While the joint is the classic, convenient way to smoke cannabis, there’s a world of options for those interested in exploring different experiences and effects. From bongs to bubblers, pipes to vaporizers, each method offers unique benefits, distinct flavors, and varying levels of potency. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, here’s a breakdown of popular smoking methods and tips on how to use each effectively.
1. Pipes – The Classic Choice
What It Is: Pipes are small, handheld devices usually made from glass, metal, or wood, featuring a bowl to hold the cannabis flower, a carb hole to control airflow, and a mouthpiece.
How to Use:
Pack the Bowl: Grind your cannabis and pack it into the bowl. Avoid packing too tightly, as this can restrict airflow.
Light and Inhale: Place your finger over the carb hole, light the flower, and inhale slowly. When ready, release the carb hole to clear the chamber.
Why It’s Great: Pipes are portable, easy to use, and ideal for quick, single hits without much prep.
2. Bongs – For Big Hits
What It Is: A bong is a water pipe with a large chamber and a downstem submerged in water. Bongs come in many shapes and sizes and are typically made from glass, acrylic, or silicone.
How to Use:
Fill the Bong with Water: Add water until the downstem is just submerged.
Pack the Bowl: Place ground cannabis into the bowl.
Light and Inhale: Light the bowl while inhaling; the smoke travels through the water, which cools and filters it before reaching your lungs.
Why It’s Great: Bongs deliver smooth, potent hits, which make them perfect for those looking for stronger effects. The water also helps filter out impurities, making for a cleaner smoke.
3. Bubblers – A Hybrid Experience
What It Is: Bubblers combine the portability of a pipe with the smoothness of a bong. They have a small chamber for water filtration but are typically handheld like a pipe.
How to Use:
Add Water: Fill the chamber with a small amount of water.
Pack the Bowl: Grind your cannabis and load it into the bowl.
Light and Inhale: Cover the carb hole (if there is one), light the bowl, and inhale.
Why It’s Great: Bubblers offer smoother hits than pipes without the bulk of a full-sized bong, making them ideal for on-the-go use.
4. Blunts – A Rich Flavor Experience
What It Is: Blunts are cannabis rolled in tobacco or hemp wraps, offering a unique mix of flavors from the wrap and flower.
How to Use:
Prepare the Wrap: Use a pre-made blunt wrap or hollow out a cigar wrap.
Grind and Roll: Grind your cannabis, fill the wrap, and roll it tightly. Some prefer to “lick” the edge of the wrap to seal it.
Light and Enjoy: Light the end of the blunt evenly and inhale slowly.
Why It’s Great: Blunts burn slowly, allowing for longer sessions. The wrap adds flavor and a nicotine buzz, enhancing the overall experience for those who enjoy it.
5. Vaporizers – Healthier, Cleaner Hits
What It Is: Vaporizers heat cannabis to release cannabinoids as vapor without combusting it. They come in portable or desktop forms and are a popular choice for their discreet nature and health benefits.
How to Use:
Load the Chamber: Grind your cannabis finely and load it into the vape chamber.
Set Temperature: Most vapes allow you to set the temperature. Lower temps offer more flavor; higher temps give stronger effects.
Inhale: Once heated, take slow, controlled hits.
Why It’s Great: Vaporizing avoids combustion, which can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. The flavor is often more pronounced, making it a popular choice for flavor enthusiasts.
6. Dab Rigs – For Concentrates
What It Is: Dab rigs are similar to bongs but designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates (like wax or shatter) instead of flower. They offer a potent and flavorful experience.
How to Use:
Heat the Nail or Banger: Use a torch to heat the dab nail, then let it cool slightly to the optimal temperature.
Add the Concentrate: Place a small amount of concentrate on the heated nail and inhale.
Carb Cap: Cover the nail with a carb cap to maximize vapor production.
Why It’s Great: Dabbing is incredibly potent, so it’s ideal for experienced users or those looking for stronger effects in smaller doses.
7. Hookahs – For Group Settings
What It Is: Cannabis can also be enjoyed through a hookah, where it’s mixed with flavored tobacco (shisha) or used in specialized cannabis bowls. The smoke travels through water, providing smooth, flavorful hits.
How to Use:
Set Up the Hookah: Fill the hookah base with water, place the cannabis or shisha mix in the bowl, and cover with foil.
Add Coal and Inhale: Place coal on the foil, let it heat up, and inhale through the hose.
Why It’s Great: Hookahs are social, making them a good choice for group sessions. The water cools the smoke, allowing for longer, more relaxed sessions.
Choosing the Right Method for You
Each method has its own appeal depending on your preferences and goals. Pipes, bongs, and bubblers offer a quick, no-fuss experience with minimal setup. Blunts and joints are portable and versatile, making them excellent for social gatherings. Vaporizers and dab rigs offer flavorful, health-conscious options, while hookahs add a layer of ritual and camaraderie.
Experiment with different methods to find what suits your taste and tolerance.
