Does More Water Mean Less THC for Recycling Bong Vaping?

Dry Herb Vaporizers are generally considered healthier than bongs. They heat substances to release active ingredients as vapor without combustion, reducing the intake of harmful toxins and carcinogens.

But many users find it tricky to get decent, long pulls from a dry herb vaporizer because of the small amounts of vapor, heat and dry hits it provided.

A Bong, especially Percolator Bong or Recycler Bong, is a type of smoking device that utilizes water to filter and cool down the smoke before it reaches the user. Many throats are saved by its simple cooling and filtering properties.

Once your preferred Dry Herb Vaporizer is connected to the bong, The dry, hot vapor produced by dry herb vaporizer will pass through the bong water, cooling and filtering before it reaches your lungs, creating a smoother hit.

However, Is it better to have more or less water in my bong? Do more bong water filter out more THC that decrease vapor potency? How much water for a bong?

In this article, we will dive deep into the science behind water filtration, helping you decide to add more or less water for your vaping or smoking needs.

What is a Recycler Bong?

A recycler bong is a type of water pipe that utilizes multiple chambers to filter and cool down the smoke before it reaches the user.

These unique smoking devices are popular among both beginners and experienced smokers for their ability to provide a smoother and more enjoyable smoking experience.

These bongs typically consist of two chambers - the first one, where the smoke is initially filtered through water, and the second one, known as the recycling chamber. The recycling chamber works by constantly circulating water and smoke between itself and the first chamber, creating a continuous filtration process.

Additionally, recycler bongs often come with different types of percolators or diffusers in both chambers, adding even more levels of filtration and cooling to the smoke. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer a cleaner and smoother smoking experience.

Does the water in bongs really help?

Water bongs present a unique smoking experience, offering advantages over regular, non-water pipes or joints, especially when it comes to smoking weed.

Cooling: As the heated cannabis smoke travels through the cold water, its temperature is significantly lowered. This cooled smoke is less harsh on the throat and easier to inhale.

Filtration: The water also acts as a filter, trapping both soluble and insoluble compounds. This process removes unwanted toxins and larger particles like ash and plant matter from the smoke, resulting in a cleaner hit.

Moisturizing the Smoke: Water in the bong also helps add moisture to the smoke, which is easier on the respiratory system compared to the dry heat of smoke from a regular pipe.

Flavor Preservation: Some argue that water bongs preserve the flavor of weed better. The water filters out heavier particles that might overpower the subtle nuances of the weed's flavor profile.

Does bong water filter out THC?

Technically speaking, water does trap a very small amount of insoluble THC - about 0.46%. However, this minuscule amount is unlikely to impact the overall potency of the hit.

Moreover, when compared to other methods of cannabis consumption, such as rolled joints or pipes where much more THC is lost due to burning, using a bong is significantly more efficient.

Does More Water Mean Less THC for Recycling Bong Vaping?

The amount of THC lost in the water of a bong is negligible, and that many phytocannabinoids and terpenes found within cannabis have nearly zero water solubility.

So while more water may means less THC for recycling bong vaping, the amount is so negligible that it won't affect your high, don't worry about that at all.

You’ll be getting over 99.5% of your beloved THC—even more considering most bongs take less than a litre.

How much water should I put in a bong?

In order to achieve the best inhaling experience with a bong, the water level is crucial.

Too much water can lead to a difficult draw, as the resistance increases with the height of the water.

It also reduces the amount of smoke that can be inhaled, which can be disappointing for those looking for a more intense experience.

Finally, overfilling the bong can cause water to spill up the drop pipe and into the adapter or dry herb vaporizer itself, potentially ruining it.

On the other hand, too little water can be just as bad, as it fails to adequately cool and filter the smoke. This can result in harsh hits that cause throat irritation and coughing.

Your bong should have just enough water to cover the the downstem or percolator,  about 0.5-1 inches higher, but not so much that it reaches your mouth.

Conclusion

More or less Bong water does not significantly filter out THC. Even if a tiny amount of THC is trapped in the water, the overall impact on the potency of the hit is negligible.

Bong water does, however, offer numerous benefits such as cooling the smoke and filtering out unwanted toxins and particles.

The ideal water level depends on the size and features of your bong, and experimenting with ice can enhance the cooling effects.

Remember that bongs require regular cleaning to prevent mold and residue buildup, which can affect the flavor and cleanliness of the smoke or vapor.