What is a Rolling Tray?

Sneak Peak at the Best Rolling Trays:

• Budget-Friendly Pick: RAW’s Mini Metal Rolling Tray
• Most Customizable: Blazy Susan’s Spinning Rolling Trays
• Portable and Organized: Cookies’ V3 Rolling Tray 3.0
• A Classic: Marley Natural’s Black Walnut Rolling Tray
• Smooth Glass: V Syndicate’s Variety of Glass Rolling Trays

What is a Rolling Tray?

A rolling tray is a flat, often compact surface that serves as an effective workplace when rolling joints, blunts, or spliffs. It provides a dedicated space to hold all your essentials—flowers, papers, grinders, filters, and any other tools you might use. 

With raised sides or edges, rolling trays prevent spills and messes. Keeping everything on one tray makes it easier to focus on rolling a joint or packing a bowl without losing track of smaller items or spilling precious flowers.

Rolling trays are made of various materials, including metal, wood, glass, and silicone. Each offers different benefits as a rolling tray medium. Some trays also have compartments for extra storage. These can keep everything from lighters to pre-rolled cones within easy, organized reach.

Ultimately, a rolling tray is a must-have in every rolling kit, whether you're new to cannabis or a consistent consumer. They can bring order and style to your setup, making each session more enjoyable and efficient.

Why Use a Rolling Tray?

Rolling trays offer a clean, flat, and contained surface to keep your tools and flower in one place. They prevent messes, make rolling easier, and help reduce waste, offering consumers an affordable upgrade that brings more order and enjoyment to every session.

How to Use a Rolling Tray

A rolling tray can make the rolling process much more organized and efficient. Here’s how to make the most of your tray and ensure a smooth setup.

Step 1: Set Up Your Rolling (or Bowl-Packing) Station

Place everything you’ll need on the tray, including the cannabis, rolling papers or blunt wraps, a grinder, filters, and any other tools you like to use. 

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.

Step 2: Grind Your Flower

Grind the flower to a consistent texture and place it on the rolling tray. A high-quality grinder can make a big difference in texture, making it easier to roll evenly. Grinding helps ensure an even burn, which is key for a good smoke. 

Step 3: Fill, Shape, and Pack

Now it’s time to roll. With your tray keeping everything contained, scoop the ground cannabis onto your paper or wrap, then roll tightly for a smooth, even result. If you're unsure how, there are comprehensive guides on how to roll a joint, blunt, and even swisher-specific blunt to get you started.

Make sure to roll or pack over the rolling tray to collect any leftover flowers. This will make cleanup significantly easier. 

Step 4: Store Tools and Extras

Many rolling trays include compartments or sections to hold lighters, filters, or pre-rolled cones. These sections can help you keep your tools organized after rolling.

A rolling tray keeps the whole process neater, and some find that they roll more effectively as a result. Users can enjoy their sessions without the hassle of misplaced items or annoying spills.

Different Types of Rolling Trays

Rolling trays come in several materials, styles, and sizes to suit different preferences.

• Metal rolling trays are lightweight, easy to clean, and often known for their durability and affordability.
• Wooden rolling trays provide a smooth surface and often feature compartments for extra storage.
• Glass rolling trays offer a sleek, modern look and a smooth rolling surface. They’re non-porous and easy to clean but best suited for careful handling.
• Silicone rolling trays are flexible, non-stick, and portable, making them a good choice for travel or on-the-go sessions.
• Magnetic or spinning trays offer added functionality with rotating or attachable components to keep everything organized and within easy reach.
• Compartmentalized trays have built-in sections for organizing tools like grinders, papers, and lighters.
• Travel or mini trays are perfect for quick sessions on the go and fit easily into a bag or pocket.
• Eco-friendly trays come from recycled or sustainable materials like bamboo, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Most rolling trays are designed with shallow raised edges, typically around half an inch to one inch deep. This helps contain your flower and tools without making the tray bulky. The exact depth depends on your personal preference and whether you want storage features.

Each tray type offers unique advantages for convenience, sustainability, or travel. There’s a rolling tray for every style and situation, with options ranging from classic wood to sleek glass.

What is the Best Material for a Rolling Tray?

The best material depends on whether you value portability, looks, or function most. Metal trays are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Wood trays offer a more elevated aesthetic and often include compartments. Glass trays are sleek and smooth but more fragile.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Rolling Tray?

