Rolling Paper Alternatives For When You Run Out: 6 Best Alternatives

We've all been there: you're chilling, having a great time, and suddenly, you realize you're out of rolling papers. It’s such a buzzkill, right? And to make things worse, you don't have a pipe or bong either. But don’t worry! This guide has got your back with some cool, eco-friendly rolling paper alternatives that will save the day and maybe even make your smoking experience better.

The Impact of Traditional Rolling Papers

Yes, traditional rolling papers are convenient, but they have some environmental downsides. Many are bleached or have chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. Plus, making these papers often leads to deforestation and pollution. By looking into alternatives, we can enjoy a healthier smoke and reduce our environmental impact.

Innovative Rolling Paper Substitutes

If you’re looking to mix things up, there are some cool rolling paper substitutes that can give you a unique and enjoyable smoking experience. For example, you can use natural leaves like corn husks, banana leaves, or even rose petals for a smoother, more flavorful smoke. Glass filters and stainless steel pipes are reusable options that ditch the need for paper entirely. Hemp wraps are also a hit since they’re organic and unbleached, offering a cleaner burn. These alternatives not only make your smoking session better but also help out the planet. But when you have none of the list above here are some alternatives that you may have lying around the house (or compost bin).

Corn Husks

Why Corn Husks?

Corn husks are an awesome, natural alternative to traditional rolling papers. They're biodegradable, so it's an eco-friendly choice, and you can easily find them at your local grocery store or farmer's market. Since they're all-natural, you don't have to worry about the chemicals that come with commercial rolling papers. Plus, they give your smoke a unique, slightly sweet flavor, making the whole experience even better. Even large brands package thier wraps with corn husk filters. It is truly the all natutal option.

How to Use Corn Husks:

1. Preparation: Start by selecting a healthy, clean corn husk. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residues, then let it dry completely. This step ensures that the husk is clean and ready for use.
2. Cutting: Once the husk is dry, cut it into manageable strips. Aim for strips that are about the width of a standard rolling paper, but you can adjust the size according to your preference. If the husk is too thick, you can peel away some layers to achieve the desired thickness.
3. Rolling: Using the corn husk as you would traditional rolling paper, place your preferred smoking material on the strip. It might take a bit more effort and practice to roll it tightly, but the result is a sturdy and flavorful wrap. Ensure the ends are sealed well to prevent any loose material from falling out during the smoke.

Banana Peels

Why Banana Peels?

Banana peels are an unexpected yet effective alternative. They're readily available, eco-friendly, and add a sweet, tropical flavor to your session that enhances the overall experience. There are plenty of youtube and tik tok videos that give the entire run down on making your first banana blunt. but here is a quick rundown.

How to Use Banana Peels:

1. Preparation: First, remove the inner white lining of the peel to ensure a smoother texture. Then, dry it out completely, either by leaving it in the sun for a few hours or using a dehydrator for a quicker process.
2. Cutting: Once the peel is dried, slice it into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the easier they will be to handle when rolling.
3. Rolling: Carefully roll your herb inside the prepared peel strip. This may require some practice to perfect, but the unique flavor and natural elements make it a fun and flavorful option. Additionally, using banana peels is a great way to reduce waste and make use of every part of the fruit.

Banana Blunts have become so mainstrain that commercial brands are embracing the trend and bringing pre rolled cones to the market. Defintely worth a try.

Rose Petals

Why Rose Petals?

Nothing had the girlies more in an uproar a few years back when rose petal blunts took over weed twitter and everything else in between. Rose petals not only offer a luxurious and aromatic experience but are also a natural and biodegradable option. Their use dates back centuries in various cultures, often symbolizing love and beauty. Today, they continue to be appreciated for their gentle, soothing properties and their ability to elevate any experience with a touch of elegance. Roses are multi use, aromatic and honestly makes you feel sexy while toking. Unleash that inner baddie.

How to Use Rose Petals:

1. Preparation: Choose organic, pesticide-free rose petals to ensure they are safe for use. Carefully dry them out, either by laying them flat in a cool, dry place or using a dehydrator. The drying process helps to preserve their delicate structure and fragrance.
2. Layering: Once dried, layer several petals to create a surface large enough to roll. Ensure the petals overlap slightly to form a cohesive sheet. This will provide stability and enhance the rolling experience.
3. Rolling: Gently place your herb within the petals and begin to roll. The delicate nature of rose petals requires a gentle touch, so take your time to ensure the petals wrap smoothly around the herb. This method not only adds a unique flavor and aroma but also makes the process more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing.

