How to Roll a Joint Without Papers

Just because you’re out of rolling papers doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You’ve just got to get creative and think outside of the box. There are plenty of alternatives to rolling papers from gum wrappers, empty cigarettes to even a page from a Bible if you dare. Here’s how to roll a joint without papers along with the best subsitutes.

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Empty Cigarettes

If you happen to have a few smokes lying around or, alternatively, live right next to a gas station, cigarette papers are going to be your friend for the night.

Gently twist and roll the cigarette between your fingers to empty its contents out. Fill it back up with your choice of herb. While some people don’t mind the cigarette’s carbon filter, you might find the experience is much better without it.

If you’re wondering how to roll a huge joint without rolling papers, try emptying a cigar instead.

Rice Paper

The downside to cigarette papers is that they tend to be thicker than standard rolling papers. A good alternative is rice paper. It is thinner and quite tasteless, so you really get to enjoy the taste of your toke.

Rice paper is also great for joints because it burns slowly. And some people consider it a sustainable and safe choice as well.

While hemp papers are widely considered the healthiest option, alternatives like rice paper come pretty close. Other options like rice paper include flax and wheat papers, which are also sustainable and healthy alternatives to regular rolling papers.

Gum Wrappers

While it may be the best option, not everyone has rice paper laying around their home. A more accessible option would be gum wrappers.

As you chew up the gum, you can begin to prep the wrapper for a joint. Start by gently heating it on the colored side with a lighter. Keep them a few inches apart so you don’t burn the wrapper. Then gently peel the paper and colored foil coating apart. Be sure to get all the foil off.

Once done, you’ve got yourself papers ready for rolling.

Bibles, Dictionaries, and Yellow Pages

While you may not have rolling papers, you can use paper-based materials as substitutes. Just make sure they’re not chemically treated, too thick, or otherwise compromised and unsuitable for rolling.

Phone books and dictionaries might seem like relics of a time long since passed. But the pages of such books are surprisingly well-suited to toking. This is because the paper used in them is pretty thin. This makes it close enough to rolling papers to work quite well.

Just be careful while working with these alternatives. They’re prone to ripping quite easily, so be gentle when handling them, especially when using filters.

Corn Husks

Knowing how to roll a joint with papers is a skill that will come in handy in a pinch at least once in your life. It’s also an interesting way to change things up if your toking routine has gotten a little stale.

A common alternative to rolling papers is dried corn husk. Especially so in regions where corn is produced, such as Jamaica.

The fibrous membrane of corn husks makes them easy to work with. They’re sturdy and porous enough and stick well. If they don’t stick easily because they’re too dry, try a touch of honey.

An added bonus with corn husks is that they don’t come with the papery taste rolling papers are known for. This makes them a much better choice than papers.

Try a Makeshift Pipe

If you’re not vibing with any of the above methods, you could try making a makeshift pipe. Apples are a rather fun experiment that most stoners have tried at least once. But in case you haven’t done the groceries just yet, you could just as easily make a pipe out of a toilet paper cardboard roll.

Create a ¾” hole about an inch away from one end of the roll. This will be your “bowl.” Line the hole with a double layer of aluminum foil, making sure to indent it to resemble an actual bowl. Perforate the bottom of your makeshift bowl before securing it in place.

Fill it up, and toke away. It may not be as good as a real pipe, but it’ll certainly work when you’re out of options.

Blank Papers Make for the Best Inspiration

As anyone who has ever tried to roll a joint knows, it can be tricky – especially if you don’t have papers. But once you learn how to roll a joint without papers, you’ll find they’re not quite so difficult to work with. In fact, once you dive in, you might even find you prefer the alternatives. Just be sure to roll it tight to keep that burn even throughout and you’ll be flying high in no time. And if you’re tired of rolling altogether, a chillum pipe may be just what you need.