The Side Effects and Health Risks of Bong Smoking

A bong is a water pipe that filters and cools weed smoke to give a smoother, more intoxicating effect.

If you’re considering using this method of consumption, you may be wondering about the potential side effects of bong smoking.

Let’s dive into some of the adverse effects that could potentially occur if you choose a bong smoking device.

What is a bong? and how does it work?

Bongs, also known as water pipes, are larger smoking devices designed to provide cooler, smoother hits thanks to their water filtration system.

As you light and start smoking weed, inhaling through the mouthpiece, the burning cannabis smoke passes through the water, which filters and cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs.

Many believe the bong is a ‘safer’ way of smoking cannabis due to the water contained in the device.

The water filtration process removes the tar and other carcinogenic material from the smoke, thus reducing some of the risks associated with smoking.

In addition, As the smoke passes through the water, the water absorbs a significant amount of heat from the smoke resulting in a much “softer” smoke.

Bongs come in various shapes and sizes, with some featuring additional components like percolators for enhanced filtration.

Glass bongs are the most popular choice among cannabis consumers due to their transparency, allowing users to see the smoke as it travels through the device and the water filtration in action.

The Side Effects and Health Risks of Bong Smoking

Although a small amount of the bad stuff might get filtered out, bongs don’t fundamentally change the health impact of the smoke itself. Smoking, in any form, involves inhaling substances that can harm your health.

Smoke from the combustion of any plant material, be it tobacco leaf, or cannabis flower, produces a lot of toxins and carcinogens.

The water in the bong traps a portion of the particulates and some water-soluble toxins, potentially reducing what ends up in your lungs.

However, not all harmful components are filtered out. Tar, some carcinogens, and other toxins can still be present in the smoke you inhale.

 When you inhale those chemicals, it causes direct and immediate irritation to the lung’s delicate tissues. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that smoking cannabis can cause inflammation and damage to your airways and lungs. 

Material of Device: It’s also extremely important to note that using plastic bongs or homemade bongs with aluminum bowl can cause even greater problems due to the plastic or aluminum giving off toxic fumes when heated.

Bacterial or Mold Growth: Unclean bongs can harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms, turning your pleasant smoke session into a potential health hazard.

Higher THC Concentration: Bongs often deliver larger hits of smoke, which can result in higher doses of THC. This might increase the risk of overconsumption, leading to anxiety, paranoia, or other unpleasant effects.

Long-term effects of marijuana: Smoking marijuana can also increase your risk of stroke, heart disease and other vascular diseases.

Conclusion

Smoking marijuana from a bong can be smoother on the throat due to the water cooling the smoke, but it’s not necessarily healthier.

While it may filter some harmful substances, it still exposes you to similar health risks as other smoking methods - joints  and pipes.

Moderation and being mindful of your overall consumption are key.

 If health is a major concern, you might consider alternatives to smoking, such as vaporizers, which heat the substance without burning it, or edibles, which involve no inhalation at all.