How to Spot Authentic RAW and OCB Rolling Papers in Colombia
In short: buy from a specialized store, compare the packaging carefully and be suspicious of prices that look too good to be true. If a pack looks different from what you know, ask before you buy.
RAW and OCB are two of the most popular rolling paper brands in the world, which also makes them popular targets for imitations. If you are shopping in Colombia, a few simple checks will help you take home the real thing. This guide explains where to buy, what to look at and which red flags to watch for.
Why authenticity matters
Original papers are made to consistent standards, so the thickness, glue strip and burn are predictable from one pack to the next. Imitations can vary a lot: papers that tear easily, uneven glue or a poor burn are common complaints. Buying original is simply a better experience, and it supports the brands that invest in quality.
1. Start with where you buy
The most important check happens before you even look at a pack. Buy from a specialized store or an authorized seller that works with distributors, not from street vendors or unusually cheap online listings. Do not be shy about asking: where do your products come from? At Stoners we buy from distributors and sell original products from recognized brands, and we have done so since 2015.
2. Check the packaging
- Print quality. Original packs usually have sharp, well-aligned printing and consistent colors. Blurry text or smudged logos are a warning sign.
- Spelling and logos. Look closely at the brand name, the product name and the logo. Small spelling mistakes or distorted logos are a red flag.
- Product information. Legitimate packs show the usual details, such as the barcode, size and importer or distributor information. Missing or strange information deserves a second look.
- Consistency. Two packs of the same product should look the same. Compare them side by side.
- Condition. Look for sealed, intact packaging and display boxes in good shape.
Packaging designs change over time, so compare with the brand’s current products on its official website or with a pack you already know is genuine.
3. Check the paper itself
If you can, look at and feel one paper before you commit. Original papers feel smooth and even, with a uniform glue strip along the edge. Patchy glue, wrinkled or uneven paper, a very strong smell or paper that tears right out of the pack are all reasons to be cautious.
Common sizes explained
| Size name | Approximate length | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Single wide | 70 mm | The classic small size |
| 1¼ (one and a quarter) | 78 mm | A little longer and wider, very popular |
| King size slim | 110 mm | Longer and narrower than 1¼ |
Not sure which size to choose? Ask our team. We will show you the options and the differences.
Red flags at a glance
- A price far below what other stores charge.
- Loose papers sold without packaging.
- Misspelled brand names or blurry printing.
- Packs that look different from each other.
- A seller who cannot say where the products come from.
Our advice for visitors
Buy in a store, keep your receipt and ask questions. Our team in El Poblado helps in English, and you can message either Medellín store on WhatsApp to confirm what is in stock before you go. For more shopping ideas, read our traveler’s shopping guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are the RAW and OCB papers at Stoners original?
Yes. We have worked with recognized brands such as RAW, OCB, Elements, Zig-Zag and King Palm since 2015, and we sell original products.
Can you tell me if a pack is authentic?
Our team is happy to show you what original packs from our shelves look like. Compare packaging details and, when in doubt, buy from a specialized store.
Which size should I choose?
It depends on your preference. Single wide papers are the smallest, 1¼ is a popular middle size and king size slim is the longest. Ask our team in store and we will show you the differences.
Where can I buy original papers in Medellín?
At our two Medellín stores: El Poblado (Carrera 48 # 7-332, Mall Vegas 10) and Laureles (Transversal 40 # 74A-40, local 2). See the store pages for hours and directions.
Visit Stoners in Medellín
Two stores, one promise: original products and honest advice. Message us first and we will confirm what is in stock.
Keep reading
- Smoke shop in Medellín: what to expect at Stoners
- What to buy at a smoke shop in Colombia: a traveler’s shopping guide
- Our stores in Medellín
Sales are for adults 18 and over only. Product availability and prices can change. Always follow local laws and check the regulations of your home country before you buy or travel.
