An Ultimate Guide: How to Use a Bong

Bongs are a traditional and enjoyable way to smoke herbs such as cannabis.

Whether you're a veteran bong smoker or a newbie beginner, mastering the proper way to open a bong can take your enjoyment to the next level.

Below, let's explore the mysteries of the bong, learn how to master it, and finally share some etiquette and tips!

Anatomy of a Bong

1. Mouthpiece

This is the part of the mouthpiece where your lips are attached to the mouthpiece, and when you inhale, the mouthpiece creates suction that draws the smoke through the water pipe and into your lungs.

2. Neck

Bong's necks come in various designs, both straight and curved. Curved necks help reduce the temperature of the smoke when inhaled, while straight necks are easy to maintain and clean.

Bongs are available in a variety of neck sizes and shapes.

3. Ice Pinch

One or more inward-facing dots are used to hold ice that falls into the neck of a water pipe so that ice can be added to cool the smoke before it is inhaled.

4. Percolator

Percolators come in different shapes and sizes, and they help filter and clean impurities from the smoke by dissolving the smoke through water.

They also cool the smoke, making the inhalation smoother and more enjoyable.

5. Bowl

This is usually a removable attachment for holding dry grass that is ready to be lit.

6. Joints

Joints are where the two parts of a water pipe meet are measured in millimeters and are divided into female and male joints.

They ensure a tight connection and prevent smoke leakage.

7. Down Pipe/ Down Stem

This is the tube that carries the smoke into the smoke chamber.

The bottom of the down pipe is usually fitted with a percolator, either without a stem (non-removable) or with a stem (removable).

The down pipe or down stem connects the smoke bowl to the main chamber, which terminates below the water level.

8. Chamber

Chambers can come in different shapes and sizes.

A chamber with a larger surface area cools the smoke better.

9. Base

The base of the bong is thick and heavy.

A wider-shaped base is more stable and prevents tipping over.

How to Use a Bong？

Step 1: Filling Water

First, fill the water chamber of the bong with an appropriate amount of water.

Most bongs pour water through the large mouthpiece opening at the top.

You will need to fill the bong with enough water to submerge the end of the down stem about 2-3 centimeters.

Be careful not to add too much water as this may cause water to enter the mouthpiece when you inhale.

Some fine bongs will have water percolators shaped like discs, spirals, domes, etc. inside the chamber or on auxiliary parts.

These "percolators" provide an additional filtering and cooling effect on the smoke.

Fill these percolators with water as well and make sure that all air holes are covered - depending on how "fancy" your bong is, you may want to check your bong's instructions on how to properly fill it.

Optional: adding ice to your bong

If you want, you can add ice to the bong's specialized compartment or recess.

This will further cool the smoke, which has a cooler taste, making it easier to get into your lungs.

Step 2: Grinding Cannabis

To achieve an even burn and maximize airflow, it is recommended that you use a grind to grind the cannabis to a medium consistency.

This will help ensure that the cannabis is fully prepared for smoking.

If you don't have a grinder, you can also use your fingers or small scissors, but they won't work as well.

Step 3: Putting Cannabis into a Bowl

Take a small amount of finely ground cannabis and carefully place it into the bowl or conical piece of your bong.

Be careful not to pack it too tightly or it will block the airflow.

If you have to pull hard, it is packed too tight.

Bongs pack a big punch so if you’re a first-time smoker it’s best to start with a little bit of herbs and you can always smoke more!

Always ensure your bowl piece is clean of debris before adding new herbs.

This will prevent it from clogging and make the experience much smoother.

Step 4: Lighting Cannabis

Place your mouth against the bong's mouthpiece and apply gentle pressure to create a seal.

Make sure the seal stays tight or it will be difficult to draw out the smoke.

Light a match or lighter with your empty hand.

Tilt the lighter downward near the edge of the bowl while inhaling.

As you inhale, this will pull the flame downward and ignite your weed.

If you're afraid of burning yourself in the process, you can add a fuse to the bowl of your bong and light the cannabis through the fuse.

Step 5: Inhale & Enjoy

Continue inhaling from the moment that you light the herbs.

Continue inhaling until the bong’s chamber is filled with smoke.

Remember not to let the smoke stop moving, or it will become stale and unpleasant!

Keep pulling until you are ready to clear.

Exhale and take a moment to appreciate the smoothness of the inhale before exhaling.

