While the first rolling papers may date back to the 16th century when the tobacco industry started taking off around Europe, François Lacroix began producing them in 1660, founding the Lacroix Rolling Paper Company in 1736. However, Pay-Pay, established in Spain in 1703, is widely considered the oldest rolling paper company in the world.

Rolling papers may have been around for centuries, but what happens if you're stuck at home in a snowstorm with no way to get to the store, or you've used your last paper and everything nearby is closed?

First, don't panic and start making a batch of cookies instead. There are plenty of things around the house that make a worthy replacement. Here, we look at some of the healthiest and most convenient options when you're in a bind. 

Popular Rolling Paper Alternatives

Hemp Leaves

Good ole hemp. This versatile material is used in everything from making textiles and rope to insulation and biofuel. So, of course, it can also be used to make actual rolling papers and as a replacement for them. After all, it’s from the Cannabis sativa cultivars family. 

Pros

• The best part about hemp leaves is that they are natural, biodegradable, and sustainable. 

• Hemp leaves contain no chemicals, and their eco-friendly aspect will satisfy the green-fingered among you. 

Cons

• If you're in a bind and want to roll immediately, hemp leaves may not be the best pick as they require preparation. After picking, you'll need to leave them for up to 24 hours to allow them to wilt, or you can cure them in a sealed container for a few days. This process allows them to be flexible enough to roll with.
  

Corn Husks

Corn husks aren't just great for wrapping tamales. The natural shell that protects corn can also be used as a rolling paper replacement and is even a good blunt wrap alternative. 

Pros

• Who doesn't love an ear of corn? The inside is a delicious dinner side, leaving the husk for your favorite after-dinner activity. It's readily available and another biodegradable option. 

• Corn husks are super cheap and more readily available than hemp leaves. 

• Thanks to this material's flexibility, you won't need to be a master roller to make a joint out of corn husks. 

Cons

• Like hemp leaves, corn husks require preparation before you can use them for rolling. They'll need to be trimmed and then soaked for around 15 minutes to give them the flexibility needed. If you don't feel like preparing your own, dried corn husks from your local Latin market will do the trick. 

Edible Leaves (e.g., Lettuce, Sage, and other herbs)

Finally, you can use those leftover salad bags in the fridge. Edible leaves make a unique rolling paper alternative packed with flavor. While you may not be able to use the lettuce leftover from the Caesar salad you had for lunch, it is one of the leaves that burn well enough to use as a rolling paper. 

Pros

• Edible leaves are readily available and completely natural. 

• People who enjoy complex flavors will like the natural flavors added by edible leaves.

Cons

• As you may have noticed, old salad wilts pretty quickly. So, if this is your alternative, buy fresh and use it quickly. 

• Edible leaves are not as durable as other options. 

• Not all edible leaves will work as rolling paper. For a flavor-packed experience, look for butter or romaine lettuce leaves and even sage or bay leaves. 

Tobacco Leaves

If you’ve emptied a cigar to use the paper, you’ve used tobacco leaves to roll up a joint. This alternative to rolling papers is an absolute classic, but is it worth it when rolling papers are available from the same store?

Pros

• This durable option is natural and provides a smooth and even smoke.

• There are many different tobacco leaf options for rolling, including blunt wraps, fermented options, and different cures for different situations. 

Cons

• There’s a distinctive flavor to tobacco leaves that may overpower other ingredients. 

• Tobacco leaves may contain nicotine, so it won’t suit people who avoid it. 

Banana Leaves

While banana skins may be a stretch, banana leaves make a great alternative to rolling papers. This all-natural choice wraps well and is big enough for joints to share. 

Pros

• Banana leaves are large and flexible.

• People in tropical regions won’t find it hard to source banana leaves. 

Cons

• If you’re used to thin rolling papers, banana leaves will be noticeably thicker. 

• You’ll need to steam or cure the banana leaves before using them. 

Aluminum Foil (for temporary use)

When the pantry is bare, you can call on another kitchen mainstay if you’re in a pinch. It is not recommended for multiple uses; aluminum foil can be used to make DIY pipes instead of a joint. Never inhale from glowing foil, as you may inhale toxic fumes. 

Pros

• Most people have some aluminum foil in the kitchen.

• It’s easy to mold into the shape of a pipe. 

Cons

• Aluminum foil can’t be used to roll joints.

• Toxic fumes and health risks are associated with foil.

Homemade Rolling Paper Alternatives

DIY Tobacco Leaves

If you have a tobacco plant at home, harvest the leaves when the lower ones turn yellow. Snap them off and leave them to cure for a month or two in a well-ventilated space. The result will be a great rolling paper alternative that can be cut into different sizes depending on your needs.

Rice Paper Wraps

If you want to go the DIY route with ingredients you already have, why not make rice paper wraps for your next joint? Mix half a cup of rice flour with half a cup of water, and add a teaspoon of tapioca starch if you want a more flexible wrap. Next, stretch a cloth over a pot of boiling water and secure it in place.

Add a thin layer of batter to the cloth, add a lid over the top, and steam for 45 seconds. Once the batter turns translucent, it’s ready to remove carefully and roll with. This light and natural alternative requires some effort to get right but will produce a nice thin rolling paper at the end. 

Commercially Available Alternatives

Hemp Wraps

People who want to try something different from traditional rolling papers but don’t want to spend the time making their own may want to try a hemp wrap instead. Hemp wraps are environmentally friendly and have fewer chemicals than certain rolling papers. However, this option will cost you more than using natural alternatives. 

Transparent Rolling Papers (Cellulose)

Cellulose, or transparent rolling papers, is another alternative available at the local head shop or online. This alternative is cool because you can see the contents as they burn up, and it makes a good showpiece. However, this choice is only recommended for people with serious rolling skills, as they can be fragile. 

Potential Downsides of Alternatives

There’s a reason rolling papers are the favored choice for most cannabis connoisseurs. Rolling papers are easier to roll with, and the adhesive keeps them together throughout. Alternatives like edible leaves are harder to roll with and may not burn as evenly. The added time needed to prepare alternatives is another drawback.

Health and Environmental Concerns with Traditional Rolling Papers

Rolling papers usually contain wood pulp, hemp, or rice. Cheap brands may add chemicals or additives to the mix, too. This makes them a less healthy choice than pure hemp papers or natural alternatives.

Another issue is the amount of paper needed to make rolling papers, which isn’t great for the environment and could be considered wasteful when there are options around the house to make your own. 

The Rise of Rolling Paper Alternatives

Eco-conscious and health-conscious smoking communities are making moves towards natural alternatives due to these options containing fewer chemicals, causing less harm to the environment, and saving costs. 

Conclusion

Rolling papers will always be easy, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best. Raiding the pantry for ingredients to make your rice paper is one option to make your joints taste sweeter because you know what has gone into the papers you are using.

Rolling with lettuce, tobacco, or banana leaves is better for the environment and will save costs. If you have the time and want to try something new, experiment with different kinds of rolling paper alternatives to find one that suits your smoking style.