Quick answer
A bong is a water pipe. You fill the base with water. You grind cannabis flower. You pack a small bowl. You light the flower. You inhale through the mouthpiece. You pull the bowl out to clear the smoke. You inhale again. Then you exhale.
what do you need to smoke a bong
What you need
- Bong with downstem and bowl
- Water
- Grinder
- Cannabis flower
- Lighter or hemp wick
- Glass screen or metal screen
- Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt for cleaning
Step-by-step
- Fill the bong with water. Pour water through the downstem. The water level should sit 1 to 2 inches above the bottom of the downstem. Do not fill the neck.
- Grind the cannabis. Use a grinder. Aim for a medium grind. Remove stems and seeds.
- Pack the bowl. Fill the bowl 1/2 to 3/4 full. Do not pack it tight. Air must pass through the flower.
- Insert the bowl into the joint. If your bong has a carb hole, cover it with a finger.
- Light the bowl. Hold the flame to the edge of the flower. Draw air through the mouthpiece. The flame pulls into the bowl. A cherry forms.
- Inhale. Keep drawing. Smoke pulls through the water. Fill the chamber with smoke.
- Remove the bowl. Pull the bowl out of the joint. This clears the chamber. Inhale the rest of the smoke.
- Exhale. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before a second hit.
How to inhale
Breathe in slow and steady. Do not force the hit. Hold the smoke for 1 to 2 seconds. Exhale. New users may cough. Start with a small hit. A small hit is 1/4 of the chamber.
Cleaning and water changes
Change the water each session. Old water can grow bacteria and mold. Dump the water. Rinse the bong. For a deep clean, add isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Shake the bong. Rinse with warm water. Clean the bowl and downstem. Replace screens when they clog.
Safety notes
Bong smoke still contains tar and carbon monoxide. Water filters some particles but not all. Do not drive after use. Keep cannabis away from minors. Store in a locked place. Do not share mouthpieces during cold and flu season. In the US, legal adult-use cannabis is for people 21 and older. Check your state and local laws.