How to Smoke Weed from a Bowl

Smoking a bowl is, without a doubt, one of the most popular ways of consuming marijuana. This classic method, in fact, is often considered a rite of passage for stoners. And if you want to try your hand at packing and blazing up a bowl, make sure you do it correctly the first time around. Here, we detail everything you need to know about how to smoke weed from a bowl.

What Is a Bowl?

A bowl is a vital component of a marijuana pipe or bong. As you might have guessed, it’s named as such because it resembles a regular bowl. It’s basically a small, deep dish or basin designed to hold the packed cannabis buds.

Typically, a bowl is made of glass and features a small hole (also referred to as a “carburetor” or simply a “carb”) on the side. The carb regulates airflow and enables you to clear the chamber of the smoking device. While taking a hit, the carb needs to be covered with a thumb, then released right before you finish inhaling the cloud.

At the bottom of the bowl, you will find a hole that leads to the main body of the pipe. After lighting up the marijuana flowers and taking a drag, the smoke will travel through the bowl, into the pipe, and, eventually, into your lungs.

Know that bowls exist in varying sizes, shapes, and designs. They also function somewhat differently depending on whether you’re using a pipe or a bong. If attached to a bong or a water pipe, for instance, a bowl is usually detachable, allowing it to double as a pull or slide carb.

How to Properly Smoke Weed from a Bowl

When smoking weed from a bowl, the first step is to pack the dried herbs. There are two ways to go about it, which depends on whether you’re using a regular pipe or a bong. Packing a bowl, while not rocket science, can take some time to master. After all, you want the bowl to be packed just right – not too loose, too tight, or just downright sloppily. After you nail that, it’s just a matter of igniting the plant matter and drawing in the flavorful, cannabinoid-enriched cloud.

I. Packing and Smoking a Bowl on a Pipe

A pipe is a small, handheld device used for smoking weed. There are several types of marijuana pipes to choose from, but hand pipes (also known as “spoon pipes” or “spoons”) are perhaps the simplest and the most common. They’re usually made with borosilicate glass and are compact enough to fit snugly within your palm.

Here’s what you will need to smoke a bowl on a pipe:

• Marijuana
• An herb grinder
• A hand pipe or spoon pipe
• A lighter or hemp wick
• A tamper or tamping tool (optional)

Step 1: Grind Your Weed

Before packing, you will need to grind your marijuana first. If you’re using a hand pipe, it’s best to use a grinder for a consistent grind. That’s because uniformly-sized cannabis chunks facilitate a smooth, even burning.

Using an herb grinder is a breeze. Start by placing a medium-sized nug into the chamber. Return the cap, then twist it back and forth to chop down the flowers into small, evenly-sized pieces. If you don’t have a quality grinder on hand, simply use a pair of sharp scissors or even your bare hands to break down the plant matter into tinier bits.

Step 2: Pack Your Bowl

Once your nug is completely ground, the next step is to pack the bowl. Grab a small amount of marijuana using your fingertips, then load it into the bowl. Gently press on the plant matter with your finger. Use a tamping tool if you have one. It can help pack your weed more evenly into the bowl.

In any case, take it easy and make sure not to overpack. Otherwise, you will end up restricting airflow. By the end, your bowl should appear even and filled to the brim – but not to the point that it’s full to bursting.

Step 3: Blaze Up Your Bowl

Hold the bowl with your non-dominant hand. Make sure that your thumb is covering the carb hole. Bring the hand pipe to your lips. Hold the position.

Use your other hand to ignite a corner of the bowl. Remove the flame once the buds begin smoldering. When you’re ready to take a hit, release the carb and take a slow, measured drag. Enjoy.

II. Packing and Smoking a Bowl on a Bong

A bong (also known as a water pipe) is a device used for smoking marijuana flowers. It’s typically made of glass, although ceramic, plastic, silicone, metal, and bamboo options are also available. Aside from the material, marijuana bongs also come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, designs, and features to suit your specific needs and preferences. But, at the most basic level, bongs should consist of a bowl, carb, downstem, tube, mouthpiece, and base.

Here’s what you will need to smoke a bowl on a bong:

• Cannabis buds
• A grinder
• A bong
• A lighter or hemp wick
• A pipe tool (optional)

Step 1: Grind Your Nugs

The first step is to grind your weed. You can use your hands to break down the plant matter into smaller portions, but using an herb grinder can make the process much easier. Not to mention, it’s also a lot less messy and produces a more consistent grind. In any case, whatever method you end up choosing, ensure that each piece is more or less the same size.

Step 2: Ready Your Bong

Make sure that your bong is clean and sterilized before every smoking session. It guarantees that you will only be breathing in the rich marijuana smoke and not toxins, contaminants, and leftover goo. Not to mention, regularly cleaning and maintaining your bong keeps it in top condition at all times. This way, ultra-smooth, flavorful marijuana fumes are just within reach.

Fill your bong with the appropriate amount of water. If your device has a percolator or an extra water chamber, then fill it with water, too.

Step 3: Pack Your Bowl

When packing a bowl, it’s recommended to put the larger weed chunks first, then to sprinkle the smaller pieces on top. Make sure that they’re spread evenly. In this setup, the bigger pieces will act as a screen, preventing the fine bits from entering your mouth.

Fill your bowl until it reaches the rim. Then, pat it down gently yet firmly. Again, be careful not to pack too tightly. If the buds appear too compacted, then use a pipe tool to loosen them up. Another option is to use a paper clip.

Step 4: Light Up Your Bowl

Hold the water pipe carefully and securely with your non-dominant hand. Position your mouth on the mouthpiece. If your bong has a carb, then make sure to put a finger over it.

Use your free hand to blaze up a corner of the bowl. Begin inhaling slowly. Wait until the chamber fills with milky-white smoke. Once you’re satisfied with the amount of cloud, remove the heat source. Make sure to put out the flame.

When you’re ready to take a drag, continue pulling in with your lungs. At the same time, release your finger over the carb or slide the bowl out of the downstem. Keep inhaling slowly and deeply until you clear the chamber. Enjoy.

For novices, smoking a bong correctly has a bit of a learning curve. So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you mess it up on your first try. With practice, packing and igniting your bowl will eventually become second nature.

Smoke Weed from a Bowl for a Satisfying High

A bowl is one of the cornerstones of marijuana culture. So, smoking weed properly from a bowl is something every pothead should know about. How you smoke your bowl, however, slightly varies depending on whether you plan to use a regular pipe or a bong. But ultimately, the principle remains the same: pack, blaze up, and take a hit. Follow our detailed guide to the letter, and it won’t be long before you’re drawing in clean, aromatic, flavorful, and ultra-potent hits.