A bong is a device that is used to smoke herbs or tobacco by filtering the smoke through water. Bongs come in different shapes, sizes, materials and designs, and they can enhance the flavor and smoothness of your smoking experience. But if you are interested in buying a bong, you may wonder how old do you have to be to do so legally.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as where you live, what type of bong you want to buy, and what you intend to use it for. In this article, we will explain the legal age for buying bongs in different states, the benefits of buying bongs online, and some tips on how to choose the best bong for your needs.
What is the legal age for buying bongs in different states?
In general, the legal age for buying tobacco products in the United States is 18. However, some states have raised the minimum age to 21, following the Tobacco 21 law that was passed by Congress in 2019. This law applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and their components, rolling papers, and smoking paraphernalia (including bongs). The states that have raised the tobacco age to 21 are:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
If you live in one of these states, you have to be 21 or older to buy a bong legally. If you live in any other state, you have to be 18 or older. However, keep in mind that these laws only apply to tobacco products and accessories. If you intend to use your bong for smoking cannabis or other substances that are illegal under federal law, you may face legal consequences regardless of your age or state.
What are the benefits of buying bongs online?
If you are of legal age to buy a bong, you may wonder whether you should buy it from a local headshop or an online headshop. There are pros and cons to both options, but buying bongs online has some advantages that you may want to consider:
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Better prices:
Online headshops can offer lower prices than local headshops because they have lower overhead costs and can buy in bulk from manufacturers. They can also offer discounts, coupons, and free shipping on certain orders. -
Better selection:
Online headshops can stock a larger variety of bongs than local headshops because they have more storage space and access to the latest products from different brands. You can find bongs of different shapes, sizes, materials, designs, colors, and features online. -
Better convenience:
Online headshops are open 24/7 and you can browse their products from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to worry about driving to a store, finding parking, dealing with crowds, or facing judgmental staff. You can also compare different products and read reviews from other customers online. -
Better privacy:
Online headshops respect your privacy and will not share your personal information with anyone. They will also ship your order in discreet packaging that does not reveal its content or origin. You don’t have to worry about anyone knowing what you bought or why.
How to choose the best bong for your needs?
If you decide to buy a bong online, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options available. To help you narrow down your choices and find the best bong for your needs, here are some factors to consider:
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Budget:
Bongs can range from cheap to expensive depending on their quality, size, material, design, and features. You should set a budget that you are comfortable with and look for bongs that fit within it. -
Material:
Bongs can be made of different materials, such as glass, acrylic, silicone, metal, ceramic, or bamboo. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and taste. Glass bongs are the most popular because they are easy to clean, offer the best flavor, and look elegant. However, they are also fragile and expensive. Acrylic bongs are cheap, durable, and colorful, but they are hard to clean and can affect the taste of your smoke. Silicone bongs are flexible, unbreakable, and easy to transport, but they can also retain odors and be difficult to clean. Metal bongs are sturdy, affordable, and easy to clean, but they can get hot and rust over time. Ceramic bongs are artistic, unique, and offer a smooth smoke, but they are also heavy, fragile, and expensive. Bamboo bongs are natural, eco-friendly, and durable, but they can also be hard to find and maintain. -
Size:
Bongs can vary in size from small to large depending on their capacity and design. The size of your bong will affect its portability, storage, and performance. Small bongs are easy to carry around, store, and hide, but they may not produce enough smoke or filtration for your liking. Large bongs can offer more smoke and filtration for a smoother experience, but they may also be bulky, heavy, and hard to transport or store. -
Design:
Bongs can have different designs that affect their appearance and functionality. Some common design features are: -
Bowl:
The bowl is where you pack your herb or tobacco. It can be removable or fixed to the bong. Removable bowls are easier to clean and replace, but they can also fall off or get lost. Fixed bowls are more secure and convenient, but they can also be harder to clean and limit your options. -
Downstem:
The downstem is the tube that connects the bowl to the water chamber. It can be removable or fixed to the bong. Removable downstems are easier to clean and customize, but they can also get clogged or broken. Fixed downstems are more durable and simple, but they can also be harder to clean and limit your options. -
Percolator:
The percolator is the device that filters the smoke through water. It can be located in the water chamber or above it. Percolators can have different shapes and styles that affect their performance and appearance. Some common types of percolators are diffused downstems, tree percs, honeycomb percs, showerhead percs, turbine percs, matrix percs, etc. Percolators can enhance the smoothness and flavor of your smoke by cooling it down and removing impurities. However, they can also increase the drag and resistance of your bong by adding more water and air bubbles. -
Ice catcher:
The ice catcher is the feature that allows you to add ice cubes to your bong for extra cooling. It can be located in the neck or above the water chamber of your bong. Ice catchers can make your smoke even smoother and more refreshing by lowering its temperature further. However, they can also make your bong heavier and more prone to condensation. -
Carb hole:
The carb hole is the hole that allows you to control the airflow of your bong by covering it with your finger or a rubber stopper. It can be located on the side or the back of your bong. Carb holes can make your hits more powerful and efficient by clearing the smoke from your bong faster. However, they can also make your bong harder to use and more likely to spill.
In conclusion,
Buying a bong is a personal decision that depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. You should always check the legal age for buying tobacco products in your state before you buy a bong online or offline. Buying bongs online has many benefits over buying them from local headshops in terms of price, selection, convenience, and privacy. However,
You should also do some research on the different types of bongs available online and compare their features and reviews before you make a purchase.
We hope this article has helped you answer the question “how old do you have to be to buy a bong?”
If you are looking for high-quality bongs at affordable prices,
You should check out our online headshop at
Smoke Honest
. We have a wide range of bongs for every taste and budget.
We also offer free shipping on orders over $85,
Discre.
