Written by Joshua Sosin

Rolling up is a ritual — from the grind to the spark, every step matters. But sometimes, the one thing you really need — rolling papers — just isn’t around. Maybe you ran out, maybe you're on the go, or maybe you're just feeling creative. Either way, the question comes up: what can you use instead of rolling papers?

Let’s break down some of the most popular (and most creative) rolling paper alternatives, from the classics to the questionable — and what’s worth keeping in your stash for emergencies.

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Table of Contents

• Classic Rolling Paper Alternatives

• Organic and Natural Options

• Creative (But Risky) Substitutes

• What Not to Use as Rolling Paper

• Best Backup Options to Keep Around

• Final Thoughts

Classic Rolling Paper Alternatives

1. Empty Cigarette Papers

If you’ve got a cigarette on hand, you can carefully empty it and repack it with your cannabis. Just twist off the filter (or replace it with a crutch) and fill it back up with your grind the way you would assemble a hand-rolled cigarette.

Not ideal for everyone — especially if you’re trying to avoid tobacco — but it’s a go-to for a reason. The paper is already designed to burn evenly.

Keep in mind that we don't endorse the use of tobacco products here at Mood.

2. Corn Husks

A staple in Caribbean and Central American cannabis culture, dried corn husks have been used for generations. They’re sturdy, natural, and burn slowly. You’ll want to moisten them slightly before rolling to make them more pliable.

They’re best used with a bit of rolling experience under your belt — but once you get the hang of it, they’re surprisingly reliable.

Organic and Natural Options

3. Rose Petals

Yes — real rose petals. They’re beautiful, aromatic, and 100% natural. Gently roast a few in the oven for just a few seconds to make them more flexible, then layer and roll. You’ll need a few petals for one joint, but the vibe? Immaculate.

Rose petal rolls are more of a novelty — but they’re a solid option if you want something special and you’re out of papers.

4. Raw Leaves

Some cannabis lovers use big, clean, fresh leaves from herbs like mint or sage. These can be wrapped around a tightly packed crutch or a pre-rolled cone. You’ll need to secure it with a little natural adhesive — like a dab of honey — and be ready for an earthy, herbal twist.

Not the easiest to work with, but if you're somewhere green and wild (or have a home grow), this is an option rooted in nature.

5. Blunt Wraps or Hemp Wraps

If you don’t have traditional rolling papers but do have wraps around — great news. Hemp wraps are thicker than papers but made specifically for rolling flower. They burn smooth, they’re tobacco-free, and they pack a punch.

This one’s not exactly an emergency option — more like a backup MVP.

Creative (But Risky) Substitutes

If you're looking to smoke weed but don't have rolling papers, you can give one of these alternatives a try. However, keep in mind that they aren't the best options.

6. Gum Wrappers (Aluminum Foil Removed)

You’ve probably heard this one before — peeling off the foil lining of a gum wrapper and using the paper underneath. And yes, it can technically work. But keep in mind: these are not made for smoking.

If you go this route, make sure there’s absolutely no foil left on the wrapper. Use as a last resort only — and understand the risks of smoking anything that wasn’t made to be smoked.

7. Receipts, Notebooks, or Other Thin Paper

Receipts and notebook paper might seem like a smart substitute, but here’s the issue: most of that paper is full of chemicals, dyes, and coatings that are not safe to inhale.

Even if it burns, it doesn’t mean you should light it up.

If you’re considering this route, pause. There are better options — like a simple homemade pipe or using a bong, if you’ve got one.

What Not to Use as Rolling Paper

Let’s just say it clearly: not everything that burns should be smoked.

Here are a few things to never use as rolling paper:

• Plastic or glossy paper: This includes magazine pages, food wrappers, and anything shiny or laminated. Toxic when burned.

• Newspaper or printed paper: Ink and dye = no go.

• Aluminum foil: It's not a rolling paper. It’s not a bowl. Just skip it.

• Random leaves from outside: If you can’t ID it, don’t inhale it.

It’s always better to use a different method — like a bowl or bong — than to risk your lungs with something sketchy.

Best Backup Options to Keep Around for Rolling Joints

To avoid the paper panic in the future, stash one (or more) of these for next time:

• Pre-roll cones — Easy to use, mess-free, and ready to go.

• Hemp wraps or rice papers — Slow-burning and flavorful. A favorite for cannabis enthusiasts.

• Glass one-hitter or chillum — Compact and perfect for travel.

• Rolling papers in your wallet — Old-school stoner trick that still holds up for whenever you're ready to start rolling.

We’ve all been there — stuck with no papers and no plan. But a little preparation goes a long way when the mood strikes.

Get The Best Rolling Papers and Flower From Mood Pre-Rolls

Rolling is part of the experience of enjoying a perfect joint. And while nothing beats a fresh pack of papers and your favorite Mood strain, it’s good to know your options when things don’t go according to plan.

If you want the best possible smoking experience, go for a Mood Pre-Roll. Made with high-quality USA-grown flower and premium Futurola papers, these are convenient, powerful, and flavorful joints that anyone can enjoy.

Use the code "FIRST20" to get 20% off your first pre-roll order.