The rise of cannabis capitalism has resulted in one-million-and-one innovative ways to consume the plant: chillums, bongs (with and without percolators), bubblers, vapes for flower and oils, concentrate rigs, edibles, beverages, gravity bongs, and of course, the trusty apple or Coke can that Gen Xers and early millennials remember with more than a hint of nostalgia.
Through all the iterations and innovations, joints have kept a prestigious position among cannabis aficionados. Joint rolling is an art.
The tulip, cross joint, and cone are examples of cannabis origami, a skill passed down from generation to generation.
Now, just as there are a variety of smoking methods, a wide selection of rolling paper media and sizes are available on the market. Finding the right-sized rolling paper for you is the first step in your journey to becoming a rolling connoisseur.
Single-wide papers are the most narrow of the standard paper sizes. At 70mm long and 38mm wide, these papers are not a beginner’s go-to.
More paper means more material to work with for fingers that have not developed the muscle memory of rolling and tucking.
The most popular size is 1.25 papers. They provide enough width to guide the flower into the right shape without adding extra paper that can bunch up and cause uneven burning.
They are referred to as 1.25s as they can hold 25% more material than their single-wide counterparts.
Double-wide (1.5 size), and king-size papers are a good option for people new to the art of joint rolling. They provide an excess of width with which to work, providing plenty of room for trial and error during the rolling process.
The drawback to using papers of this size is the excess paper can cause the joint to “run” — burn unevenly — or burn down too fast since paper burns faster than flower.
After deciding which size paper is best for you, the next step is choosing a rolling medium.
Wood pulp papers have been used for centuries. These are classic papers used for hand-rolled cigarettes.
Available bleached or unbleached, these papers are thicker than others on the market. In recent years they have waned in popularity due to the relative harshness felt on the throat and the fact that lower-end brands mix other fibers in with the wood pulp.
However, if you prefer a rigid joint that can survive a little jostling in a pocket, this is the medium for you.
Hemp papers have gained popularity recently in part because they are made from the same plant with which the papers are filled. Hemp papers burn slowly and evenly and are relatively easy to roll due to their rough texture.
When it comes to rolling, a little friction is your friend.
Flax papers are lightweight and have little to no taste, preserving the full profile of the cannabis flower. However, its lightweight nature and smooth texture allow it to slip between the fingers when rolling.
Rice papers split the difference between flax, hemp, and wood pulp media. Rice papers are natural, do not have an overwhelming taste, and have a light to medium thickness.
Rolling media and size are personal preferences. If you are new to the art, try your hands and fingers at a few options and see what works best for you. Happy rolling!