How to Use a Bong for Beginners: 6 Steps

Quick answer

Fill the bong with 1 to 2 inches of water. Grind 0.1 to 0.3 grams of cannabis. Pack the bowl loose. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece. Light the edge of the herb. Pull air through the neck. Remove the bowl or the lighter. Inhale a breath of fresh air. Exhale. Dump the water after the session.

how to use a bong for beginners

Parts of a bong

• Bowl: holds the ground cannabis. Joint sizes are 14 mm or 18 mm.
• Downstem: tube that runs from the bowl into the water.
• Water chamber: base that holds the water.
• Neck and mouthpiece: path for the smoke.
• Carb: a hole on some glass. Cover it with a finger, then release it to clear the smoke.
• Percolator: extra glass discs inside larger pieces.

Step 1: Add water

Pour room temperature water into the chamber. The level should sit 1 to 2 inches above the bottom of the downstem. If water covers the bowl joint, pour some out. Test the piece with no herb. Pull air. Bubbles should form. No water should reach your mouth.

bong accessories for smoother hits

Step 2: Grind and pack

Use a grinder. A medium grind burns even. Break the cannabis into pieces the size of a peppercorn. Fill the bowl 50 to 75 percent. Pack with light pressure. A tight pack blocks airflow. A loose pack burns fast. For a first session, use 0.1 grams. A standard bowl holds 0.25 to 0.5 grams.

read more

Step 3: Light and inhale

Sit or stand near a table. Seal your lips on the mouthpiece. Hold the lighter 1 to 2 cm from the herb. Pull air in a slow, steady stream. The flame draws into the bowl. Move the flame around the edge. The herb should cherry, which means it glows orange. Do not touch the flame to the glass. Fill the chamber with smoke. Remove the bowl, or lift your finger off the carb, and inhale the rest of the smoke. Take a breath of air after that. This pushes the smoke into your lungs. Exhale.

How long to hold a hit

Two to three seconds is enough. THC reaches the blood within seconds. A long hold adds tar to your lungs. Exhale when your lungs feel full.

Cleaning

Dump the water after each session. Rinse with hot water. Once a week, fill the bong with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Cover the openings and shake for 30 seconds. Rinse with warm water until the smell is gone. Change the water every day. Old water grows bacteria and mold.

Common beginner errors

• Too much water. Water enters the mouth.
• Too little water. The smoke hits hot.
• Tight pack. Airflow stops.
• Flame held over the whole bowl. The herb chars and the smoke tastes like ash.
• Plastic, rubber, or foil bowls. Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.

Safety and law

Inhaled cannabis takes effect in under 1 minute and peaks in 15 to 30 minutes. Start with 0.1 grams. Wait 15 minutes before a second bowl. Do not drive after use. In states with adult-use laws, the minimum age is 21. Cannabis smoke carries tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. Water cools the smoke. It does not remove tar or carbon monoxide. Do not share a mouthpiece during cold and flu season. Clean the piece between users.