Bongs, one-hitters, rolling papers, vapes, and more. There are so many ways to inhale whatever substance you’re inhaling and if you want a smooth experience, try a bong or a water pipe.
Want to learn how to use a bong? Read our guide, below.
1. Know the Parts of the Bong
To understand how a bong works and how to load it, you need to understand the anatomy of the bong. Don’t worry — there’s no birds and the bees here.
There are five main parts of a bong, and all of them have a specific use. Some bongs have more parts than others, but they will all have these features.
Starting from the top-down, the mouthpiece is the opening at the tall end of the bong. You will put your mouth around (if it’s small) or into the mouthpiece, making a seal with your lips.
The tall part or the “neck” is called the chamber. That’s where the smoke gathers and where some people like to put ice, to cool down the smoke and make it more pleasant.
When you fill your bong with water, you want to take a small glass and pour the water into the mouthpiece, down the chamber, and into the base. The water should go about an inch over the downspout, which we’ll get to.
Still working downwards, you have the “carb” or a small hole where oxygen enters the bong (and allows you to pull).
The part that sticks into the bong and touches the water is the “downstream.” It’s what pulls the smoke into the water, allowing it to bubble and then be pulled up the chamber.
Finally, you have the bowl, which comes in and out of the bong to help with packing.
2. Don’t Over-Pack the Bowl
First, make sure you’ve ground the substance. You should never throw a full nug in the bowl and expect it to smoke well and evenly.
Fill the bowl until it’s about 3/4 full, pack it down gently, and don’t light it until you’re ready.
3. Add Ice, If You Want It
If your bong has an ice pinch, add the ice to the chamber. It’ll make the smoke smoother and more comfortable to inhale (since it’ll be cooler).
4. Put Your Mouth on the Mouthpiece and Light the Bowl
Breathe all the air in your lungs out, then place your mouth over the mouthpiece. Light the bowl and hold the lighter over it until you see the substance glowing red.
Give it one to two seconds to light and suck the smoke out of the bong with all your might.
Or take a tiny little hit. The more smoke you inhale, the more you’re going to cough, and the higher you’re going to get.
You want to hear a bubbling sound while you’re inhaling. If you don’t, you may need to add more water.
5. Take it Slow
The ultimate bong-beginner mistake is to take too big of a hit and hurt your throat from how much you’ll cough.
Start off with tiny rips and don’t let anyone pressure you otherwise. You can always take another one, but you can’t get less high (no matter what the internet tells you) once you over-inhale.
How to Use a Bong
With the tips above, you’ll look like a seasoned pro anytime you come upon a bong. Just remember to be responsible and only use these tips on how to use a bong where it’s legal, or use tobacco products with your water pipe.
Need a bong to try out these tips with? Click here!
