Quick answer
Fill the bong with water so the level sits 1 to 2 inches above the slit in the downstem. Grind cannabis to a medium texture. Pack 0.1 to 0.3 grams in the bowl. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece and inhale at a steady rate while you hold a flame to the herb. Lift the slide or release the carb to clear the chamber. Exhale. Dump the water after each session and clean the glass with 91% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.
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Parts of a bong
- Bowl or slide: holds the cannabis. The slide pulls out to clear the chamber.
- Downstem: the tube that runs from the bowl into the water.
- Diffuser: the slotted or perforated end of the downstem. It splits smoke into bubbles.
- Chamber: the main glass body. It holds smoke above the water line.
- Mouthpiece: the opening at the top.
- Carb: a small hole on the side of some bongs. Cover it while you light. Uncover it to clear.
- Percolator: an extra chamber inside some bongs. It adds filtration and drag.
Steps
- Add water. Pour through the mouthpiece or the downstem hole. Stop when the water covers the diffuser slots by 1 to 2 inches.
- Grind the cannabis. A medium grind burns at a steady rate and lets air pass.
- Pack the bowl. Use 0.1 to 0.3 grams. Leave space at the top. A tight pack blocks airflow.
- Check the seal. The bowl and downstem should sit flush in the joint.
- Sit or stand upright. Smoke rises, so a level bong loses less to the air.
- Put your mouth on the mouthpiece. Inhale for 2 to 4 seconds at a slow, steady rate. A soft pull keeps smoke in the water.
- Light the herb. Hold the flame at the edge of the bowl. Move it across the surface. Heat from the draw ignites the rest. Do not hold the flame on the whole bowl at once.
- Clear the chamber. Pull the slide out with one hand while you keep inhaling. With a carb, uncover the hole. The rush of air pushes smoke into your lungs.
- Exhale. Breathe out within a few seconds. Holding smoke in does not raise the effect. It raises tar and carbon monoxide exposure.
Water level and temperature
Too little water leaves the smoke hot and harsh. Too much water splashes into your mouth or pulls up into the bowl. Cold water and ice feel smoother. Ice goes in the ice pinch when the bong has one. Water does not filter THC. It traps some tar and ash.
what do you need to smoke a bong
How much to load
A small bowl gives one or two hits and holds flavor. A large bowl smolders between hits and wastes material. If you share the bong, use a fresh bowl per person and wipe the mouthpiece.
Health notes
Inhaled cannabis reaches the bloodstream in seconds to a few minutes. Effects peak within 15 to 30 minutes. Cannabis smoke carries many of the same toxins and particulates as tobacco smoke. Cough, throat irritation, and chest tightness are common after a large hit. A water pipe cools the smoke. It does not make the smoke safe.
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Cleaning
Dump the water after each session. Rinse with hot water. For a full clean, pour in 91% isopropyl alcohol and a spoon of coarse salt. Cover the openings and shake for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse with hot water until the glass smells clean. Clean the bowl and downstem too. Resin builds on glass and changes the taste.
Common mistakes
- Water filled above the top of the downstem, which pulls into your mouth.
- A bowl packed tight enough to block airflow.
- A flame held on one spot until the herb chars.
- Stale water left in the bong for days.
- Glass cracked by a fast temperature change. Let the bong reach room temperature before you add hot water.
Legal note
Cannabis rules differ by state. In US states with legal adult use, the age is 21. Possession limits, home grow rules, and public consumption laws come from state and local codes. Do not drive after use.