What to Use as Rolling Paper When You’re Out of Papers: 10 Handy Alternatives 🚭

We’ve all been there – ready to roll one up, only to realize the rolling papers are all gone. 😅 But don’t hit the panic button just yet! Whether you’re caught empty-handed or simply feeling adventurous, there are plenty of creative substitutes for rolling papers. In fact, using alternatives can be a fun way to add new flavors and experiences to your sessions (and impress your friends with some MacGyver-level tricks).

In this guide, we’ll explore what to use as rolling paper when you run out, covering natural options, household items, and offbeat ideas. We’ll also share tips on using each alternative safely and effectively. Let’s get rolling! 🚀

Why Consider Rolling Paper Alternatives? 🤔

Reaching for a rolling paper substitute isn’t just something you do out of desperation – there are actually a few good reasons to try these alternatives:

• Emergency Solution: The most obvious reason – you ran out of papers. Instead of pausing your session to run to the store, knowing a backup plan keeps the good vibes going. ✅

• Natural Experience: Some people prefer all-natural materials. Store-bought papers can contain additives (like bleach or dyes) that you might want to avoid. Alternatives like leaves or husks are chemical-free, offering a purer experience.

• Unique Flavors & Fun: Rolling with unconventional wraps (like a corn husk or rose petal) can add a cool twist of flavor or aroma to your herb. 🌿 It’s a way to experiment with new tastes and make your smoke sessions more interesting.

• Eco-Friendliness: Many natural alternatives (corn husks, plant leaves, etc.) are biodegradable and sustainable. You might feel better using something that came from nature and returns to it easily.

• Creative Challenge: Let’s face it – there’s some bragging rights in being the friend who can MacGyver a smokable out of almost anything! It’s a fun test of your creativity and resourcefulness.

Now that we know why you might use them, let’s dive into 10 rolling paper alternatives and how to use each one. Remember: use these tips responsibly, and always be mindful of safety when burning any material. 🔥

Top 10 Rolling Paper Alternatives (and How to Use Them)

When you’re out of rolling papers, these alternatives can save the day. We’ve grouped a mix of natural and household options. Most of these you might find around the house or in your kitchen. Let’s explore each one, with some quick how-to advice for using it as a makeshift paper.

1. Corn Husks 🌽 – Slow-Burning Natural Wrap

About: Dried corn husks aren’t just for tamales – they’ve been used as natural smoking wraps for ages (especially in places like the Caribbean and Latin America). A corn husk is thin yet sturdy, and it burns slow and steady, giving you a nice long-lasting puff. Plus, it’s 100% plant material with no chemicals or paper taste.

How to Use a Corn Husk:

• Select & Prep: Take a dry, clean corn husk (the kind you’d wrap food in). Remove any corn silk or dirt. If the husk is very dry and stiff, lightly moisten it with water to make it flexible (a quick dip or sprinkle will do – don’t soak it).

• Roll It Up: Trim the husk to a manageable size if needed. Place your herb in the center lengthwise. Start rolling it like a regular joint: fold one side over the herb, then roll tightly into a cylinder shape. Corn husks grip well due to their fibrous texture.

• Seal & Enjoy: Lick the edge of the husk (or use a tiny bit of water) to seal the roll shut. The dampness helps the husk stick to itself. Once sealed, light up the end evenly and enjoy! 🎉 You’ll notice the husk gives a slow burn and an earthy taste.

Why Corn Husks? They’re all-natural, chemical-free, and burn slower than paper, meaning a more mellow, extended session. This is a great go-to if you have fresh or dried corn husks on hand. Just remember to avoid any treated or colored corn husk (stick to plain, food-grade ones).

2. Rose Petals 🌹 – Fragrant Floral Blunt

About: Rolling with rose petals became a trendy alternative after some videos went viral – and for good reason! Dried flower petals (rose is most popular, but others like hibiscus or lavender can work) create a visually stunning and sweet-smelling wrap. It’s like a fancy “flower blunt” that adds a delicate floral flavor to your herb. This method not only looks cool but also skips the chemicals found in some papers.

