How to Use a Bong: Step-By-Step Instructions
- 1. What is a bong?
- 2. What types of bongs are there?
- 3. How does a bong work?
- 4. Anatomy of a bong
- 4. a. Base
- 4. b. Chamber
- 4. c. Uptake
- 4. d. Mouthpiece
- 4. e. Bowl
- 4. f. Stem
- 4. g. Carb hole
- 5. What you need to smoke a bong
- 6. Step-by-step instructions on how to smoke a bong
- 6. a. Fill the bong with water
- 6. b. Grind up your weed
- 6. c. Fill the bowl with weed
- 6. d. Put the bong to your mouth
- 6. e. Release the carb hole and inhale
- 6. f. Clean the bong!
- 7. Why use a bong?
- 8. Pros and cons of smoking a bong
- 8. a. Pros
- 8. b. Cons
- 9. Tips & tricks
- 10. Is smoking from a bong cleaner?
- 11. Faq
- 11. a. How do you use a bong for the first time?
- 11. b. How do you use a little bong?
- 11. c. Should you wash a bong before using it?
- 11. d. How do you clean a bong when you first get it?
- 11. e. Is a small bong worth it?
- 11. f. Why does my bong get dirty so fast?
- 11. g. Will 70 alcohol clean a bong?
- 11. h. Can you use peroxide to clean a bong?
- 11. i. Does a small bong get you higher?
- 11. j. Do bong sizes matter?
- 11. k. What is a good size for a bong?
- 11. l. What's better bong or blunt?
- 11. m. Which is better bong or bowl?
- 11. n. Why use a bong instead of a pipe?
If you’ve ever seen a stoner movie or been to a smoke shop, then you’ve probably seen a bong, and even though a bong might seem not suitable for beginners, it’s actually a really simple and effective way to smoke weed. A bong aka water pipe is basically a device that uses water to filter smoke which helps cool down the smoke and trap certain particles, preventing them from entering your airways.
What is a Bong?
A bong is a pipe used for smoking weed, this type of pipe uses water to cool and filter the cannabis smoke, resulting in a cleaner, smoother, and sometimes healthier smoke. A bong or water pipe works by pulling the smoke through a chamber filled with water, as the smoke goes through, the water cools down the smoke while also filtering out a number of toxic substances as well as ash and tar while letting the cannabinoids and terpenes to go through.
What Types Of Bongs Are There?
There are several different types of water pipe shapes and you will find waterpipes made with different materials or with different features. During a trip to your local smoke shop, you will probably find the classic water pipe design that comes straight up or waterpipes with wider bases, or some fancy ones that look like expensive bases.
On the other hand, there are also different types of materials such as silicon, ceramic, glass, and acrylic. So basically, you will be ever to find all types of water pipe suited for every occasion and every preference.
How Does A Bong Work?
As mentioned, the waterpipe serves to filter out particulate matter and cool down the weed smoke. When using a water pipe, you’ll easily see how ash, tar, and even unburnt weed get caught in the water. So when your weed is burned, tars and other compounds are created and released, and you really don’t want that getting into your lungs. Properly grown weed should not contain any chemicals but if you’re not sure about the quality of weed you’re getting, a waterpipe is a great way to stay safe.
Anatomy Of A Bong
If you’ve been living under a rock and have never seen a water pipe in person, it may seem confusing at first. So in case you’re wondering about the parts of a waterpipe and what they’re used for, let’s take a deeper look at the different components of a bong or water pipe.
Base
The base of the water pipe supports the chamber and everything above. Depending on the design of the waterpipe, the base can have different sizes but all serve the same purpose.
Chamber
The chamber is where the water is held, this water does not only cool down the smoke but it also filters out ashes, tar, and other fine particles.
Uptake
The uptake is the cylindrical tube that takes the smoke from the chamber to the mouthpiece to your lungs.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the hole at the top of the uptake, where you place your mouth to inhale the smoke.
Bowl
The bowl is what holds your weed. Depending on the design, the bowl could be made from steel, copper, glass, or ceramic, but they all should have the same shape.
Stem
The stem or downstem is a tube that comes out of the bowl, extending to the chamber of the water pipe and with the lowest part submerged in water. This downstem or stem can be made from steel, copper, or glass and it can be removed for cleaning, if necessary.
Carb Hole
The carb hole is a hole usually located above water level, on the side of the waterpipe. This part of the water pipe serves to make it easier to fill the waterpipe with smoke, so you have to cover it with your finger as you light and inhale to fill the waterpipe with smoke. Once the water pipe is filled with smoke, you then take the finger off the carb hole and inhale all the delicious smoke.
What You Need to Smoke a Bong
If reading got you eager to take a bong hit, here’s everything you’ll need to smoke a waterpipe.
- Weed
- A waterpipe
- A lighter (or hemp wick)
- Water
- Grinder
- Alcohol and coarse salt, or a cleaning solution to clean the waterpipe after.
Step-by-step Instructions on How to Smoke a Bong
Waterpipes are iconic in cannabis culture, and knowing how to use a water pipe is essential for cannabis users who want to try different consumption methods so here is a guide on how to use a water pipe.
1. Fill the bong with water
The first step is to make sure your water pipe is ready for use. So insert the downstem and make sure it’s clean, then pour water into the chamber so that the downstem is submerged, if you want to try ice cubes, for instance, now is the time put them in your waterpipe.
