RAW paper differences!
Have you ever wanted to know which RAW papers to get?
There are some key differences between RAW Classic, RAW Organic Hemp, and RAW Black rolling papers.
Which one is “best” depends on what you prioritise (flavour purity, burn rate, ease of rolling, eco-credentials, etc.).
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences, plus pros and trade-offs of each.
Material / Source Fibres
RAW Classic: Made from unrefined, unbleached plant fibres.
RAW Organic Hemp: Made from 100% organic hemp — no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides in the hemp growing process.
RAW Black: Ultra-thin papers; according to some sources, they use a hybrid blend (some versions use rice + plant fibres) to achieve that very thin finish.
Thickness / Weight
Classic: A moderate thickness — more forgiving to roll, easier grip.
Organic Hemp: Generally thinner than Classic; soft and flexible.
Black: The thinnest of the RAW lines. According to one source, around ~20 gsm versus Classic at ~12.5 gsm (though this seems reversed in that source — but consensus is Black is ultra thin).
Taste / Paper Flavor
Classic: Has a mild “natural paper” taste — some detect it, others don’t mind it.
Organic Hemp: Very clean, more “earthy” taste. Some users find it a little harsher or different than Classic
Black: Because of how thin it is, the paper taste is minimal — you taste more of what you’re smoking, rather than the paper.
Rolling Difficulty / Handling
Classic: Easier to roll, more forgiving if you make small mistakes.
Organic Hemp: Soft texture — good flexibility, but may feel more delicate or “waxy” to some.
Black: Can be more challenging to roll because of how thin it is. It requires a lighter touch and steadier rolling technique.
Eco / Ethical Considerations
Classic: Made from unrefined, natural plant fibers; no chlorine bleaching.
Organic Hemp: Emphasises organic farming — no pesticides, “eco-friendly” growing.
Black: Same RAW philosophy (unbleached, natural gum, watermark) but more refined in production.
Suitability / Best Use Cases
Classic: Good all-rounder. Great for beginners or anyone who wants a dependable, natural paper.
Organic Hemp: Good for eco-conscious users, or those wanting a slightly “cleaner” hemp-based burn.
Black: Best for connoisseurs / experienced rollers who want a very clean, flavour-transparent smoke. Ideal when you want to taste your material more than the paper.
