Rollies (or roll-your-own tobacco) are often believed to be less harmful and more natural than factory-made cigarettes. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Just as deadly

Words like ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ are often used by marketers to imply that a product is a healthier alternative. However when these words are associated with any kind of tobacco, the tactic is nothing more than a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

All tobacco kills, whether it’s a factory-made product, has a fancy name, a different flavour or comes in a nice pouch to roll-your-own. Evidence shows that people who smoke rollies are exposed to the same toxins and carcinogens as those who smoke factory-made cigarettes.  Therefore it’s no surprise that rollies have been proven to cause the same cancers and diseases and have the same high risk to health as factory-made cigarettes.‍

And it’s just as expensive

In 2017 the Federal Government announced that rollies will be taxed in line with factory-made products, making them just as expensive.

From 1 September 2020*:

• The average 50g pouch of loose tobacco will increase to almost $115, with each rollie costing up to $1.60 a stick
• The average 25g pouch of loose tobacco will increase to more than $50, with each rollie costing around $1.50 a stick

* Estimates only from figures @ https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-13-taxation/13-3-the-price-of-tobacco-products-in-australia

This price increase is a timely reminder that tobacco smoking will kill two out of three long-term users, regardless of the type of tobacco product. There has never been a better time to quit.

Use our savings calculator to find out how much cash you can gain from quitting, and check out all the health benefits you can look forward to when you kick the habit.