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For centuries, people have been exploring different ways to consume cannabis. The earliest recorded bong, discovered by scientists, dates back 2,400 years, used by tribal leaders who smoked cannabis and opium from golden "vessels." Over time, the variety of smoking methods has expanded, and today’s cannabis enthusiasts have a wide range of choices for their smoking preferences.
At some point we all reach for the papers only to get a sinking feeling when we realize there are none left. If it’s late at night or the weather is nasty going out to get more may be a no-go. So what do you do? Just put the weed away and accept your fate? We don’t think so. If you’re out of rolling papers and don’t have any way to procure more you have plenty of options. In this guide the team at the Puffr wholesale head shop examine a slew of easy rolling paper alternatives.
"If you ever run out of paper, don’t worry. There are common household items you can use to create a quick smoking utensil in a pinch."
—Melissa Jaramillo, Author at Herb.co
At some point we all reach for the papers only to get a sinking feeling when we realize there are none left. If it’s late at night or the weather is nasty going out to get more may be a no-go. So what do you do? Just put the weed away and accept your fate? We don’t think so. If you’re out of rolling papers and don’t have any way to procure more you have plenty of options. In this guide the team at the Puffr wholesale head shop examine a slew of easy rolling paper alternatives.
Whether you’re home alone or with a bunch of friends there’s no need to panic if you run out of papers. Just employ one of these simple and practical alternatives.
Rolling Paper Alternatives
The Glass Pipe
At some point we all reach for the papers only to get a sinking feeling when we realize there are none left. If it’s late at night or the weather is nasty going out to get more may be a no-go. So what do you do? Just put the weed away and accept your fate? We don’t think so. If you’re out of rolling papers and don’t have any way to procure more you have plenty of options. In this guide the team at the Puffr wholesale head shop examine a slew of easy rolling paper alternatives.
Cigarette Paper
If you or one of your compadres smokes you’ve got an instant substitute for rolling papers. First, if the cigarette has a filter, cut it off. After that all you have to do is remove the tobacco, being careful not to damage the paper wrapping in the process. Once you have a nice clean tube of paper, pinch one end and then load the tube with your herb. You can tamp it down a bit as you go using a pen. Because you won’t have a lot of control over the finished product it’s bound to burn a little uneven, but it will get the job done.
Wrapping tissue
If you’ve recently bought shoes, or just about any other type of clothing that comes in a box, you probably have some wrapping tissue from that box laying around somewhere. While it is a wee bit thinner than rolling paper and will burn a little faster it is nonetheless a good substitute because it’s easy to manipulate. Just watch out you don’t burn your fingers or lips.
The Bong
You have a bong, don’t you? If not, you can pick up a beautiful customized bong from our online wholesale smoke shop any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. But let’s say you already have one. If you run out of papers just break out the bong and your evening won’t skip a beat. Just be mindful that bongs tend to burn through weed faster than joints. So if you want to make sure there’s some weed left for you after your buddies split, keep an eye on things.
The Aluminum Foil Pipe
So let’s say you don’t own a bong or any customized glass pipes and your search for alternative paper sources has come up empty. You still have options. One option stoners have been falling back on since Eisenhower was president is aluminum foil. Because aluminum foil is malleable you can sculpt it into whatever shape you want, including that of a pipe. Just wrap some around the last 3 inches or so of a straw and then fashion a bowl at the end of the straw. Poke a few holes in the bottom of the bowl, remove the straw and you’re ready to rock.
Chewing Gum Wrapper
Sticking with the theme of alternative papers for another minute, chewing gum paper has long been a go-to rolling paper for stoners who’ve emptied the rolling paper package. The trick is to find chewing gum paper that does NOT have foil covering one side. Instead you want plain white paper. We’re not going to provide any free advertising for one gum company over another but if you have some chewing gum in your house there’s about a 50/50 chance it will have the right type of paper.
