The Origin of Rolling Papers
Rolling papers, so simple, yet so essential. But have you ever wondered who actually invented rolling papers? Their story stretches back centuries, crossing borders, industries, and even cultures before becoming the staple of both tobacco and cannabis communities.
From Spain to the World?
The story begins in 16th-century Spain. Soldiers returning from France brought with them the habit of rolling tobacco scraps in thin paper rather than corn husks or pipes. By 1532, records from Alcoy, a small town in Spain’s Alicante province, mention the earliest handmade paper sheets used for smoking.
Not long after, the first branded rolling papers appeared — and yes, it was the Spanish who commercialized them; so we can give them the credit: The Spanish invented rolling papers. By the 1700s, Pay-Pay and later JOB became pioneers, selling papers in small booklets that smokers could carry easily.
Industrialization and the Tobacco Era
Fast-forward to the 19th century, when industrial paper production took off. Factories started to press, cut, and fold sheets at scale, turning what was once a handmade luxury into a mass-produced everyday product.
Rolling papers became closely tied to tobacco culture — cigar remnants, pipe blends, and early cigarettes were all hand-rolled. As smoking gained popularity, innovation followed: ultra-thin papers, smoother burns, and glued edges made rolling easier and cleaner.
The Cannabis Connection
While tobacco smokers dominated the early centuries, the cannabis community later redefined what rolling papers stood for. By the mid-20th century, rolling papers had crossed into counterculture — becoming a symbol of freedom, creativity, and connection.
Unlike tobacco, cannabis required a slower burn, more natural materials, and paper that didn’t overpower the flavor. This shift sparked a wave of unbleached, chemical-free, and hemp-based papers — exactly the kind of innovation Greengo stands for today.
From Bleached to Green
Modern rolling papers tell a different story — one about sustainability and purity. Smokers today care about what’s inside and outside their products.
Since 2010, Greengo has focused on creating unbleached papers made from natural fibers, using recycled packaging and production methods with minimal environmental impact. A small step in keeping a long tradition alive — a little cleaner, a little greener.
The Future of Rolling Papers
Innovation never stops. From FSC-certified European paper to eco-friendly filters and accessories, today’s developments push the industry toward more transparency and responsibility. Rolling papers have come a long way — from 16th-century Spain to today’s sustainable shelves — and we’re proud to be part of the next chapter.
Because when it comes to rolling, the future really is green.
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