How to Use Rose Petals:

• Dry Them First: Fresh petals are too moist and will tear or refuse to burn. Take 2-3 rose petals and dry them slightly. One trick: place them on a baking sheet in the oven for 10 seconds at ~250°F (120°C). This removes excess moisture. They should be a bit wilted but not completely crispy.

• Form Your Paper: Overlap the dried petals so they stick together in a row (you can lick the edges to make them adhere). Essentially, you’re creating a larger sheet out of petal pieces. Be patient – it might take a few tries to line them up.

• Fill and Roll: Sprinkle your ground herb onto the petal sheet. Gently roll it up like you would a normal joint. The petals can be delicate, so roll slowly. Use a little saliva at the edge to seal the final seam.

• Finish: For an extra touch, some people briefly bake the rolled rose joint again for a few seconds to “set” it (this is optional). Now light it up and enjoy the sweet, aromatic experience! ✨

Why Rose Petals? They’re natural and additive-free, and they lend a lovely aroma. Smoking your herb wrapped in roses can feel a bit luxurious. Just keep in mind rose petal blunts can be a bit harder to roll (practice makes perfect) and they might burn a little faster than regular papers.

3. Lettuce or Cabbage Leaf 🌿 – All-Natural Emergency Wrap

About: It might sound odd, but a large lettuce leaf (or cabbage leaf) can work as a quick stand-in for rolling paper. Think of it as nature’s paper – it’s thin, readily available in the fridge, and free of chemicals (especially if organic). Lettuce and cabbage leaves are obviously not designed to burn slow, so they do burn relatively fast, but they’ll do in a pinch. They also add a mild earthy flavor to your smoke.

How to Use a Lettuce/Cabbage Leaf:

• Prep the Leaf: Choose a large, broad leaf (romaine lettuce, collard greens, or an outer cabbage leaf all work). Rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or pesticide residue, then pat it completely dry.

• Trim & Flatten: Cut out any thick stem or vein running down the leaf, as this part won’t roll well and can cause harsh smoke. You want just the flexible, thinner part of the leaf. You may cut the leaf into a rough rectangle shape to mimic a paper.

• Roll Your Herb: Place your herb onto the leaf, and roll it up tightly. Because a leaf is usually bigger than a paper, you can roll a fatter piece if you want – or just use a portion of the leaf. Tuck in the edges as you roll.

• Seal it: The leaf should naturally cling as it overlaps. If needed, use a tiny dab of water or saliva along the edge of the leaf to help it stay closed.

Why Lettuce/Cabbage? It’s 100% plant material, with no added chemicals – just pure leaf. 🥬 This makes it a pretty healthy-feeling choice. It’s also readily available in most kitchens. The downside is that leafy greens can burn quicker and might not stay lit as evenly as paper. So, take shorter puffs to keep it going. Use this as a short-term solution, and avoid any leaves that are treated with chemicals or that are too flimsy to roll.

4. Banana Leaves 🍃 – Tropical Twist

About: Banana leaves are another natural wrapper that many cultures have used (for smoking and for wrapping foods). A dried banana leaf can function similarly to a corn husk – it’s a bit larger and can be quite sturdy. Banana leaves tend to burn smoothly and can impart a subtle sweet, herbal flavor. If you happen to have banana trees nearby or specialty stores that sell banana leaves (often used for cooking), this is a fun alternative to try.

How to Use Banana Leaves:

• Obtain & Dry: Get a section of a banana leaf (even a small strip will do). If it’s fresh and green, let it air-dry a little so it becomes more flexible and less moist. You can also pass it over low heat for a few seconds to soften it.

• Cut to Size: Banana leaves are usually huge, so trim a piece roughly the size of a regular rolling paper (a rectangle a few inches wide).

• Roll It Up: Place your smoking material in a line on the leaf and roll it up tightly. Banana leaves are fairly tough, so they hold shape well.

• Seal: Wet the edge with water or saliva to stick it down. The natural waxiness of the leaf might need a good lick to stay put.

Why Banana Leaves? They provide a slow, even burn and an all-natural smoking experience. The novelty factor is high – not everyone has tried a “banana leaf blunt.” The flavor is mild and pleasant. One thing to note: banana leaves, if too dry, can crack. Moistening them lightly is key for a smooth roll.

