For roll-your-own enthusiasts, having a stockpile of rolling papers is a must. But when you finally open them up, you notice wrinkled textures and stiffened surfaces. At times like these you probably worried – can I still use my rolling papers? Do rolling papers expire?
This is an excellent question! As a seasoned rolling enthusiast, I’ve struggled with the same conundrum over the years. Through extensive trial and error along with research, I’ve gathered valuable insights on rolling paper preservation and expiration. Today I’ll be sharing some of them with you all!
do rolling papers expire
First things first, regular rolling papers do generally have a shelf life. While rolling papers themselves don’t rot, the quality can degrade over time when improperly stored. One of the biggest factors is the adhesive drying out. Most rolling papers use a glue strip to seal the paper. When exposed to too much air, heat, or humidity, this adhesive can lose tackiness causing papers not to stick when rolling.
Pre-rolled paper cones avoid this glue issue but have another expiration concern – the cardboard filters. Cardboard filters inserted in cones can develop mold if stored in damp basements or garages. The dampness causes mold growth which ruins the filters.
However, throwing out unopened papers would be such a waste! In my experience, as long as they are correctly stored and prepared, slight degradation shouldn’t heavily impact enjoyment. So you can continue reading. I’ll end the blog with some helpful tips for extending the shelf life of your cigarette paper!
What causes rolling papers to expire?
First things first, regular rolling papers do generally have a shelf life. While rolling papers themselves don’t rot, the quality can degrade over time when improperly stored. One of the biggest factors is the adhesive drying out. Most rolling papers use a glue strip to seal the paper. When exposed to too much air, heat, or humidity, this adhesive can lose tackiness causing papers not to stick when rolling.
Pre-rolled paper cones avoid this glue issue but have another expiration concern – the cardboard filters. Cardboard filters inserted in cones can develop mold if stored in damp basements or garages. The dampness causes mold growth which ruins the filters.
Can you still use expired rolling papers?
However, after cleaning up their smoking accessories, many people may find some cigarette papers that they bought many years ago. At this time, you need to pay attention to whether the color is yellowing, the texture is dry or stiff, and it is cracked. If this happens, many people wonder if this kind of cigarette paper can still be used.
They’re obviously well past their prime. But times are tough and papers are expensive these days. “Can I still use these expired rolling papers? “, you wonder. Well, I’ve tested some out myself, and here’s the deal: technically yes, you can still use them if you are careful. However, the glue barely sticks anymore on old papers so they are very tricky to roll with. More often than not, the paper tears while you are handling it. And the taste of aged paper when burned is terrible – like an old newspaper (don’t ask how I know what that’s like!). So you can use these expired cigarette papers in a pinch, but try moistening the glue strip with your tongue before rolling if the adhesive has dried out. But the frustration and awful taste make it not worth the hassle in my opinion.
How do you keep rolling papers fresh?
So what if you just bought new rolling papers and want to keep them fresh? As we know, stale rolling papers not only tear easily and have poor stickiness, but they also produce an unpleasant smell which is unacceptable.
I’ve tested a few different ways to preserve rolling papers, and I’ve discovered that keeping them in an airtight container is the best way to prolong their life. I prefer to use a tiny glass jar since it keeps light, moisture, and air out and keeps the papers from drying out or breaking.
Besides storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, consider adding a desiccant packet. If you don’t know where to buy it, you should be able to find it in the bag of potato chips or beef jerky you often buy, with the “Do Not Eat” packets, They are moisture-absorbing desiccants. We can use them directly. Isn’t it particularly convenient? Toss one of those in your rolling paper stash and it will act like a dehumidifier, preventing excess moisture from causing the papers to stick together or lose their adhesive power.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other rolled paper storage tips to share. I hate when a perfectly good pack goes bad too quickly. With the right storage, we can enjoy these quality papers until the very last sheet!