Rolling your own cigarette or "joint" can be an art form in itself, but it’s all about finding the right technique for you. Here, we walk you through some of the most popular rolling methods and provide a step-by-step guide for each technique.
• THE CLASSIC ROLLING TECHNIQUE
The classic method is the most basic and probably the most popular when rolling by hand. With a little practice, it gives you a smooth, even roll.
Step-by-Step:
1. Prepare the paper and contents: Place a rolling paper in front of you, with the sticky edge facing up. Put your herb blend in the middle of the paper.
2. Shape the mixture: Use your fingers to shape the herb blend into an even line along the paper.
3. Roll: Start rolling slowly with both hands. Use your thumbs to roll and your index fingers to keep the mixture in place. Place the filter at one end.
4. Lick and seal: When the roll is almost done, use your tongue to wet the sticky edge and press to seal.
5. Tighten and finish: Make sure the roll is evenly packed. Discard any loose ends or "fluff" that remains.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
• FILTER FIRST
This method provides a more stable and easier roll, making it easier to keep everything in place while rolling.
Step-by-Step:
1. Place the filter: Start by placing the filter at one end of the paper.
2. Fill with the mixture: Fill the other part of the paper with your herb or tobacco blend. Shape the mixture into a smooth line.
3. Roll: Begin rolling from the end with the filter, using your fingers to shape the mixture and keep it in place.
4. Moisten and seal: Once you’ve rolled it, moisten the sticky edge and press to seal the roll.
5. Adjust if needed: Pinch the other end if it's not fully closed to prevent any material from falling out. (Or fill the paper all the way to the edge if you’re smoking immediately—no paper waste!)
 |
 |
 |
• CONE ROLLING
Cone rolling results in a nice, slow, and even burn, and is a popular method for those who prefer large rolls or "joints".
Step-by-Step:
1. Choose your paper: Pick a rolling paper that suits the size you want.
2. Place the filter: Put the filter in the paper, wrap it around, and angle the paper to create the cone shape. Hold it tightly at the filter.
3. Roll: Start rolling slowly, but keep the top of the paper loose so you can form a cone shape.
4. Moisten the edge: Once the cone is formed, wet the sticky edge and roll it gently to seal.
5. Fill with herb: Now, just scoop up your herbs and fill the cone!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
• INSIDE-OUT ROLLING
This technique is popular among experienced rollers and results in a roll with more flavor and less visible paper.
Step-by-Step:
1. Flip the paper: Take a rolling paper and flip it so the sticky edge is on the inside, or choose a paper with the adhesive strip on the back.
2. Fill with mixture: Place your blend evenly in the paper.
3. Shape: Use your thumbs to shape the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly spread along the entire paper.
4. Roll: Start rolling from one end, making sure to seal the sticky edge tightly.
5. Moisten and seal: Wet and press to seal the roll. The inside-out edge will be closest to the herbs. You can either burn or rip off the excess edge. If you burn it, do so while the adhesive is still moist to avoid burning the seal—so work quickly.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
• "SPANISH" ROLLING
This method is perfect when you're on the go and don’t have all the equipment with you. All you need is a pack of papers and your herbs.
Step-by-Step:
1. Prepare the paper and herbs: Place your herb mixture in your palm and shape it into a straight line. Lay the paper on top of the herbs, with the adhesive side down (towards your palm).
2. Flip and roll: Place your other hand over the paper to keep everything in place, then flip your hands over. Roll as usual, making sure the herb mixture is even and packed tightly.
3. Add the filter, moisten, and seal: Place your filter at one end, adjust the herbs if needed. Moisten and seal as usual.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
By practicing these methods, you’ll be able to find the one that works best for you. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that gives you the perfect smoke every time!
Three rolling paper tips to check out: OCB Virgin Slim, GIZEH Super Fine, and RAW Black Hemp.
And if, despite this guide, you still can’t get it right and feel like giving up, you can always drop the pride, buy pre-rolled cones - like Fred's Hemp Cones or Mascotte Original Cones - and save both frustration and time ;)