Rolling papers introduce materials that affect inhalation during the combustion process. People seeking the healthiest option look to minimize the potential harm associated with burning and inhaling non-plant matter. The health impact of a rolling paper is determined by two primary factors: the composition of the base fiber and the chemical treatments or additives used during manufacturing. This examination guides consumers toward selections that reduce chemical exposure and the volume of combustion byproducts.
Understanding the Base Materials
Rolling papers are primarily sourced from highly processed plant fibers, including wood pulp, rice, and hemp or flax. Traditional wood pulp papers are typically the thickest, making them easier for novice users to handle. However, their thickness means a greater volume of material is combusted, contributing more smoke and ash. Rice papers are manufactured from processed rice and are known for being ultra-thin (often 10–13 gsm). This thinness ensures the least amount of paper material is burned, resulting in minimal ash and a neutral flavor profile. Hemp and flax papers offer a balance of durability and a slower, more even burn, sitting between wood pulp and rice in thickness.
Processing Chemicals and Additives
The most significant health concerns arise from the chemical treatments applied during processing, not the base fiber. White rolling papers are bleached, often using chlorine or chlorine dioxide. When chlorine-bleached papers are burned, they can release trace amounts of harmful chemical residues and toxins. Many manufacturers now use unbleached or oxygen-based whitening processes to avoid chlorine, resulting in the paper’s natural brown or tan color. Calcium carbonate (chalk) is a common additive in wood pulp papers used to control the burn rate and ensure a consistent burn. While this prevents the paper from “running,” it adds non-fiber mass that is combusted and inhaled. Papers with artificial flavors, dyes, or metallic inks often contain chemical compounds, such as copper-based pigments or artificial sweeteners, that are not intended for inhalation. The adhesive strip, typically natural gum arabic, is generally safe, but synthetic options exist in lower-quality products.
Comparing Combustion Byproducts
The primary health consideration is minimizing the inhalation of combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide, tar, and particulate matter. Burning any cellulose-based material produces these toxins, but papers that minimize the total mass burned are preferred. Ultra-thin rice and pure cellulose papers contribute the least to the total smoke volume and fewer pyrolysis toxins because they contain less material. Thicker, bleached papers or those containing combustion-control additives generate more complex byproducts. For example, calcium carbonate adds mass that must be burned, and chlorine residues can create additional harmful compounds when subjected to high heat. Unadulterated, unbleached papers composed of hemp or rice fibers burn cleanly, reducing the introduction of chemicals that could form toxic compounds upon pyrolysis.
Identifying Key Indicators for Safer Selection
Consumers can make a more informed choice by focusing on specific material indicators when purchasing rolling papers.
Key Indicators
- Color: Naturally brown or tan papers are unbleached, avoiding the chemical process that often involves chlorine.
- Thickness: Prioritize ultra-thin papers, as the grammage directly relates to the amount of material combusted, producing less ash and smoke volume.
- Labeling: Look for papers explicitly labeled as “chlorine-free,” “unbleached,” or “organic” to ensure a cleaner fiber source.
- Additives: Avoid papers that are artificially colored, flavored, or feature metallic inks, as these introduce unnecessary chemical compounds.
- Adhesives: Choose papers made with natural adhesives, such as gum arabic, and those that do not contain visible chalk lines or burn-enhancing additives.