Here’s Why Bleached Rolling Papers Are Bad For Your Health

Knowing why bleached rolling papers are harmful, as well as some alternatives, is key if you decide to keep rolling those joints.

HERB

The debate over the best way to smoke weed never dies. Sure, dabbing might be the new trend, but some of us like to keep it classic with a good old-fashioned joint.

Unfortunately, rolling papers, specifically bleached rolling papers, are harmful to your health since they contain chemicals that can leach into your smoke, making them harmful to your health.

Let’s break down why switching to unbleached papers might be the better move for your next session.

Why Are Bleached Rolling Papers Bad? Bleached Vs Unbleached Rolling Papers

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Whenever something burns, it releases byproducts—and cannabis is no exception. When weed burns, it produces carcinogens like tar, which aren’t exactly lung-friendly. But when you add rolling papers to the mix, you’re also inhaling whatever chemicals are in the paper itself.

Bleached rolling papers, for example, are treated with chemicals like chlorine and calcium carbonate to give them that clean white look and slow down the burn. The downside? You’re not just inhaling cannabis smoke—you’re also inhaling those chemicals as they leach into the smoke.

If you spot colorful rolling papers, they likely contain dyes and other additives, which add even more to the mix.

Unbleached rolling papers, on the other hand, skip the chemical treatments. They’re typically brown or tan, offering a more natural smoke without the extra additives.

Rolling Papers To Avoid

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If you primarily smoke joints and are concerned about your health, there are a few types of papers you should avoid. Generally, any white paper is bleached, so look for something else. These would be the types of papers you see produced by companies like ZigZag (although they do offer an organic hemp line).

Additionally, you can feel the difference between thin and thick papers. When looking for the healthiest option, opt for thinner papers, which create fewer chemicals when burned. For instance, the Bob Marley papers are made of 100% hemp, unbleached, and quite thin.

Lastly, also avoid blunt wraps and colored papers, which can contain many other harmful chemicals. Sure, that pink joint might look cool, but it’s not doing your health any favors.

Is Smoking Paper Bad In General?

Smoking paper isn’t inherently bad, but it does come with some risks compared to other smoking methods.

As we mentioned, burning any type of paper when smoking a joint, bleached or unbleached, means you’re also inhaling the chemicals inside. But, if you opt to use a bong to smoke weed instead, you’ll skip the process of inhaling rolling paper chemicals.

Bongs tend to be better for lung health since they use water to filter the smoke, cool it down, and remove some toxins before reaching your lungs. This results in a smoother, less harsh hit compared to a joint. Plus, bongs are more efficient since you’re not constantly burning your weed.

That said, there are times when pulling out a bong just isn’t practical, and a joint is the way to go. In that case, opt for unbleached papers to keep things cleaner.