Cannabis consumption has increased quite a bit in the United States over the last few years.
In fact, one in seven adults used cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes. The number has likely grown even more since then as more states have legalized the drug.
Are you interested in using cannabis? Do you want to know the right way to consume it for optimal results?
Read on to learn how to hit a bong the proper way. If you’re brand new to consuming cannabis, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
Bong Basics
Table of Contents
Before we get into the right way to use a bong, it helps to understand that basics parts that make up one. Bongs are comprised of the five following parts:
Bowl
This is a bulb-shaped attachment that holds the dried cannabis flower. It’s usually removable.
Carb
The carb, or carburetor, is a small hole in the bong. It allows you to clear smoke from the chamber and complete your bong hit.
Downstem
This is a small tube. It lets smoke travel from the bowl to the base.
Base
The base is the bottom of the bong. It often has a bubble or beaker-like shape, or it may be shaped like a straight tube. It creates a water chamber that allows the smoke to cool down.
Tube
The tube ends in the mouthpiece. It is a chamber that gets filled with smoke once the smoke has filtered through the water.
How to Hit a Bong
Okay, you understand the basic anatomy of a bong. Now it’s time to learn the right way to hit a bong.
Step One
Start by placing the dried cannabis flower in the bowl and lighting it. Once you’ve lit the bowl, place your mouth inside the opening of the top of the bong. Be sure your mouth goes INSIDE the opening.
Once your mouth is in place, suck in but do not inhale. The water will bubble at this point and smoke will start to rise.
Step Two
Once you’ve pulled your desired amount of smoke from the chamber, it’s time to inhale.
Remove the stem from the hole and inhale until the smoke is out of the bong and in your lungs. It’s fine to take two inhales if you can’t clear everything with just one.
Step Three
Now, hold the smoke in as long as you can. Then, exhale and let it out.
You may feel a bit lightheaded after doing this, or you may cough if you inhaled too much.
It takes a bit of practice to figure out the right amount to inhale. With a few more hits, though, you’ll start to get the hang of it.
Choosing the Best Bong
The type of experience you have when taking your first bong hit is altered a lot by the type of bong you use. If you want to have a good first experience, it helps to review a guide to bongs and find one that’s meant for beginners.
There are tons of different bongs to choose from, but these tips can help you narrow down your search and pick the best option:
Decide Between Beaker and Straight Tube Shapes
Start by deciding what shape of bong you want.
Bongs with a beaker-shaped base tend to hold more water. This can help to cool down the smoke and make it less harsh.
Straight-tubed bongs hold less water but clear faster. Because of this, they’re typically better for those who are experienced and want to take larger hits.
Consider Glass Quality
Think about the bong’s glass quality, too.
Soft glass bongs usually feature solid colors or patterns. They’re cheaper in cost, but they’re lower in quality, too.
Hard glass bongs are thicker, denser, and less likely to break. If you want your bong to last, it’s best to go with one made of hard glass — preferably borosilicate glass, as those can last a lifetime if you maintain and clean them regularly.
Remember, Size Matters
Smaller bongs are often more durable than larger models. They’re easier to transport and are less likely to break if they happen to fall.
On the other hand, though, larger bongs are better if you’re going to be passing it around among a lot of people.
Think About Your Budget
Of course, price matters, too.
Hard glass bongs will cost more than soft glass bongs. They last longer, though, so you’ll likely get more bang for your buck.
It’s sometimes better to spend more money up front in order to get more long-term use out of a bong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Once you have your bong in hand and understand the basics, you’ll be ready to start taking hits. In order to have a really good first experience, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Use an ash catcher: This will keep the ash from falling in the water and getting into your mouth
- Use an electronic lighter: This prevents butane exposure and allows for a smoother hit
- Don’t over-pack your bowl: This will disrupt airflow and have a negative effect on your buzz
Remember that you’re in control, too. You get to decide how much you inhale.
When you’re brand new, it’s best to start small.
This will decrease the chance that you’ll have a coughing fit after you take your hit. You can also always take another hit if you feel you didn’t get enough the first time around.
Time to Perfect Your Bong Hit
Whether you’re brand new to the cannabis world or are just brand new to the idea of bong hits, it’s normal to be a bit intimidated at first.
Hopefully, though, this guide on how to hit a bong the proper way will make it easier for you to have a good first bong experience.
Keep these tips in mind as you begin perfecting your technique and you’ll be a pro before you know it.
Do you want to learn more about cannabis and all the different ways to consume it?
If so, be sure to check out some of the other posts on our site today, such as this one which covers how to grow your own weed indoors using a grow tent. We have all kinds of guides available that will help you get from novice to expert.
Updated and relevant information to this topic, here are some key points:
- Legalization Trends: As of my last update in April 2023, more states in the U.S. have continued to legalize or decriminalize cannabis, both for medical and recreational use. This trend has contributed significantly to the increased prevalence of cannabis use. It’s important to stay informed about the legal status of cannabis in your state, as it varies widely across the country.
- Health Considerations: Recent studies have continued to investigate both the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of cannabis use. For instance, cannabis is used by some for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and other medicinal purposes. However, it’s also important to be aware of the risks, which can include dependency, impaired cognitive function with heavy use, and potential respiratory issues from smoking.
- Different Consumption Methods: Besides bongs, there are various methods of consuming cannabis, such as vaporizers, edibles, tinctures, and topical applications. Each method has its own set of effects, onset times, and duration. For instance, edibles take longer to have an effect but can last longer, while inhalation methods like using a bong have a quicker onset.
- Quality and Strains of Cannabis: The quality and strain of cannabis can greatly affect the experience. Different strains have varying levels of THC and CBD, the two primary active ingredients in cannabis, and can produce different effects. Some strains are more relaxing (indica), while others are more energizing (sativa).
- Responsible Use: With the increasing accessibility of cannabis, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible use. This includes understanding your tolerance, being aware of the setting in which you consume cannabis, and not operating vehicles or machinery under the influence.
- Emerging Research and Developments: The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research into new strains, products, and consumption methods. There is also a growing focus on sustainable and ethical production practices.