A bong is a water-filtration device that is used to smoke dry herb or tobacco. It can produce smooth, cool and potent hits that are easy on the lungs and throat. Bongs come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but they all have some basic components: a bowl, a stem, a chamber and a mouthpiece. Some bongs also have a carburetor, which is a hole that allows you to clear the smoke faster.
If you are new to bongs, you may be wondering how to use one properly. Here are some simple steps to help you enjoy your bong experience.
What You Need
- A bong
- Dry herb or tobacco
- A grinder (optional)
- Water
- A lighter or hemp wick
- A screen (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Bong
First, you need to fill your bong with water. Remove the stem and pour water into the mouthpiece until it covers the base of the stem. The water level should be about an inch above the end of the stem, but not too high that it spills out of the carb or the mouthpiece. You can also add ice cubes to the water if you want a cooler hit.
Next, you need to pack your bowl with your herb or tobacco. If you have a grinder, use it to break up your material into small pieces. If not, you can use your fingers or scissors to do the same. Fill the bowl with your material, but don’t pack it too tightly or it will restrict the airflow. You can also use a screen to prevent any ash or herb from falling into the stem.
Step 2: Light Your Bowl
Now you are ready to light your bowl and inhale. Place your mouth over the mouthpiece, creating a tight seal with your lips. Hold the lighter or hemp wick over the bowl and ignite your material while inhaling slowly and steadily. You will see the chamber filling up with smoke.
If your bong has a carb, keep it covered with your finger or thumb while lighting and inhaling. If your bong has a pull-out stem, leave it in place while lighting and inhaling.
Step 3: Clear Your Bong
When you have enough smoke in the chamber, you need to clear it by inhaling it into your lungs. If your bong has a carb, uncover it and inhale sharply. If your bong has a pull-out stem, remove it and inhale sharply. You should try to clear the chamber in one breath, but if you can’t, take another breath and try again.
After clearing the chamber, exhale the smoke and enjoy the effects of your herb or tobacco. You can repeat this process until the bowl is empty or until you are satisfied.
Step 4: Clean Your Bong
After using your bong, you should clean it to prevent any residue or bacteria from building up. Dump out the water and rinse the bong with hot water. You can also use some rubbing alcohol and salt to scrub the inside of the bong and remove any stubborn stains. Rinse again with hot water and let it dry.
You should also clean the bowl and stem by soaking them in rubbing alcohol and salt for a few minutes, then rinsing them with hot water. Alternatively, you can use some pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to wipe them clean.
Why Use a Bong?
Bongs are popular among smokers for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits of using a bong:
- Bongs filter and cool down the smoke, making it smoother and less harsh on your lungs and throat.
- Bongs produce bigger hits than joints or pipes, which can enhance the effects of your herb or tobacco.
- Bongs conserve your material by burning it more efficiently and evenly.
- Bongs are easy to use and customize with different accessories such as percolators, ash catchers, ice catchers, etc.
- Bongs are fun and social, as you can share them with friends or enjoy them alone.
