How To Use A Bong

Smoking a bong is one of the easiest and best ways to smoke weed. What makes this type of water pipe different from other methods of smoking weed is water filtration. Bongs filter the smoke to give the user a hit that is smoother.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been using one for years, here are some tips on how to use a bong to ensure you’re getting the most out of your weed for the best possible smoking experience. 

Clean Your Piece

When hitting a bong, one of the most important things to do is to make sure it’s clean. Start with a freshly cleaned piece if you want clean, smooth hits. This means filling your bong with fresh water after cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol.

Just pour the alcohol into the top of your water pipe, gently shake it, then let it sit before rinsing it out. Some users add salt to remove any residue, but it’s not necessary, especially if you have a fancy glass piece with tree percolators. Regular cleaning will make it easier to clean each time.

Check out our range of incredible cleaners that will get the job done right!

Grind Your Flower

Your flower will be more effective if it’s finely ground up. Grinding your flower increases the surface area of the burned material, instead of just igniting the outside of your bud. You’ll get more smoke if more surface area is lit which means a better smoking session if more bud is being burned. 

Don’t miss our great selection of grinders available on Headshop.

Fill Your Piece With Water

Fill your piece with water after you’ve ground your flower. This is an important step that can make or break your smoking session. The water acts as a filter and cools the smoke, making it cleaner to smoke. Remove the bowl first before you fill it in the next step.

Fill a basic single chamber bong with water high enough to cover the downstem of the bowl, but not so high to cause a splashback. Getting a smoky water splash in your face is one of the worst things you can experience after taking a large rip. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, it will, and it’ll only take once to learn. 

Fill the top hole of a percolator bong with water, then fill the bottom water chamber using the downstem. If you have an ice catcher with your percolator bong, fill it with water and then add ice. As the ice melts, it’s a good idea to keep a cup handy to empty out some of the water. 

It may take a little time filling the water to the optimal level each time but with practice, you’ll get it right. Even though it may involve trial and error, it’s a fun experiment, right? 

Pack Your Bowl and Take a Hit

It’s time to get smoking after your bong is clean and filled with fresh water. Grind up your flower, pack your bowl, replace the downstem, and get your lighter. 

If your bong has a carb, cover it with your finger as you light the weed and the chamber fills with smoke. Create a seal by placing your mouth inside the top piece of the chamber. Your lips will be inside the opening.

Light the flower inside the bowl and gently inhale smoke into the chamber. To inhale the smoke and clear the bong, use your finger to lift the downstem or uncover the carb. If you’re lifting the downstem, do it gradually. Your lungs will thank you as it will help control the smoke. Hold your hit for a few seconds and then forcefully exhale.

And now for the best part – just relax and enjoy!

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