What is a Bong & How Do You Use It?
October 18, 2023
There are some devices in the cannabis world that need no introduction. You know them by their look, and when it comes to a marijuana bong, you know them by the sound they make when being used. That glug-glug-glug of bubbling water in your bong actually has a benefit—creating a smoother smoking experience. In this guide, we’re going to get into the world of bongs, talking about what they are, how they work, how you should use them, and where you can buy one.
What is a Bong?
A bong, often referred to as a water pipe, is one of the most popular tools used for consuming cannabis—and it has been for many years. Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all serve the same primary purpose: to deliver a smooth and water-filtered cannabis smoking experience. The key feature that distinguishes a bong from other smoking methods is the presence of water in its design.
How Do Bongs Work?
Bongs work on a simple yet effective principle: water filtration. This filtration system provides a smoother and cooler hit compared to traditional methods like smoking a joint. When you ignite cannabis in the bowl and inhale, the smoke is drawn through the water chamber. The water cools the smoke, removing some of the heat and making it easier on your lungs. Additionally, the water acts as a filter, removing ash and other particulates, resulting in cleaner, smoother hits.
What are the Different Parts of a Bong?
Understanding the different parts of a bong is essential for a complete bong experience. Let's break down the main components:
- Bowl: The bowl is where you place your ground cannabis flower before lighting it. While designs differ depending on the bowl, they typically have a small hole at the bottom where the smoke can travel down the downstem. When you light the cannabis, the bowl holds it in place, ensuring a steady burn.
- Carb: The carb, short for carburetor, is a small hole usually located on the side of the bong. It plays a crucial role in controlling airflow. By covering and releasing the carb, you control the intensity of the hit and the speed at which you clear the chamber.
- Downstem: The downstem is a tube that extends from the bowl into the water chamber. It directs the smoke from the bowl into the water, allowing it to be filtered and cooled. Downstems come in various styles and materials.
- Water Chamber: The water chamber is the main body of the bong. It holds the water used for filtration and cooling. This chamber can come in different shapes and sizes, and some even have added features, like ice notches for further cooling.
- Tube & Mouthpiece: The tube extends upward from the water chamber and connects to the mouthpiece. The tube is where you inhale the smoke after it has been filtered and cooled by the water.
How Do You Use a Bong [5 Steps]?
Using a bong may seem complicated, but it's quite straightforward once you understand the steps. Here's a basic guide on how to use a bong:
Step 1: Fill with Water
Begin by filling the water chamber with an appropriate amount of water. The ideal water level typically covers the downstem and percolator openings. This water will filter the smoke, making it smoother and more enjoyable to inhale. If you’re not sure if you put in enough water, here’s a good rule of thumb: The water should bubble when you inhale but shouldn’t hit your mouth.
Step 2: Pack the Bowl
Grind your cannabis to an even consistency, ensuring a smoother burn. Pack the bowl with the ground cannabis. You don't need to pack it too tightly; a loose pack often works best.
Step 3: Place Mouth on Mouthpiece
Position your mouth over the mouthpiece and get ready to inhale. Ensure your lips form a seal around the mouthpiece, so no smoke escapes.
Step 4: Light the Bowl
Using a lighter or hemp wick, ignite the cannabis in the bowl while simultaneously inhaling. The smoke will be drawn down into the water chamber, where it gets filtered and cooled.
Step 5: Inhale
As the smoke rises through the water and up the tube, inhale slowly and steadily. Keep an eye on the carb, if your bong has one, and release it when you're ready to clear the chamber. Inhale the remaining smoke and enjoy your hit. Remember, the more smoke in the tube, the more smoke in your lungs when you inhale, so judge your dose accordingly.
How Often Should You Change Bong Water?
Regularly changing the water in your bong is essential to maintain the best possible smoking experience. Stale water can lead to unpleasant odors and negatively affect the quality of your hits. Depending on how frequently you use your bong, changing the water after each session or every few sessions is recommended. Fresh water ensures the best filtration and cooling for each hit.
How Do You Clean a Bong?
Keeping your bong clean is vital for preserving its functionality and flavor. Resin buildup can accumulate in the water chamber and on the glass, affecting the taste and draw. To clean your bong, you can follow these steps:
- Empty the water: Start by pouring out the used water from your bong.
- Rinse with warm water: Use warm water to rinse the bong's water chamber and other components. This helps remove loose debris.
