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If you are new to smoking herb or tobacco, you might be wondering how to use a glass bong. A glass bong is a water-filtration device that produces smooth, clean and potent smoke. In this blog post, we will explain what a glass bong is, how it works, and how to use it for the first time.
What is a glass bong?
A glass bong is a type of pipe that uses water to cool and filter the smoke from burning herb or tobacco. It usually consists of a bowl, where you pack your material, a stem or downstem, which connects the bowl to the water chamber, and a mouthpiece, where you inhale the smoke. Some bongs also have a carburetor or carb, which is a hole that allows you to clear the smoke from the chamber by releasing the air pressure.
Glass bongs come in various shapes and sizes, from simple and functional to artistic and elaborate. Some have additional features such as ice catches, percolators, diffusers or ash catchers, which enhance the cooling and filtration of the smoke. Glass bongs are popular because they are easy to clean, durable, transparent and aesthetically pleasing.
How does a glass bong work?
The physics behind a glass bong are fairly straightforward: when you light the herb or tobacco in the bowl and inhale through the mouthpiece, you create a vacuum that draws the smoke through the water chamber. As the smoke bubbles up through the water, it cools down and loses some of its harshness and impurities. The water also acts as a natural filter that removes fine particulate matter such as tar and ash from the smoke. This results in a smoother, cleaner and more flavorful smoking experience.
According to some scientific studies, water filtration can also reduce some of the toxic substances in the smoke that may pose health risks. For example, a study in 1963 found that “water filtration reduces both the amount of particulate matter and the number and quantity of toxic substances in the smoke that passes through it.” Similarly,a number of studies throughout the 1970s found that THC tends to pass through water while a number of other, potentially harmful substances are filtered out and stay behind in the water. Further supporting these findings, a study published in 1991 concluded that when smoke passes through water or some other wet surface, a number of toxic substances are removed.
How to use a glass bong for the first time?
If you want to try using a glass bong for the first time, here are some simple steps to follow:
- Prep your bong. Pour water into the mouthpiece until the waterline is above the base of the stem but below the bowl. You can also put ice cubes in the water if you want extra cooling. Make sure your bong has a downstem and bowl attached. If your bong has a carb hole, cover it with your thumb or finger.
- Grind your herb or tobacco. Use a grinder or scissors to break up your material into small pieces. This will help it burn more evenly and efficiently.
- Pack your bowl. Fill the bowl with about half a gram of ground herb or tobacco. Don’t pack it too tightly or too loosely, as this will affect the airflow and combustion.
- Place your lips inside the mouthpiece. Create a tight seal with your mouth around the mouthpiece. Don’t put your lips over it or around it.
- Light your bowl. Use a lighter or hemp wick to ignite the herb or tobacco in the bowl. Hold the flame over the material and inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece. You will see the smoke travel through the stem and fill up the chamber.
- Inhale the smoke. When the chamber is full of milky-white smoke, release the carb hole or pull out the bowl and inhale sharply and deeply through the mouthpiece. This will clear the smoke from the chamber into your lungs.
- Exhale and enjoy. Exhale slowly and smoothly through your mouth or nose. You may feel a rush of euphoria, relaxation or other effects depending on what you are smoking.
- Clean your bong. After you are done smoking, empty out the water from your bong and rinse it with warm water. You can also use a cleaning solution such as rubbing alcohol and coarse salt to remove any residue or stains from your bong. Store your bong in a safe and dry place.
Why use a glass bong?
Using a glass bong has many advantages over other smoking methods. Here are some of the pros and cons of smoking a glass bong:
Pros
- It produces smooth, clean and potent smoke that is easier on your throat and lungs.
- It filters out some of the harmful substances and contaminants from the smoke that may cause health problems.
- It enhances the flavor and aroma of your herb or tobacco.
- It allows you to take bigger and longer hits than other pipes or joints.
- It is easy to clean, maintain and customize.
- It is durable, reusable and eco-friendly.
- It is fun, social and artistic.
Cons
- It can be expensive, bulky and fragile.
- It can be hard to transport, hide or use discreetly.
- It can be wasteful, as some of the smoke may escape or get stale in the chamber.
- It can be addictive, as it delivers a more intense high than other methods.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your herb or tobacco. It provides a smooth, clean and potent smoking experience that is easy to use and fun to share. If you want to try using a glass bong for the first time, follow the steps above and you will be on your way to a satisfying session
