How to Make the Sticky Stuff on Rolling Papers

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Things You'll Need

  • Measuring spoons

  • Acacia gum (gum arabic)

  • Glycerin

  • Water

  • Small mixing container

  • Plain, ungummed rolling papers

  • Artist's brush

If you like to save money by making your own cigarettes, you might want to save even more money by making your own rolling papers. In addition to bulk rolling paper stock, you'll also want to include the thin adhesive strip that allows you to seal the cigarette after it's rolled. The traditional adhesive for rolling papers is gum arabic, also known as sugar gum. This is a natural gum from the Acacia tree; it is completely safe and nontoxic. In fact, it's the same gum used on stamps and envelopes. It's easy to mix and use.

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Step 1

Mix 3 tbsp. gum arabic with 1 tbsp. glycerin and 1/2 tsp. water in a small mixing container.

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Step 2

Using an artist's brush, apply a 1/4-inch-thick line of the mixture along one of the long edges of each rolling paper. Apply just a thin coat of the adhesive.

Step 3

Allow the papers to dry at least 1 hour, or until the edges are completely dry to the touch.

Tip

The gum arabic adhesive will become sticky again when moistened; just give it a lick before sealing your cigarette and it will stick tight. You can find gum arabic or acacia gum in many health food stores, often sold as a food supplement. Just make sure it is pure gum with no additives. Glycerin is available in drug stores. Again, make sure to buy the pure product with no added ingredients. Sometimes you might find gum arabic in lump form; in this case, you'll need to crush it before mixing it.

Warning

Cigarette smoking is known to cause several potentially fatal diseases, including lung cancer.

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