- Use a cleaning solution: There are various cleaning solutions available that are specifically designed for bong cleaning, but you can also use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to dissolve any stubborn resin by shaking the mixture once it’s in your bong.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas: Utilize pipe cleaners, brushes, or cotton swabs to clean those hard-to-reach areas like the downstem and tube.
- Rinse again: After cleaning with a solution, rinse thoroughly with warm water to ensure all residue is removed.
- Dry completely: Allow your bong to air dry completely before using it again.
By regularly cleaning your bong, you'll ensure that every hit is as smooth and enjoyable as the first.
Bong vs Water Pipe: What’s the Difference?
The terms "bong" and "water pipe" are often used interchangeably—and for good reason. A bong is a type of water pipe. There are other types of water pipes, like bubblers, that use water but are shaped a little bit differently than your traditional bong. Basically, all bongs are water pipes but not all water pipes are bongs.
Bongs vs Bubblers: What’s the Difference?
Bubblers are smaller, portable devices that incorporate water filtration like bongs but are generally more compact and handheld. While bongs require you to fit your mouth over the tube, bubblers generally have a mouthpiece that goes between your lips, much like a handheld spoon pipe.
Bongs vs Dab Rigs: What’s the Difference?
Dab rigs are primarily designed for dab concentrates, which means cannabis concentrates that can be vaporized like wax, shatter, or budder. They feature a different set of accessories, including a nail or banger, which is heated to high temperatures to vaporize the concentrate. While they share similarities with bongs in terms of water filtration, the use and purpose of dab rigs are distinct.
How Much Do Bongs Cost?
Bongs come in various price ranges, depending on factors like size, material, and complexity. Simple, small bongs are often budget-friendly, while larger or intricately designed bongs can be more expensive. On average, a basic glass bong might start around $10, but prices can go much higher for artisan or custom pieces.
Answering FAQs About Bongs
As popular as bongs are, it makes sense we get questions about them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about bongs:
How much do bongs cost?
Bongs vary in price, ranging from affordable options to high-end collector pieces. Basic glass bongs typically start around $10, while more elaborate or custom designs can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Why do bongs need water?
Bongs utilize water for filtration and cooling. The water filters out ash and particulates, making the smoke smoother and cleaner. It also cools the smoke, making it more comfortable to inhale.
Are bongs illegal?
If you’re in a state where marijuana consumption is illegal, you probably shouldn’t have a bong unless it’s specifically designed for tobacco. This is a challenging thing to prove, so we recommend that you don’t have a bong if you aren’t in a state where you’re not allowed to enjoy cannabis as an adult or consume cannabis as a medical marijuana patient.
Purchasing a Marijuana Bong
Bongs are a popular choice for cannabis consumption due to their ability to provide smooth, filtered hits. Understanding their components and how to use and maintain them is key to enjoying yourself. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or new to the world of bongs, the right knowledge can help you enjoy your cannabis to the fullest, so if there are any questions you have, be sure to talk to your budtender. They can help you pick out the perfect bong for you, your budget, and your needs.
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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Do you dream of rolling the perfect joint? This rolling-rite-of-passage is within your reach in a few easy steps with the aid of a joint roller, which can give you the perfectly rolled joint every time. Find out more about the simple, yet ingenious device and how to use a joint rolling machine.
What is a Joint Roller?
A joint roller is a small device that helps you roll a uniform joint, since it distributes the cannabis evenly in a rolling paper. Joint rollers are made from metal or plastic and have a holding chamber and two rollers in a frame. The device is ideal if you haven’t yet developed the skills or patience for hand-rolling or if you want to quickly crank out a couple of joints.
What are the Different Types of Joint Rollers?
Joint rollers come in various designs and sizes that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are the four most common types of joint roller machines:
- Thumb rollers, or manual rolling machines, are the most common and budget-friendly.
- Injectors, also called rolling machines, load cannabis into empty cigarette tubes.
- Cone fillers are also an injector, which adds ground cannabis to pre-rolled cones.
- Electric rollers automate the rolling process. Press the button, and the automatic joint roller does the rest.
What Materials Do You Need?
Here are the materials you need before you start rolling:
- Cannabis flower
- A grinder
- A filter (optional)
- Rolling paper
How to Use a Joint Roller [6 Steps]
Wondering how to roll a joint with a joint roller? Follow these 6 easy steps to roll the perfect cannabis joint:
Step 1: Grind the Flower
Use a grinder to break down 0.5 to 1.5 grams of cannabis flower into a fine, even consistency.
