How To Use A Bong Correctly For Powerful Hits

Smoking a bong for the first time can be confusing – not to mention nerve-wracking. How on earth do you take a hit? Forget that, how do you even light up, draw the smoke and take a hit?

Don’t worry, you got this. You might make some mistakes at the beginning – that’s normal. Just be patient and keep on practicing. Eventually, it will be second nature, and it won’t be long before you’re taking insanely potent rips that will send you straight to the clouds.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before lighting up that bong.

How To Use A Marijuana Bong

Bongs can look bizarre at times. They are straightforward to use, though. The type, shape, and design of your bong often do not matter. Whether it’s a straight-tube or a recycler, you’ll be operating it pretty much the same way.

Start by grinding the buds and filling the bong with water. Once done, you can pack the bowl, blaze it up, and take a hit. That’s the gist of it. Sounds easy enough, right?

Before getting down to business, make sure you know every step by heart. It does not only ensure silky smooth and powerful hits. It also helps prevent accidents. The last thing you want is to see the glass bong shatter into a million pieces.

Step 1: Prepare The Bong

Ensure that the bong is clean and sterilized before every use. You don’t want to inhale contaminants or leftover gunk, do you?

Fill the bong with fresh bottled or tap water. Do this by pouring the water directly into the mouthpiece. The amount will depend on the height, size, and shape of the device.

As a rule of thumb, keep the water level an inch above the tip of the downstem, which is just enough to partially submerge it. Any more than that and the water might splash into the mouth while taking a hit. Too much water also puts a strain on the lungs, making it harder to pull the smoke.

If your bong has a percolator, fill it with enough water to cover the slits. Add the water from the top. Do so slowly.

In the end, you might have to experiment to know the optimal amount of water. Remember, every hole, slit, or opening should be submerged. If you suck water into the mouth while you’re pulling the smoke, it indicates that you’ve poured too much.

Step 2: Ready The Cannabis Buds

Break up the raw marijuana flowers into fine bits. Use a cannabis grinder if you have one. If not, scissors or even bare hands will do. Keep a few larger pieces of about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long and wide, which will be placed at the bottom of the bowl. Remove the stems or seeds, if any.

Step 3: Pack The Bowl

Pack the buds inside the bowl. Start with the larger chunks of weed. It will act as a screen and prevent the finer bits from getting into the mouth.

Smoking alone? Half a bowl will suffice. Remember, it is better to pack less than more. You can always add more buds later on. If toking with a group of friends, on the other hand, load enough weed so that it reaches the rim of the bowl.

Make sure not to pack too tightly, which can interfere with airflow. If the plant matter appears compressed, loosen it up with a pipe tool. Alternatively, you can use a paper clip.

Step 4: Get Ready To Take A Hit

Take a few deep breaths before getting started. Having enough oxygen in the system will make it easier to heave out the cloud. You’re also less likely to cough and splutter.

Hold the bong securely with your non-dominant hand. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece. Your lips should be inside the tube, not around it. Press your mouth against the interior of the mouthpiece until you feel a suction-like sensation. Make sure there are no gaps where the smoke can escape to while you’re inhaling.

If your bong has a carb, now is the time to put a finger over it.

Step 5: Light The Bowl & Inhale

Grab the lighter with your free hand, then switch it on. Bring the flame to the edge of the weed in the bowl. Inhale slowly while blazing up the plant matter. You should see the chamber turning milky-white as it fills with smoke. Don’t forget to keep your finger over the carb.

Remove the heat when you’re satisfied with the amount of smoke. If you’re a beginner or have a weak lung capacity, you can fill the chamber only halfway through. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself.

Stop inhaling at this point. But keep your mouth inside the mouthpiece to prevent the smoke from leaking out.

Take your finger off the carb or detach the bowl from the downstem. Continue drawing in the smoke until you clear the chamber. Inhale slowly but deeply, so it goes straight to the lungs.

If you can’t pull the smoke in one go, that’s okay. Do cover the carb or place the bowl back in the stem if you want to take a break, though. When you’re ready to inhale the remaining cloud, remove either the finger or the bowl.

Note: Ensure that there are no flammable objects in the room.

Step 6: Hold The Smoke Before Exhaling

Hold the cloud in your lungs for about 2-3 seconds. Any longer will not magnify the high and may only have negative health effects. When exhaling, blow the smoke freely into the room or out the window. If there are other people with you, tilt your head back to avoid blowing it on someone else’s face.

Step 7: Return The Bowl To The Downstem

If you’re smoking with a group, pass the bong after returning the bowl. If you’re alone, set aside the device. You can blaze it up again when you’re ready for another round.

If you’re done for the day, remove the bowl and empty the water. Place in a safe spot. You can clean it later.

Step 8: Sit Back & Relish The High

What else are you waiting for? Sit back, relax, and wait for the mind-bending effects to take hold. And pat yourself at the back, while you’re at it. You’ve just taken your very first bong rip, after all.