A bong is a device that is used to smoke herbs or tobacco by filtering the smoke through water. Bongs come in different shapes, sizes, materials and designs, and they can enhance the flavor and smoothness of your smoking experience. But if you are interested in buying a bong, you may wonder how old do you have to be to do so legally.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as where you live, where you buy the bong from, and what you intend to use it for. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common myths and facts about buying bongs online and offline, and give you some tips on how to find the best bong for your needs.
Buying Bongs Online vs Offline
One of the main advantages of buying bongs online is that you can access a wider variety of products, prices and reviews than in a physical store. Online headshops often have strategic partnerships with manufacturers, which allows them to offer lower prices and exclusive products to their customers. You can also compare different bongs easily and find the one that suits your preferences and budget.
However, buying bongs online also comes with some challenges. For example, you may have to wait for your order to be shipped and delivered, which can take days or weeks depending on your location and the shipping method. You may also have to pay extra fees for shipping and handling, taxes and customs. Additionally, you may not be able to inspect the quality and condition of the bong before buying it, and you may have to deal with returns and refunds if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Buying bongs offline, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to see and touch the product before buying it. You can also ask questions and get advice from the staff at the store, who may have more knowledge and experience than online sellers. Moreover, you can avoid shipping costs and delays, and get your bong right away.
However, buying bongs offline also has some drawbacks. For instance, you may have limited options in terms of selection, quality and price. Physical stores may have higher overhead costs than online headshops, which means they may charge more for their products. You may also have to deal with crowds, traffic and parking issues when visiting a store. Furthermore, you may face legal risks if you buy a bong from an unlicensed or shady seller.
The Legal Age for Buying Bongs
Another important factor to consider when buying a bong is the legal age for doing so. This may vary depending on your state or country laws, as well as the type of product you are buying. In general, there are two categories of products that are relevant for buying bongs: tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia.
Tobacco products are products that contain nicotine or are derived from tobacco plants, such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco or snuff. Smoking paraphernalia are products that are used to smoke tobacco or other substances, such as pipes, rolling papers or bongs. Both categories of products are regulated by federal and state laws in the United States.
The federal law sets the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products at 21 years old. This means that no matter where you live in the US, you have to be at least 21 years old to buy cigarettes or cigars legally. However, some states may have higher or lower age limits for tobacco products. For example, in Alaska, Alabama and Utah, you have to be 19 years old to buy tobacco products; in Hawaii and Oregon, you have to be 20 years old; and in New York City and California, you have to be 21 years old.
The federal law does not set a minimum age for purchasing smoking paraphernalia,
but it does prohibit their sale or distribution to anyone under 18 years old. This means that if you are under 18 years old,
you cannot buy a bong legally from any seller in the US. However,
some states may have stricter laws for smoking paraphernalia than the federal law.
For example,
in Florida,
Illinois,
Iowa,
Massachusetts,
Minnesota,
New Hampshire,
New Jersey,
New York,
Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island,
Vermont
and Washington,
you have to be 21 years old to buy smoking paraphernalia;
in Arizona,
Arkansas,
Colorado,
Connecticut,
Delaware,
Georgia,
Idaho,
Indiana,
Kansas,
Kentucky,
Louisiana,
Maine,
Maryland,
Michigan,
Mississippi,
Missouri,
Montana,
Nebraska,
Nevada,
New Mexico,
North Carolina,
North Dakota,
Ohio,
Oklahoma,
Oregon,
South Carolina,
South Dakota,
Tennessee,
Texas,
Utah,
Virginia,
West Virginia
and Wisconsin, you have to be 18 years old; and in Alaska, you have to be 19 years old.
What to Look for When Buying a Bong
Now that you know how old do you have to be to buy a bong legally, you may wonder what to look for when choosing a bong. There are many factors that can affect the quality, performance and durability of a bong, such as the material, size, shape, design and features. Here are some tips on how to find the best bong for your needs:
-
Material:
Bongs can be made of different materials, such as glass, acrylic, metal, ceramic or silicone. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, glass bongs are the most popular and widely used because they offer the best flavor, smoothness and cleanliness of the smoke. However, they are also the most fragile and expensive. Acrylic bongs are cheaper and more durable than glass bongs, but they may affect the taste and quality of the smoke. Metal bongs are also cheap and sturdy, but they may rust or corrode over time. Ceramic bongs are more artistic and unique than other materials, but they are also heavy and breakable. Silicone bongs are flexible and easy to clean, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials. -
Size:
Bongs can range from small and portable to large and bulky. The size of the bong affects the amount and intensity of the smoke you inhale. Generally, smaller bongs produce less smoke but more flavor, while larger bongs produce more smoke but less flavor. Smaller bongs are also easier to store and carry around, while larger bongs are more suitable for home use and sharing with friends. -
Shape:
Bongs can have different shapes, such as straight tube, beaker, round base, percolator or recycler. The shape of the bong affects the airflow and filtration of the smoke. Generally, straight tube bongs are simple and efficient, but they may splash water into your mouth. Beaker bongs have a wider base than straight tube bongs, which makes them more stable and less likely to tip over. Round base bongs have a similar shape to beaker bongs, but they have a round bottom instead of a flat one. Percolator bongs have additional chambers or devices that filter and cool the smoke before it reaches your mouth. Recycler bongs have a system that recycles the water and smoke through multiple chambers, which makes them smoother and cleaner than other bongs. -
Design:
Bongs can have different designs, such as plain, colored, patterned or themed. The design of the bong affects the appearance and style of the product. Generally, plain bongs are more discreet and classic, while colored or patterned bongs are more eye-catching and fun. Themed bongs are based on specific characters or concepts, such as animals, cartoons or movies. -
Features:
Bongs can have different features that enhance their functionality or convenience, such as ice catchers, splash guards, carb holes or ash catchers. Ice catchers are notches or pinches in the neck of the bong that hold ice cubes to cool down the smoke. Splash guards are extensions or barriers that prevent water from splashing into your mouth. Carb holes are openings in the side of the bong that allow you to control the airflow by covering or uncovering them with your finger. Ash catchers are attachments that catch the ash and debris from your herb or tobacco before it reaches the water chamber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a bong is a personal choice that depends on your preferences, budget and legal situation. If you want to buy a bong online or offline, you should know how old do you have to be to do so legally in your state or country. You should also know what to look for when choosing a bong that suits your needs and expectations.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about buying bongs online or offline, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Sources:
- <a href=”https://www.smokehonest.com/blogs/pipereads/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to