Step 2: Load the Joint Roller
Open the rolling machine and evenly spread the ground cannabis in the holding chamber. Don’t overfill the chamber if you need to leave space for the filter. Plus, overfilling the joint with cannabis results in an uneven burn.
Step 3: Add the Filter (Optional)
If you want to use a crutch or filter tip, place it at the end of the groove. The filter acts as a mouthpiece, preventing the cannabis from falling out.
Step 4: Close the Rollers
Close the rollers and turn them toward you a few times to pack the cannabis snugly in the joint space.
Step 5: Insert the Paper
Insert a rolling paper with the adhesive strip at the top and facing you between the rollers.
Step 6: Roll the Joint
Roll the closest roller toward you so the paper can wrap around the cannabis. Continue rolling until you can see only the adhesive strip. Lick the glue strip and complete the roll to seal the joint. Open the roller and remove your joint.
Expert Tips for Using a Joint Roller
Want to ensure you get the most out of your rolling machine? Follow these top expert tips:
- Spend the Money - Investing in a quality joint roller ensures durability and a better roll than a cheap machine. A device with vinyl rolling sheaths rolls either too tightly or unevenly, causing the joint to canoe and making it challenging to draw. A high-quality roller will close firmly, preventing your cannabis from flying out with a loose close.
- Don’t Overfill - It’s difficult to close the roller when it’s overfilled with cannabis. Plus, it may tear the paper, meaning you’ll have to start at step 2 again.
- Choose the Right Papers - The machine can only roll joints with a rolling paper that matches its size. Talk to your budtender if you’re unsure about the right paper for your joint roller.
FAQs About Joint Roller Machines
If you have more questions about joint roller devices, check out these frequently asked questions from other canna-connoisseurs:
What size joint will a roller make?
Joint roller machines can make a standard 1¼”, 5” (blunt-sized), or king-sized joint.
Do I need filters or tips for a roller?
You don’t need to use a filter with a joint rolling machine. However, a crutch or filter tip can improve the structure of the joint and prevent the cannabis from falling out of the joint or entering your mouth.
Does the roller compact the joint tight enough?
The roller can compact the joint tight enough, but this depends on the user and how evenly the cannabis is spread in the groove.
Are joint rollers reusable?
Absolutely! You can use your joint roller over and over again.
Are joint rollers easy to use for beginners?
Joint rolling devices streamline the rolling process, making them ideal for beginners.
Using a Joint Roller
Making a joint with a joint roller is quick and easy, whether you are a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or new to the scene. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you, or chat with your budtender if you have more questions. Happy rolling!
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
If you’re a cannabis connoisseur, you know all about how blunts are an OG classic with their own culture. Or, you may be new to the scene and wonder “what is a blunt?”. In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about blunts, blunt wraps, and the differences between blunts, joints, and spliffs.
What is a Blunt?
A blunt is a marijuana roll made with hemp wraps or tobacco wrappers. Consumers may also hollow out little cigars or cigarillos and replace all the tobacco content with crushed cannabis, and this is how blunts used to be smoked in the mid-1800s1.
There are various theories about why blunts became so popular at the time. One theory suggests that people in the Caribbean at that time had to get creative about how they smoked cannabis because the tools cannabis enthusiasts have today - e.g. pipes, bongs, etc. - weren’t available then. Other theories propose that blunts allowed people to smoke more marijuana at once, and the cigar wrappers helped mask the smell of the herb. The use of a cigar wrapper also added to the flavors when smoking a cannabis-filled blunt.
Why is it Called a Blunt?
In the late 19th century, companies started making rolled cigars using one leaf or a continuous wrap, which had a rounded, broad tip. These cigars were called blunt cigars to distinguish them from their cousin cigars with a tapered, pointed tip. Pennsylvania became the blunt-making hub, with brands like Phillies, White Owl, and Dutch Masters producing these machine-made cigars.
In today’s cannabis culture, a blunt refers to marijuana rolled inside tobacco paper, a hollowed-out cigar, or hemp wrap. If you are purchasing a blunt from your local, state-licensed dispensary, these products will be almost exclusively wrapped in hemp paper.
What is a Blunt Wrap?
