Old newspapers aren’t just for packing and lining bird cages anymore.

The Whidbey News-Times announced this week a new partnership, bringing new use to the 125-year-old print product.

Starting April 1, the Whidbey News-Times will be printed on new material provided by Zig Zag, the popular maker of smokable rolling papers, allowing readers to read up and then toke up.

“We’re always looking for new innovative ideas for our products,” said Executive Editor and Publisher Keven Graves.

“There will be no additional charge for the new, high value,” he added.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington state, partnering with a Washington newspaper seemed like the perfect opportunity for creating a dual-use product, a Zig Zag spokesperson said.

Modifying the two paper products into one wasn’t as simple as one might think.

Prior to its launch, the new paper product was tested for durability and burning qualities.

The companies also had to test and redevelop the ink used to ensure safe inhalation when burned.

“We were already halfway there since we already used a natural soy-based ink,” Graves said. “A little tweaking and Zig Zag was able to produce just what we needed.”

The changes won’t affect Oak Harbor’s non-smoking citizens and the paper is still recyclable.

APRIL FOOLS!