5. Thin Paper from a Book (Bible Pages) 📖 – Last-Resort Paper

About: When commercial rolling papers didn’t exist, people often got crafty with Bible pages or pages from a small notebook. These ultra-thin pages (like those in a Bible, dictionary, or old phonebook) can serve as makeshift rolling papers because they’re similarly thin and easy to roll. Important: This is truly a last-resort option. Paper from books can contain inks, and some have chemical treatments, so it’s not the healthiest choice. But if you’re desperate and careful to pick a blank, untreated page, it can work.

How to Use Thin Paper:

• Find the Right Page: If using a Bible or book, look for a blank page (many Bibles have blank pages at the back) or a page with minimal ink. Avoid glossy magazine pages or anything with heavy ink print – those produce nasty fumes.

• Tear and Trim: Gently tear out the page. Cut or tear a piece roughly the size of a rolling paper. Often the pages are larger, so you might get two “papers” from one page.

• Roll and Lick: Place your herb in and roll it up. These pages usually roll quite well since they’re thin. Use a bit of saliva along the edge to seal (they don’t have the convenient gum strip that real papers have, but saliva works as glue).

• Smoke Carefully: Light it up and puff gently. These papers can burn fast and uneven (watch out for “canoeing,” where one side burns quicker). Also, they might leave a harsher taste due to the paper itself.

Why Book Pages? Only for when you have nothing else on hand. The pros are that it’s thin paper like a real rolling paper and easy to find in a pinch (everyone has an old book or receipt around). The cons: ink or chemicals from printed pages are unsafe to inhale, and even blank paper still has bleach or dye from processing. If you must use this, stick to plain, uncoated paper and understand it’s not great for you – definitely not an everyday solution. Think of it as the “I’m stranded with no options” hack. 😇

6. Gum Wrapper (Foil Removed) 🍬 – Quick Fix with a Candy Twist

About: That wrapper from your last stick of gum? It could save your session! Many gum wrappers have two layers: a paper side and a shiny foil side. The trick is to peel off the foil, leaving a thin paper sheet similar in size to a small rolling paper. Gum wrapper paper is a bit small and sometimes has a sweet flavoring on it, but it can work as a one-time fix.

How to Use a Gum Wrapper:

• Peel Off the Foil: Carefully separate the thin foil layer from the paper. You’ll end up with a rectangle of thin paper (usually kind of shiny on one side and matte on the other once the foil’s off). Be gentle to avoid ripping the paper.

• Add Herb & Roll: Because gum wrappers are small, you can only roll a tiny joint (more like a mini). Place a small pinch of herb on the paper, and roll it up. It might help to make a canoe shape and tuck gradually since the paper is slick.

• Seal: Wet the edge with a little saliva to seal it closed. These wrappers don’t stick amazingly, but you can get it to hold with a firm press once moistened.

• Light & Puff: Light it carefully; gum paper can burn kind of fast. Take quick, light puffs to keep it lit.

Why Gum Wrappers? It’s often readily available (if you have gum in your pocket, you have a paper!). The paper usually has a sweet residue which might give a slight sugary taste when burning. The obvious downsides: super small size (so only good for a personal mini smoke), and you must remove all foil (burning foil is toxic!). Also, any dyes or flavor chemicals on the wrapper could be harsh. Use this only occasionally when you’re caught unprepared.

7. Coffee Filter ☕ – Surprisingly Smooth Substitute

About: Believe it or not, a coffee filter can act as a decent rolling paper alternative. Coffee filters are made of thin, breathable paper designed to handle heat, so they can tolerate being lit (though they’re not made for direct fire normally). They’re usually larger than needed, but you can trim them down. An unbleached filter (the brown ones) is best, as it avoids chlorine bleach residue.

How to Use a Coffee Filter:

• Prep the Filter: Take a clean coffee filter (make sure it’s not been used, of course, and has no coffee grounds on it!). If it’s the conical type, cut it along the seam to lay it flat. Trim a rectangle piece about the size of a regular rolling paper. The material is thicker than a normal paper, so a smaller piece might actually work better.