Blunt aficionados know choosing the right wrap is at the heart of the blunt experience. So, a blunt wrap refers to the wrapping material used to make a marijuana blunt. The wrap can be made from multiple tobacco leaves, a single leaf, herbal blends, flavored paper, or hemp.
A blunt wrap can also be made from glass, and glass blunts (as they’re called) are reusable smoking devices that mimic the traditional blunt-smoking experience. Similarly to self-rolling, glass blunts put you in the power seat as you control how much cannabis goes in the blunt.
Do Blunts Have Nicotine?
The nicotine in “traditional” blunts is present in the wrapping material (the cigar leaves) since the filling is cannabis, not tobacco. For example, if a blunt is made using a cigar wrapper, the total nicotine content2 ranges between 1.2 milligrams to 6 milligrams per cigar. However, if you buy a blunt at a cannabis dispensary, it won’t contain nicotine since these products are rolled in hemp leaves or non-tobacco wraps.
Blunts vs Joints: What’s the Difference?
Blunts and joints require rolling cannabis to smoke it, but different rolling or wrapping materials are used. Blunts are a cannabis flower rolled in tobacco leaf, cigar, cigarillo wraps, or hemp leaves. However, joints require the cannabis to be rolled in a light rolling paper made from hemp, rice, wood pulp, or flax. These flavored or colored rolling papers can be in loose-leaf or cone form. The rolling/wrapping paper affects the overall experience and flavor.
Joints and blunts also look different. Blunts are bigger, burn slower, and hold more cannabis, so they are more potent. Joints may also have a crutch or filter that keeps the cannabis in the joint and not in your mouth.
Blunts vs Spliffs: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between blunts and spliffs is what’s inside. While spliffs are rolled using rolling paper, similar to joints, the contents contain a mix of marijuana and tobacco. Consumers can adjust the ratio of cannabis to tobacco, and spliffs usually have more tobacco than a blunt.
A blunt may contain tobacco and cannabis, but that depends on the wrap. Hemp-wrapped blunts, for example, only contain cannabis, while cigar-wrapped blunts contain small amounts of tobacco.
FAQs About Blunts
Your budtender can answer all your blunt-related questions, but if you can’t wait, here are a few questions consumers frequently ask:
Can I roll my own blunts?
You can totally roll your own blunts, but there’s a bit of a learning curve if you are new to rolling. Follow an easy “how to roll a blunt” guide, ask your buddies for help, and keep practicing until you perfect the blunt-rolling process.
How much marijuana is in a blunt?
A blunt typically contains 1.5 times3 the amount of cannabis as a joint does. So, if a joint contains between 0.5 grams and 1 gram of marijuana, a blunt will have 0.75 grams to 1.5 grams of cannabis, but it can contain more.
Are blunts stronger than pre-rolls?
A blunt can be more potent than a pre-roll because they simply contain more cannabis flower. However, the potency is always going to depend on the type of flower used. That being said, infused pre-rolls can be stronger than blunts as they contain both flower and a concentrate.
Purchasing Blunts
You can buy blunts at most dispensaries in the country. They stock sativa and indica-dominant blunts with a range of flavor profiles so you can find the product you prefer most. Or, chat with your budtender to help you find what’s right for you.
Sources
1. “The Tightly-Rolled History of the Blunt,” thrillist.com, August 21, 2020, https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/what-is-a-blunt-history-origins-timeline
2. “Does marijuana "blunt" smoking contribute to nicotine exposure?: Preliminary product testing of nicotine content in wrappers of cigars commonly used for blunt smoking,” pubmed.com, September 9, 2016, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27639129/
3. “Blunts versus joints: Cannabis use characteristics and consequences among treatment-seeking adults,” National Library of Medicine, March 14, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467739/
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
It’s fun to admire the big, beautiful buds you purchased at your local dispensary, but cannabis consumption means pulling that precious flower apart. There are plenty of everyday objects that you can use to break up your flower–scissors, nail clippers, your own hands–but we highly recommend purchasing a cannabis grinder.
What is a Cannabis Grinder?
Grinders are small containers made up of various interlocking pieces that contain sharp teeth or points that shred your bud when you turn the mechanism. Grinding your flower is an essential first step when you’re going to smoke or bake with marijuana.
Cannabis grinders are available in your local dispensary, but you can also find them online or in any local head shop. They can be made out of metal, plastic, or wood, and come in just about every color and design imaginable.
What are the Benefits of Using a Grinder?
