Bleached vs Unbleached Cones
Pre-roll cones are manufactured from different materials and ingredients and can be either bleached or unbleached. With the demand for sustainability rising among consumers, many wonder are unbleached rolling papers better. There are many differences when considering bleached vs unbleached cones.
Read on as we explore what those differences are and which rolling papers are the better option overall.
Bleached vs Unbleached Cones
When it comes to rolling paper for pre-roll cones, there are plenty of options, but the main colors you've come across are likely white and brown. So, what is the difference between white and brown rolling papers?
The main indication of the rolling paper color is whether the parchment has been bleached. The white rolling paper color usually means the paper is bleached, while brown is unbleached.
White rolling papers are frequently bleached with harsh chemicals such as chlorine to produce their white appearance. Brown papers, on the other hand, keep their natural color and require no harsh chemicals to be applied.
Most dispensaries offer a variety of options to consumers, which is made possible with automated solutions like a cannabis cone infuser machine. These kinds of machines are capable of filling all types of cones in large quantities, whether they are bleached or unbleached.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Deliris
What are bleached cones?
Bleached pre-roll cones are popular materials due to their sleek look and white color. They are in demand because bleached cones provide an even burn that lasts longer.
Reputable brands don't use real bleach in their bleached rolling paper. Instead, they use other chemicals in the whitening process. However, some brands use chlorine, which is highly toxic.
Some manufacturers also use calcium carbonate, as it offers a slow burn rate. Rolling paper bleached with calcium carbonate may become porous and irritate the skin and eyes when in direct contact.
There are many bleached rolling papers, including the following :
Bleached, refined wood pulp paper
Bleached hemp rolling paper
Bleached flaxseed rolling paper
What are unbleached cones?
The type of rolling paper you use can influence the taste, burning sensation, and even the chemicals that enter your body. They vary in size, thickness, and flavor based on the material they are made of.
Unbleached rolling papers are a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative to bleached rolling papers.
These rolling papers are made of natural, unbleached fibers and are not flushed with harmful chemicals like bleached papers. Unbleached rolling papers are created from natural materials that haven't been bleached.
Unbleached rolling paper is 100% made with organic ingredients. There are several options for unbleached rolling paper, such as the following:
Rice rolling paper (this is a naturally white paper)
Unbleached, unrefined wood pulp
Unbleached organic hemp rolling paper
Unbleached natural flaxseed rolling paper
Comparing Bleached and Unbleached Cones
Health considerations
One of the main reasons consumers use unbleached paper for rolling cones is due to health considerations. White rolling papers are frequently bleached with harsh chemicals that may be hazardous to your health.
According to one study, 8% of pre-roll papers contain at least one contaminant in a concentration above the allowed legal limit.
However, with fully organic paper cones, you do not have to worry about any unhealthy chemicals. Unbleached pre-roll cones contain no extra chemicals or additives, making them a healthier option for consumers.
Flavor and aroma
Unbleached rolling papers taste better than regular rolling papers. Unbleached papers have no chemicals or additives, so they do not impact the flavor of your pre-roll cone.
Bleached rolling papers, on the other hand, may have a chemical taste that alters the flavor of your smoke. If you're a hemp enthusiast, the taste difference that unbleached rolling papers provide is better, as the natural flavor will match your herbs without any extra chemical lingering aftertaste.
Environmental impact
Bleached rolling papers are processed with toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. When released into the environment, these chemicals can pollute water supplies and have disastrous ramifications for aquatic life.
Unbleached rolling papers are undoubtedly more environmentally friendly. They are created from sustainable natural fibers like wood pulp or hemp. They are also able to break down, which means they do not affect the environment when they are disposed of.
The bleaching process can contribute to the pollution of air and water, which is why unbleached papers are a better and sustainable option.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: The Cannabiz Agency
Aesthetic and practical differences
Many brands use bleached paper cones due to aesthetic reasons. The white rolling paper color makes it easier to print a brand logo or other graphics.
Conversely, many consumers prefer the natural brown color of unbleached paper because of its rustic look.
For practical reasons, bleached paper is generally less expensive, which is why many manufacturers use it. On the other hand, unbleached papers are more expensive because of the manufacturing process and sustainable practices.
Sustainable manufacturing practices involve more testing and using safe ingredients, which may raise production costs.
Conclusion
When it comes to bleached vs unbleached cones, unbleached is generally the better choice. While many manufacturers use bleached papers due to their white color and branding reasons, unbleached paper is the healthier option.
Unbleached rolling paper is recognizable by its brown color, and they are entirely organic without the harsh chemicals present in bleached paper.