2. Grind up your weed
Then grab a grinder and grind your weed, making sure it's ground uniformly. If you don’t have a grinder, you can always use a scissor and break the buds into small pieces.
3. Fill the bowl with weed
After grinding your weed, place it in the bowl but don’t pack it too tightly as it could make it harder to pull the smoke.
4. Put the bong to your mouth
Now use your lighter or hemp wick to light the weed. So place your finger on top of the carb hole and pull slowly to fill the uptake and water chamber with smoke.
5. Release the carb hole and inhale
When the uptake and chambers are filled with smoke, you’re ready to take a hit. So take your finger off the carb hole (or depending on the design, gradually remove the downstem as you inhale the smoke.
6. Clean the bong!
You can take as many hits as you want, just keep in mind that bongs can become smelly, so it’s ideal to keep them clean. So, when the time to clean your bong comes, grab the salt and rubbing alcohol (or a cleaning solution specific for bongs), fill the waterpipe, and gently shake and scrub the waterpipe if needed, until clean. Once the waterpipe is thoroughly cleaned, you’re ready for your next session, just remember to clean it every time after a session to avoid the unwanted smell.
Why Use a Bong?
A bong or water pipe allows you to get a strong hit while colling down the smoke and making it less harsh. On top of that, you can put ice cubes on the chamber or uptake to cool down the smoke even more. And you don’t need to worry about ash getting in your mouth as the water will filter everything out.
Pros and Cons of Smoking a Bong
The main advantages of smoking in a water pipe is the less irritating and cooler smoke and the experience. But there are also a few cons, just like with anything else. So here are all the pros and cons of smoking a bong.
Pros
- You can add ice and water to cool down the smoke
- Much potent hits when compared to a joint
- No risk of getting ash or weed in your mouth
Cons
- Can break easily
- Will smell bad if you don’t clean it regularly
- Not very discreet
Tips & Tricks
As mentioned above, you should clean your waterpipe regularly. Using your water pipe daily will cause the water to turn brown and start to smell bad, so it’s recommended to replace the water every couple of sessions. Replacing the water daily will also help you keep your waterpipe clean as less resin will accumulate.
Also, if you’re taking a bong hit and you’re coughing a lot, it’s probably because you’re inhaling too much or too fast so we recommend inhaling slowly or taking smaller hits, you can also add ice or cold water to reduce the harshness.
Is Smoking from a Bong Cleaner?
Well, smoking from a bong is considered to be cleaner because of the water filtration but it has not been scientifically proven as the water can trap harmful toxins that get released when burning weed.
FAQ
How do you use a bong for the first time?
If it’s your first time smoking a bong, you’ll want to place the water pipe on a flat surface, place the weed in the bowl, and light it up. When the water pipe has filled with smoke, inhale slowly so you don’t start coughing too much, and then exhale the smoke, there’s no need to hold the smoke for a long time. And remember, practice makes perfect!
How do you use a little bong?
Smoking from a small bong is the same as smoking from a big water pipe, it really doesn’t matter the material or design of your water pipe because all bongs work similarly.
Should you wash a bong before using it?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to clean your water pipe before using it as your waterpipe can accumulate ash and resin, and smell really bad which can alter your weed’s smell.
How do you clean a bong when you first get it?
Brand new bongs are clean, so there’s no need to clean them with alcohol or a cleaning solution, just wash them with warm water to remove dust and that’s it.
Is a small bong worth it?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. But all bongs work similarly, so the size doesn’t really matter as long as you’re looking for a specific feature.
Why does my bong get dirty so fast?
Bongs get dirty fast because the water in the water chamber serves as a filter and accumulates ash, resin, and other tiny particles, so make sure to clean your water pipe before using it.
Will 70 alcohol clean a bong?
Yes, you will be able to clean your water pipe with 70% alcohol but keep in mind that 90% alcohol will make your life easier.
Can you use peroxide to clean a bong?
Of course! Hydrogen peroxide is a potent chemical agent so it will definitely remove resin and ashes, and leave your water pipe brand new!
Does a small bong get you higher?
No, the size of the water pipe has nothing to do with how potent the high is. If you’re looking for a more potent effect, you should get better or stronger weed.
Do bong sizes matter?
Well, it depends. Bigger bongs will be able to hold more smoke, which consequently gives you bigger hits but you can take 2 or 3 hits out of a smaller bong and it will have the same effect.
What is a good size for a bong?
20 centimeters bong is the most common bong size you will find, so if you consume cannabis regularly, it’s recommended to go for a 20 cm water pipe or bigger. If you don’t have a big tolerance then you can go for smaller sizes.
What's better bong or blunt?
If you’re wondering Should I use my water pipe or a blunt? You need to know they’re completely different things and it depends on your preference. Some people prefer blunts and others bongs so it really depends on personal preference.
Which is better bong or bowl?
If by bowl you mean a regular pipe, then a bong should be better as a bong is the same as a pipe but has a water chamber that filtrates and colls down the smoke.
Why use a bong instead of a pipe?
It depends on where you are consuming weed. A bong may be better because it cools down the smoke and allows you to take bigger hits but they’re not portable, so if you’re looking for portability, pipes are better. But if you’re looking to stay and home and relax, a water pipe might be the better option for you.
So if you're looking to get the most delicious strains to hit your bong, make sure to take a look at our Amnesia Zkittlez Auto!
External References
- Products and how to consume: how to use a bong - Weedmaps
- How to use a bong: step-by-step instructions - Cannigma
- Smoke from a bong - Wikihow
