Answer
Pack a chillum bowl in layers. Break cannabis into 3-5 mm pieces. Fill the cone in 2-3 passes. Tamp each pass with light pressure. Leave a 2-3 mm gap at the top. Draw air through the mouthpiece before you light. If the draw feels blocked, remove the herb and repack.
What you need
- A chillum with a bowl at one end and a mouthpiece at the other
- Dried cannabis
- Fingers or small scissors
- A poker, tamper, or the flat end of a tool
- A metal or glass screen if the chillum has no built-in screen
- A lighter or hemp wick
Steps
- Break the cannabis into 3-5 mm pieces. Remove stems and seeds.
- Hold the chillum with the bowl up.
- Add a screen if needed. Seat it flat at the bottom of the bowl.
- Add cannabis to fill one third of the bowl.
- Tamp the layer with the poker. Use light pressure. The layer should hold shape and still pass air.
- Repeat with 1-2 more layers until the bowl is full to 2-3 mm below the rim.
- Draw through the mouthpiece. Air should move with little resistance.
- If the draw is tight, remove the cannabis and start again with looser layers.
Packing density
A small chillum holds about 0.1-0.3 g. A large cone holds more. Pack to the point where the herb stays in place when you turn the chillum. Do not press the herb into a solid plug. A tight plug blocks airflow and causes hot smoke. A loose pack lets ash pull into your mouth. Add a screen or a small plug of unground herb at the bottom to catch ash.
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Lighting and drawing
Light the edge of the bowl. Keep the flame off the center. Draw for 1-2 seconds. Stop and check the cherry. Draw again if needed. A chillum has no carb, so the draw speed controls the heat. A slow draw makes cooler smoke. A fast draw makes hotter smoke.
Cleaning
Clean a glass chillum with 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Soak for 30 minutes. Shake. Rinse with warm water. Dry before use. Wipe wood and porous stone with a dry tool. Do not soak wood in alcohol. Follow the maker instructions for metal and ceramic.
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Safety and legal note
Cannabis smoke irritates the airways. Avoid deep inhalation and breath-hold. Do not drive or operate machinery after use. Keep cannabis and cleaning products away from children and pets. Cannabis laws vary by state. Follow local law.