When most people think of smoking cannabis, the first images that come to mind typically include a joint. While these cigarette-like items are one of the most popular methods for smoking, many cannabis users also enjoy smoking cannabis flowers using a bong.
A bong is a water-filled device through which you inhale cannabis smoke. Those who use bongs prefer them for many different reasons. For one, the water in the base filters the smoke and provides cleaner hits. The hits are also healthier since you’re not inhaling ash or tar — you’re taking in fewer toxic compounds with each hit. Instead, the water traps these contaminants and keeps them out of your lungs.
Water filtration also cools the smoke before it enters your lungs. Rather than harsh hits that are too hot, every inhale is nice and smooth. That makes getting your dose of cannabinoids a much more enjoyable experience.
Speaking of enjoyment, many cannabis users who use a bong do so because they like it. Using a bong is fun and heightens the experience of taking cannabis hits. Plus, you’ll find bongs in various materials, colors, shapes, and sizes. You can easily find a bong that fits your taste and style. Below, we’ll provide you with a list of what you’ll need and a step-by-step guide on how to smoke a bong.
What You Need to Use a Bong
First, let’s go over what you’ll need to smoke cannabis using a bong:
- Bong cleaning solution — or isopropyl alcohol and rock or Epsom salt
- Bong with a bowl, with an optional tamping tool
- Cannabis grinder
- Lighter, with an optional hemp wick
- Water
- Your preferred strain of quality cannabis flower
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking a Bong
Now it’s time to go over how to smoke a bong. While it can look intimidating at first, it’s a straightforward way to get the relief you need once you get the hang of it.
1. Prepare Your Bong
The first thing you need to do before you take a hit is to get your bong ready for use. Insert the downstem and make sure that your bowl slides in smoothly.
Next, pour water into the base through the mouthpiece. You’ll need just enough to ensure that you submerge the downstem completely. Adding much more than that could mean that your lungs will have to work harder to pull smoke through your piece. You also risk inhaling water with your smoke. On the other hand, adding too little could result in poor filtration.
2. Grind Your Cannabis
Once your bong’s ready to go, it’s time to grind your cannabis buds. While you can technically break the flowers apart with your fingers, using a grinder is the best option. A quality grinder ensures consistency. It’s also the fastest, easiest, and cleanest way to break the buds apart.
When using a grinder, place a medium-sized nug inside the chamber. Put the cap on and twist it until you’ve achieved the desired consistency. The pieces should be small and evenly ground.
3. Pack the Bowl
After grinding your cannabis, your next step is to pack the bowl. Take your desired amount and add it to the bowl, tamping it down gently. You can use your finger to accomplish this. If you prefer to keep your fingers clean, you can also use a tamping tool.
Pack your bowl just right. Too loose, and your ground cannabis buds could fly out of the bowl. Your bowl may also burn too quickly to take an effective hit. Too tightly, and you won’t be able to inhale.
4. Light Your Cannabis and Get Ready to Take Your Hit
Place your mouth over the mouthpiece. Take your lighter or lit hemp wick and light your cannabis at the edge of your bowl. If your bong has a carb hole, you’ll also want to cover it with a finger. Start pulling air gently into your bong, but don’t take your hit just yet. You’ll see smoke start to travel down through the downstem and into the chamber or base.
5. Inhale, Hold, and Exhale
After filling your bong’s chamber with smoke, you’re ready to take your hit. How you do this depends on your bong. If you have a carb hole, remove your finger from it as you inhale. Otherwise, slide your bowl out of the downstem. Both methods help to push the smoke up through the mouthpiece and into your lungs.
When you feel you have enough smoke in your lungs, stop inhaling and hold your hit for a few seconds. Finally, exhale. You should feel the effects of your strain within 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Clean Your Bong
Keeping your bong clean is vital to making sure it works properly. Resin can build up quickly, which can make it harder for you to take effective hits. Plus, dirty bong water can’t filter smoke properly. For the cleanest and the most high-quality hits, clean your bong after each use.
Cleaning your bong is a simple process. Start by emptying the ash from your bowl. Place the bowl in a plastic bag with a bong cleaning solution or an alcohol/salt mixture. Work it gently until it’s clean, then do the same thing with the downstem.
Next, empty the water from the base of your bong and fill it with the cleaning solution or alcohol/salt mixture. Cover every hole with rubber plugs and gently shake your piece until it’s clean. Rinse every part of your bong with clean water and let them dry for your next session.
Smoke Quality Cannabis With Your Bong
A bong offers an alternative to smoking a joint that provides smoother, cleaner hits. For many users, it’s also more fun. To get the most out of your bong, though, you’ll want to ensure that you use the highest quality flowers available.
VidaCann offers the best high-quality medical cannabis products, including flowers, vapes, concentrates, edibles, and more. In addition to the broad range of products, VidaCann offers a variety of dispensary specials, including ones for veterans, seniors, and first-time customers.
VidaCann is one of the largest medical cannabis distributors and CBD dispensaries in Florida with in-person dispensaries throughout the state — you can even order online. To browse the current selection of products, find a dispensary near you, or place an order for delivery, visit VidaCann today.