Have you ever had a bit of unburned bud disappear down the stem of a bong, or had a joint burn fast down one side? Proper grinding can eliminate these problems. This easy-to-use cannabis contraption is ideal in turning your flower into evenly sized, usable nuggets. And it’s a whole lot less messy than trying to do it with your hands!
Another bonus to using a grinder: some collect kief, the sticky crystals that are part of trichomes that contain more THC and other cannabinoids.
What are the Different Types of Grinders?
Grinders can be made of metal, plastic, or wood and they come in different sizes, from mini or small, about two-inches in diameter to medium and large, about six inches in diameter. There are two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece grinders, which are also sometimes called tiers.
Two-Piece Grinder: Two-piece grinders are the most basic, made up of just two halves–usually called a lid and a grinding bowl–that grind up your flower. Simply place your bud inside the grinding bowl and twist both sides until you have the result you want.
Three-Piece Grinder: In addition to the two halves of a two-piece grinder, three-piece grinders add a collection chamber. The second, or middle piece, comes with holes that allow the ground marijuana to drop through into the bottom piece or collection chamber. The three-piece design gives you a handy place to collect your ground flower.
Four- and Five-Piece Grinder: Four-and five-piece grinders add another chamber to the three-piece grinder, called the kief chamber. This consists of a screen that separates out the kief, or sticky portion of the flower's trichomes, from the rest of the bud. If you’re going all in on a five-piece grinder, you’ll often have two kief-catching chambers instead of just one.
What is a Kief Catcher?
A kief catcher is the lower chamber in a four-piece grinder that catches the kief, AKA the coveted cannabis trichomes
What is a Grinder Coin?
While a grinder is a common cannabis prep tool, grinder coins aren’t as well known. This handy item is a must-have to get the maximum amount of kief from your flower. You can purchase a grinder coin, but an everyday coin works as well. (Just make sure to sterilize it first!) When choosing a coin for your grinder, remember to choose the right size. A nickel will work well for small grinders, but opt for a quarter or similarly sized coin for larger grinders.
How To Use a Cannabis Grinder [3 Steps]
Cannabis flower is not cheap, and you don’t want to damage your bud with improper grinding. Here are three steps to ensure success.
Step 1: Place Flower in Grinder
Open the grinder's lid and press a few buds onto the teeth inside the grinder.
Step 2: Replace the Lid and Grind
Put the lid back on, making sure it is securely closed. As you begin to twist the chambers, you will feel some resistance–this is completely normal. We recommend ten turns, but you can always start with fewer. Remember, you can always grind more but you cannot ungrind your flower.
Step 3: Open and Use
After you've finished grinding, open the top and remove your flower from the chamber. If you used a kief catcher, scoop out those golden trichomes for future use.
Your flower is not ready for consumption! You likely won’t use all of it in one session, so make sure to store your flower properly so you can enjoy it later.
How Do You Clean a Grinder?
Natural plant material, including resin, can get stuck in the grinder's teeth over time and make it hard to use. If your grinder is not turning smoothly, it’s probably time to give it a wash.
Just like any other tool, selecting the right supplies will help your grinder stay safe and functional. We recommend gathering the following items: a small brush or toothbrush; plate or bowl; isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol; a plastic bag or glass jar; water; and a towel. You may also need to use needles or toothpicks for fine-level cleaning.
Once you’re ready, follow these steps for proper cleaning:
- Step 1: Completely disassemble your grinder
- Step 2: Soak each part in alcohol for half an hour using a plastic bag or glass jar.
- Step 3: Take each piece out of the alcohol and scrub with a toothbrush.
- Step 4: Rinse in clean, hot water, then let it air dry on a clean towel.
Make sure your grinder is completely dry before using it again.
FAQs About Pre-Rolls
There are plenty of questions and misconceptions we hear at our dispensaries. Here are some of the most common.
Can I use a coffee grinder on my flower?
Yes, you can use a coffee grinder to grind your flower. However, always clean it before and after so you don’t end up with a mix of coffee and cannabis flavors.
Do I need a kief coin?
Kief coins are not a requirement, but they are a handy tool for extra kief collection.
How long should I grind the flower for?
Look to grind your flower about 10 rotations. You'll know it's ground properly when you stop feeling resistance.
Purchasing a Marijuana Grinder
You can find the marijuana grinder that's right for your needs at your dispensary. Talk with your budtender about the different options and levels that match your cannabis consumption methods.
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
