The Basics: Bongs 101

Today we’re covering Bong Basics 101. If you’re already a bong pro, you can check out our other blog posts here but if you’re new to bongs, read on for a bong anatomy breakdown and some really easy cleaning tips.

While you’re here, you’re going to need some weed for that bong – friendly reminder that Chronic Haze’s online dispensary does same day weed delivery, curbside pickup: Mississauga, Etobicoke, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Ontario and weed delivery Canada wide. 

What is a Bong?

A bong is a smoking device that filters smoke through water – with the water acting as a trap for heavy particles and water soluble molecules ensuring a super smooth smoke compared to other smoking methods. Bongs are traditionally made from glass but can also be made from materials like ceramic, silicone, plastic, wood, pop cans and certain fruits (strawberries are our favourite).

The bong has been around for centuries and were often used by tribal chiefs to smoke opium and cannabis. Back in 2015, archaeologists unearthed a pair of pure gold bongs dating back to 2,400 years ago and were said to have belonged to Scythians, a fierce group of nomads who once ruled the grasslands of Eurasia. Historians believed that the Scythians created a concoction that contained both cannabis and opium which was thought to be consumed before battle.

The Anatomy of a Bong

Smoke travels through the bong through six main components: the bowl, the downstem, the water chamber, the percolator, the splash guard and the mouthpiece.

The bowl is where the weed is packed into the bong. Bowls vary in shape and size but typically take the form of an indent in the glass with a whole at the bottom. Once the bowl if filled and then lit, smoke is formed and is pulled into the airway below the bowl.

The downstem is crucial to the bong as it acts as the bridge between the bowl and the water chamber and is the first point of smoke filtration. The downstem carries the smoke from the bowl into the water chamber creating small bubbles allowing the smoke to cool as it cycles through.

The water chamber is where the smoke is cooled once it’s traveled through the downstem.

Next is the percolator, not every bong has it but the percolator is used as an additional filter for the smoke and has multiple slits and holes to optimize filtration.

The splash guard is typically found in bongs that have heavy percolation and its main function is to prevent water from bubbling upwards and through the mouthpiece.

Finally, the mouthpiece, where inhalation occurs. Traditionally the mouthpiece is horizontal and sits at the highest point of the bong. Bent-neck bongs have become more common as they have angled mouthpieces that allow you to inhale the smoke without having to hunch over the bong.

How to Clean Your Bong

As with any reusable smoking device, your bong is going to need to be maintained. Don’t be intimated though, it’s really easy to keep your bong in tip top shape, all you’re going to need is some isopropyl alcohol (this can be found at your local pharmacy) and some regular table salt. Combine half a cup of alcohol and a teaspoon of salt and pour it into the bong through the mouthpiece. Plug all of the holes – the bowl and mouthpiece – and shake to bong to dissolve any and all buildup. Rinse everything with warm water then air dry.

Same day weed delivery, curbside pickup and weed delivery Canada wide

You may be wondering, “Is there a Dispensary near me?” Of course there is! Order with Chronic Haze today for same day weed delivery in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, Oakville or Milton. We also offer curbside pickup in Mississauga. Not within the service boundaries? Try ordering weed online as we ship Canada-wide, which typically takes 2-3 business days. Experience our service today!