Repeat the process as needed, remembering to take your time between each inhale.

For beginners, following these simple steps can lead to effective bong use and a confident and enjoyable experience when smoking cannabis.

Also read: How to Clean A Bong?

The Importance of Bong Etiquette

If you smoke a bong with a friend - and it's often fun to do so - there are a few rules of etiquette worth learning:

1. Personal Mouthpiece

If possible, it is recommended to use a personal mouthpiece or cap to minimize direct contact with the communal bong, thereby reducing the spread of germs and promoting hygienic use.

2. Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning of communal bongs, including mouthpieces and other areas in contact with individuals, must be encouraged to maintain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of germs.

Establishing a cleaning schedule ensures that the bong is continuously maintained.

3. Alcohol wipes or Disinfectant

It pays to have alcohol wipes or disinfectant on hand at all times to clean the mouthpiece and any shared surfaces before and after use.

4. Respect for Others

Emphasize the importance of developing respectful sharing habits, such as using separate mouthpieces and handling shared bongs with care, to maintain cleanliness and promote a safe sharing experience

5. Fill Water Regularly

If you notice that the smell is starting to become unpleasant, then empty the bong yourself and refill it with fresh water.

By following these guidelines, novice smokers can enjoy smoking while making a positive contribution to a hygienic and safe shared bong experience.

Hitting a Bong for Maximum Flavor

Using an Ice Pinch for Cooler Hits: Improve your bong experience with the ice pinch, which pre-cools the smoke by placing ice cubes in the neck of the bong, reducing throat irritation for those who are sensitive to smoke.

The Art of Hit Stacking: Hit stacking involves taking multiple hits from the bong without exhaling in between. It enhances the intensity and prolonged smoking experience. To do this, take a deep inhale and hold it briefly before taking another hit, repeating the process as desired. By controlling your breathing and keeping the smoke inside longer, you can achieve stronger effects.

Breath Control Techniques for Bigger Hits: The key to enhancing the suction power of the bong is breath control. Take a deep breath before smoking the bong, once the smoke fills your mouth, exhale gently through your nose and continue to inhale slowly through your mouth. This allows you to fully inhale the smoke and enjoy a more intense experience without overdoing it. Practice breath regulation between inhalations and exhalations, and as your technique improves, try taking longer inhalations, increasing the volume of smoke, and then exhaling comfortably.

Benefits of Choosing a Glass Bong

1. Health

Glass bongs do not contain materials that can lead to the release of harmful substances, so using a glass bong can reduce the intake of chemicals compared to some plastic products.

LOOKAH glass bongs use high borosilicate glass, which is more heat resistant and easy to clean.

2. Taste

Glass usually does not alter the original taste and flavor of the smoke, so a glass bong provides a pure, original smoking experience.

3. Ornamental

Glass bongs are available in a wide range of colors and designs, and the hand-blowing process gives them unique artistic value and ornamental qualities, which can be used as collector's items or display artworks.

Also read: What is the Best Bowl for Bong of 2024

4. Contrast

Safety Considerations for Using a Bong

Certain safety precautions need to be understood and followed when using a bong.

Here are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind.

Know Your Limits: Try a small amount at first and adjust gradually according to your feelings to avoid overdosing.

Use Quality Products: Purchase from reliable sources to ensure product quality and reduce health risks.

Comply with local laws: Know and follow local laws, including age limits and legal substances.

Proper Ventilation: Smoke in ventilated areas and use fans to help circulate air.

Be Aware of Combustion: Stay away from flammable items to avoid the risk of fire.

Do not Share During Illness: Prevent the spread of disease by not sharing your bong when you are ill.

Store Safely: Store your bong and related items properly and keep them away from children and pets.

Avoid operating machinery: Avoid driving or operating machinery after smoking until you are completely sober.

Picking the Bong that’s Right for You

Bong offers a unique and enjoyable way to smoke cannabis, providing a smooth and powerful inhale that enhances your smoking experience.

Exploring the world of bong can lead to a range of flavors, sensations, and rituals that can turn cannabis consumption into an immersive experience.

To begin your bong journey, start by understanding the basics, being familiar with the different types of bongs, and finding one that suits your preferences.

Experiment with different cannabis techniques to create a personalized smoking experience.

Whether you choose a glass, ceramic, or silicone bong, enjoy the process and discover the best bong for you.

Also read: How Much is a Bong?