Hemp vs Rice vs Wood Pulp Rolling Papers: What's the Difference?

When shopping for rolling papers, you'll probably notice that they come in different colours, textures, thicknesses and materials. Hemp, rice and wood pulp are some of the most commonly discussed options, but what actually makes them different?

You might have seen brands such as RAW, Elements, OCB, Rizla and G-Rollz offering different types of rolling papers. You may also have come across bamboo papers or alternative wraps made from natural leaves, such as King Palm.

In this guide, we'll explore the different materials used to make rolling papers, explain how they differ and look at some of the popular brands offering them.

Whether you're comparing different paper types or simply curious about what goes into a rolling paper, here's what you need to know.

1. What Are Rolling Papers Made From?

Rolling papers are made using thin sheets of plant-based fibres. The exact materials and manufacturing processes vary between brands and individual product ranges.

Some of the most common materials include:

• Hemp: Fibres obtained from the hemp plant.

• Rice: Rice-derived fibres, sometimes used in very thin paper formulations.

• Wood pulp: Cellulose fibres obtained from wood.

• Bamboo: Fibres obtained from bamboo plants.

• Flax: Fibres obtained from the flax plant, also known as linen.

It's worth remembering that not every rolling paper is made from just one material. Some manufacturers use blends of different fibres to achieve particular characteristics.

The paper itself is only one part of the finished product. Its thickness, weight, gum strip, watermark and manufacturing process can all influence its appearance and properties.

2. Hemp Rolling Papers

Hemp rolling papers are made using fibres from the hemp plant. Hemp has a long history in traditional paper production and is a popular material in modern rolling paper manufacturing.

Hemp papers are often associated with natural-looking finishes, particularly when sold as unbleached or organic varieties.

However, hemp papers aren't all identical. Different manufacturers use different fibre combinations, thicknesses and production methods.

What makes hemp papers different?

• Made using hemp plant fibres.

• Available in different thicknesses and finishes.

• Often available in unbleached varieties.

• Can be made using hemp alone or combined with other fibres.

Popular hemp rolling paper brands

RAW

RAW offers several different paper ranges, including its Organic Hemp range. Its individual products have different specifications, so it's worth checking the packaging when comparing materials.

Greengo

Greengo offers rolling paper products associated with natural and unbleached paper options. Check the individual product details for its specific material composition. Most Greengo papers are made from wood pulp.

G-Rollz

G-Rollz offers a varied range of rolling papers and cones, including organic hemp options and different designs. Its product ranges aren't all made from the same material.

Hemp papers are worth exploring if you're interested in plant-fibre alternatives and want to compare different paper finishes.

3. Rice Rolling Papers

Rice rolling papers are made using rice-derived fibres. They're particularly well known for being available in very thin paper formats.

One of the best-known brands associated with rice rolling papers is Elements.

Elements offers rice papers designed to be extremely thin, with its product range also featuring a distinctive watermark.

What makes rice papers different?

• Made using rice-derived fibres.

• Often available in ultra-thin formats.

• Generally have a lightweight appearance.

• Available in different sizes and formats.

Rice papers are frequently chosen by people looking for particularly thin rolling paper options.

It's important to remember that not every paper described as rice paper will have exactly the same composition. Always check the manufacturer's product specifications.

Popular rice rolling paper brand: Elements

Elements is particularly well known for its rice rolling paper range.

If you're comparing different paper materials, Elements is a useful brand to look at alongside hemp and wood pulp alternatives.

4. Wood Pulp Rolling Papers

Wood pulp is one of the traditional materials used in paper manufacturing.

Wood pulp rolling papers are made using cellulose fibres obtained from wood. They can vary considerably in thickness, colour, texture and finish depending on the manufacturing process.

Some are bright white, while others retain a more natural-looking colour.

Most Greengo rolling papers are made from wood pulp.

What makes wood pulp papers different?

• Made using wood-derived cellulose fibres.

• Available in different thicknesses.

• Can be white, coloured or natural-looking.

• Used across a wide variety of paper products.

Wood pulp is also used in many other everyday paper products, making it one of the most familiar paper-making materials.

Popular brands and ranges

OCB and Rizla both offer a variety of rolling paper products. However, their ranges include different materials and finishes, so it's important not to assume every product from either brand is made entirely from wood pulp.

When comparing individual products, check the manufacturer's specifications rather than relying on the brand name alone.

5. Bamboo Rolling Papers

Bamboo is another plant-based material used in rolling paper production.

Bamboo fibres can be processed into thin paper sheets and used either independently or as part of a wider fibre blend.

Bamboo papers are often marketed as an alternative to more traditional paper materials.

What makes bamboo papers different?

• Made using fibres from bamboo plants.

• Available in different paper weights and finishes.

• Can be used in different paper formulations.

• Composition varies between manufacturers.

Some brands offer dedicated bamboo ranges, while others may use bamboo as one component in a wider fibre blend.

G-Rollz also offers a varied catalogue, so check the specifications of individual products before deciding which material they use.

6. Flax Rolling Papers

Flax is another natural plant fibre used in paper production.

