A glass bong is a device that is used to smoke herbs or tobacco by filtering the smoke through water. Glass bongs are popular among smokers who enjoy the smooth and cool sensation of the water-cooled smoke. However, owning a glass bong can expose you to some legal risks, especially if you use it for smoking cannabis or other illegal substances. Here are some of the possible scenarios that can get you into trouble with the law:
Federal law
Technically, bongs are part of the drug paraphernalia category. Under federal law, selling, importing and exporting drug paraphernalia is illegal. Mere possession of one, however, is not counted as a federal crime. Even so, there are some state laws that indicate owning bongs is illegal .
This means that if you buy a glass bong online from another country, or if you sell glass bongs to customers in other states, you could be violating federal law and face criminal charges. However, some states have legalized or decriminalized the medical or recreational use of cannabis, and have more lenient laws regarding glass bongs and other paraphernalia .
State laws
The legal status of glass bongs varies from state to state. Some states have banned them completely, while others have allowed them for medical or recreational purposes. Here are some examples of how different states regulate glass bongs:
- California: Glass bongs are legal for adults 21 and over who possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use. Medical cannabis patients can also use glass bongs with a valid recommendation from a doctor .
- Florida: Glass bongs are illegal under state law, regardless of whether they are used for cannabis or tobacco. Possession of a glass bong can result in a misdemeanor charge and up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine .
- New York: Glass bongs are legal for adults 21 and over who possess up to three ounces of cannabis for personal use. Medical cannabis patients can also use glass bongs with a valid certification from a practitioner .
- Texas: Glass bongs are illegal under state law, regardless of whether they are used for cannabis or tobacco. Possession of a glass bong can result in a misdemeanor charge and up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine .
Country laws
The legal status of glass bongs also varies from country to country. Some countries have banned them completely, while others have allowed them for medical or recreational purposes. Here are some examples of how different countries regulate glass bongs:
- Canada: Glass bongs are legal for adults 18 and over who possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal use. Medical cannabis patients can also use glass bongs with a valid authorization from a health care practitioner .
- Germany: Glass bongs are legal for adults 18 and over who possess up to six grams of cannabis for personal use in some states. Medical cannabis patients can also use glass bongs with a valid prescription from a doctor .
- Japan: Glass bongs are illegal under national law, regardless of whether they are used for cannabis or tobacco. Possession of a glass bong can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 500,000 yen .
- Mexico: Glass bongs are legal for adults 18 and over who possess up to 28 grams of cannabis for personal use. Medical cannabis patients can also use glass bongs with a valid permit from the health ministry .
Conclusion
Owning a glass bong can be a risky business, depending on where you live and what you use it for. Before you buy or use a glass bong, make sure you know the laws in your area and avoid any trouble with the authorities. Remember that even if your state or country allows glass bongs, federal law still prohibits them in some cases.
: Are Bongs Illegal? A 2020 Review – Round the World Magazine
: What are the legal risks of owning a glass bong in different states or countries?
: Medial Marijuana Identification Card – California Department of Public Health
: Medical Marijuana Program – New York State Department of Health
: HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 481. TEXAS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
: Cannabis in Canada: Get the facts – Canada.ca
: Cannabis in Germany: What you need to know | DW | 10.03.2018
: Japan sees sharp rise in number of cannabis offenders among foreign nationals | The Japan Times
: Mexico publishes medical cannabis regulations, creating new business opportunities
