Why
bother with a bong? Millions of marijuana users prefer the bong to the
traditional joint. 420 Magazine says, “The bong is probably the most
popular and beloved smoking device in the history of human cannabis
use.”
The
hookah-like water filtering system originated in Eastern Africa. Pipes
with cannabis residue have been found in Ethiopian cave and dated to 11
centuries before the common era. Allowing for the fact that tobacco was
not introduced to Africa until the discovery of North America, ancient
pipes and early bongs would not have been introduced from Asia or Europe
for tobacco consumption.
They
refer to discoveries by famed archeologists Mary Leaky and Alfred
Dunhill who attributed water pipes to the San People of Eastern and
Southern Africa. And, forms of the word ‘’bong” still appear in the
Bong’om Tribe, Mount Bong, Bong County, and so on.
So,
the argument goes that the bong originated in Africa based on
archaeological evidence that residents used devices to smoke their
cannabis well before the availability of tobacco and cultural influences
of Asia and Arabia.
Why people use bongs?
It
may not be the most important reason to users, but smoking through
bongs is better for your health. Water filters the smoke and removes
toxins and other elements that have nothing to do with your desired high
because THC is not water soluble.
The
filtering process also cools the smoke to permit the good taste of the
strain through but reduce the possible harshness irritation of throat
and lungs.
How does the bong work?
According
to Marijuana 101, ‘When you light the marijuana bud in the bowl, smoke
is drawn through the downstem and into the chamber. Once there it forms
bubbles which float up through the water (or other liquid). The liquid
filters the smoke of impurities and depending on the kind of liquid you
use, may add to the experience.”
A bong typically has key parts:
- Bowl holds the dried cannabis where it is burned.
- Carb(uretor), a small hole, lets the smoker clear the smoke from the bong chamber.
- Downstem is a small tube in the side of the bong that helps smoke move from the bowl to the base where it can percolate up through the water.
- Base holds the water chamber where the smoke cools passing through the water.
- Tube leads to a mouthpiece transmitting the water-filled smoke.
Regardless of the bong’s style, shape, or material, it’s the water that should concern you.
What’s the problem with bong water?
The bong water problem
is a serious concern for your health. If your guests notice dirty water
in the bong you are passing around, it’s embarrassing. It labels you
are dirty and lazy. But, health concerns create a bigger issue for any
user. After all, a major benefit of smoking through a bong is the
filtering of poisons from the smoke.
However,
if you do not regularly change the water and clean the bong parts, you
defeat that effect. For example, bacteria will breed in sitting water in
more or less 20 hours. This contradicts the intent to filter out
negative content, meaning that you are sending additives and irritants
directly to your lungs where they increase the chance of infection.
You
will smell and taste the problem if you do not clean your bong. It
won’t be long before the dirty water affects the smell and taste of the
strain smoke. And, if the water smells bad, it’s definitely time to act.
You can flush out the parts with hot water, but you might think about
adding some salt and/or alcohol to kill the germs left behind.
Bong
water will discolor over time, but if has become brown and filled with
floating flecks, it needs to be changed. Otherwise, you send that debris
to your lungs and blood system.
Resin
will build up and change the flavor of your favorite bud or
concentrate. The resin deposits will also host a breeding ground for
molds and mildews. And, where resin debris is, you will have bacteria.
Some bacteria are good for you, but others will bring infection to your
throat, sinus cavities, lungs, and stomach. So, beware of water that has
turned brown, black, or pink.
How often should you change it?
The
more frequently you replace the water, the less frequently you will
have to clean and disinfect the bong. So, make it a habit. If you use
the bong several times a day, replace the water every day. If you use it
occasionally, do it after each session. If you pass it around a smoking
circle, clean it before and after.
Your
best option is to use spring, distilled, or filtered water. They bring
less chemicals and toxins with them. Still, some opt for a range of
colorful and flavorful liquids as alternatives.
- Cranberry Juice freshens and sweetens a strain taste when iced. It has the added benefit of Vitamin C – if that’s the reason you’re smoking!
- Gatorade and other electrolyte drinks, in all their varieties colors and flavors, from bright orange to crystal blue, are very popular alternatives to plain water.
- Grape Kool-Aid is the favorite flavor for many long-time bong smokers. They enjoy the smoother experience and after taste.
- Hot Tea smooths and mellows your experience if that’s what you want. Choosing teas with touches of lemon, cranberry, mint, or peach will complement strains with those tastes. Or, you can choose iced tea so long as it is unsweetened.
- Wine is a sophisticated selection, perhaps, for party sharing. But, THC dissolves in alcohol, so you’re going to lose some of your hit, not an efficient use of your cannabis.
Entries
on the weed forums suggest orange juice, Hawaiian Punch, apple cider,
Listerine, fresh pieces of citrus or strawberries, snow, and anything
with grape flavor.
But,
most sober and experienced bong smokers prefer the cold water. Among
other things, they understand or learn that any alternative leavers
residue in the bong, and sugar residue can damage the bong if not
cleaned immediately.
So, if you are bong-ing it for the full cannabis experience, you appreciate the value of clean cold water and frequent cleaning.
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