You might also see it referred to as linen, particularly when discussing the fibre itself.

Flax fibres have been used in traditional paper manufacturing and can be combined with other plant fibres.

What makes flax papers different?

• Made using fibres from the flax plant.

• Can be used in thin paper formulations.

• May be combined with other fibres.

• Available in different finishes depending on the manufacturer.

Flax is worth knowing about when comparing paper materials because not every rolling paper fits neatly into the hemp, rice or wood pulp categories.

7. King Palm: An Alternative to Traditional Rolling Papers

Although King Palm is often found alongside rolling papers and cones, its products are different from conventional rolling papers.

Rather than using a manufactured sheet of paper, King Palm wraps are made using natural Cordia palm leaves.

According to King Palm, its products use dried and cured palm leaves with filters made from corn husk.

What makes King Palm different?

• Uses natural Cordia palm leaves.

• Uses corn-husk filters.

• Supplied in pre-formed roll formats.

• Different sizes and product options are available.

King Palm is worth mentioning because it offers an alternative wrapping material rather than another variety of conventional rolling paper.

If you're comparing different materials, it's important to distinguish between manufactured rolling papers and natural leaf wraps.

8. Bleached vs Unbleached Rolling Papers

Another thing you'll notice when shopping for rolling papers is that some are described as bleached, while others are marketed as unbleached or natural.

These terms describe the processing and appearance of the paper rather than necessarily identifying the material used.

Bleached papers

Bleaching is a processing step used to lighten the colour of paper fibres.

This is why some rolling papers have a bright white appearance.

Unbleached papers

Unbleached papers haven't undergone the same whitening process and often retain a more natural-looking colour.

However, unbleached doesn't automatically mean that a paper is made from hemp, rice or any other particular fibre.

You can find different materials in both bleached and unbleached varieties.

9. What Does GSM Mean on Rolling Papers?

When comparing rolling papers, you might come across the term GSM.

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's a measurement used to describe the weight of paper.

In simple terms, it tells you how much a square metre of the paper weighs.

A lower GSM generally indicates a lighter sheet of paper, while a higher GSM indicates a heavier sheet.

However, GSM isn't the only factor that determines how a rolling paper feels or performs. Fibre composition, manufacturing and paper construction all play a part.

It's useful to understand GSM when comparing product specifications, especially when looking at different ultra-thin paper ranges.

10. Rolling Paper Gum Strips and Watermarks

The material used to make the paper isn't the only interesting part of its construction.

Two other features you'll commonly find are gum strips and watermarks.

What is the gum strip made from?

The gum strip is the adhesive section found along one edge of a rolling paper.

Many manufacturers use plant-derived gums, such as gum arabic, although the exact formulation can vary between products.

The gum strip is an important part of the paper's construction and helps the finished paper hold its shape.

Why do some rolling papers have watermarks?

Some rolling papers feature a pattern or watermark pressed into the paper during manufacturing.

Watermarks are used by manufacturers as part of their paper design and can also help distinguish different paper ranges.

RAW, for example, is well known for its distinctive watermark patterns.

11. Hemp vs Rice vs Wood Pulp vs Bamboo: Quick Comparison

Here's a quick overview of the different materials covered in this guide.

There isn't one material that is automatically best for everyone. Individual paper specifications and personal preferences matter just as much as the material itself.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Rolling Paper Materials

What are rolling papers made from?

Rolling papers are generally made from plant-based fibres, including hemp, rice-derived fibres, wood pulp, bamboo and flax. Some manufacturers use combinations of different materials.

Are hemp rolling papers made from cannabis?

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant cultivated for its industrial uses. Hemp rolling papers are made using hemp fibres and should not be confused with products containing cannabis extracts.

Are rice rolling papers made entirely from rice?

Not necessarily. Some products are marketed as rice papers but may use other ingredients or fibres as part of their formulation. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.

What is the difference between hemp and wood pulp rolling papers?

Hemp papers use fibres from the hemp plant, whereas wood pulp papers use cellulose fibres obtained from wood. Their appearance, thickness and construction can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Are unbleached rolling papers always made from hemp?

No. Unbleached describes how the paper has been processed, not the material itself. Unbleached papers can be made using different plant fibres.

What are bamboo rolling papers?

Bamboo rolling papers are manufactured using fibres obtained from bamboo plants. They can be made using bamboo alone or combined with other fibres.

Are King Palm wraps rolling papers?

No. King Palm wraps are made from natural Cordia palm leaves rather than conventional manufactured rolling paper. They also use corn-husk filters.

What does GSM mean on rolling papers?

GSM means grams per square metre. It's a measurement of paper weight and can help when comparing the specifications of different rolling papers.

Explore Rolling Papers at Papers Please

At Papers Please, we stock a selection of rolling papers and accessories from popular brands, including RAW, Elements, OCB, Rizla, Greengo and G-Rollz.

Whether you're comparing different paper materials, looking for a particular brand or exploring alternative wrapping products such as King Palm, you can browse our collections to find a range of options.

Explore our rolling papers collection at Papers Please.

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