Walk into any smoke shop, and the wall of rolling papers can be a bit much. Wood pulp, rice, hemp, King Size, 1 1/4... what’s the difference, and how do you find the right one for you?

Don't sweat it. We've been there, and we've rolled with them all. Consider this your definitive guide from the team at Cannacabana. We’re breaking down everything you need to know—from materials and sizes to the nitty-gritty of gum strips and burn rates. Our goal is to help you skip the guesswork and pick the perfect paper for your next session.

What Materials Are Used to Make Rolling Papers?

The material of a rolling paper is the biggest factor in how it feels, tastes, and burns. While there are lots of options out there, your main choices will almost always come down to three core materials: wood pulp, hemp, and rice. Let's break them down.

Wood Pulp: The Reliable Classic

These are the old-school, tried-and-true papers you’ve probably seen everywhere. Made from tree cellulose fibers, they’re the OG of the rolling world.

If you're just learning to roll, wood pulp papers are your best friend. They have a bit of thickness and a textured grip that makes them more forgiving and less likely to tear than other options. They burn at a medium rate—not too fast, not too slow. The only trade-off? Some people notice a slight "paper" taste. You can find them in both bleached (white) and unbleached (light brown) styles.

Hemp: The Eco-Friendly Choice

Hemp papers have become incredibly popular, and for good reason. Made from the fibers of the industrial hemp plant, they offer a great middle-ground option.

Most users switch to hemp for the slow, even burn that makes for a longer-lasting session. They're thinner than wood pulp but still have enough texture to make rolling easy. Flavor-wise, hemp papers are a big step up from wood pulp, offering subtle, slightly earthy notes that don’t overpower your flower. Most hemp papers are unbleached, keeping their natural light-brown color.

Explore our full range of Pure Hemp Rolling Papers

Rice: The Flavor-Saver's Choice

For the purists out there, there's rice paper. Manufactured from processed rice, these are the thinnest and lightest papers you can buy.

The number one reason to choose rice paper is the taste—or lack thereof. These papers are practically flavorless, letting you taste your material and nothing else. They also have the slowest burn rate of all. The catch? Rice papers can be tricky for beginners. Their ultra-thin, smooth texture offers very little grip, and their tendency to go out if not actively smoked can be a drawback for some.

Other Rolling Paper Materials

You might also come across these less common options:

• Flax Papers: Silky, thin, and slow-burning with minimal flavor, much like rice papers. Flax is often used in blends with other fibers.

• Cellulose Papers: These are the famous transparent papers. They're made from plant cellulose film, not paper, and are known for their unique look and slow burn.

What Are the Standard Rolling Paper Sizes?

Rolling paper sizes are standardized across the industry so you always know what you're getting. The size determines exactly how much material you can pack. Here’s a rundown of the most common options, from a quick personal roll to a party-sized monster.

Table Definition: The following table breaks down the industry's most common rolling paper sizes, their approximate dimensions, and their primary use case.

In summary, your choice of size comes down to who you're smoking with. The 1 1/4 is the undisputed champion for solo sessions, while King Size is the go-to when you're sharing with the crew.

What Other Features Define a Rolling Paper?

Beyond the material and size, two other features come up: the gum strip that seals the deal and the "bleached vs. unbleached" debate.

What is the Gum Strip on a Rolling Paper?

That thin, shiny strip along the edge of your paper is the gum strip. It’s a moisture-activated adhesive that seals your roll. Just lick it, stick it, and you're good to go.

The industry standard for this adhesive is acacia gum (or gum arabic), a natural, edible gum harvested from the acacia tree. It's completely tasteless and colorless, so it won’t interfere with your smoke.

What is the Difference Between Bleached and Unbleached Papers?

This one is purely about looks. The terms refer to whether the plant fibers were whitened during manufacturing.

• Bleached Papers: These papers are treated with whitening agents (like calcium carbonate) to get a crisp, white look. This was the standard for decades.

• Unbleached Papers: These papers skip the whitening process, leaving them with a natural light brown color. Their popularity has soared as consumers look for less-processed products.

There's no real difference in strength or burn rate. The choice is 100% about your personal aesthetic preference.

How to Choose the Right Rolling Paper for You?

Okay, let's put it all together. Choosing the right paper isn't about finding the "best" one—it's about finding the best one for the occasion. Here’s our cheat sheet based on what you’re looking for:

• If You're New to Rolling: Go with a wood pulp paper in a 1 1/4 size. Seriously. The thicker paper and grippy texture make the learning process way less frustrating. It's the perfect starting point.

• If You're All About the Flavor: You want a paper that stays out of the way. Rice papers are your best bet, as they're virtually tasteless. Hemp papers are a close second with a very subtle, clean flavor.

• If You Want a Long, Slow Burn: To make your session last, you need a slow-burning paper. Both rice and hemp papers burn slowly and evenly, giving you more mileage from your material.

• If You're Rolling for the Whole Crew: When you need capacity for a group, King Size papers are the only way to go. They're specifically designed to hold enough material for sharing. Go for a King Slim if you want the length without the extra girth. Check out our Pre-Rolled Cones if you want to skip rolling altogether.

Rolling Papers FAQ

What are the easiest rolling papers for a beginner to use?

We always recommend wood pulp papers in a 1 1/4 size for beginners. They're sturdier and have more grip, which makes them much more forgiving when you're just starting out.

Which rolling papers burn the slowest?

Rice papers have the slowest burn rate, period. Hemp papers are also a fantastic option for a long, slow, and even burn.

What are pre-rolled cones?

Pre-rolled cones are a game-changer for convenience. They are papers that are already shaped into a cone with a filter tip in place. All you have to do is fill them up—no rolling skills required.

Browse our collection of Pre-Rolls

Do I really need a filter tip (crutch)?

A filter tip (or crutch) is that little piece of rolled-up cardstock at the mouthpiece. While not strictly necessary, we think they make a huge difference. A crutch adds stability to your roll, prevents the end from getting soggy, and stops any loose bits from flying into your mouth.