Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Robert Beadle. Disclosure: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase tobacco products in the United States, both online and in-store. We don’t promote smoking. However, if you are of legal age, please make informed choices. Our products are intended for adults who understand the associated risks.
After 30 years of pearling my own joints, I’ve tried just about every brand of rolling papers ever made and sold. That includes classic tobacco papers like Tops, Bugler, and Smoking. However, I’m going to stick to the papers that most people use for rolling buds, which can also be used for tobacco, especially those who appreciate better rolling papers! Speaking of, I’ve tried at least 35 rolling paper brands in my time, including, but not limited to, Raw, Randy’s, Bob Marley, E-Z Wider, Joker, Juicy, Big Bambu, and many others. I like all of those brands just mentioned, but as I got older, my preferences changed, for example, when I was in my 20s, I used to love Big Bambu rolling papers, but as the years passed, I found myself leaning more toward smoother, lighter, slower burning papers that produce less ash, so I don’t smoke them that often anymore, but they’re still damn good.
1. Raw Rolling Papers
Raw is hands down my favorite rolling paper brand of all time, especially the Classic 1¼ size; those are the ones! I’ve been rolling joints for decades, and nothing matches the consistency, feel, and burn of Raw Classic papers. They’re unrefined and made from natural plant fibers, giving them a signature light brown look with no added chalk or dyes. I appreciate how they burn slowly, smoothly, and evenly, as the watermark really does help prevent runs. The gum is water-based and adheres well without being overly sticky or having a chemical-like taste. As someone who values clean-burning, high-quality rolling papers, Raw delivers every single time. So if you appreciate rolling papers that work with you, not against you, I recommend Raw.
2. OCB Rolling Papers
OCB has been around my entire life, and it’s my second-favorite rolling paper of all time. With roots dating back to the early 1800s, this brand has clearly withstood the test of time. Their Premium 1¼ and Virgin papers are my two personal favorites. The papers are thin, burn evenly, and leave minimal ash behind. I’ve used them when I want something close to Raw but more traditional. OCB’s natural acacia gum holds well, and I never have to re-seal or worry about it unrolling. They’re a great option for anyone who enjoys a clean burn with very little paper flavor. I recommend this brand to anyone seeking a reliable, easy-to-roll rolling paper.
3. Zig Zag Rolling Papers
Zig Zag is the first brand I ever rolled with, and I still keep a pack around. That orange pack is iconic for a reason. Known for their even burn and reliability, Zig Zag has been around since the 1800s, and they’ve adapted well. Their classic papers are thicker than Raw or OCB, but that also makes them more forgiving if you’re in a rush or rolling on the go. They seal well, burn straight, and are widely available, which is a significant advantage. Over the years, I’ve used their white, unbleached, and even the flavored ones just for fun. While I now lean toward thinner papers most days, Zig Zag is still a reliable choice that deserves its spot in my top five.
4. Hempire Rolling Papers
Hempire was one of the first 100% hemp rolling papers I ever tried, and I remember being surprised by how smooth and natural they felt. These are ultra-thin, burn slowly, and are made without any tree pulp, which gives them a light, earthy profile I like when I’m rolling something on the organic side. I roll with Hempire every now and then, but it’s more on my mood than anything. Based on my experience, the gum sticks well, and they don’t canoe as long as your roll is right. As the only hemp-based papers on my list, they’re also the only brand that can balance durability with thinness. They’re also a great introduction for anyone switching from wood-based papers to hemp. They might not have the same name recognition as some other brands, but for hemp papers, they’re top-tier.
5. Zen Rolling Papers
Zen rounds out the list, but don’t let the ranking fool you. I’ve used Zen off and on since the late 90s, and they’ve always delivered a smooth, mild burn. They’re made with rice and hemp blends, so they’re thin, with no added flavor, and the gum line is clean and consistent. Zen papers are especially suitable for those who prefer an easy roll with minimal paper. They also work well in both hand-rolled and machine-made applications. The unbleached options are a plus if you’re avoiding chemicals, and I’ve found them to be one of the better options for those who want something budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Other than that, they’re dependable, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Only You Can Choose the Best Rolling Papers
At the end of the day, only you can choose the best rolling papers! To find the ones for you, I recommend trying one of these top five options, beginning with Raw or OCB, both of which are excellent choices that I would recommend to anyone. Not only do I use them often, but they’re also the two best-selling brands in the world, replacing a title once held by Zig Zag! All I can say is, once you find the ones for you, you’ll never settle for less. Here at Bluegrass Tobacco, we carry all brands, all sizes, and paper options. Unfortunately, we don’t sell single packs; we only have display boxes, which are cheaper than buying a pack at a time. If you choose to shop with us, you’ll be pleased to know that we ship to all 50 states, plus we offer flat-rate shipping prices and free shipping on all qualifying orders. In other words, the more you buy, the more you save!
