The first pack of rolling papers I ever purchased was Zig-Zags. As a very young marketer, I was initially drawn to them because of their iconic label, and the knowledge that a good brand speaks for itself. As a non-smoker before then, I was confused about why I could even recognize Zig-Zag wraps at all, and I just assumed it was their marketing team making big plays in product placement and advertising. The fact is that it isn’t product placement, and their advertisements are relatively subtle, compared to their competitors. Zig-Zag has been around since before everyone on earth today was ever born, and that’s where a lot of the success in the subtle marketing comes from.
The marketing aspect isn’t the point, though. The point is that Zig-Zag is a neat company with very deep roots in cannabis culture. Here’s a history lesson for you:
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Zig-Zag History
The iconic Zig-Zag wrap and paper logo is of a 19th century French soldier named Zouave. After his clay pipe was destroyed on the battlefield during the battle of Sevastopol, Zouave rolled his tobacco up with a piece of paper torn from a bag of gunpowder. Zig-Zag pays tribute to this discovery by displaying Zouave on the packaging for all their wraps and papers.
In 1879, Maurice and Jacques Braunstein established a business in Paris to make rolling papers in flat booklets. The founders of Zig-Zag then perfected the interwoven rolling paper booklet, so that the papers could automatically dispense. Since the papers were dispensed in the “Z” shape, they patented the design under the name Zig-Zag.
In the early 1900s, Zig-Zag was recognized internationally when they were awarded a gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris. Popularity began to spread wildly through the 1960s and 1970s, and are continuing to grow more and more recognized with each passing month,
Zig-Zag Wraps
Zig-Zag wraps are excellent. You can find Zig-Zag wraps at almost any convenience store, head shop, corner bodega, or gas station. This is mostly since Zig-Zag is the number one brand in the cigar wrap category. A name that well known is always around, just like Coca Cola or Hershey’s. Zig-Zag makes both plain cigar wraps and cigarillos in plenty of different flavors for you to choose from. There’s a wrap for everyone and everyone.
Zig-Zag Papers
Zig-Zag papers have been made in France for over 100 years. Using 100% natural flax fibers, these papers have perfected the slow burn along with a strong, firm smoke. The papers use the sap from the African Acacia tree to create a sealant for your joint that won’t mess up the way it tastes. Each paper is also watermarked for that distinct Zig-Zag look. As a personal favor, I must include these filters. When you combine those puppies with these papers, you’re in for a pretty great joint.
Where Are They?
Like I said before, you can find Zig-Zags everywhere papers and wraps are sold. If you’re looking for specifics, you can always check out our good friends at The Pipe Joint. You can also check Amazon and Zig-Zag itself.
