A gravity bong is a type of homemade bong that uses water and pressure to draw smoke into the lungs. It consists of a two-piece chamber system that nestles together—one larger chamber to hold the water and a second smaller chamber to hold the bowl and capture the smoke. As the herb is lit, gravity pulls herb smoke into the bottle using water in a container to create suction. A gravity bong is also known by various names such as GB, geeb, bucket bong, or waterfall bong.
Gravity bongs are popular among cannabis enthusiasts because they deliver a powerful hit of THC that may be too much for an inexperienced cannabis beginner, so gravity bong-er beware. However, if you’re trying to stretch your stash, looking for a bit of nostalgia, or feel like getting crafty with your cannabis consumption, here’s a handy guide to creating your own gravity bong using a few everyday household objects.
How Does a Gravity Bong Work?
A gravity bong works by submerging a small bottle with a bowl of herb on top in a larger bottle or bucket of water. While lighting the herb, slowly draw the bottle out of the water to fill it with smoke from the burning herb. Unscrew the lid, put your mouth over the bottle’s opening, and push the bottle down to let gravity propel the herb smoke into your lungs. Voila!
The reason why gravity bongs get you higher than other smoking methods is because they force heavily concentrated smoke into your lungs, filling them to capacity beyond the average hit from a pipe or joint. When you inhale the contents of the smoky bottle into your lungs, you are essentially breathing in the smoke from an entire bowl of herb in one go.
How to Make a Gravity Bong?
There are two main types of gravity bongs: bucket bongs and waterfall bongs. Both use similar equipment but differ in how they create suction.
Bucket Bong
A bucket bong is made out of two containers, with the larger, open top container filled with water. The smaller has an attached bowl and open bottom, and the smaller is placed into the larger.
To make a bucket bong, you will need:
- A plastic bottle (about 2 litres)
- A Hex Bit Socket used as the bowl
- An aerator screen cut to fit the bowl
- A large bucket or other container
- Water
- Herb or tobacco
Here are the steps to make a bucket bong:
- Cut off the base of the plastic bottle.
- Make a small hole in the center of the bottle’s cap and thread the nozzle of the Hex Bit Socket through it.
- Place the aerator screen inside of the bowl.
- Fill the bucket or container with water.
- Screw the cap with the bowl onto the bottle and immerse it in water up to its neck.
- Pack the bowl with your herb or tobacco of choice and light it.
- Slowly lift the bottle out of the water until it is about to come out or until the herb stops burning.
- Unscrew the cap and put your mouth over the opening of the bottle.
- Push the bottle down into the water while inhaling to draw out all the smoke.
Waterfall Bong
A waterfall bong is made up of only one container. The container must have a bowl and a small hole near the base so the water can drain easily. As the water flows out of the container, air is forced through the bowl and causes
the herb to burn and accumulate smoke in the bong.
To make a waterfall bong, you will need:
- A plastic bottle (about 2 litres)
- A Hex Bit Socket used as the bowl
- An aerator screen cut to fit the bowl
- Water
- Herb or tobacco
Here are the steps to make a waterfall bong:
- Cut off a small piece of plastic from another bottle and use it to cover a hole near
the base of your bottle. You can also use tape or foil for this purpose. - Make a small hole in the center of the bottle’s cap and thread the nozzle of the Hex Bit Socket through it.
- Place the aerator screen inside of the bowl.
- Fill the bottle with water and screw the cap with the bowl onto it.
- Pack the bowl with your herb or tobacco of choice and light it.
- Remove the plastic, tape or foil from the hole at the base of the bottle and let the water drain out.
- As the water drains, smoke will fill the bottle. Once all the water is out, unscrew
the cap and put your mouth over the opening of the bottle. - Inhale to draw out all the smoke.
Are Gravity Bongs Safe?
While gravity bongs can be a fun and efficient way to enjoy your herb or tobacco, they are not without risks. Here are some of the potential dangers of using gravity bongs:
- Many homemade bongs or smoking devices are made using single-use plastic bottles, which contain PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which can release chemicals when heated. These chemicals can be harmful to your health and may cause respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, or cancer. To avoid this, use glass bottles or containers instead of plastic ones.
- Gravity bongs can deliver a very potent dose of THC or nicotine, which can cause unpleasant side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, dizziness, coughing, or vomiting. If you are not used to smoking large amounts of herb or tobacco, you may experience a very intense high that can be overwhelming or uncomfortable. To avoid this, start with small amounts of herb or tobacco and take breaks between hits.</li
