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Rolling Papers: A Quick Guide into their history, types, and usage

Most of your customers who love dry herbs must have switched to vaporizers. Others who like concentrate must be using Dab Gathering Tools and dab rigs during their smoking sessions. Where does that leave rolling papers? Do you need to stock them at all? Well, Well! Rolling papers have specific characteristics that make them unique, and hence, they have a dedicated customer base. Especially with the cost of cigarettes rising due to taxes, it is a good time for people to start rolling their tobacco. Let us get into some details about rolling papers.

What are Rolling Papers?

Rolling papers are thin, lightweight plant fibers that smokers use to wrap their tobacco or dry herbs. They are made from various materials, including rice, hemp, and flax. Their color varies depending on the material used. Most of them are white, but some are transparent, and others are beige-colored. Each rolling paper has a strip of special glue on it to stick both ends together post-rolling. Rolling papers are available in several flavors and generally come in packs of 24 or 32.
They come in many sizes, but 70mm x 44mm is the most common size. The basic rule about rolling papers is that – the slower it burns more fun the experience is. Many smokers prefer using filter tips or crutches placed at the end for a smooth smoke.

The History of Rolling Papers

The first rolling papers were made in Spain in the early 1500s. The earliest rolling papers were made from tobacco leaves. In the 18th century, rolling papers made from hemp were introduced. Hemp rolling papers became very popular because they did not tear as easily as tobacco leaves. In the 19th century, mass-produced rolling papers were introduced. These rolling papers were made from wood pulp. The first mass-produced rolling paper was produced in 1879 by Don Joaquin Miguel Cuevas. In the early 20th century, rolling papers made from rice straw were introduced. These rolling papers became instantly popular because they did not contain chemicals or toxins.

Types of Rolling Papers

Various types of rolling papers are available today. It would be a great idea to stock up on different varieties as your customers might be looking for a specific type of paper based on their personal preferences. Some common types of rolling papers include:
  •  Hemp Rolling Papers: Hemp rolling papers are made from hemp plants. They are organic, eco-friendly, and do not tear easily. Hemp rolling papers are also very thin, making them perfect for rolling tobacco or dry herbs.
  • Joint Rolling Papers: Joint rolling papers are made from various materials, including rice, hemp, and flax. Joint rolling papers come in many different sizes, but 70mm x 44mm is the most common size.
  • Wood Pulp Rolling Papers: Wood pulp rolling papers are made from wood. These rolling papers are pretty robust and do not tear easily.
  • Rice Straw Rolling Papers: These rolling papers are made from rice straw and are organic and eco-friendly.

Papers vs. Cones

Paper cones are nearly identical to rolling papers in form, construction, and function. The only difference being paper cones are available in a pre-rolled form in a small cardboard packet. They are wrapped in a cone shape with a bigger opening on the outside. Cones are famous as they offer a quick fix to smokers. One needs to fill the cone with their herbs and twist the end to secure it. This saves time and is less tedious than rolling the 'perfect' joint.

Rolling Papers vs. Rolling Wraps

As discussed already, rolling paper is a thin sheet of paper used to roll tobacco or dry herbs into cigarettes. They are cheaper compared to rolling wraps and hence more popular too. They provide a cleaner flavor and a great smoking experience. However, it can be challenging for beginners to roll paper as rolling papers are extremely thin and might tear off if not handled well enough.
Rolling wraps are pre-rolled wraps that come in many different sizes and flavors. Easier to work with due to their thick nature, they provide a smooth flavor too. They are made from various materials, including tobacco, hemp, and flax. However, they generally contain nicotine and are not an option for people looking to avoid nicotine, as most rolling wraps are made of tobacco.

Which is better?

It depends on the smoker's preference. Some smokers prefer rolling their own cigarettes because they can control the amount of tobacco or dry herbs they put in each cigarette. Others find it more convenient to buy pre-rolled cigarettes since they do not have the time or expertise to roll it themselves.

Rolling Papers: How to roll a joint

If your clients are new to smoking, you'll probably have to teach them how to use rolling paper. Listed below are the steps to follow!

The 5 Steps to Roll
  1.  The first step is to make the tip. While this is also known as a filter, it does not function in the same way as a cigarette's filter. The primary purpose of the tip is to generate a smoother and constant circulation of smoke through the tube. It also serves as a friendly buffer zone between the smoker's lips and the hot, burning end of the joint.
  2. Place the rolling paper on a clean and flat surface with the sticky side facing up and away from yourself.
  3. The third step is to insert the good stuff. The smoker must know what type of marijuana/herb they want to use. It should be ground or crushed, similar to the texture of cigarette tobacco. It should be placed in the middle of the rolling paper lengthwise, with some space left along both ends.
  4. Once the rolling paper is filled, it's time to start rolling. The first step is to ensure that both ends of the rolling paper are even with each other and then start rolling slowly until you meet the other end.
  5. Place the glue strip against the paper in this way. It would help if you twisted the end without using a filter to pack the herb inside. There you have it: done! The joint is now fully rolled, and it's time to fire it up and take a whiff!

Choosing a Rolling Paper

Smoking beginners might be confused about how to purchase the right rolling paper. You could teach them a thing or two about that. There are many factors that a smoker must consider when choosing rolling papers. Here are some:

  • Material: Rolling papers are made from various materials, including rice paper, hemp paper, and flax paper. Each type of material has unique properties that make it a good or bad choice for smoking.
  • Size: The most common size is 70mm x 44mm, but smaller and larger sizes are available, and one should buy the appropriate size according to their usage.
  • Thickness: Rolling papers also come in different thicknesses. The thicker the paper, the slower the cigarette will burn.

Smoke shops should offer a variety of rolling papers so that their customers can find the perfect one for their needs. By providing a wide selection of rolling papers, smoke shops can ensure that their customers find the ideal paper for their smoking style. What's more, you can find a plethora of rolling papers on MJ Wholesale. From the best brands at the best prices in bulk quantities! So don't wait when you can stock up something great.

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