• Fill and Roll: Place your herb on the trimmed filter paper. Roll it up tightly, just like usual. Because coffee filter paper is a bit more fibrous, you’ll want to roll it snug so it holds shape.

• Seal: Lick along the inner edge of the final flap and press to seal. You may need a bit more moisture than with a normal paper, but it will stick once it soaks in.

• Twist Ends (Optional): If your filter piece was larger, after rolling you can twist the excess paper at the ends to close them off (like a classic doobie style). This isn’t necessary but can help keep material from falling out if the paper was oversized.

• Light: Coffee filters tend to burn evenly if rolled well, though possibly a tad faster than a commercial paper. Enjoy your makeshift smoke!

Why Coffee Filters? They’re common in most kitchens, and the paper is fairly similar to rolling paper in texture and burn quality. An unbleached filter has no added chemicals or flavors, so it’s a neutral option. The only con is the thickness – filters can be a bit thicker, which might produce a harsher smoke if not rolled tightly. Also, if they are bleached (white filters), there could be trace chemicals you’ll inhale, so unbleached is preferable. All in all, not a bad hack when you’re desperate during your coffee break. 😉

8. Dried Fruit Peel 🍊 – Sweet and Slow-Burning Wrap

About: Here’s a creative (and tasty-sounding) idea: using fruit peels or skins as a wrap. Some enthusiasts have tried orange peels, mango peels, or even cucumber skins. The idea is to use the natural skin of a fruit or veggie as a rolling medium. When dried slightly, these can be surprisingly pliable and slow-burning. They also add a hint of flavor – imagine a citrusy note from an orange peel or a tropical touch from mango skin.

How to Use Fruit Peels:

• Choose Your Fruit: Good options include mango, orange, banana, or cucumber peels. Pick a fruit with a somewhat thick but flexible skin. Avoid anything too thin or too juicy.

• Peel & Dry: Carefully peel off a section of the skin in as large a piece as you can. Scrape off any excess moist fruit pulp from the inner side (you want just the skin). Let the peel air-dry for a little while so it’s not too wet. You can also put it in a warm (not hot) place or sun-dry it for an hour. The peel should become a bit more leathery and less sticky.

• Roll It: Place your herb on the inner side of the peel (the side that was closer to the fruit flesh; it tends to be stickier which can actually help it seal). Roll it up carefully. This can be tricky if the peel isn’t evenly dried – too wet and it won't burn, too dry and it can crack. Aim for that sweet spot in between.

• Seal: The natural stickiness of some peels (like mango or orange) might help it seal on its own. If not, use a little moisture on the edge.

• Light: Ignite the end and see how it goes. Fruit peels often burn slower and might need a stronger flame to get started. But once it’s going, you’ll get a unique aromatic smoke.

Why Fruit Peels? It’s definitely an out-of-the-box method with a fun flavor component. 🍋 It’s also eco-friendly – you’re repurposing organic materials that would otherwise be trash. Each type of peel can lend a different taste and experience. However, this method requires a bit of patience to prepare the peel, and not all peels will burn nicely (citrus peels have oils which can flame, so be careful). Consider this a fun experiment for a lazy afternoon, rather than a quick fix.

 

9. Apple (or Potato) Pipe 🍏 – No Paper? No Problem!

About: If rolling something up just isn’t in the cards (maybe you have nothing paper-like around), you can switch tactics: use a makeshift pipe from a fruit or vegetable. The classic example is an apple pipe – carving an apple into a pipe-style smoking device. Other sturdy produce like potatoes, carrots, or cucumbers can work too. While this isn’t a “rolling paper” alternative per se, it is a way to enjoy your herb without any paper at all. Apples are great because they’re easy to carve, and they give a slight fruity sweetness to the smoke. Plus, no harmful chemicals to worry about.

How to Make an Apple Pipe:

• Grab an Apple: A firm, fresh apple works best. 🍎 (In a similar way, you could use a potato, but apples taste nicer!)

