More than one in ten adults smoke marijuana making weed one of the most popular recreational drugs in the nation. If you are a budding stoner, using a bong is the next great step in your hazy adventure.

Using bongs can seem intimidating if you don’t know what you are doing. They are larger and more complicated than a conventional pipe. Bongs also have the added element of water which can make them seem complicated for newbies.

If you are wondering how to use a bong you came to the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before taking that first big rip.

What Is a Bong?

A bong is a type of water pipe best suited for smoking marijuana or other substances. It often resembles a long tube with a pipe bowl near the end. When used, smoke passes through water in the bong, which helps filter and cool it. You can customize or build a bong to suit your smoking style and preferences. Key components include the bowl, chamber, downstream, and mouthpiece, each playing a role in enhancing the experience. Some of them are described below for better understanding.

The Bowl

The bowl is the part of the bong where you pack your marijuana. You also light this section when taking a bong rip.

The Down-Stem

The down-stem carries smoke from the bowl through the water source and up the tube. It is a thin tube connecting the bowl to the rest of the bong.

The Slide

The slide allows you to remove the bowl from the down-stem thereby aerating your hit and allowing for better suction. The slide is similar to the carb on a conventional pipe.

The Tube

The tube is the aptly named cylinder that makes up the body of the bong. The user places their mouth against the top of it to take a hit. The tube’s design can vary greatly depending on the type of bong you buy.

Bong Accessories

There are near limitless accessories that can be added to your bong. This includes things such as ice-catchers, filters, extensions and even percolator bong attachments for your down-stem.

The Process of Using a Bong

There are some key things you should do when learning how to use a bong. These steps will get you pointed in the right direction. The following is how to use a bong for marijuana use.

1. Prep Your Weed

Grind your weed up or break it up by hand. Grinding is a better method as it will give your weed a finer consistency and more even burn.

2. Fill Your Bong With Water

Fill your bong with water from the tap or another source. It is best to fill from the down-stem, but if you prefer you can fill from the top if you are careful not to make a mess.

3. Take Your Hit

Smoking from a bong demands lung power. First, pack your ground weed in the bowl. Next, grab your lighter and place your mouth on the end of the tube. Make a seal with your lips inside the radius of the tube, not around it.

In one simultaneous motion light the bowl while taking a slow deep breath as the marijuana burns. Once you see the tube filled with smoke, pull the down-stem and inhale all of the smoke at once. You will cough hard and get high.

4. Clean and Maintain Your Bong

You should change your bong water as soon as it gets murky. You should also rinse and clean your bong every few weeks to avoid it getting nasty. You should also put your bong in a safe place to avoid it getting knocked over and broken.

Bong Rips Are Amazing

Smoking from a bong is a powerful and empowering experience. It is one of the most potent and advanced ways to consume marijuana. Make sure you are prepared for the extreme high a bong will afford you.

When using a bong for the first time make sure to consult this guide to help you every step of the way. For other cool information, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.