Rolling it up without RAW
Art by Melanie Rizzo
The news of RAW’s recent court case left us all feeling a bit bamboozled. In case you missed it, as of January 31st, 2023, a jury verdict found Raw Organic Hemp to be participating in unfair business practices, essentially pointing to a web of lies covering everything from their nonexistent charity, The RAW Foundation, how and where their papers are manufactured, as well as a slew of other claims that they are now forbidden to state publicly or in any of their marketing. Since we prefer to support businesses that prioritize integrity, craft, and transparency, we started putting together a list of easily accessible go-to brands that we all know and love.
As a joint aficionado, I frequently try new papers in an attempt to find the smoothest smoke that doesn’t burn too quickly or cover up the taste of my delicious and intentionally selected flower. Additionally, I try to source papers that are sustainably made with organic materials. When all of these boxes are checked, those papers become a staple in my stash box. I’ve found that sometimes the most affordable papers are my favorites, so I tend to eschew nifty packaging or expensive options for the dependable and familiar. In my experience, paper preferences are personal, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt (or a puff of smoke) as my criteria may be different from your own.
What criteria makes great rolling papers?
There are just a few factors that I look for in my papers. First of all, they must be very thin to the point that they’re nearly translucent. I enjoy “King Slim” sizes - they’re longer and thinner, meaning I can spark a joint in the afternoon, put it out, and enjoy the rest after dinner. I prefer to roll less joints. Some may prefer to roll double-stuffed j’s with extra wide papers - that’s your call. Do you. Enjoy!
Secondly, I typically select unbleached hemp papers. There’s something about rolling cannabis with hemp papers that feels right, but maybe I am a purist. Bleached papers are lighter and sturdier, making them burn longer but in exchange, you’re smoking paper treated with chemicals like chlorine. Overall, hemp is more sustainable than paper derived from trees, since hemp grows much faster and is not contributing to deforestation.
Finally, flavor. I do not enjoy flavored papers. When I roll up a joint, I do so using flower that I’ve chosen for flavor and aroma. I want to taste the earthy notes or bright fruit flavors of the flavonoids and terpenes growers worked so hard to cultivate and fine tune.
If my criteria seems to align with yours, read on to discover some of my favorite papers - in no particular order. If you disagree, write me a passionate, heartfelt letter and make an argument for YOUR favorite papers. I’m happy to scoop them up at my local smoke shop and add them into my repertoire should I find your argument sound. Friendly debate is always welcome here at Fat Nugs Magazine.
Disclaimer: We value health, safety, and integrity. This guide is simply meant to be a list of my personal favorites that can be found at most smoke shops nationwide. It is by no means an exhaustive list.
Sackville Co.
Sackville’s papers are very Millennial aesthetic. The pretty branding captures your eye and appears upscale, yet their papers are simple and approachable. Each pack comes with tips and is made with 100% organic hemp with Arabic gum adhesive. Buy them in colors like black, yellow, blue, or pink. They’re a fun alternative to your ordinary papers and cost about $4. Buy them here.
Pure Hemp
My personal favorite, Pure Hemp papers are classics. Made in the Catalan region of Spain by a family that’s been making paper for nearly 300 years, Pure Hemp is focused on purity and sustainability. They make a bleached and unbleached line in various sizes, in addition to cones. Their unbleached King size papers come in at around $2 a pack.
Zig-Zag
Zig-Zag has an interesting history dating back to the 1800s in France, as well as a notable presence in pop culture. Their iconic Zouave has been used in concert posters by Janis Joplin and in imagery associated with Dr. Dre’s debut album, The Chronic. Aside from their notoriety, the brand now manufactures a variety of papers, from premium cones and wraps, to rose wraps made from actual rose petals. As of 2018, Zig-Zag launched a line of organic hemp papers that eventually made their way into my hands. Grab a pack of six for 10 bucks.
JOB
Since 1838, JOB has been manufacturing papers in France, with early advertisements designed by the legend of art nouveau, Alphonse Mucha. Over 150 years later, JOB creates high quality papers made out of a combination of wood, flax, and hemp, designed for all tastes. In addition to their ultra-thin and super slow burning organic hemp papers (roughly $3), their classic 1 ¼ Orange papers (~ $1) burn slowly with no bad taste.
OCB
Another brand with a French origin and over 100 years of history, OCB produces organic hemp and bamboo papers, in addition to wood and flax fiber derived papers. Dye-free and chemical-free, the company asserts that they value sustainability and eco-friendly practices - from sourcing to manufacturing. Overall, their papers are slow burning and easy to roll with an acacia gum line to hold it all together. Treat yourself to Mother Nature-approved unbleached “Virgin” papers for only $2.
Got papers that deserve to be included on the list? Contact us for a product review.