White vs. Brown Paper: What’s the Difference and Which Cones Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing pre-rolled cones for your next pre roll production run, one of the most common decisions you’ll face is white paper vs. brown paper. While the difference may seem cosmetic at first glance, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes — and understanding the pros and cons of each smoking paper option can help you make a more informed procurement choice for your pre roll brand.

In this Mary Jane Cones blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between white and brown smoking paper, including how they’re made, what they’re made from, and what it means for your health, brand, and smoking experience. Whether you're an everyday smoker or a cannabis brand looking to white-label pre-rolls, this breakdown is for you!

In this Mary Jane Cones blog post, we explore the key differences between white and brown smoking paper.

This includes how they’re made, what they’re made from, and what it means for your health and smoking experience.

What Are White Smoking Papers Made Of?

White rolling papers, often used in pre-rolled cones, are typically made from wood pulp, hemp, or rice paper. Refined white paper is the legacy go-to option for pre rolled cone producers. This white paper typically undergoes processing to remove impurities, resulting in its signature white colour. The refining process ensures that the paper no longer contains any plant components other than cellulose of course. What makes them “white” is a bleaching process, commonly involving chlorine or calcium carbonate. This whitening step gives white smoking papers their classic, clean look — but it can come with a cost.

Common Concerns About Bleached Rolling Paper

Although bleached rolling papers are considered safe for smoking by labs, and smoking paper manufacturers, some consumers express their sentiments about the inhalation of chemical byproducts.

According to a 2018 study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, chlorine bleaching processes in paper manufacturing can leave behind trace amounts of dioxins and furans [1] — compounds that are considered environmental pollutants and potential carcinogens (Kumar et al., 2018). While the exact risk from smoking bleached papers is still being studied, the demand for unbleached, more organic smoking paper alternatives continues to rise.

What Are Brown or Natural Smoking Papers?

Brown or natural rolling papers are typically unbleached and minimally processed. They're often made from organic wood sources, hemp, flax, or rice fibers and are recognizable by their light to dark brown hue, which reflects their raw, untreated nature.

Brown papers don’t undergo the chemical whitening process, making them a top choice for health-conscious consumers and brands focused on sustainability.

Benefits of Natural Brown Pre-Rolled Cones:

• No added bleach or chlorine

• More eco-friendly production methods

• A more authentic, earthy smoking experience

• Fewer residual chemicals in the paper

In fact, many leading pre-rolled cone producers now offer extensive lines of natural brown cones due to consumer demand for clean and sustainable smoking paper with fewer chemicals.

Which Type of Cone Should You Choose?

Go with White Cones if:

• You prefer a slower burn (many bleached papers are thicker).

• You want your logo to pop and shine through the white paper better for branding reasons.

• Your brand uses terpene-infused flowers, flavored tips, or terpene-rich concentrates in your pre rolls, where the paper-type matters less.

Choose Brown/Natural Cones if:

• You prioritize a natural and chemical-free smoking experience.

• You want to align with sustainability, organic or eco-conscious branding.

• You value a lightweight, unaltered taste profile in your smoke.

The shift toward more natural smoking materials is being driven not only by health-conscious consumers but also by industry-leading cannabis brands who want to differentiate themselves with cleaner, more transparent products. *Image used was source from Adobe.

Environmental impact

As we’ve now learned, bleached, white smoking papers are processed with chemicals that have been found to be harmful to the environment. When released into the environment, these chemicals can be harmful to water supplies and have harsh ramifications from a pollutant perspective.

‘According to Sorting Robotics, ‘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.’ [2]

Industry Trends: Natural Is the Future

The shift toward more natural smoking materials is being driven not only by health-conscious consumers but also by industry-leading cannabis brands who want to differentiate themselves with cleaner, more transparent products. In today's competitive market, brands that choose brown, unbleached pre-rolled cones are signaling a commitment to quality, purity, and sustainability — traits that resonate with a growing segment of cannabis users.

Final Thoughts: If Natural Matters to You, Brown Paper Is the Way to Go. If Branding takes Front Stage in Your World, Go with White.

While both white and brown pre-rolled cones offer unique benefits, the key takeaway is this: if you’re looking for the most natural, least processed option — go brown. Brown smoking papers skip the bleaching process, resulting in a purer product that’s better for the environment and potentially better for your body. For consumers who prioritize purity and well-being, natural brown pre-rolled cones are truly the gold standard in the cannabis pre rolled cone market. These papers are free from most harsh chemicals, dyes, or chlorine-based bleaching agents commonly found in white papers. This means you're inhaling fewer potentially harmful byproducts, resulting in a cleaner, more natural smoking experience. As we’ve detailed, studies on traditional paper bleaching processes have raised concerns about trace chemical residues like dioxins and furans [1], which can be released when burned. By choosing organic or unrefined brown papers, health-conscious consumers can enjoy their session with greater peace of mind, knowing they're using a product that stays true to its natural roots — both in material and intention.

While both white and brown pre-rolled cones offer unique benefits, the key takeaway is this: if you’re looking for the most natural, least processed option — go brown. Brown smoking papers skip the bleaching process, resulting in a purer product that’s better for the environment and potentially better for your body. If you want to make a strong visually engaging product option — go white. Either way, you’re going to please a cannabis pre roll connoisseur with both of these paper options, so if you’re a pre roll producer reading this post, keep on making your premium pre rolls for the people, and make sure to inform your customers of the differences in these two popular smoking paper types!

- Steven Grabenheimer

References:

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2589014X22003073

[2] https://www.sortingrobotics.com/the-grind-blog/bleached-vs-unbleached-cones