Here at 710pipes, we offer every type of smoking product. With JUULs and other vaporizers, pipes and water pipes, hookahs and much more, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at our Denver or Northglenn smoke shops. While our long-lasting, quality glassware is the best bet for most customers, some may only be looking to drop a little pocket change, or to enjoy a weekend in the 303 without bringing home paraphernalia. And for that, we’ve still got you covered with a wide variety of rolling papers. While papers tend to be pretty similar in shape, size and pricing, there are important distinctions between packs that significantly impact your smoking experience. Below, we’ll break down the upsides and downsides to several popular rolling paper materials, to help you find the perfect papers for you.
First, The Basic Elements
Some papers are also more porous than others, which affects the rate at which they burn, and can also impact their sensitivity to moisture. Rolling papers sometimes contain additives that help to stabilize them, and moderate the levels of smoke, ash, and burn speed. If papers are white, it generally indicates that they contain calcium carbonate or chlorine, affecting the natural hue. Flavored papers add a tasty, titillating element to your smoking session, which many customers crave. However, as with white papers, this does indicate added chemicals that aren’t strictly necessary for a good joint. Many top companies do their best to minimize those ingredients so that you can breathe easy, and the sales team at any of our local head shops can always help you find the best brands. Brown papers will generally have less of these added chemicals, if any. Their simplicity of makeup makes them easier on your lungs, and leaves you with less of an aftertaste.
Many blunt wraps are lined with tobacco. This slows the rate of burning significantly, which is a big perk. However, mixing nicotine and cannabis can be a little tough on the body. If you’re a tobacco and cannabis lover, and vodka-redbull memories don’t make you shudder, lined blunt wraps may be the perfect pick.
Rice Papers
Rice papers tend to be the thinnest option you’ll find. This makes them a bit harder to roll, and to get a good grip on while smoking, but your lungs will thank you for it. Despite their thinness, rice paper gives that nice, slow burn that many of us enjoy, letting you relax and take your time while you puff and pass. There’s also virtually no aftertaste, leaving the flavor of your herb unadulterated. Damp air won’t work with rice papers, so if you’re looking to smoke in the humid heat or rain, look elsewhere. Given all of these factors, rice papers can be very hit or miss, depending on your circumstances. For many smokers seeking a clean, slow burn, they’re well worth a little extra effort.
Wood Pulp
For over a hundred years, wood pulp has been a standard material to use in a variety of household contexts. They can even be mixed with other types of fiber, and varieties with or without bleaching (brown or white, respectively). Solid and textured, wood pulp joints hold their shape well. If you’re in a humid climate, or if your hands get sweaty often, wood pulp papers are able to withstand that moisture fairly well. They burn pretty quickly compared to other options. As guides at any head shop will warn you, wood pulp can be really abrasive to the lungs – as may be expected when inhaling wood.
Hemp
Industrial hemp has been increasingly popular in the last few decades. Hemp rolling papers are my personal favorite to use for rolling joints. There are a few strong advantages that hemp lovers credit for their loyalty. They’re rarely bleached – mainly sold in a light brown color – allowing for a clean burn free of excess chemical additives. They’re environmentally conscious, as they’re made using hemp fiber; your choice to get faded with these won’t waste any trees! They have a medium burn rate – faster than rice papers, but more steady and less likely to need relighting. There’s sometimes an aftertaste when you finish a joint rolled in hemp paper, but its mild, and won’t mess with your burning herb’s sweet scent. In fact, many people love the faint, musky aftertaste added by hemp.
Hemp papers are a bit thicker than rice papers. They’re also a little tougher in texture. Both of these elements make them easier to roll and grip. It’s still a good idea to avoid humidity with these – wood pulp is still your best bet in that way, if damp air just can’t be avoided.
Cellulose
Contrary to misconception, clear rolling papers are not made from plastic. They contain 100% plant cellulose and are completely safe to smoke. Every adult smoker owes it to themselves to try this once. There’s something oddly gratifying about holding that transparent tube of rolled-up reefer in your fingers, and seeing exactly what you’re smoking as it burns. While the exact experience will vary a bit by brand, I’ve always found that cellulose offers one of the best burns out there – very slow, steady and smooth. If you’re seeking a unique smoking experience, cellulose is a clear standout.
Come down to 710 Pipes smoke and vape shop to explore our expansive variety of papers and other products. We have three locations – one in Northglenn, and two in Denver, on Colfax and near Denver University. We’ll see you soon!