A bong is a type of water pipe that is used to smoke herbs or tobacco. Bongs come in different shapes, sizes, materials and designs, but they all have the same basic function: to filter and cool the smoke before it reaches your lungs. Bongs are popular among smokers who enjoy the smooth and flavorful hits they produce.
But how old do you have to be to buy a bong? Is it legal to buy a bong online or from a smoke shop? What are the risks and benefits of using a bong? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.
The Legal Age to Buy a Bong
The legal age to buy a bong depends on where you live and what you intend to use it for. In general, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 in most states. However, there are some states – like California and New York – that have raised the minimum purchasing age to 21. This means that if you live in one of these states, you have to be 21 or older to buy any tobacco product, including bongs.
However, buying a bong does not necessarily mean that you are going to use it for smoking tobacco. Many people use bongs for smoking herbs, such as cannabis, which is illegal in some states and legal in others. The legal status of cannabis varies from state to state, and sometimes even from city to city. Some states have legalized cannabis for medical use only, some have legalized it for recreational use as well, and some have not legalized it at all.
If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for recreational use, such as Colorado or Washington, you have to be 21 or older to buy or possess cannabis and any related products, including bongs. If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical use only, such as Arizona or Florida, you have to be 18 or older and have a valid medical marijuana card to buy or possess cannabis and any related products, including bongs. If you live in a state where cannabis is illegal for any use, such as Idaho or Texas, you cannot buy or possess cannabis or any related products, including bongs.
Therefore, the legal age to buy a bong depends on both your state’s tobacco laws and your state’s cannabis laws. You should always check your local laws before buying or using a bong.
The Benefits of Buying a Bong Online
If you are above the legal age to buy a bong in your state, you may wonder whether it is better to buy a bong online or from a smoke shop. There are some benefits of buying a bong online, such as:
- You can choose from a wider variety of bongs online than in most smoke shops. Online headshops offer bongs made of glass, ceramic, metal, silicone, acrylic and more. They also offer bongs with different features, such as percolators, ice catchers, splash guards and more.
- You can compare prices and reviews of different bongs online before making a purchase. Online headshops often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores because they have lower overhead costs. They also have customer reviews that can help you decide which bong is best for you.
- You can shop discreetly and conveniently online without having to deal with any sales pressure or judgment from other customers or staff. Online headshops ship their products in plain and discreet packaging that does not reveal the contents or the sender. You can also shop at any time of the day or night from the comfort of your own home.
The Risks of Buying a Bong Online
However, buying a bong online also comes with some risks, such as:
- You may not get what you ordered or expected online. Some online headshops may sell low-quality or counterfeit products that do not match the description or photos on their website. Some may also send you the wrong product or size by mistake.
- You may not be able to return or exchange your bong online if you are not satisfied with it. Some online headshops may have strict or unclear return policies that make it difficult or impossible to get a refund or replacement for your bong. Some may also charge high restocking fees or shipping costs for returns.
- You may get into trouble with the law if you buy a bong online from an unlicensed or unreliable source. Some online headshops may not comply with the legal requirements of your state or country, such as verifying your age or paying taxes. Some may also ship their products from overseas, which may result in customs delays or seizures.
How to Buy a Bong Online Safely and Legally
If you decide to buy a bong online, you should follow these tips to ensure a safe and legal transaction:
- Do your research before buying a bong online. Check the reputation and reviews of the online headshop you are considering. Look for signs of trustworthiness, such as secure payment methods, customer service, privacy policy and satisfaction guarantee.
- Choose a bong that suits your needs and preferences. Consider the size, shape, material, design and features of the bong you want. Read the product description and specifications carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts.
- Check the shipping and return policy of the online headshop you are buying from. Find out how long it will take for your bong to arrive, how much it will cost to ship, and what are the conditions for returns or exchanges. Make sure you understand and agree with the terms before placing your order.
- Keep your receipt and tracking number for your bong order. This will help you track your package and prove your purchase in case of any issues or disputes.
- Enjoy your bong responsibly and legally. Use your bong only for smoking herbs or tobacco that are legal in your state or country. Do not use your bong for smoking cannabis if it is illegal in your area. Do not share your bong with anyone who is underage or unlicensed. Clean and store your bong properly after each use.
Conclusion
Bongs are great devices for smoking herbs or tobacco, but they are not for everyone. You have to be above a certain age to buy a bong, depending on your state’s tobacco and cannabis laws. You also have to be careful when buying a bong online, as there are some benefits and risks involved. If you follow the tips in this blog post, you can buy a bong online safely and legally.
Happy smoking!
