A Beginners Guide on How to Use a Bong
A Beginners Guide On How To Use a Bong
Are you new to smoking and interested in trying out a bong? It can be intimidating at first, but don't worry! We've got you covered with this beginner's guide on how to use a bong. From choosing the right size to packing your bowl and taking your hit, we'll walk you through every step of the process. Whether you're smoking alone or with friends, using a bong can be a fun and relaxing experience. So grab your favourite herbs and let's get started!
1. Introduction to Bongs and their Parts
The first step to using a bong is understanding its parts. A bong typically consists of a bowl, downstem, base, and mouthpiece. The bowl is where you pack your cannabis or herb, while the downstem acts as a bridge connecting the bowl to the water in the base. The base is where the water is stored, and the mouthpiece is where you inhale the smoke from. It's important to note that bongs work by filtering out harmful particles through the water, providing you with a smoother and cleaner smoke experience. In the next section, we'll cover how to properly add water to your bong before lighting up. There are of course many other bong accessories such as precoolers, gauze & screens and many more that will elevate your smoking experience.
2. Setting Up Your Bong: Adding Water
After getting familiar with the different parts of a bong in the previous section, it's time to set it up for use. The first step is adding water to the bong. The right amount of water is key for a smooth hit. Aim for the water to just cover the downstem, about ½-1” above it. Keep in mind, water temperature is a personal preference.
Once the bowl is packed with herb and heated, smoke travels down the downstem and into the water at the base of the bong. This is where the toxins are filtered out and the smoke is cooled down, giving you a smoother hit. It's recommended to take a few deep breaths through the mouthpiece before lighting the bowl to ensure the water level is comfortable and doesn't reach your lips. With the water level set, and the bowl and downstem in place, it's time to move on to lighting and inhaling in the next section.
3. Ice Catchers and their Role in the Bong
Ice catchers are an important component of any bong, and they can make a big difference in the quality of your smoking experience. When you add ice to the catcher, the smoke passes over the cool cubes, which helps to cool it down before it enters your lungs. This makes for a smoother, less harsh hit that is easier on your throat and respiratory system. To use ice catchers, simply add some ice cubes to the neck of your ice bong, above the catcher. As you take a hit, the smoke will pass through the ice and be cooled down. This is a great feature for beginners who may be sensitive to harsh hits, but even experienced smokers can benefit from using ice catchers for a more enjoyable smoking experience.
4. Lighting the Bowl and Inhaling Smoke
Now that you've set up your bong and added water, it's time to spark up and inhale that sweet, sweet smoke in the best possible way to light a bowl. The first step is to remove the bowl from the stem and pack the bowl with your preferred strain of cannabis, making sure to remove any stems or seeds. Once it's loaded, take your lighter and slowly light the bowl while inhaling at the same time. You'll see the smoke fill the chamber, and you'll know you're doing it right when you get a nice smooth hit. Don't inhale too quickly, or you risk coughing and wasting that precious smoke. Once you've taken your hit, remove the bowl and clear the smoke by inhaling deeply. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks if needed.
5. Removing the Bowl and Clearing the Smoke
Once the bowl is lit and you've taken a hit, it's time to remove it from the bong. This is important because removing the bowl and downstem from the bong allows you to prevent smoke from escaping while you inhale. To clear the smoke, take a deep breath and continue to inhale until you clear the neck of the bong. Then, remove your finger from the carb or pull out the bowl and downstem to release the remaining smoke. It's important to note that if the bowl is still full of ash, you can turn it upside down and tap the back to knock it out, investing in an ash catcher will also further help to prevent ash getting into yor bong. Clearing the smoke is a crucial step in using a bong, and it ensures that you get the full experience and effects from your smoke. Another important step to consider at this point is cleaning your bowl and bong, especially if you don't plan on using your bong again for a few days, the smell of a used bong can quickly overwhelm a home!
6. Submerging Your Downstem: Tips for Beginners
When it comes to using a bong, it's important to know how much water you should add to submerge your downstem. As a beginner, it may be helpful to follow the golden rule of bringing enough water to cover the slits in your downstem. If your joint doesn't have any slits, fill the bong with enough water to ensure it's roughly below the downstem. Remember, it's better to have too little water than too much, as the latter can cause backflow and make your smoking experience less enjoyable. Start by adding a little bit of water at a time and testing it out before adding more, and soon enough, you'll be a pro at getting the perfect amount of water for your bong.
7. Different Types of Bongs: Straight vs. Beaker
After learning about the basic components of a bong and how to set it up, it's time to explore the different types of bongs available in the market. Two popular choices are the straight and beaker bongs. Straight bongs have a simple design, with a straight tube extending from the water chamber to the mouthpiece. They are easy to clean and offer a direct hit with little drag. Beaker bongs, on the other hand, have a wider base that makes them more stable, and they offer a larger volume of smoke because of the increased water capacity (just be sure to change the water in your bong regularly). When choosing between the two, it's all about personal preference and what works best for you. Keep in mind that ultimately, whether straight or beaker, the most important thing is to enjoy your smoking experience safely and responsibly; there are thousands of different kinds of bongs out there to suit all different needs and wants.
8. Filling the Bong: Golden Rule for Water Level
In order to get the most out of your bong, it is important to fill it with the proper amount of water. As mentioned in previous sections, the golden rule is to fill the bong just above the main perc or downstem. Adding too much water can cause water to come through the mouthpiece, ruining your smoking experience. It is recommended to add enough water to cool the smoke, but not so much as to impede the flow. When filling a percolator bong, the same principles apply - pour enough water to fill the bottom of the downstem. Remember to remove the bowl piece before filling the bong with fresh water, and make sure the downstem is clean and securely inserted. With the proper water level, your bong will be a smooth and effective smoking tool.
9. Small vs. Large Bongs: Which to Choose?
When it comes to choosing between a small and a large bong, beginners often find themselves confused. However, with the help of this guide, the decision becomes easier. Small bongs are great for those who want a discreet option that can be easily transported. They are also perfect for beginners as they require less breath to inhale than larger pieces. On the other hand, larger bongs are great for home use as they provide a more powerful hit due to their bigger size. They may not be as discreet or portable, but they can deliver a potent smoking experience. Ultimately, the choice between a small and a large bong comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a portable option or a powerful experience, it is important to choose the one that fits your needs.
10. Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Using a Bong for Smoking Cannabis
In conclusion, using a glass bong can be a great experience for beginners, as long as they follow the right steps. Setting up the bong by adding water and possibly ice is crucial for cooling down the smoke and enhancing the flavour of the flower. Lighting the bowl and inhaling the smoke in the proper fashion is also key to having the ideal experience.
Beginners should also remember to remove the bowl and clear the smoke properly. Submerging the downstem can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier. Different types of bongs, such as straight vs. beaker, and the water level in the bong can also affect the smoking experience. Overall, choosing a bong that fits your preferences and needs, whether it be small or large, can make all the difference. Happy smoking!