• Carve the Bowl: Using a small knife or even a spoon, carve a small bowl-shaped hollow into the top of the apple. This is where you’ll put your herb. Don’t cut too deep – just enough to create a divot.

• Make the Chamber: Now, take a pen, screwdriver, or skewer and poke a hole from the side of the apple towards the center. Aim to connect this side tunnel to the bottom of the bowl you carved. This side hole will be the mouthpiece through which you inhale.

• Air Hole (Carb): (Optional but useful) Poke a second small hole on another side of the apple that also meets the bowl chamber. This acts as a carburetor (airflow control). If that’s too much work, you can skip this; it’s not strictly necessary.

• Smoke!: Place your herb in the bowl on top. Light it and inhale through the side hole you made. If you made a carb hole, use it just like on a pipe (cover it while lighting, then uncover to clear the pipe). Enjoy the surprisingly smooth, cool hits from a fresh apple. 🍏🔥

Why an Apple Pipe? It completely removes the need for any paper or wrapper. The apple’s moisture can cool the smoke slightly, and there’s no paper taste at all – just a hint of apple. This method is also safer than using aluminum cans or foil pipes (which people sometimes do but are not recommended due to toxic fumes). When you’re done, you can simply toss the apple in compost. The downside is you’re not actually “rolling” anything – so if part of your ritual or enjoyment is rolling a joint, you’ll miss out on that. Still, as a quick MacGyver solution, the apple (or other veggie) pipe is a winner.

10. Bonus: Other Creative Hacks 💡 (When All Else Fails)

If none of the above options are available, don’t worry – there are still a couple of alternative approaches you can consider:

• Empty Cigarette Tube: If you or a friend have an empty cigarette or even the butt of one, you can carefully empty out any remaining tobacco and reuse the paper tube. Essentially, you’re left with a hollow cigarette paper with a filter. You can then pack your herb into it. It’s like making your own pre-roll. (This is a bit tedious, but hey, we’re talking last resort tricks.)

• Tinfoil Pipes – Use with Caution: In absolute desperation, some people fashion a pipe bowl out of aluminum foil. For example, wrapping foil around a pen to form a tube, then removing the pen. However, we strongly recommend caution here: inhaling directly off aluminum foil can be harmful (heated foil can release toxic fumes). If you must do this, try to only use it once or twice and discard it. It’s better to use an apple or other organic material for a pipe if possible.

• Cans or Bottles – Use with Caution: Similarly, some create a pipe from a soda can or a makeshift bong from a plastic bottle. These can work (many of us remember the classic gravity bong from a 2-liter bottle). Just be aware that burning plastics or painted metal surfaces can also be hazardous to your health. Always ensure you’re not inhaling plastic smoke or paint. If you make a gravity bong, use a socket or other safe metal bowl piece for the herb rather than lighting a plastic cap.

• Just Improvise a Different Method: If rolling isn’t possible, perhaps you can vape or eat your herb. For example, some folks will toss their herb into a pipe or create a quick herb tea or edible if they truly have nothing to smoke with. These aren’t rolling paper substitutes, but they’re ways to avoid wasting your stash until you get proper supplies.

In short, where there’s a will, there’s a way! 😎 But whenever you’re MacGyver-ing a solution, think about safety – avoid plastic, painted, or heavily inked materials; they’re not meant to be inhaled.

Pros and Cons of Using Rolling Paper Alternatives

Before you start lighting up those lettuce joints or rose petal blunts, let’s quickly sum up the general advantages and disadvantages of these rolling paper alternatives:

Pros 👍:

• No Added Chemicals: Many of these alternatives (corn husk, leaves, etc.) are all-natural and free from the chlorine, chalk, or dyes that some commercial papers have. This can mean a cleaner-tasting experience.

• Readily Available: In a pinch, you often can find something usable at home or in nature, saving you a trip to the store. (Hello, coffee filters and gum wrappers!)

• Fun & Novel: It’s honestly pretty fun to try new ways of smoking. It can turn a routine session into a cool story or experiment. Your friends might be impressed when you whip out a corn husk joint or an apple pipe.

