Loose Leaf Tobacco: Rolling Papers vs Tubes

The short answer: loose leaf is cut tobacco sold by the bag. You either hand-roll it with rolling papers, or pack it into pre-made filtered tubes using a small injector machine. Tubes give a cigarette that looks like a store-bought one; hand-rolling needs only papers and a bit of practice.

Hand-rolling with papers

You need: loose leaf, rolling papers, and optionally filter tips.

1. Spread a pinch of tobacco evenly along the paper, gum strip facing you and up.
2. If you use a filter tip, place it at one end.
3. Roll the paper back and forth between your thumbs to shape the tobacco into a cylinder.
4. Tuck the near edge under, roll up, and lick the gum strip to seal.

A rolling machine makes it quicker and more even if you roll often.

Filling tubes with an injector

You need: loose leaf, empty filtered tubes, and an injector.

1. Fill the injector's chamber with tobacco and close it.
2. Slide a tube onto the nozzle.
3. Push or crank the handle to pack the tobacco into the tube.

Tube-filling is faster than hand-rolling once you're set up, and every cigarette comes out the same size.

Papers vs tubes at a glance

	Papers	Tubes
Equipment	Papers (filters optional)	Tubes and an injector
Learning curve	Takes practice	Easy
Result	Varies roll to roll	Uniform, filtered
Speed	Slower	Faster in batches

Choosing loose leaf

• Cut: fine-cut tobacco suits hand-rolling; most tobacco sold for tubes is cut slightly coarser so it packs evenly. Many blends work for both.
• Bag size: larger bags cost less per gram, but loose leaf dries out once opened. Buy a size you'll use in a few weeks, or plan to move it into an airtight tin.

We currently carry native loose leaf including Turtle Island and Sago. See everything in our Loose Leaf section.

Keeping it fresh

Reseal the bag every time, pressing the air out. If it starts to dry out, see our guide to storing tobacco.

Is roll-your-own safer than store-bought?

No. Hand-rolled and tube cigarettes carry the same health risks as manufactured cigarettes.

White Birch Post sells to adults 19 and over only. Smoking is harmful to your health. If you're thinking about cutting back or quitting, our responsible use page lists free Canadian support services.