Are Rolling Papers Really Made of Rice Paper?

One of the most persistent myths in the rolling paper game is the idea of “rice paper.” You see it on booklets and boxes of pre-rolled cones all the time.

But if that doesn’t sound right to you, it’s because it’s not.

Sure, there’s such a thing as “rice paper.” But what you’re wrapping around your flower? That’s (probably) made with wood, not rice.

It’s just marketing language and DaySavers is here to help you cut through it.

What is “Rice Paper”?

Again, “Rice Paper” is a real thing. It’s paper made from rice and it’s often used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisine for things like Vietnamese Spring Rolls. It’s thin and clear and edible and absolutely not used in the making of pre-rolled cones.

Aside from those summer rolls, anytime you see something advertised as “rice paper,” including the fancy paper used for Japanese and Korean crafts, or even high-end artisan paper, it’s most likely made of wood, just like all the other paper we deal with every day.

But many rolling paper companies use the phrase for two reasons: first, it describes the color of their rolling papers; and second to try and indicate thinness.

Because “Rice Paper” just sounds like it would be thin, you know?

What are Rolling Papers Made Of?

But the truth is that like all paper, rolling papers are made with wood pulp. They are just processed longer than, say, copy paper, in order to make them as thin and clean-burning as they are.

The paper-making process removes a substance called “lignan” that helps give wood its structure and color. Our rolling papers are ultra-refined until they are as thin as possible, for example.

How refined? Paper is measured by weight, something called “grams per square meter” or gsm. The lower the number, the thinner the paper. Copy paper, for example, is about 90-100 gsm. Cigarettes are rolled in paper that is about 28 gsm.

But our ultra-refined rolling papers weigh in at 12 gsm. That’s super thin.

“Rice Rolling Paper” is a Myth

And there you have it. Rice paper is made of rice and delicious with soy sauce, but rolling papers are still made with wood, just refined to be as thin as possible.

So the next time someone tries to sell you joint wrap by calling it “rice paper,” you can ignore that, grab your favorite DaySavers cones or papers and get on with Enjoying Your Day.

What other rolling paper myths are out there that need debunking? Let us know. DaySavers is on the case.