Are Hemp Wraps Better than Rolling Papers?
Are Hemp Wraps Better than Rolling Papers?
In the world of cannabis enthusiasts, the debate between hemp wraps and rolling papers is a heated one. Each option has its own unique appeal, and choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference. But what are the real differences, and which one might be better suited to your needs? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the comparison between hemp wraps and rolling papers, exploring their similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
What Do Hemp Wraps and Rolling Papers Have in Common?
At their core, both hemp wraps and rolling papers serve the same primary purpose: they are used to roll and smoke your preferred herb or tobacco. Both are made from natural materials, with hemp wraps being derived from the hemp plant and rolling papers often made from wood pulp, bamboo, rice, or hemp as well.
- All-Natural Experience: Both options offer a more natural smoking experience compared to traditional tobacco wraps or blunts. They don’t contain the same harmful chemicals or additives that you might find in other products. They are even better for the environment compared to tobacco.
- Variety of Flavors: While rolling papers are typically unflavored, hemp wraps come in a variety of flavors, enhancing the overall smoking experience. This variety can add an extra dimension to your sessions. Cones typically aren't flavored, but the option does exist. There are even some cones with a flavor bead in the tips that releases the flavors once you pop it.
- Customizable Sizes: Both hemp wraps and rolling papers come in various sizes, allowing you to roll anything from a small personal joint to a large, shareable blunt.
Key Differences Between Hemp Wraps and Rolling Papers
Although they share some similarities, hemp wraps and rolling papers have several key differences that can impact your smoking experience.
- Material and Texture: Hemp wraps are thicker and more robust, providing a sturdier wrap that’s less likely to tear. They are produced by weaving hemp fabric into rollable sheets. Rolling papers, on the other hand, are thin and delicate, which can be a bit more challenging for beginners to handle. Rolling papers are produced exactly like how most paper is produced and can be made of multiple materials including wood pulp, rice, cellulose, gold, and even hemp! Hemp rolling papers are much thinner and burn quicker than hemp wraps.
- Burn Rate: Hemp wraps tend to burn slower than rolling papers. This can lead to a longer-lasting session, making hemp wraps a popular choice for those who want to savor their smoke. The average hemp wrap blunt burns 1.7 times slower than rolling papers of the same size. Smoking a hemp wrap feels a lot more like toking on a blunt than smoking a joint.
- Flavor and Aroma: Hemp wraps usually have a more pronounced flavor and aroma due to the hemp material and added flavors. Rolling papers, particularly those made from rice or unbleached hemp, provide a cleaner, more neutral taste. Even the natural hemp wrap, though does not add any flavor - provides a bit more of a smokey taste.
- Rolling Experience: Because of their thickness, hemp wraps can be a bit harder to roll, especially for those new to hand-rolling. That is why companies like Wild Hemp have developed a proprietary waved edge for their hemp wraps, which helps people roll blunts much easier. Rolling papers are generally simple to manipulate, making them more beginner-friendly. There are also all sorts of easy to use machines that can fill and roll your joints for you.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Hemp Wraps
Strengths:
- Slow Burn: Hemp wraps burn slower, providing a longer, more enjoyable smoking experience.
- Rich Flavor: They often come in a variety of flavors that can complement the natural taste of your herb.
- Sturdiness: Less prone to tearing, making them ideal for rolling larger blunts.
Weaknesses:
- Difficulty in Rolling: The thickness and texture of hemp wraps can make them challenging to roll, especially for beginners. There are a lot more rolling machines that are compatible with papers than hemp blunt wraps.
- Higher Cost: Typically, hemp wraps are more expensive than traditional rolling papers. Wild Hemp sells 4 wraps for 99 cents while a booklet of rolling papers with 50 sheets can cost around $2.50.
- Holds More Flower: Hemp wraps tend to be larger than rolling papers on average so they can hold more weed inside them. The typical hemp wrap can hold 1.5 to 2.5 grams of weed depending on how its ground, while papers typically hold 0.75 to 1.25 grams.
- Availability: While growing in popularity, hemp wraps may not be as widely available as rolling papers.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Rolling Papers
Strengths:
- Ease of Use: Rolling papers are easier to handle and roll, making them more accessible for those new to rolling marijuana.
- Clean Taste: They provide a cleaner, more neutral flavor, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural taste of your weed.
- Cost-Effective: Rolling papers are generally cheaper than hemp wraps, making them a more economical choice.
- More Options: There is a lot more variety for rolling papers. You can get rolling papers made from rice, wood pulp, cellulose, bamboo, hemp, gold, etc. You can also find smoking papers in all sorts of shapes and sizes, though the most common sizes are 1 ¼ inch and king size.
Weaknesses:
- Quick Burn: Rolling papers burn faster than hemp wraps, which can result in a shorter smoking session.
- Fragility: They are more delicate and prone to tearing, especially if not handled carefully. You have to be really careful of marijuana stems if you are rolling up using papers.
How Do Cones Fit into All of This?
Cones are a convenient alternative for those who don’t want to roll their own. They are pre-rolled in a cone shape, ready to be filled with your choice of herb. You can have hemp wrap cones as well as paper cones: however, smoking paper cones are a lot more common than hemp wrap cones. Cones offer the best of both worlds by combining the ease of rolling papers with the slow-burning characteristics of hemp wraps, depending on the material used. They are perfect for those who want a quick and hassle-free smoking experience without sacrificing quality.
So What’s the Verdict: Hemp Wraps or Rolling Papers?
The choice between hemp wraps and rolling papers ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a longer-lasting, flavorful session and don’t mind a bit of extra effort in rolling, hemp wraps might be your go-to. This could be the better option if you are smoking with multiple people and want the weed to last. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick, clean, and easy-to-use option, rolling papers could be the better choice. This is perfect for the pot connoisseur who smokes by themselves.
For those who want convenience, cones offer a fantastic middle ground. Whether you’re new to rolling or a seasoned smoker, there’s a perfect option out there for everyone.
In the end, it’s all about what suits your style and enhances your smoking experience. Explore, experiment, and find what works best for you!