Bongs vs Pipes For Weed ：A Comparative Guide

Enjoyable, but it also helps you get the most out of your marijuana herb.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about using a cannabis grinder, from bong and pipe smoking methods respectively to advice on achieving the perfect grind!

Introducing pipes and bongs

The bong and pipe have been around for a long time and they have transformed over the years in a multitude of ways.

Pipe smoking dates back centuries to the Native Americans and became commonplace in the 1600’s although most everyone was smoking tobacco and not marijuana.

Dry pipes are preferred for on-the-go use, as you can typically fit one in your pocket. 

They're also far more affordable.

The bong, on the other hand, is a much newer weed-smoking device.

It offers clean, smooth hits thanks to water filtration - and sometimes, percolators.

Water pipes are typically bigger and bulkier, making them best for at-home use.

The Benefits of Using a Bong for Smoking

There are many reasons why loyalists insist that smoking weed from a bong is the best.

For starters, it has a notable impact on the quality of the smoke you inhale.

Cooling and Smoothing Effect

The water (or other substances like snow/ice) filtration in a bong cools the smoke, making it smoother and fresher to inhale.

Improved Taste

The water filtration process removes some of the aftertastes associated with tar and ash, enhancing the overall smoking experience.

Healthier Alternative

Studies suggest that water pipes, such as bongs, are effective at reducing particulate matter from burned organic materials, which can be beneficial for health.

Reduction of Pollutants

Bongs can trap carcinogenic agents and pollutants within the water, potentially making them a cleaner smoking option.

Maintenance Importance

Regular cleaning of the bong is crucial to prevent the buildup of 'resin' or residue, ensuring cleaner and purer hits.

Ease of Use

While there might be a learning curve initially, using a bong is generally easier than rolling a joint or spliff once you get the hang of it.

Cost-Effectiveness

Bongs are reusable and do not require the purchase of additional accessories like rolling papers, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Aesthetic and Social Appeal

Bongs come in various colors, materials (such as glass), and sizes, allowing users to choose one that matches their personal style.

They are also a social smoking device, allowing for a communal experience when passed around among friends.

Smoking From a Bong

1. Pour water into the water chamber to submerge the bottom of the downstream.
2. Break down weed using an herb grinder or your fingers. Remove any seeds or stems. 
3. Lightly pack the bowl about halfway with weed. 
4. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece, then use a lighter or match to light the bowl as you suck in with your lungs.
5. When the chamber is filled with smoke, slide the bowl out of the downstream and inhale to clear the smoke. 

The Benefits of Using a Pipe for Smoking

Pipes are easy to use: Smoking weed from a pipe is relatively easy and requires minimal preparation compared to other methods.

Weed pipes can be discreet: Marijuana pipes come in various designs, sizes, and materials.

Glass is great for clean smoke, but only if you clean your pipe frequently.

Greater control over dosage

Since you can directly manage the cannabis you pack into the bowl, you have more control over your dosage when smoking weed from a pipe.

Portability

Pipes are typically small and compact, making them easy to carry with you and use on the go. 

However, weed pipes also come in a large range of sizes, and some of them can be monstrous. 

Those are meant to be shared at home with your friends!

Cost-effective

Pipes are generally less expensive than other smoking devices, such as bongs or vaporizers.

They’re also reusable for years to come with regular cleaning.

No need for extra accessories

Smoking weed from a pipe requires no additional accessories or equipment besides a lighter and your favorite cannabis flower.

Break down weed using an herb grinder or your fingers. Remove any seeds or stems. 

Loosely pack the bowl about halfway with crushed weed. Make sure not to pack the bowl too tightly or it might be hard to take a hit. 

Light the bowl with a lighter or match and inhale from the mouthpiece.

If the bowl has a carb, cover it with your finger as you light it and first inhale. 

This will cause the smoke to build up in the pipe. 

After that, lift your finger off the carb to "clear" the pipe and inhale the smoke into your lungs. 

Break down weed using an herb grinder or your fingers. Remove any seeds or stems. 

Loosely pack the bowl about halfway with crushed weed. Make sure not to pack the bowl too tightly or it might be hard to take a hit. 

Light the bowl with a lighter or match and inhale from the mouthpiece.

If the bowl has a carb, cover it with your finger as you light it and first inhale. 

This will cause the smoke to build up in the pipe. After that, lift your finger off the carb to "clear" the pipe and inhale the smoke into your lungs.

Smoking From a Pipe

1. Break down weed using an herb grinder or your fingers. Remove any seeds or stems. 
2. Loosely pack the bowl about halfway with crushed weed. Make sure not to pack the bowl too tightly or it might be hard to take a hit.  
3. Light the bowl with a lighter or match and inhale from the mouthpiece. 
4. Cover the bowl with a carb with your finger as you light it and first inhale. 
5. This will cause the smoke to build up in the pipe. 
6. After that, lift your finger off the carb to "clear" the pipe and inhale the smoke into your lungs.

How to choose a bong and a pipe?

As you can probably tell, this just comes down to personal preference. 

Here is our advice when choosing between a bong and a pipe:

• Choose a bong if you want big hits and cooler smoke. These are great for strictly at-home use, as they use weed more efficiently and get you higher. You get more smoke per hit, so you may only need one bong rip to get to your desired state. Bong smoking is best for more seasoned smokers as the large rips can be overwhelming for new cannabis smokers.
• Choose a hand pipe if you want smaller hits for more mellow sessions. These are best for on-the-go use as they travel easily and are more durable. Those who like to stay discreet while they smoke cannabis will prefer the pipe. They can still get you very high - but they will use more weed to do so than a water pipe will.

As you can see, both of these devices can offer an incredible smoking experience. And the reality is, you probably want to have both in your arsenal. So it's not really bong vs pipe, but more bong and pipe!

Reminder

If you’d still rather smoke your weed despite the risks, consider these harm-reduction tips to help make it a little safer:

Don’t hold the inhale. Inhaling deeply and holding it in exposes your lungs to more tar per breath. Don’t be greedy; exhaling faster is better for you.

Use rolling papers approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Rolling papers may seem like NBD, but some contain chemicals and flavorings that can be toxic.

Stick to glass bongs and pipes. 

Plastic bongs may have substances such as BPA and phthalates, which are associated with significant health risks, including the potential for cancer.

Keep your stuff clean. Keep your bongs and pipes clean, and don’t roll your weed on dirty surfaces.

Don’t share mouthpieces or pass joints. Sharing your stash is fine, but not your pipes, bongs, or joints. When you share these, you’re basically swapping spit with that person and putting yourself at risk for infections.