Article: What to Do When You’re Out of Rolling Papers: 6 Creative Alternatives

Jul 16, 2025

What to Do When You’re Out of Rolling Papers: 6 Creative Alternatives

If you’re out of rolling papers , you’ve got options. There are a few creative ways to keep things going using items you already have nearby. But before you start grabbing random paper from the junk drawer, know what you’re dealing with. Some printed materials use chemical coatings or thermal ink.

That shiny receipt in your wallet? Yeah, it might not be your friend here. According to NIH environmental health data, thermal paper often contains BPA or similar compounds. Probably not something you wanna deal with.

Some DIY substitutes work better than others, and a few might not be worth the trouble. To help you decide, here are 6 popular rolling paper alternatives that people reach for in a pinch. Plus, we’ll show you smarter ways to stay stocked with Zig-Zag pre rolled cones and all-natural papers so you don’t have to get creative next time.

How to Roll Without Papers

You can roll without papers, but most household substitutes come with a catch. Some work, some are questionable, and a few are just a mess waiting to happen. Still, there are a handful of things that’ll get the job done when you’re stuck.

1. Corn Husks

Corn husks can work as a rolling paper substitute, but only if you prep them right and know the risks. Corn husks burn more slowly than random leaves and even give a slight earthy taste. But like any plant matter, they can carry pesticides or mold.

How to Use Corn Husks as Rolling Paper Alternatives

Buy organic husks (they're cheap and “clean-er”).
Rinse, soak (15-30 sec), pat dry.
Pre-test by burning a small corner, if it crackles weird or smells off, toss it.
Roll and tie with a thin strip from the same husk.

When Not to Use Corn Husks

If you’re in a hurry or not sure they’re clean, skip corn husks. Corn husks are a natural alternative to rolling paper, provided you prepare and inspect them first. And hey, they're biodegradable. But they need more steps than just paper. If you want a safe backup, Zig-Zag cones and wraps are the smarter bet.

2. Unbleached Coffee Filters

Unbleached coffee filters can work as a rolling paper substitute, they’re chemical-free, burn fairly evenly, and are easy to cut. Still, they burn fast and feel thicker than actual rolling papers.

How to Use Unbleached Coffee Filters as Rolling Paper Alternatives

Pick the right filter. Make sure it’s the brown, unbleached kind. White ones often have bleach, or traces of chlorine that you don’t want burning.
Let the filter air dry so it’s a bit stiffer. Rrolled damp, it gets gummy. Then, trim it to your ideal size (about the size of a regular paper).
Lay your ground material along the edge. Fold one side over, then roll it tight toward the other side. You’ll feel where it wants to tighten naturally.
Lick or wet the edge to seal. Twist the ends nice and tight to keep it from unraveling when lighting.
Test burn. Light a small corner first, if it chars evenly and doesn’t taste funky, you're good.

When Not to Use Unbleached Coffee Filters

Burns faster than standard papers. Your session gets shorter.
They’re thicker, so tighter draws mean less smooth hits.
Not made for combustion. If it chars black or smells rubbery, dump it.

3. Gum Wrappers (With Foil Removed)

Gum wrappers can double as rolling paper in a pinch, but only if you remove the foil and any plastic lining. They’re thin, clean-ish, and sometimes handy. Just stay safe with prep and judgment.

How to Use Gum Wrappers as Rolling Paper Alternatives

Choose plain paper wrappers, no foil or shiny ink. Wrigley-style paper wrappers are easiest to peel.
Carefully peel off any foil or metallic lining..
Smooth it out on a flat surface. Trim edges so it mimics a paper’s shape and size.
Lay your ground mix, fold one side over, roll it tight. Work slowly, gum wrapper mashes easier than regular paper.
Lick or wet the edge. Twist both ends to keep everything in place.

When Not to Use Gum Wrappers

If you can’t fully remove all foil or lining, don’t risk it. Tiny metal bits burn hot.
If the wrapper’s printed or coated, it might have ink. You don’t wanna inhale that.
If you’re after a smooth, slow burn, wrapper paper burns fast and rough.

4. Rice Paper (Spring Roll Skin)

Rice paper sheets, like those used for spring rolls, can be a surprisingly solid rolling paper alternative. They’re plant-based, uncoated, and burn cleanly. Just be sure you’re using the kitchen kind, not the decorative stuff.

How to Use Rice Paper as a Rolling Paper Alternative

Grab the plain, kitchen variety. Those translucent wrappers in the fridge (not the floral ones). Make sure they’re unbleached and food-grade.
Dip briefly in water, just enough to make them flexible without dripping wet.
Snap the sheet along its fold lines or cut with scissors. Aim for a size close to the standard rolling paper size.
Put your herb along one edge. Fold and roll, it grips well when wet. Seal it with one lick.
Test burn. Light the tip. If it’s white and smooth with no odd flavors, that means you did it right.

When Not to Use Rice Paper

Not all rice papers are edible, some garden or craft sheets carry coatings (don’t use that).
They burn quicker than ultrathin rolling papers, so shorter sessions.
Tough to handle if your fingers or the paper is dry.

5. Cabbage Leaves

Cabbage leaves can serve as a rolling paper substitute, but only if they’re clean, organic, and properly prepped. They’re natural, biodegradable, and surprisingly sturdy. You just have to watch out for pesticides and bacterial residue.

