With all the different types of rolling papers available these days, it's hard to determine which ones are the healthiest rolling papers and which ones just have good marketing. If you’re familiar with the cannabis industry, you’ve probably heard that hemp paper is one of the healthiest options for smokers. But, there are many misconceptions about hemp and what the healthiest rolling papers are.
That’s why we are breaking down exactly what hemp papers are and if they are actually healthier than smoking other types of paper.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant in the cannabis family that is grown for industrial and medical use. Hemp has been around for more than 10,000 years and has been used for a variety of reasons including paper, clothing, textiles, rope, and building materials.
According to MIT, hemp paper was actually the first paper to be created in 150 BC.
The hemp plant is different from a marijuana plant because it contains very low trace amounts of THC. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% THC or less. These amounts are too low for anyone to experience psychoactive effects, so hemp is approved by federal law and is legal to use.
Hemp produces higher amounts of cannabidiol (CBD) and is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of CBD on the market. Although, when rolling paper manufacturers use hemp as their paper, it does not contain any CBD.
Hemp papers are made from the fibrous stalks of the plant which don’t actually contain any CBD, so smoking them will not get you high or have other side effects. These fibrous stalks are called “bast fibers”.
The bast fibers are essentially split into three categories: primary, secondary, and tow. Each category has a different cell strength and cell wall thickness. These determine the fiber’s strength, durability, and primary uses.
Many consider hemp the healthiest rolling paper because it comes from the same plant as the marijuana you’re smoking. Hemp is also considered more sustainable because it grows back faster than the trees that produce paper. However the debate over what are the healthiest rolling papers is pretty intense, and many still wonder: are hemp papers healthy?
Are Hemp Papers Healthy to Smoke?
Originally, rolling papers were made from corn husks because of their fibrous content. Today, we use the fibrous content of the hemp plant instead but just because they are naturally derived doesn’t mean they are healthy for us.
So are hemp papers healthy? According to the American Lung Association, inhaling smoke of any kind is going to be bad for your lungs and your health.
When you use hemp paper for your rolling papers, it is still getting burned at the end of the day and causing carbon and ash to go into your lungs.
In this respect, it is no healthier of an option than traditional wood pulp based papers that are used for regular cigarettes and some rolling papers.
Although hemp paper itself is not any healthier to smoke than bleached white paper or beige natural fiber papers, the additives that some companies use can be more or less healthy.
This includes added dye, chalks, flavorings, and other materials that a company will use to make their product more appealing but less healthy. Ultimately, the healthiest rolling papers are those with the fewest additives. Any paper you must burn and inhale may put a strain on your lungs. But that strain is exacerbated by harmful chemicals and additives that companies put in their rolling papers for various reasons.
Some companies bleach their papers to make them white which can leave a residue of chemicals. Hemp papers tend to not be bleached, although it depends on the manufacturer. The best way to determine if hemp papers are healthy is to read the packaging and see if it mentions anything suspicious. The healthiest rolling papers are usually the ones that say 100% natural or organic. These will typically have no potentially harmful toxins that could damage your lungs.
What Are the Healthiest Rolling Papers?
If you decide to stick with hemp for personal reasons, these are some of the healthiest rolling papers that do a better job than others of providing a safer option.
RAW Organic Hemp Papers - You might have heard of this brand as they are one of the largest in the industry for producing rolling papers of any kind. Their reputable brand should put you at ease for the quality of their products. Their organic hemp papers contain no dyes or chalks for what are perhaps the healthiest rolling papers possible.
Vibes Hemp Cones - If you have trouble rolling your papers or ripping them while trying to get your smoke session going, Vibes Hemp Cones pre rolled hemp papers are the way to go. All the hard work is done for you so all you have to do is fill them up with up to 1 gram of flower.
Hemp ZigZag Organic Papers - The eco-conscious smoker will enjoy rolling papers from ZigZag, another staple in the rolling paper industry. Made with unbleached, ultra-thin paper, these provide a smoother hit compared to some of its competitors. They use 100% renewable hemp fibers so you don’t have to worry about the environment on your smoke break.
Pure Unbleached Single Wide Papers - Offering a variety of sizes, these unbleached single wide rolling papers are also chlorine-free, meaning your drags will be easy on the lungs. You can even pick from a variety of sizes depending on how much flower you want to put in each.
Bambu Organic Hemp King Size Papers - Bambu uses 100% organic hemp for their rolling papers and even includes a quality assurance starter sheet with every booklet you purchase. A box will come with 50 king size booklet rolling papers.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Papers?
So, if hemp papers aren’t necessarily the healthiest rolling papers then what is the benefit of smoking them? Although hemp papers are not necessarily healthier than other alternatives, they also aren’t more dangerous. But they also offer numerous benefits that offer a more enjoyable experience. Here are a few reasons why hemp rolling papers are preferred by smokers everywhere.
All Natural
Hemp papers tend to be all natural and derived from the same plant that produces cannabis. Therefore, hemp papers are healthier than other alternatives in some scenarios. It’s less common for hemp papers to contain harmful substances that may damage your lungs. So most people wondering what are the healthiest rolling papers typically start with hemp because it has a more natural look and feeling. Plus, hemp is also typically grown without fertilizers or pesticides, which often results in healthier rolling papers than other common alternatives.
Burn Rate
Despite being quite thin, hemp papers often burn at a slower rate than traditional wood pulp rolling papers and other alternatives. It ultimately depends on how well your pack and light the joint, but many smokers find that hemp provides a smooth even burn.
The reason burn rate is important is because it translates to a more pleasant smoking experience. Have you ever lit up only to find your entire joint obliterated in a few puffs? A slower burn rate means you can enjoy yourself for longer and won’t have to hyperventilate just to get the most out of your bud. So if you’re in search of healthiest rolling papers that offer the most pleasant smoking experience, you should consider hemp.
Easier to Roll
Many smokers also find hemp papers easier to roll than other alternatives. Hemp papers often have a texture that makes them easier to roll than rice papers and other alternatives. It gives you an extra grip that makes the motion of creating a perfect cone much easier. Plus, it’s very durable, which means it won’t fall apart in your hands while you’re trying to roll.
Have you ever gone through multiple papers trying to get the perfect shape? Hemp papers can help you avoid this and get it right on the first try with a strong and easy to grip surface that offers maximum control and flexibility while rolling.
Are Hemp Rolling Papers Healthy?
The short answer is no; even the healthiest rolling papers aren’t healthy to smoke. That’s because burning any kind of paper releases carbon and ash into your lungs which can have long-term effects. Your lungs are designed to breathe in oxygen and any time you inhale additional substances that aren’t natural for your body, it can cause health issues. But as long as you use moderation and are careful about what you’re smoking, you won’t do much long term damage.
But are hemp papers healthy compared to the alternatives? What makes hemp papers healthier than other options is when they aren’t treated with harmful chemicals. Hemp growers often go to great lengths to ensure that plants are grown in natural conditions. Plus, hemp papers often feature the least chemicals and additives because they are preferred by brands looking to offer a healthier product. So while all rolling papers offer some health risks, in general hemp tends to be a better alternative.
So if you want to know what are the healthiest rolling papers, try to find hemp papers that aren’t treated with additives. Read the packaging and look for any signs of bleaching or the addition of other toxins that could potentially be harmful.
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