What is a One Hitter & How Do You Use It?

January 15, 2024

Whether you're a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of marijuana, it likely won’t take long before you hear about one-hitters and for good reason—the one-hitter pipe is a discreet and convenient tool worth adding to your arsenal. In this guide, we'll delve into the basics of one hitters, explore the different types available, walk you through the simple steps of using them, and even cover essential maintenance tips to ensure every toke feels like the first.


What is a One Hitter?

A one-hitter –sometimes more specifically called a chillum, dugout, or bat– is a small, discreet pipe designed for single, quick hits of cannabis. It's the ideal choice when you want a subtle puff or microdose without committing to a full session. The design is straightforward: a slender tube, often resembling a cigarette, with a small bowl at one end. The simplicity makes it a favorite among casual consumers, cannabis newbies, and those looking for a portable and inconspicuous smoking experience. 


What are the Different Types of One Hitters?

One hitters come in various forms, catering to different preferences and situations.


Chillums

The one-hitters that have existed for thousands of years are called chillums. Chillums are unique because they can be smoked vertically like a bubbler without the water. The pipe is placed in your fist with the bowl of marijuana at the top of your fist between your middle and ring fingers. Create a small opening with your fist, inhale into your fist. The pressure will pull the smoke down, into your fist, and then into your lungs. If that sounds a little complicated, you can also smoke a chillum horizontally.


Dugouts

Dugouts are portable cases that hold both the one-hitter and your stash of marijuana. The ground cannabis is packed into one chamber of the dugout, next to the pipe. When you’re ready to enjoy your cannabis, simply light the cannabis and inhale. These discreet and compact setups are perfect for on-the-go use, allowing you to pack a bowl and enjoy a quick hit without drawing much attention. 


Bat

Bats closely resemble the look of a baseball bat, which is where they get their name and why they can be incredibly discreet. The mouthpiece is small and a pipe extends from it. The cannabis is packed into the end, inhaled, and enjoyed. Bats can be smoked like a cigarette.


How Do You Use a One-Hitter Pipe?

One hitters are designed to be discreet and easy to use, so it should be no surprise that smoking with one is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Follow these steps, assuming you’re using a chillum or bat. If you’re using a dugout, you’ll grind your cannabis and take it with you on the go, but when ready to enjoy, you’ll follow similar steps:


Step 1: Lightly Grind Flower

Begin by grinding your cannabis flower. A grinder helps create an even consistency, ensuring a smoother and more even burn. 


Step 2: Pack the Bowl

Gently pack the ground flower into the end or bowl of the one-hitter. Be mindful not to overpack, as it may restrict airflow. You’ll also want to keep your one-hitter angled, so the ground cannabis doesn’t fall out.


Step 3: Light & Inhale

Light the packed end of the one-hitter and inhale slowly. One-hitters are designed for a quick, controlled hit, so take it easy and savor the experience. 


How to Clean a One-Hitter Pipe

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the purity of your smoking experience no matter what tool you’re using—including a one-hitter pipe. To clean your one-hitter:


  1. Soak it in hot water to loosen the residue. You can also use isopropyl alcohol.

  2. Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to remove any residue.

  3. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to ensure that there is no remaining alcohol in your pipe.


By regularly cleaning your one-hitter, you can ensure that each hit is as fresh as the first. You will also avoid a lot of frustration of trying to remove stuck-on resin.


Answering FAQs About One Hitters

Sometimes, the simplest tools have the most questions because we want to make them more complicated than they actually are. Here are some answers to reassure you that it really is just as easy as we’ve outlined:


Can you reuse a one-hitter pipe?
Yes, one-hitters are reusable. Regular cleaning and maintenance enhance their longevity. 


Why is it called a one hitter?
The name stems from its intended use: providing a single hit of cannabis in a quick and discreet manner. 


Do you need a grinder for a one hitter?
While not mandatory, a grinder helps create an even consistency, improving the overall smoking experience. 


Buying & Using One-Hitter Pipes

When purchasing a one-hitter, consider your material, design, and portability preferences. Many cannabis dispensaries offer a variety of options to suit your style. Once you find the right one for you, experiment with different strains and packing techniques to find what gives you the best experience. One-hitters are versatile and practical tools for cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you're on the go or seeking a quick, solitary moment of THC indulgence, a one-hitter might be the perfect addition to your collection. 





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. 


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