How to Use Cabbage Leaves as Rolling Paper Alternatives

Pick a fresh, organic leaf. Grab one that’s green, unbruised, and clean, no blemishes or wax coating.
Rinse and soak under cold water for 15 seconds, then pat it with a paper towel. Essential to avoid grime or bacteria.
Use a scissor to take out the thick midrib, it tears unevenly if not removed.
Flatten it on a flat surface and cut a rectangle about 1.5 inches wide.
Place your grind along the edge, fold over one side and roll slowly. It takes a bit of patience.
Lightly wet the seam with a finger. Twist off both ends to stay tight.

When Not to Use Cabbage Leaves

Pesticide residue is a real thing. Improperly washed leafy greens can carry E. coli or Listeria from field contamination
Cabbage has natural sulfur compounds. Burn those and you get sharp, pungent smells, not exactly mellow.
Leaves may shred mid-roll. If your session needs durability, this isn’t it.

6. Zig‑Zag Cones and Wraps (Best Substitute for Rolling Paper)

Want a more reliable solution? Our wraps and rolls are built for that. They’re purpose-made, tested, and come in natural materials that keep your sessions consistent.

How to Use Zig‑Zag Cones and Wraps

Grab your cone or wrap. They’re pre-rolled, just pick your size: 1¼, king, or unbleached.
Pack it evenly. Use your fingers or a small tamper to fill it snug. Don't overstuff; airflow matters.
Twist or fold the end. Most cones come with a built-in twist-ready end. Wraps just need a lick and a twist.
Light and enjoy. They burn evenly thanks to hemp’s natural properties. No relights, no runs.

When Not to Use Zig‑Zag Cones and Wraps

They’re one-time use. Once you light it, that’s it. But hey, that’s true of paper too.
If you’ve got allergies, test-burn a tiny piece first, just in case.
Not for infusing. These are unflavored versions. They’re about consistency, not extra taste.

No Papers? Here's What to Do Next

Getting caught without rolling papers sucks. But now you’ve got solid workarounds. Some are quick fixes (like rice paper or unbleached filters), some take more prep (corn husks, cabbage leaves), and others… well, should probably stay in the “only once” file.

But if you’re tired of scrambling or getting creative with whatever’s in the kitchen drawer, do yourself a favor: keep something reliable on deck. Our go-to? Zig-Zag organic papers and pre-rolled cones.

They’re clean, natural, and ready when you are.

You can check out everything we offer, from wraps to merch to full bundles, over at Zig-Zag. Whether you’re a roll-it-yourself person or more of a fill-and-go type, we’ve got something built to fit your routine.

FAQs

Can I travel with rolling paper alternatives like cabbage leaves or rice paper?

That depends on the form and where you’re going. Most natural wraps (like cabbage or rice paper) aren’t regulated, but they could look suspicious if pre-rolled. Always keep them in original packaging if possible, and check local laws if crossing state or country lines. TSA probably won’t love a plastic bag full of rolled cabbage.

Do rolling paper alternatives affect how evenly it burns?

Yes, almost always. Unlike purpose-made papers, most alternatives, especially leaves or wrappers, burn unevenly, faster, or even too slow. If you don’t pack evenly or prep the material right, runs and relights happen a lot more often.

Are there rolling paper alternatives that are flavored naturally?

Sort of. Some people use mint, raspberry, or chamomile leaves for a hint of taste, but natural doesn’t mean flavorful or consistent. If flavor matters to you, look into papers or wraps with built-in flavors, but check your local rules since some states restrict flavored products.

What’s the shelf life of natural rolling alternatives like rice paper or husks?

Rice paper can dry out or get brittle after a few months if not sealed. Corn husks last longer if stored in a cool, dry place, but mold if exposed to moisture. Honestly, nothing beats the shelf stability of proper rolling papers or sealed cones.

Do Zig-Zag papers expire?

Technically no, but for best performance, store them flat and dry. Humidity, heat, or bending can mess with the gum line or how cleanly it rolls. A cool drawer works best. We’ve pulled papers out a year later and they still worked fine.

Are all-natural papers actually better for you?

While “better” is tricky to define without making health claims, all-natural papers like those in Zig-Zag’s organic collection are made without dyes, bleach, or harsh processing. That means fewer unknowns when you light up.

What size rolling paper should I start with if I’m new?

Start with 1¼ papers, they’re manageable in size, easy to roll, and don’t need a ton of filler. Once you’re confident, you can try king size or cones if you prefer less hands-on effort.

Do pre-rolled cones waste more material than hand-rolling?

Not really. If anything, they reduce waste because you’re not tearing papers or messing up rolls. You can pack them efficiently and evenly.

Are there vegan-friendly rolling papers?

Yes. Many papers now use plant-based glue (like acacia) instead of gelatin. Zig-Zag’s organic hemp papers fall into that category. If you're plant-conscious, check the product page or look for “vegan” on the label.

Can I roll without a filter tip?

You can, but filters help with structure, reduce material from getting in your mouth, and make it easier to hold. If you're out of tips, a folded piece of business card or paperboard works in a pinch. We recommend always keeping a few ready-to-roll tips in your kit.

Written by Cameron Gallacher

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