably. Great for groups, windy days, and beginners.

Material Matters (Feel, Flavor, Burn)

Hemp: Balanced grip + even burn. The everyday workhorse.
Rice: Thinner, slower burn, subtle taste. Can be trickier with moist fingers.
Wood Pulp / Blends: Easy to handle, slightly faster burn; good for learners and cold-weather fingers.
Flavored / Infused: Fun for parties; pair with compatible terp profiles; don’t over-flavor your best flower.

Size & Shape: Match the Moment

Single/1¼: Solo sips or quick breaks.
King-size / King Slim: Groups or longer sessions.
Party Cones / Multi-gram: Shareable centerpieces—watch your grind consistency.
Tubes / Blunts: Heavier body, slower burn; consider wraps with proper moisture control.

When to Choose Which

Learning or hosting? Cones. Faster, fewer variables.
Showcase top-shelf flower? Thin rice or hemp papers for clean flavor.
Cold fingers or on the move? Pulp/hemp papers or pre-roll cones—less finicky.
Windy patio? Cones with a slightly tighter pack near the tip for stability.

The Paper Roll: A Calm, Repeatable Method

Grind: Fluffy, not dusty. Shake out stems.
Filter: Roll a paper tip into a tight cylinder (accordion start optional), set at one end.
Fill: Even line of material, slightly more near the tip for cone shape, or perfectly even for a straight.
Tuck: Pinch along the line. Use thumbs to roll up and back until the edge tucks behind the bed.
Roll & Seal: Roll upward with steady pressure; seal with a smooth lick.
Pack & Twist: Tap lightly, use a packer to tighten the tip, twist the end just enough to hold.

Fix a Canoe: Gently lick your finger and touch the fast-burning side to slow it; rotate as you puff.

The Cone Pack: Speed Without Sloppiness

Stabilize: Hold the cone by the filter between finger and thumb.
Load in Layers: Add a little, pack lightly; repeat. Over-packing suffocates airflow.
Test Pull: Before sealing the tip, draw a breath through the filter. If it feels clogged, remove a pinch and repack.
Top It Right: A firm final tap and a small twist—don’t choke the airflow.

Filters, Tips & Why They Change Everything

Filters keep the end rigid and lips clean, prevent scooby snacks, and add structure for a better roll. Glass tips boost feel and cooling; paper tips keep it featherlight. Keep a small tin of pre-rolled tips in your kit to speed everything up.

Humidity & Storage

Paper hates extremes. Keep packs in a cool, dry pocket. If your papers wrinkle or crack, you’re too dry; if they feel gummy, you’re too humid. Pre-rolls belong in airtight, light-proof tubes or jars—label the strain and date like a pro.

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Over-grinding to dust: Causes harsh, fast burns. Aim for fluffy, even pieces.
Over-stuffing the crutch end: Starves airflow; keep the base slightly looser.
Lumpy distribution: Leads to runs. Level it before you tuck.
Wet seals: Thin, even lick only; let it set 10–20 seconds before lighting.

Upgrades That Make a Noticeable Difference

Metal or glass rolling tray (flat and wipeable)
Cone loader + funnel for bulk sessions
Quality grinder with smooth teeth (clean it monthly)
Airtight doob tubes, ideally smell-proof
Hemp wick for flavor-focused lighting

Swing by Cloud 9 and tell us your roll style. We’ll match you with the right papers or cones, tips, and a grinder that complements your preferred burn.

Age & Compliance: 21+ only. Follow all local laws and venue rules.

Rolling 101: From Papers to Cones (and When to Use Each)