What Is a Bong & How Do You Use It?

November 24, 2024

If you’re new to cannabis or just curious about smoking methods, you’ve probably wondered, “What is a bong?” Bongs, also called water pipes, are a popular choice for cannabis enthusiasts who want a smoother smoking experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of what a bong is, how to use a bong, and why it’s an excellent option for enjoying your cannabis flower.


What is a Bong?

A bong is a type of water pipe used to smoke cannabis, and its name actually comes from the Thai word "baung." Bongs are different from hand pipes because they have a water chamber that helps cool the smoke before you inhale it. The basic structure includes a cylindrical neck and a base filled with water to filter the smoke, making it smoother on your throat and lungs.1


How Do Bongs Work?

So, how does a bong work? It’s simple! First, you place your cannabis flower in the bowl and light it. When you inhale from the top of the bong, the smoke is pulled down through the water chamber, which cools it, and then it moves back up through the tube toward the mouthpiece. This cooling process results in a smoother experience, which is why many people prefer bongs over other smoking methods.


What are the Different Parts of a Bong?

Bongs can range from simple to complex, but they all have a few essential parts. Here’s a breakdown:


Pink bong on a table in front of an orange wall

Tube & Mouthpiece

The tube, also sometimes called the uptake, is the straight or slightly angled part of the bong that funnels the smoke upward, and the mouthpiece (at the top) is where you place your lips to inhale.2

Bowl

The bowl, also called a slide, is a small, removable piece where you pack your cannabis flower. After lighting it, the smoke is pulled down from the bowl through the water. It’s removable, making cleaning easy.3

Downstem

The downstem is the long, narrow tube connecting the bowl to the bong. It lets the smoke travel down into the water, where it gets filtered. It’s removable but can also be fixed to a bong.4

Water Chamber

The water chamber (or base) holds water to cool and filter the smoke. This is what makes bongs different from other smoking devices like hand pipes—by cooling the smoke, they provide a smoother, less harsh hit.

Other Bong Features & Accessories

Many bongs come with extra features to improve your smoking experience. You might come across accessories like5:

  • An ice pinch, which holds ice cubes near the bong’s mouthpiece to further cool the smoke
  • A carb to control airflow
  • A percolator to filter the smoke even more thoroughly

And if you’re looking for something smaller or more portable, a bubbler might be a great alternative. Bubblers work similarly to bongs but are usually smaller, making them more convenient while still offering water filtration.

Blue and green glass bong on a white background


How Do You Use a Bong?

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use a bong:

Step 1: Fill with Water

Pour fresh water into the bong through the mouthpiece until the downstem is submerged by about an inch. Be careful not to overfill it—just enough to cover the downstem is fine.6

Step 2: Pack the Bowl

Grind your cannabis flower and pack it into the bowl using a lighter or tamping tool. Don’t pack it too tightly because airflow is essential for a good hit.

Step 3: Place Mouth on Mouthpiece

Rest your mouth on the mouthpiece’s opening, and place your lips inside the edge of the rim. Make sure you have a secure seal to prevent smoke from escaping.

Step 4: Light the Bowl

Use a lighter to light or ignite the ground cannabis flower in the bowl while inhaling slowly from the mouthpiece.

Step 5: Inhale

Once the smoke fills the bong tube, remove the bowl from the downstem and inhale the smoke. You’ll experience a very smooth hit!


How Often Should You Change Bong Water?

For the best smoking experience that allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of your favorite strains, swap out your bong water after each session. Letting water sit too long allows grime to build up, making cleaning harder, and can create a biofilm that traps bacteria like Strep or E. coli. Inhaling these could lead to health issues, so fresh water is about safety as well as taste.7

Green and yellow glass bong on a white background


FAQs About Bongs

Got questions about bongs? Whether you’re new to bongs or need some clarity, we have answers to the most common questions. And if you still have more, feel free to ask your local LivWell budtender for advice.


Will drinking bong water get me high?
Drinking bong water isn’t likely to get you high, but in general you shouldn’t try. The water can get quite dirty after a smoking session, and it will probably taste terrible.

How much do bongs cost?
Bongs can range anywhere from $20 for basic models to upwards of $2,000 for custom glass pieces made by artists. The cost depends on the material, size, and craftsmanship.

Why do bongs need water?
Water helps filter the smoke and cool it down, making it feel less harsh when you inhale. Without water, smoking from a bong would be similar to smoking from a hand pipe.

Are bongs and dab rigs the same?
Bongs and dab rigs aren’t the same. Bongs are used for smoking cannabis flower, while dab rigs are designed to dab concentrates.

Is smoking from a bong stronger than a pipe?
Smoking from a bong isn’t necessarily stronger than using a pipe, but the experience can feel more intense. Bongs allow for bigger inhales because the water cools the smoke, making it easier on your throat and lungs, while smoking from a pipe delivers the smoke more directly.

Do bongs need water?
Yes, you need to add water to your bong. The water filters the smoke, and without it, the experience would be harsher, similar to smoking cannabis with a hand pipe.

Are bongs illegal?
Bongs on their own are legal to buy, but how and where you use them depends on your local cannabis laws. Always check your local regulations.


Purchasing a Marijuana Bong

If you’re ready to add a bong to your cannabis collection, stop by a LivWell dispensary. Our budtenders can help you find the right piece for your preferences, whether for something simple or a high-end custom piece.


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Sources:

1. “What is a bong,” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/smoke/what-is-bong\

2. “Bong,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/bong

3. “Bowl,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/bowl

4. “Downstem,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/downstem

5. “How to Use a Bong for the First Time,” Nuggmd, August 8, 2024, https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/how-to-use-a-bong-first-time

6. “What’s in bong water?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/bong-water

7. “Why Are Bongs So Strong? Here’s the Science Behind the Rip,” MIC, May 28, 2021, https://www.mic.com/articles/134389/why-are-bongs-so-strong-here-s-the-science-behind-the-rip




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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