How to Use a Bong

Bongs are probably the most famous way to smoke dry herb. Far more efficient and smooth than joints or pipes, bongs are, for many, the superior way of smoking… if you know how to use them.

Luckily, although the process may look a bit tricky, especially during your first time, you can master it during your next session.

Here's how:

What You Need to Smoke a Bong

If you want to smoke a bong, start by gathering the basics:

• The Bong: Essential for the process, bongs come in various shapes, styles, and materials, including glass, silicone, acrylic, and ceramics. If you need a new bong, check out our selection!
• Dry Herb: Your choice of what to smoke will be the heart of the session. Make sure you get premium, lab-tested products from reputable suppliers to guarantee safety and quality.
• Grinder: A quality grinder is crucial for breaking down your herb efficiently. Choose a reliable, durable model capable of producing fair, fluffy consistency. That being said, you can use scissors or even fingers as long as you properly break down your dry herb.
• Water: Filling your bong with clean, fresh water allows proper filtration and cooling of smoke. Change your bong water frequently (preferably after every session) to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
• Lighter or Hemp Wick: For heating the herb. Hemp wick is a healthier alternative to lighters​​ and maintains a pure flavor from start to finish, but a good lighter will do just fine.

If your bong has ice pitches, you can also get a few ice cubes for an even smoother hit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Bong

Ready to start smoking bongs? Here's how a smoke session with a bong usually goes:

Step 1: Prepare the bong

Start by filling up the water chamber with enough water to submerge the base of the downstem, which will depend on its length. Avoid overfilling your bong, since it'll just make it heavier and affect airflow.

If your bong has ice catchers, you may want to add ice to the neck of the bong or even to the bong water directly for a cooler smoking experience. Make sure the bong is stable on a clean, flat surface and ready for use to prevent accidents.

Step 2: Grinding Cannabis

Break down the cannabis using a dedicated herb grinder for an even, non-powdery consistency, which is key for an even burn. If you're using a two-piece grinder or another kind of grinding technique, make sure you grind uniformly and avoid overgrinding your herb.

Step 3: Packing the Bowl

Fill the bong bowl with your ground herb, making sure you don't overpack it to allow the air to flow.

Evenly distribute the herb, gently packing it and leaving a bit of space at the top for easy access when igniting. You can also add a drop of THC concentrate or kief and pack it in the middle to spike your bowl.

Step 4: Taking a Hit

Light the bowl gently while steadily inhaling through the mouthpiece, accumulating smoke inside the chamber. Once the chamber is full of smoke, you might briefly hold it there and inhale the smoke while releasing the carb hole (if your bong has one).

Then, slowly exhale the smoke without holding it in your lungs. You might want to repeat the process to get another bong hit or take a few breaths of fresh air to return your lungs to normal.

Step 5: Cleaning the Bong

Clean the bong regularly with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to remove any resin buildup and potential bacteria growth. Rinse your bong thoroughly with warm water to finish removing any residue​​ , and let it air-dry completely before the next use to prevent mold.

A clean bong will keep all percs working well, ensuring excellent water filtration and delicious smoke every time you're smoking cannabis.

Enhancing Your Bong Experience

Exploring alternative liquids like juices or teas in your bong instead of plain water can create unique flavor profiles and enhance your session with nicer aromas. Adding a little bit of lemon juice to your bong water can add a touch of freshness to your session while helping it stay cleaner for longer.

Accessories like percolators and ice pinches can increase the smoothness of your hits, making each pull easier on your lungs. Ash catchers can keep the inside of your bong cleaner while adding an extra layer of filtration.

Conclusion

As we've seen, smoking with a bong is easy once you know how bongs work! Although the different parts of the bong might look complicated to beginners, anyone can easily smoke with one after a few uses.

Ready to get your own bong? Don't forget to purchase your bongs online at our headshop, Daily High Club, where we have all the bongs, water pipes, grinders, and everything else you need for your next smoking session.

How to Use a Bong: FAQs

Here are the answers to common questions on bongs:

How often should you clean your bong?

Ideally, you should clean your bong after each use or at least once per week, depending on how often you use it. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your bong working well, giving you optimal taste and ensuring proper hygiene. 

Can you use liquids other than water in a bong?

Yes, alternative liquids like juice or sports drinks can add unique flavors. While some users may experiment with alternative substances like sprinkling water or tea for added flavor, plain water remains the safest option. However, keep in mind that certain fluids may leave behind strong odors, alter flavors, or produce harmful chemicals when heated, so stick to food-safe choices if you're looking for alternatives.

How do you know if you've packed the bowl correctly?

An ideally packed bowl allows for good airflow while retaining enough content for full combustion. A properly packed bowl will have an even surface that allows airflow while keeping the herb securely in place. If there are gaps or uneven areas where air escapes, gently press down on the contents until they become compact enough to support steady burning without falling through the holes.

What's the purpose of a screen in the bowl?

A screen prevents ground cannabis from falling into the stem, enhancing filtration. Screens also help keep the herbs inside the bowl while smoking. However, not every bowl needs a screen. Use a screen when the bowl's opening is too wide to keep large chunks of ashes from falling through.