If you don’t have a rolling tray, you can use household items like plates, books, notebooks, serving trays, pie tins, or even DVD cases. While these alternatives work in a pinch, they may lack features like raised edges or compartments that make rolling trays more convenient.

Book

If you're missing a rolling tray, a sturdy hardcover book can serve as a worthy rolling station. Make sure to pick one you're okay with getting a little messy, though!

Plate (even paper plates!)

A plate—even a paper plate—can contain flowers, papers, and other tools. (Just make sure it's clean before you get started.)

Magazine or Notebook

A magazine or notebook provides a flat surface, great for on-the-go rolling. However, be cautious with thin pages, as they can bend or tear.

Serving Tray

Some cannabis consumers skip the rolling tray and go straight to serving trays, as they're often more easily accessible. They're ideal alternatives since they’re built to carry items. The raised edges keep everything secure. 

Pie Tin

A pie tin is a surprising but useful option. It has enough depth to prevent spills, making it a great kitchen find if you’re in a pinch.

Video Game or DVD Case

These cases provide a flat, stable surface and fit easily into a bag. Just be careful with any small openings where flower might slip through.

Frisbee

If you don’t have a rolling tray but you happen to have a frisbee, of all things, then it serves as a solid alternative. 

Just make sure not to use the frisbee as an ashtray, as most are made of plastic.

How to Make Your Own Rolling Tray

DIY rolling trays can be made using items like photo frames, shallow boxes, or upcycled wood or metal surfaces. For a personal touch, customize them with stickers, paint, or resin. Make sure the surface is flat and easy to wipe clean.

5 Best Rolling Trays

For some consumers, having the right paraphernalia can improve the cannabis-consuming experience. There are several different rolling trays that fit the job.

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

RAW’s mini metal rolling tray is a great option for those seeking quality on a budget. Its durable, lightweight metal construction is easy to clean, and its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go sessions. The tray features raised edges to keep supplies secure and the classic RAW logo for a touch of iconic style. For less than $10, it might be ideal for someone looking to keep things simple without sacrificing functionality. 

Most Customizable: Blazy Susan’s Spinning Rolling Trays

Sometimes, you don't want to choose between form and function. The Blazy Susan's spinning rolling trays offer both, with an adaptable setup that is stylish and practical. Rotating compartments can house flowers, a grinder, papers, and other accessories. Available in an array of colorful designs, Blazy Susan's trays suit a range of styles while keeping setups flexible and organized. 

Portable and Organized: Cookies’ V3 Rolling Tray 3.0

The Cookies V3 rolling tray 3.0 might be the go-to for those who value portability and organization. Its lightweight design and convenient layout come in three color variants to suit several styles. The V3's tray cover makes on-the-go rolling easier, and it has a lighter holder, joint holder, and detachable small side tray to house the essentials. 

A Classic: Marley Natural’s Black Walnut Rolling Tray

Marley Natural’s Black Walnut Rolling Tray combines function and style. It is crafted from sustainably sourced American black walnut wood and finished in teak oil to accentuate the wood's grain and color. The tray includes a carved groove for rolling papers and a designated space for ground flowers, making it a timeless addition to any setup. It is a multi-use preparation tray with a stackable design for convenient storage.

Smooth Glass: V Syndicate’s Variety of Glass Rolling Trays

V Syndicate’s glass rolling trays offer a sleek, easy-to-clean option with a smooth, modern surface. They come in various designs and sizes and provide a sturdy, non-porous surface resistant to scratches and stains. The glass construction adds a premium feel, while the unique designs make each tray a statement piece for any rolling station.

Do You Have to Be 21 to Buy a Rolling Tray?

Rolling trays are legal to own and buy, but retailers may restrict sales to customers 21 and older if the trays are intended for cannabis or tobacco use. Laws vary by state, so check your local regulations or the store’s age policy before you go shopping.

How to Clean a Rolling Tray

Most trays can be wiped down with warm water and mild soap. For sticky residue, isopropyl alcohol works well, especially on metal or glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners on wooden trays to prevent damage to the finish.

Can You Put a Rolling Tray in the Oven?

Most rolling trays aren’t meant to withstand high heat and could melt, warp, or release fumes. Even metal trays can have coatings or printed finishes that aren’t oven-safe. Stick to traditional methods for cleaning your rolling tray or decarbing your cannabis.

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.