A bong is a water-filtration device that is used to smoke dry herb or tobacco. It consists of a bowl, a stem, a chamber, and a mouthpiece. The bowl holds the smoking material, the stem connects the bowl to the chamber, which is filled with water, and the mouthpiece is where you inhale the smoke from. Bongs are popular because they can produce large hits of smooth and cool smoke that are less harsh on the lungs and throat than other methods of smoking.
But how much water do you put in a bong? And why does it matter? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to use a bong properly and enjoyably.
How Much Water Do You Put in a Bong?
The amount of water you put in a bong depends on the size and shape of your bong, as well as your personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure that you have enough water to filter and cool the smoke, but not too much that it spills out of the carb (if your bong has one) or makes it hard to inhale.
The basic rule of thumb is to fill the bong with water until it just covers the downstem, which is the small tube that connects the water in the bottom of the bong to the bottom of the bowl. The water should be above the holes in the downstem, but below the bowl. This way, the smoke will travel through the water and get filtered and cooled, but not get wet or lose potency.
You can also add ice cubes to the water if you want to make the smoke even cooler and smoother. Some bongs have ice catchers or ice pinches, which are indents or notches in the chamber that hold the ice in place. If your bong doesn’t have an ice catcher, you can still put ice in the water, but be careful not to overfill it or block the airflow.
The temperature of the water is also a matter of preference. Some people like cold water because it makes the smoke more refreshing and less irritating. Others prefer warm water because it makes the smoke more humid and soothing. And some are fine with room temperature water because it doesn’t affect the flavor or potency of the herb or tobacco. Experiment with different temperatures and see what works best for you.
How to Use a Bong: Step by Step Instructions
Now that you know how much water to put in a bong, let’s go over how to use a bong step by step.
- Prepare your bong. Pour water into the mouthpiece until it just covers the downstem. Add ice cubes if desired. Make sure your bong is stable and secure on a flat surface.
- Grind your herb or tobacco. Use a grinder or your fingers to break up your smoking material into small pieces. This will help it burn more evenly and efficiently.
- Pack the bowl. Fill the bowl with your ground herb or tobacco, without packing it too tightly or loosely. You want to leave some space for air to flow through.
- Place your lips inside the mouthpiece. Create a tight seal with your lips around the opening of the mouthpiece. Don’t put your lips over it, but inside it.
- Light the bowl. Use a lighter or a hemp wick to ignite the herb or tobacco in the bowl. Hold the flame over the bowl and inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece. You will see the chamber fill up with smoke.
- Clear the chamber. When you have enough smoke in your lungs, remove the bowl from the stem or take your finger off the carb (if your bong has one) and inhale quickly and forcefully through the mouthpiece. This will clear all the remaining smoke from the chamber into your lungs.
- Exhale and enjoy. Exhale the smoke from your lungs and savor the effects of your herb or tobacco. If you want another hit, repeat steps 3-6.
- Clean your bong. After you’re done smoking, empty out the water from your bong and rinse it with warm water. You can also use alcohol and salt to scrub away any resin or residue from your bong. Make sure to keep your bong clean and change the water regularly for optimal performance and hygiene.
Why Use a Bong? Pros and Cons of Smoking a Bong
Bongs are one of the most popular and versatile ways to smoke herb or tobacco. They have many advantages, but also some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of smoking a bong.
Pros
- Bongs produce large hits of smoke that can deliver a strong and immediate effect.
- Bongs filter and cool the smoke, making it smoother and less harsh on the lungs and throat.
- Bongs preserve the flavor and aroma of the herb or tobacco, unlike some other smoking methods that can alter or diminish them.
- Bongs are easy to use and customize. You can choose from different sizes, shapes, designs, and features to suit your preferences and needs.
- Bongs are fun and social. You can share a bong with your friends and enjoy the ritual and camaraderie of smoking together.
Cons
- Bongs can be expensive and fragile. High-quality glass bongs can cost a lot of money and break easily if not handled with care.
- Bongs can be hard to clean and maintain. You need to regularly change the water and scrub the bong to prevent mold, bacteria, and resin buildup.
- Bongs can be inconvenient and impractical. They are not very portable or discreet, and they require water, a lighter, and a grinder to use.
- Bongs can be wasteful and inefficient. Some of the smoke can escape or get stale in the chamber if you don’t clear it fast enough.
- Bongs can be unhealthy and risky. Smoking any substance can harm your lungs and increase your risk of respiratory infections, chronic cough, bronchitis, and cancer. Bongs can also transmit germs if you share them with others without sanitizing them.
Conclusion
Bongs are a great way to smoke herb or tobacco if you want to experience large hits of smooth and cool smoke. However, you need to know how much water to put in a bong, how to use a bong properly, and what are the pros and cons of smoking a bong. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about bongs and how to enjoy them safely and responsibly.