You open a fresh pack of RAW rolling papers and see a thin piece of paper at the front with a warning printed on it. It looks almost identical to the rolling papers behind it. It's late, you're out of papers, and you're tempted. But should you smoke it?
No. The warning paper (also called the warning slip or advisory paper) in a RAW pack is not a rolling paper. It's a printed insert required for regulatory compliance. It contains printing inks, possible coatings, and adhesives that release toxic fumes when burned. Smoking it can cause harsh chemical taste, throat irritation, and coughing. Never smoke the warning paper from any brand.
This guide explains what the warning paper is, why it's unsafe, what to do if you've accidentally smoked it, and what to use instead.
Contents
What Is the Warning Paper in a RAW Pack?
The warning paper (sometimes called the warning slip or advisory paper) is a separate printed insert that RAW includes in every pack for regulatory compliance[reference:0]. It contains printed text with health warnings, product information, and legal disclaimers required by law in certain jurisdictions.
It is not a rolling paper. It is not made from the same unbleached hemp and flax fibers as RAW's actual rolling papers. It is a piece of printed paper that is inserted into the pack before the rolling papers[reference:1].
The warning slip is designed to be read and discarded. Once you've seen it, you don't need it anymore. Take it out and throw it away when you first open a new pack[reference:2].
Why You Shouldn't Smoke the Warning Paper
The warning paper looks like a rolling paper, but it's fundamentally different. Here's why it's unsafe to smoke:
1. Printed with regular ink
The warning paper is printed with standard ink containing heavy metals and petroleum-based compounds[reference:3]. When burned, these inks release volatile organic compounds and heavy metal particles directly into your lungs[reference:4].
2. May contain coatings
To prevent smudging, the warning paper may have additional layers or coatings that are not designed for combustion[reference:5].
3. Adhesives
If the warning slip is stuck to the package, it may contain adhesive chemicals that release fumes when burned[reference:6].
4. Not safety-tested for smoking
Real rolling papers use food-safe inks (if any), natural gum arabic adhesive, and go through safety testing for combustion[reference:7]. The warning paper has none of these safeguards.
The bottom line: Rolling papers are made for combustion. The warning paper is made to be read.
What Happens If You Smoke It
People who have accidentally smoked warning papers report the same experience:
- Harsh chemical taste – immediately noticeable and unpleasant[reference:8]
- Throat irritation – your body knows something is wrong[reference:9]
- Coughing – the body's natural response to inhaling irritants[reference:10]
- Volatile organic compounds and heavy metal particles entering your lungs[reference:11]
One forum user who tried it said: "It worked of course but tasted bad and not as good as normal papers obviously." Another commenter warned: "If you feel like inhaling a bunch of burning ink and paper dye..."[reference:12]
Will one time hurt you? Probably not seriously. But it's not worth the risk. There's nothing good that comes from it, and repeated exposure could cause real problems[reference:13].
Warning Paper vs Rolling Paper – Key Differences
| Feature | Warning Paper | RAW Rolling Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Regulatory compliance insert | Smoking |
| Material | Regular printed paper | Unbleached hemp/flax fibers |
| Ink | Standard printing ink (heavy metals, petroleum-based) | Food-safe ink (if any) |
| Adhesive | Package adhesive (if stuck) | Natural gum arabic |
| Safety testing | None for combustion | Safety-tested for smoking |
| Burn quality | Poor, chemical taste | Slow, even burn |
| Should you smoke it? | ❌ Never | ✅ Yes |
What to Do If You're Out of Rolling Papers
If you're out of rolling papers and tempted to smoke the warning slip, don't. Here are better options:
- Go to a 24-hour convenience store – Many carry rolling papers[reference:14]
- Use a pipe – If you have any smoking device on hand, use it[reference:15]
- Wait until morning – It's not worth inhaling toxic fumes[reference:16]
- Use a safe alternative – See the next section for natural alternatives
Being in a pinch is a bad reason to smoke something toxic. There's no shortage of rolling papers in the world – don't risk your health over convenience[reference:17].
Safe Alternatives to Rolling Papers
If you truly have no papers and no pipe, here are safe alternatives:
- Corn husks – Natural, slow-burning, and safe
- Unbleached coffee filters – A classic household alternative
- Rose petals – Dried petals burn slowly with a subtle floral note
- Banana leaves – Traditional rolling material
- Apple pipe – No rolling required – just carve and smoke
- Empty cigarette tube – Hollow out the tobacco and refill
For a full guide, see our article: What Can I Use to Roll Up Without Papers?
FAQ – RAW Warning Paper
Q1: Can you smoke the warning paper in a RAW pack?
A: No. The warning paper is a printed insert for regulatory compliance. It contains printing inks, possible coatings, and adhesives that release toxic fumes when burned.
Q2: What is the warning paper in a RAW pack?
A: It's a separate printed insert with health warnings and product information. It's not a rolling paper and should be discarded when you open the pack.
Q3: What happens if you smoke the warning paper?
A: You'll experience harsh chemical taste, throat irritation, and coughing. Burning the ink releases volatile organic compounds and heavy metal particles into your lungs.
Q4: Is the warning paper the same as a RAW rolling paper?
A: No. RAW rolling papers are made from unbleached hemp and flax fibers with natural gum arabic adhesive. The warning paper is regular printed paper with standard ink.
Q5: Why does RAW include a warning paper?
A: For regulatory compliance. Certain jurisdictions require health warnings to be included with tobacco-related products.
Q6: What should I do with the warning paper?
A: Take it out and throw it away when you first open the pack. It's not needed once you've read it.
Q7: Are warning papers from other brands safe to smoke?
A: No. Never smoke warning slips from any brand. They all contain printed ink and are not designed for combustion.
Q8: Can I use the warning paper if I'm desperate?
A: No. Being out of papers is not a good reason to smoke something toxic. Go to a store, use a pipe, or wait.
Q9: What if I accidentally smoked the warning paper?
A: One time is unlikely to cause serious harm, but you may experience coughing and throat irritation. Don't do it again.
Q10: Where can I buy rolling papers?
A: CloverGlass offers wholesale rolling papers, filters, and accessories. Low MOQ and fast LA warehouse shipping.
Conclusion + CTA
The warning paper in a RAW pack is not a rolling paper. It's a printed insert with inks, coatings, and adhesives that release toxic fumes when burned. It looks like a rolling paper, but it's not designed for smoking – and it never was.
The rule is simple: If it's not an actual rolling paper, don't smoke it. Stick to the papers behind the warning slip.
For individual smokers: Keep a spare pack of rolling papers on hand so you're never tempted to smoke the warning slip.
For smoke shop owners: Stock a variety of rolling papers, filters, and rolling accessories so your customers always have safe options.
👉 Ready to stock wholesale rolling papers and accessories? CloverGlass offers factory-direct pricing on rolling papers, glass filter tips, and smoking accessories. Low MOQ (12 pieces per style), fast LA warehouse shipping, and photo-to-credit warranty.
Get wholesale pricing: [Contact our B2B team]
Order online: https://cloverglasspipe.com/wholesale-rolling-paper
Email Frank: Fr***@********pe.com