Rose Blunts are becoming so popular they are not just for when you run out of rolling papers. They are a legit alternative to papers and blunt wraps.

Encyclopedia Pages

Why Encyclopedia Pages?

Rememeber the days before the internet and google? Yeah me either but back then any information you wanted about any particuliar subject was stuffed inside you guessed it.. and Encyclopedia. These massive volumes may still adorn your grnadparents book shelves with at least two decades of dust accompanied with them. In a pinch, certain types of paper like encyclopedia pages can be used as a last resort. While not the healthiest option due to the potential presence of ink and other chemicals, they can serve in an emergency when no other options are available. They are often readily accessible in households that still keep old encyclopedias. They are thin and pretty easy to make a joint out of in a pinch.

How to Use Encyclopedia Pages:

1. Selection: Choose a page without colored ink to avoid inhaling harmful dyes. It's best to opt for pages with plain black ink, as colored inks can contain more harmful chemicals.
2. Preparation: Tear out the page carefully and trim it to the desired size. Make sure to remove any edges that might have frayed during the tearing process to ensure a smoother roll.
3. Rolling: Roll your herb inside the page as you would with regular rolling paper. It’s not ideal, but it works in a bind. Keep in mind that the paper might burn faster than standard rolling paper, so be cautious while using it.

Cigarrete Paper

Why Cigarette Paper?

Cigarette paper is thin and easy to roll, making it a handy option if you don't have other alternatives. Plus, you can easily borrow some from a friend or use your own pack. Keep in mind that cigarette paper may have added chemicals and additives, so it's best to avoid using it frequently.

How to Use Cigarette Paper:

1. Selection: Choose a brand of cigarette paper that does not contain any additional chemicals or flavors. Look for natural, unbleached options if possible. This ensures a cleaner burn and a more enjoyable experience. Brands that offer organic or hemp-based papers can also be a healthier option as they typically contain fewer additives.
2. Preparation: Cut the cigarette paper into a size that matches your preference for joint size. If using pre-rolled cigarettes, carefully remove the tobacco from the paper. Ensure you have a clean and flat surface to work on. Having a rolling tray can help keep everything organized and prevent spillage.
3. Rolling: Place your herb inside the paper and roll it as you would a regular joint. Gently and evenly distribute the herb along the length of the paper to ensure an even burn. Tuck one edge of the paper under the herb as you roll, then lick the gummed edge and seal it shut. If necessary, use a rolling machine to assist in making a perfect roll, especially if you are new to rolling.

Adding a filter or crutch at one end can also enhance your smoking experience by providing better airflow and preventing herb from getting into your mouth.

Rice Paper

Why Rice Paper?

Rice paper is a thin, see-through option that adds a touch of delicacy and flavor. It's popular in Asian cuisine for spring rolls and has also caught on as a rolling paper alternative. Made from rice flour, water, and a few other natural ingredients like tapioca starch or bamboo, these papers are usually unprocessed and unbleached, making them a healthier choice when rolling a joint

How to Use Rice Paper:

1. Selection: Look for rice paper specifically labeled as safe for consumption and free from chemicals or additives. Some brands also offer flavored options if you want to experiment with different flavors.
2. Preparation: Cut the rice paper into your desired shape and size. You can also purchase pre-cut rice paper for convenience. Keep in mind that rice paper tends to be more delicate compared to traditional rolling papers, so handle it carefully.
3. Rolling: Place your herb inside and roll the paper as you would with regular rolling papers. The thinness of rice paper may make it trickier to work with at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Lick the edges to seal them shut, and remember to be gentle while handling the joint as rice paper is prone to tearing.

Rice paper offers a unique flavor and aroma when smoked, adding a touch of exoticism to your smoking experience. Rice papers are know for slow burning and the number of brands offering this type of experience is expanding. Vibes is one of the brands taking rice paper and joint rolling to new heights.

