High Rollers: The Complete Guide to Weed Rolling Trays

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of options in the world of cannabis accessories, especially for newcomers. One essential accessory often overlooked is the rolling tray, which can greatly enhance a smoking session.

Rolling trays are great for organization, personalization, streamlining the rolling process, and more. If you're going to spend any time grinding your own cannabis, whether you're rolling joints, packing bowls, or even using a dry herb vape, a rolling tray is a must-have for your next smoking session.

What is a Weed Rolling Tray?

Maybe you don’t have a pre-roll handy, or you prefer hand-rolling joints, blunts, or spliffs. A rolling tray proves an effective workplace for rolling your own. These trays are an essential accessory for some cannabis enthusiasts, providing space to keep everything organized and in one place.

Rolling trays come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to cater to different preferences. Some may be metal like aluminum or tin, while others are wooden, glass, silicone, plastic, or even bamboo. Certain trays feature intricate designs and branding, and others offer minimalist, sleek aesthetics. 

Some trays may include compartments or sections for holding additional accessories, including papers, filters, grinders, and other tools. They make it easy to ensure everything is within arm’s reach. Cannabis tray versatility lets consumers choose something that aligns with their style and functionality preferences.

The primary purpose of a rolling tray is to create a clean, contained space for rolling cannabis. They prevent herb and paper waste by providing a surface to catch any stray materials, making cleanup a breeze. Overall, these trays enhance the rolling experience, making it more effective, efficient, and enjoyable.

Why Do I Need a Rolling Tray?

There are several essential purposes a rolling tray can serve for cannabis consumers. It’s a simple yet indispensable tool that makes it a valuable addition to most cannabis toolkits.

Organization

Rolling a joint or blunt can be a messy process. There are cannabis bits, rolling papers, and maybe filters and other accessories scattered about. A rolling tray cleans everything up, providing a designated surface to keep it all together. The organization ensures rolling remains orderly and efficient instead of a hassle.

Rolling trays aren’t even exclusive to rolling, either. Maybe you’re a newcomer trying to learn how to smoke a bowl instead of roll. Trays give your pipe or other piece space for you to pack the bowl without making a mess.

Less Waste

Organization with a rolling tray also prevents you from losing precious herb. The tray acts as a catch-all, saving those wayward pieces that would otherwise create unnecessary waste. Over time, that can add up to significant cost savings depending on how frequently you’re rolling fresh joints.

Hygiene

A rolling tray can be easily wiped clean. That reduces the risk of debris or contaminants in the end product – your joint. And keeping your rolling materials on a clean, designated surface is not only efficient but also more hygienic. 

Mobility

Lastly, many rolling trays are portable, allowing consumers to take rolling stations wherever they go. It also ensures a clean, stable surface to work on, no matter where the destination is.

How to Use a Weed Rolling Tray

Fortunately, using a weed rolling tray is a straightforward process. It can also greatly enhance a rolling experience. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for newcomers to make the most out of a rolling tray.

1. Set Up Your Rolling Station

Find a workspace that’s comfortable and well-lit. Ideally, you want a rolling tray with raised edges to prevent any cannabis from spilling off the sides. Place the tray on a flat surface like a table or desk.

2. Gather Your Materials

Ensure all rolling materials are ready on your rolling tray, including your cannabis of choice, rolling papers, grinder, filters, and any other preferred accessories.

Remember, a rolling tray doesn’t have to be exclusive to rolling (even though it’s in the name). Use a weed tray to pack a bowl in a bong, pipe, bubbler, and more. Or, pick up a rolling paper if you’re trying to learn how to roll a joint.

3. Fill, Shape, and Pack

Carefully fill the rolling paper or bowl with ground cannabis. Distribute it evenly to ensure a smooth, balanced burn. 

If it’s a joint, use your fingers to shape the weed into a cylinder within the paper. It should have a consistent, even density.

4. Clean Up the Rest

After rolling the joint, use the rolling tray to collect any leftover cannabis. It makes cleanup significantly easier.

How to Choose the Right Rolling Tray

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a weed rolling tray. Choosing the right tray set is essential to secure specific needs and enhance the rolling part of a smoke session.

Weighing these variables should help you narrow in on rolling tray ideas that fit your preferences.

Cost

First, determine a budget for buying the rolling tray. Consider a price range that suits your finances, as trays come in a variety of price points.

Some rolling trays without any bells and whistles may be as affordable as $5. Others may have special features or an easily cleanable material that gives them a higher price point. You might spend anywhere from $10 to $100 on a tray, depending on many other factors.

Material

Rolling trays have been around since the 1970s. In these last five decades, a massive variety of trays in varying materials have become available.

• Wood: Offering a natural and rustic aesthetic, wooden rolling trays are classics. They also combine durability with visual appeal, so they’re a staple for a reason.
• Silicone: Ideal for on-the-go use, silicone is highly flexible and incredibly durable.
• Metal: Common metals include aluminum, stainless steel, and tin, with each tray often adorned with creative designs.
• Glass: One of the easiest materials to clean is glass, which provides a sleek, smooth surface. However, it’s not the most portable material.
• Plastic: Perfect for consumers on a tighter budget, plastic is lightweight and easy to use. It may not be the easiest to clean, though.

