Going Bananas for Banana Leaves: A Fun Way to Roll

For some, the idea of smoking from anything fruit-related is laughable. But for many, including native tribes in Jamaica, using banana leaves to roll is a familiar concept. Million Bananas is just one of the many companies capitalizing on this completely natural way to smoke, though it claims to be the “first cured rolling leaf of banana.” Free of GMOs and harmful chemicals, these leaf wraps are all organic and promise a smooth smoke.

Yes, These Are Actual Leaves

For people expecting a neat, prepared paper with a pretty print, expect to be disappointed. This Million Bananas leaf is just that—a rectangular leaf. With a fresh, earthy scent, the two leaves in each pouch are dry and slightly brittle. The pouch and the Million Bananas website both advise the user to moisten the leaves “well with water.” After soaking or running the leaves under water, the leaves are easier to roll, although inexperienced rollers may find trouble with cracking. 

Million Bananas Organic Glue

$3.99 per bottle

Those used to traditional blunt wraps or rolling papers might feel inclined to lick the leaf to seal it—it’s unnecessary. Instead, we recommend using the Million Bananas vegan, natural sealant to close the roll. Odorless and smooth, a little of the Organic Glue goes a long way. We were pleasantly surprised by the strength of this sealant.

One 5 mL bottle of the Million Bananas Organic Glue is $3.99, a decent deal for a lasting seal. However, the lack of ingredients on the bottle or the Million Bananas website is concerning for those who like to double-check organic claims. 

No, It Does Not Taste Like Bananas — the Million Bananas Leaves

$3.00 per pouch

Expecting your smooth new banana leaf roll to taste like bananas? Fear not—these leaves give more of an earthy, sweet taste when burned. The smoke from the leaves is smooth, not harsh, and complements the taste of your favorite flower perfectly. If wrapped properly, this Million Bananas leaf burns slowly, perfect for long and relaxing smoke sessions.

This specific brand of banana leaf wraps is hard to find in-stores. The best bet for banana leaf-lovers is to order directly from the Million Bananas website. The leaves come two to a pouch, and the minimum order for the regular size on the website is three pouches at $3.00 each. Orders under $20 are subject to a $9.90 flat shipping fee, so we recommend stocking up. 

Organic Options

These Million Bananas leaves definitely provide an all-natural way to smoke. We enjoyed the knowledge that smoke sessions were free of harmful chemicals, and were pleasantly surprised by the sweet, smooth taste and smell of the smoke. However, we doubted the validity of the claim that Million Bananas were the “first cured rolling leaves of banana.” We found several other banana leaf wrap brands sold on the internet and were unable to verify which brand capitalized on this idea first.

We were also slightly put off by the lack of ingredients on the Organic Glue bottle and lack of information on the website. Though we enjoyed the smooth smoke and sweet taste, this uncertainty knocks off an emerald or two. We also wish the leaves were more accessible—$9 shipping felt unreasonable. While $3 for two wraps might seem expensive to those used to gas station prices, Million Bananas boasts a lower price than other banana leaf brands. 

4/5 emeralds