• Eco-Friendly Options: Using biodegradable leaves or husks can be more environmentally friendly than paper packaged in plastic. Also, you’re repurposing materials (like fruit peels) which reduces waste.

• Flavor Variation: Some alternatives add their own twist of flavor – rose petals add floral notes, fruit peels add sweetness, corn husk is neutral but smooth, etc. You might discover a new favorite way to enjoy your herb.

Cons 👎:

• Burn Quality: Let’s be real – nothing burns as evenly and reliably as a real rolling paper. Alternatives can be harsher, burn too fast or too slow, or go out more often. You might have to relight or deal with uneven burns.

• Health Risks: Not all substitutes are safe. Using random plastic or glossy paper is a big no-no. Even “safe” ones like book paper or gum wrappers still mean inhaling substances (ink, sugar, etc.) that aren’t meant for your lungs. Always choose the safest material possible and don’t make a habit of the risky ones.

• Difficulty: Rolling with non-paper materials can be tricky. Petals can tear, leaves can be bulky, gum wrappers are slippery and small. It might take practice and patience, whereas a normal paper is designed to be user-friendly.

• Availability: Ironically, you might not have some of these when you need them. (Banana leaves aren’t exactly a kitchen staple for everyone.) So your viable options might be limited depending on where you are and what you have on hand.

• Storage & Prep: Regular papers come in a pack ready to use. Alternatives often require preparation – drying, cutting, cleaning, etc. If you’re in a rush or outdoors, that could be inconvenient.

Bottom line: Rolling paper alternatives are awesome as stop-gap solutions or for a little adventure, but they’re generally not a permanent replacement for quality rolling papers. It’s best to restock your papers when you can. However, knowing these tricks means you’ll never be totally out of luck if you find yourself empty-handed. 🙌

Final Tips & Safety Reminders 🔒

When experimenting with what to use as rolling paper, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Avoid Inks and Foils: We said it before but it’s worth repeating: do not use glossy magazine pages, plastic wrappers, or anything with heavy inks/foils. These release toxic fumes when burned. Stick to pure plant matter or plain paper without coatings.

• Go Natural When Possible: The closer to nature, the better. Corn husks, leaves, petals – anything that grew from the earth and hasn’t been processed is usually safer to burn than industrial products.

• Moderation: If you discover you love rose petal blunts (who wouldn’t, they’re pretty cool), that’s great – but maybe don’t do it every single time. There hasn’t been a ton of research on regularly inhaling rose smoke, for example. Enjoy alternatives occasionally and mindfully.

• Taste Test: When trying a new material, take a small puff first and see how it tastes and feels. If something tastes really off or harsh (more than you’d expect) or makes you cough excessively, put it out. It might not be a safe option.

• Legal Note: Be mindful of local laws and regulations. Some places might frown on you walking around with a corn husk blunt 😅 (it can look suspiciously “creative”). Always consume responsibly and in appropriate settings.

And finally, the best tip of all: plan ahead and stock up on real rolling papers whenever you can. That way, these alternatives remain fun tricks and not your only lifeline.

Rolling with Style – And Never Running Out Again 😎

Now you’re equipped with a whole arsenal of rolling paper alternatives for the next time you find yourself paperless. From kitchen hacks like coffee filters to Mother Nature’s offerings like corn husks and rose petals, you’ve got options to keep the session alive. Each method has its quirks, but part of the fun is discovering what works best for you and enjoying the unique experience each alternative brings.

Something New: We’ve even thrown in some less-talked-about ideas (did you expect fruit peels or banana leaves on the list? 👀). These fresh tips mean you’re ahead of the curve and ready to surprise your buddies.

However, while these tricks are great in a pinch, nothing beats having the right supplies on hand. That’s where we come in!

Don’t want to rely on salad leaves and gum wrappers forever?

Consider stocking up on our premium custom rolling papers. 😉

We offer high-quality papers that burn evenly, are ultra-smooth, and made from natural materials. By keeping a stash of reliable papers (perhaps even with your own custom design or brand on them), you’ll always be ready to roll in style.

 

Also see: What Can I Use as Rolling Paper? 7 Safe and Creative Alternatives in 2025