Size

Consider the size of the rolling tray, as it can impact your rolling experience. Smaller trays are portable and convenient. Meanwhile, larger trays offer more surface area for additional tools and accessories in a rolling tray set.

Portability

Speaking of portability, it should be a factor in your purchase decision. Think about whether you need a portable rolling tray. If you plan to roll on the go, choose a lightweight and compact option to suit your lifestyle better.

Special Features

Not every tray comes with unique features like compartments or magnetic closures – but it is a nice touch. Built-in compartments make it easier to store accessories like papers, filters, and a grinder. It can keep a setup more organized. 

Magnetic closures keep rolling materials more secure and make transportation a breeze. However, portability isn’t a necessity for every consumer. Decide which, if any, special features you’d prefer in a tray.

Cleanability

All trays are not equally easy to clean. Different materials may require varying levels of maintenance. Metal, glass, and silicone trays are typically easy to clean. However, wooden and certain plastic trays may need extra care.

Durability & Quality

Of course, you want something that can withstand your level of use, especially if you consume cannabis daily. Look for high-quality tray options that will maintain their appearance over time. Pay attention to any hinges or other moving parts to take note of their quality.

By taking these factors into account, one can confidently choose the right rolling tray to suit their needs. 

The Best Rolling Tray: Top Contenders You Can Buy Right Now

Some cannabis subscription boxes may come with the occasional rolling tray. But for the here and now, there are some worthwhile trays to consider.

Budget-Friendly Pick - RAW’s Mini Metal Rolling Tray

• It measures 18cm long by 12.5cm wide (7.08in long by 4.92in wide). 
• Smallest of the four metal trays from the brand.
• Dimensions allow consumers to accommodate rolling papers, filters, and cannabis. 
• Corners are rounded, so you don’t have to worry about spillage.
• Smooth to the touch – can be easily wiped clean if required.
• Durable but 100% non-flexible.
• At less than $5, it’s the perfect budget pick without sacrificing the material quality.

Portable & Convenient - GRAV’s Metal Rolling Tray w/ Magnetic Lid

• It measures 16cm long by 27cm wide (6.29in long by 10.62in wide).
• Sturdy metal with a magnetic lid ensures supplies stay in one place.
• Unique illustrations and vivid chartreuse green color give it a 90’s psychedelic feel.
• It's compact but spacious enough to roll on.
• Quick and easy to wipe down after each session.
• Less than $20 and from one of the most trusted names in glass.

Focus on Special Features - RAW’s Back Flip Bamboo Rolling Tray

• It measures 23.87cm long by 21.84cm wide (9.4in long by 8.6in wide).
• Carved compartments let you stash all your accessories.
• The central piece is held together with a strong magnet so the tray can be split in half and reattached.
• Foam on each corner of the bottom to prevent scratching surfaces.
• 4 round holes at the top meant to hold a lighter, grinder, tin, and other accessories.
• Around $30 for a smooth bamboo design rolling tray.

Easiest to Clean - Blazy Susan Stainless Steel Tray

• It measures 17.78cm long by 23.49cm wide (7in long by 9.25in wide).
• Tucks easily away for storage.
• Incredibly durable and available in a rainbow, purple, or rose gold finish.
• Around $25 for a stainless steel tray that’s easy to clean.

Durable & Long-Lasting - Puebco’s Aluminum Tray

• Large measures 27.94cm long by 35.56cm wide (11in long by 14in wide).
• Small measures 12.7cm long by 22.86cm wide (5in long by 9in wide).
• Puebco’s aluminum tray embraces the wear-and-tear aesthetic.
• Industrial vintage design shines through with a gunmetal gray finish.
• Two different price points fit more budgets (a large is $65, while a small is $36).

Old School Look - Burner Babe’s That 70’s Tray

• Measures 25.4cm long by 15.24cm wide (10in long by 6in wide).
• High-quality melamine bamboo composite material makes a lightweight, durable tray.
• Hand wash only for optimal maintenance.
• 70’s aesthetic may surge up some much-wanted nostalgia!
• Less than $20 before shipping makes it a worthwhile pick for many consumers.

Most Customizable - MOODTRAYS’ Custom LED Rolling Tray

• It measures 13.97cm long by 24.13cm wide (5.5in long by 9.5in wide).
• Create your own LED rolling glow tray by choosing the color and design.
• Choose between 8 different base colors, then design it further.
• In the design phase, upload an image, logo, clip art, or whatever your heart desires.
• $59 retail, and only $49 before other promotions and discounts.

Natural Wood - The Marley Natural Black Walnut Rolling Tray

• The small tray measures 22.86cm long by 13.97cm wide (9in long by 5.5in wide).
• The large tray measures 30.48cm long by 17.78cm wide (12in long by 7in wide).
• Includes a wooden scraper with a built-in magnet to allow for more effortless rolling and prep.
• Combination of functional design with a stylish form.
• The walnut wood base finished in teak oil includes a cutout corner for easy pouring.
• $30 price point for an American black walnut natural wood rolling tray.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.