Where to Find These Alternatives

• Corn Husks: Available at grocery stores or farmer’s markets as well as yout kitchen.
• Banana Peels: Your kitchen!
• Rose Petals: Florists or your garden (ensure they’re pesticide-free).
• Encyclopedia Pages: Any old book lying around (but use this option sparingly).
• Cigarette paper: Friend or your own pack
• Rice Paper: In your pantry

Items You Should Not Use as Alternatives For Rolling Papers

While there are several creative and eco-friendly alternatives for rolling papers, it’s important to steer clear of certain materials that can be harmful when smoked. Here are some to avoid:

• Plastic: Burning plastic releases toxic chemicals like dioxins and furans, which are really bad for your health and the environment. Never use plastic as a substitute for rolling papers, as it can cause serious respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Toilet Paper or Tissues: These might seem like a handy alternative, but they often contain dyes, fragrances, and other additives that are harmful when inhaled. Plus, toilet paper and tissues aren’t made to withstand burning and can produce harsh smoke or embers, risking accidental burns.
• Newspaper or Magazine Pages: The ink in these materials is packed with lead, cadmium, and other toxins that can cause serious health problems when burned. The glossy finish on magazine pages can release even more harmful chemicals. Using newspaper or magazine pages as rolling papers is not only dangerous but can also mess up the taste and quality of your smoke.
• Parchment Paper: While parchment paper is commonly used for baking and cooking, it’s not suitable for smoking. It can release harmful chemicals when heated, making it unsafe to use as a substitute for rolling papers. You throat will burn like holy hell and you will soon realize it was not worth it
• Printer Paper: Similar to newspaper or magazine pages, printer paper contains chemicals and additives that are not safe to inhale when burned. Again your throat will burn with all the fire contained within hell. Avoid at all cost

Final Thoughts

Trying out different materials as rolling paper alternatives can really spice up your smoking experience. Options like corn husks, banana peels, rose petals, cigarette paper, and rice paper offer unique flavors and are generally safe. However, be careful and steer clear of harmful stuff like plastic, toilet paper, tissues, newspapers, magazines, parchment paper, and printer paper. Each option has its own perks and challenges, so take your time to see what works best for you. Keep your health in mind and have fun exploring new and creative ways to roll your perfect joint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are these rolling paper alternatives safe to use?

A: Yes, the alternatives mentioned such as corn husks, banana peels, rose petals, cigarette paper, and rice paper are generally safe to use. However, it's important to ensure that these materials are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals before using them.

Q: Why should I avoid using materials like plastic or toilet paper as rolling paper alternatives?

A: Using materials such as plastic, toilet paper, tissues, newspapers, magazines, parchment paper, and printer paper is unsafe because they contain chemicals, dyes, and additives that produce harmful toxins when burned. These toxins can cause serious health problems and negatively impact your smoking experience.

Q: How can I ensure my rose petals or banana peels are safe to use?

A: To ensure the safety of rose petals or banana peels, make sure that they are pesticide-free and haven't been treated with any chemicals. If possible, use organic materials or ones that you have grown and harvested yourself. Always wash them thoroughly before use.

Q: How do I get the hang of using delicate materials like rice paper for rolling?

A: Working with delicate materials like rice paper can be tricky at first, but practice makes perfect. Handle the paper gently to avoid tearing and ensure even distribution of your herb. If needed, use a rolling machine to help make the process easier and achieve a consistent roll.

Q: Where can I purchase or find these alternative materials?

A: You can find corn husks at grocery stores or farmer’s markets, banana peels in your kitchen, rose petals at florists or your garden, cigarette paper from a friend or your own pack, and rice paper in your pantry or at an Asian grocery store.

Q: Can I flavor my rolling papers?

A: Yes, some rolling papers like rice paper come with flavored options. You can also add flavors to other natural materials by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Just ensure that any additional substances are safe to burn and inhale.

Q: Are there any natural alternatives that also enhance the flavor of my smoke?

A: Yes, materials like rose petals and banana peels can add a unique and pleasant flavor to your smoke. Experimenting with different natural alternatives allows you to discover new tastes and aromas that can make your smoking experience more enjoyable.

Q: What should I do if my rolled joint tears?

A: If your rolled joint tears, you can patch it up using a small piece of rolling paper or an additional layer of the same alternative material. Ensure it is sealed properly to prevent any herb from falling out and to maintain an even burn.

By exploring these FAQs, you can safely enjoy various rolling paper alternatives and enhance your smoking experience. Remember to prioritize your health and use materials that are safe and free from harmful substances.