Rolling Guides
How to Roll Without a Filter
When I first started rolling, I had no idea what I was doing. All I had were papers and my blend, so I tried rolling without a filter. The roll ended up being semi-functional. However, I got a lot of loose bits in my mouth and the paper at the end ended up sealing. It ended up like a steel sheet of paper; I couldn't draw from it at all.
Quick Answer: How to Roll Without a Filter
To roll without a filter, fill a rolling paper with your blend, shape the blend evenly, tuck the paper under the blend, roll upward, and seal the adhesive strip. Leaving slightly less blend at the mouth end and adding a small fold to the mouth-side of the paper helps prevent sealing and loose bits from entering your mouth.
Below are some tips for rolling a clean roll without a filter. If you later decide you prefer the added structure and airflow control that filters provide, you can also see our guide to reusable filters, which explains airflow, how to roll more easily, and how much fits in a roll with each filter size.
Step-by-Step: How to Roll Without a Filter
1. Break up your blend
Break your blend up to a medium consistency. Too large of pieces make the roll burn unevenly, and too small of pieces will end up in your mouth.
2. Fill the rolling paper
Hold the paper with the adhesive strip facing upward and toward you. Spread your blend evenly across the paper, leaving a very small portion (1 cm) at the end where your mouth will be.
3. Shape the roll
Pick up the paper and roll it gently between your fingers to shape your blend into a cylinder. Don't worry if a little falls out on either end.
4. Tuck and roll
Once the roll feels evenly packed and cylindrical, tuck the bottom edge of the paper into the gap to make a cylinder.
5. Seal the paper
Lick the adhesive strip by pressing it lightly with your tongue and finish rolling the paper upward until the adhesive connects. If you're having difficulties getting your paper to remain stuck, our post on getting your rolling paper to stick will help you stick it tightly every time.
6. Pack and close the end
Use a pen or a thin tool to lightly pack the blend on both ends. Tightly twist the far end of the roll where you will light it.
Hacks for Rolling Without a Filter
These tricks will help your filterless rolls hit much more consistently and cleanly.
Fold or twist the paper at the mouth end
After rolling, make a tiny accordion-style fold in the paper where the mouthpiece would be. You can also gently twist the mouth-side of the paper. This creates a small barrier that helps prevent loose bits from passing through the roll, and it helps prevent that side from sealing.
Use your lips properly
When smoking a filterless roll, place your lips gently around the packed portion of the roll rather than the loose edge of the paper. Fold your lips inward, so that the dry portion of your lips is touching the roll.
If you smoke with wet lips around the loose paper on the end, it will seal very quickly and become hard to smoke.
Pack tightly around the mouth end
After you lick and stick your roll, use a pen or thin object to tightly pack the end where your mouth will be. This helps the roll maintain its shape and prevents loose bits from slipping out.
Pros and Cons of Rolling Without a Filter
Rolling without a filter is possible; below are some of the pros and cons.
Advantages
- Requires fewer materials
- Draw can feel more open, depending on the roll
- Guaranteed no additional taste from a cardboard filter
- The most classic way to roll
Drawbacks
- More difficult to roll
- Loose bits end up in your mouth
- More difficult to roll a specific size
- Paper can become soggy and collapse, making it hard to smoke
You may not have a filter at the moment, but if you struggle with rolling, check out our easy to roll reusable filters. These filters make rolling a breeze.
When Rolling Without a Filter Makes Sense
Rolling without a filter works well for quick rolls or when you only have papers available. It can also be useful for people who don't mind the size of their roll or are smoking by themselves.
When rolling larger rolls or anything meant to burn for a long time, we recommend using a filter for better structure and airflow control.
Final Thoughts
Rolling without a filter is doable if you don't have filters accessible. With some practice, you can roll clean rolls that smoke well without needing any additional materials.
Rolling without a filter will help you appreciate how much easier it is to roll with a high-quality filter.