A hot knife
Okay, you don’t have a glass pipe, custom bong, alternative papers or aluminum foil. So you’re screwed, right? Not yet. We’re pretty sure you have knives in your home somewhere (not hunting knives, table knives). If you do you’re in luck. All you have to do is heat the end of two knives over a lighter or stove. Place a bud on one of the hot tips and then press down onto the bud with the other hot knife tip. A decent puff of smoke should result that you can inhale, being careful to keep your face away from the hot knives. If you have knives with wooden or plastic handles, use them, since they won’t conduct the heat.
Fruit
Fruit is good for you in so many ways. If you’ve run out of papers and you have the right kind of fruit in your home you can use it to make a fruit bong that will tide you over until you’re able to get out to the store (or until the delivery comes from your online papers purchase). An apple is the ideal choice in this case because it’s palm-sized and firm.
To make an apple pipe cut a bowl shape out of the top then bore a hole from the bottom of the bowl straight down to the center of the apple. Then bore another hole into the side at a 45 degree angle until it meets the hole from the bowl. Then bore one more hole into the side of the apple until it meets the side hole. This will be your carb. Load the bowl, spark it up and relax.
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Other Rolling Paper Alternatives
- Sushi Nori Sheets – Seaweed sheets are thin and offer a neutral, slightly salty taste for a unique smoking experience.
- Corn Husks – Common in some cultures, these offer a rustic, natural alternative to traditional papers.
- Lettuce Leaves – A unique and fresh option, though it burns quickly and is best for small smokes.
- Coffee Filters – A common household item, coffee filters can serve as a makeshift rolling paper that burns slowly and evenly.
Each of these alternatives offers different properties, such as burn time, flavor, and texture, providing smokers with a wide variety of options to experiment with.
FAQs About Rolling Paper Alternatives
Generally, yes. Most rolling paper alternatives, like hemp wraps, rice paper, or natural leaves, are safe to use as long as they are free from chemicals, pesticides, or additives. It's important to ensure that the materials are organic or untreated to avoid inhaling harmful substances.
Hemp wraps and palm leaves are both excellent choices for a slow burn. Hemp wraps are particularly popular because they are natural, eco-friendly, and provide a smooth, long-lasting burn. Palm leaves are thick and sturdy, making them another great option for a slow-burning smoke.
Yes, some rolling paper alternatives - such as sushi nori, grape leaves or fig leaves - can add a subtle flavor to the smoke. If you're looking for an extra flavor kick, these options are worth trying.
When using alternatives like corn husks, coffee filters, or fig leaves, it’s important to moisten the edges lightly to help them stick. Take your time when rolling, as these materials may be more difficult to work with than regular paper. If you encounter difficulties, consider cutting the materials into smaller pieces to better fit your cannabis.
Factors to Consider First
Before deciding on a household item to use as a rolling paper replacement, tit's important to consider the following factors.
- Safety – Steer clear of materials like plastic and aluminum, as they can emit harmful fumes when heated. Opt for safer, more natural options like fruit or organic wrappers.
- Time and Effort – If you're in a rush, you can create an apple bowl in just a few minutes. What’s available to you will also influence your choice, but cigarette paper or pages from a book can be quick fixes. Just remember, these aren’t designed for rolling, so take your time and practice your technique.
- Taste – While homemade alternatives are handy in a pinch, they aren’t intended for smoking cannabis and may alter the flavor of your bud over time.
Conclusion
Anyone who has been enjoying cannabis for a while has run out of papers at some point. It’s an awful feeling if you were looking forward to sparking up a joint, but it doesn’t have to ruin your evening. Any of the alternative smoking methods detailed above will work in a pinch and your friends may even know of a few methods we didn’t cover here.
Shop the Puffr Wholesale Head Shop for All Your Cannabis Needs
The best way to ensure you’re never stuck without a way to fire up some weed is to pick up a custom bong, heady glass, vaporizer or other cannabis consumption device from the Puffr wholesale smoke shop. You’ll find the same outstanding selection online that we offer in our brick and mortar shop, so stop by today.