If you’ve been smoking weed for a while and have partaken using several different methods such as joints, hand pipes, and bongs, you may have grown to suspect that bongs seem to get you a little higher than other methods of cannabis consumption. But is that a real effect, or is it all just in your imagination? The good news is it’s not your imagination. Bongs do get most people higher than joints or other methods of smoking. But that raises the question of “Why?” In this post, the cannabis experts at the 710 Pipes headshop in Denver address the issue and provide a simple explanation for a puzzling phenomenon.
Comparing Bongs to Alternatives
Let’s take a look at how the bong experience compares to that of other popular cannabis consumption methods. Note that we are omitting vapes for this comparison as they’re a whole different story.
Bongs vs. Hand Pipes
Hand pipes, be they glass, wood, metal, or ceramic, have been a favorite tool of stoners for decades. They’re affordable, reliable, durable, and easy to conceal. This isn’t longer a big consideration, but it’s still a nice feature.
Bongs have also been around since before anyone can remember and they too are reliable, durable, and easy to use. But that’s where the similarities end. You see, you would have to have horse lungs to get as big a hit off of a hand pipe as you can get off of a bong. And since the bigger the hit, the more THC is going to enter your system, the bong will get you higher, faster.
Because they filter the hit through water, bongs also provide a more pleasant smoking experience. But that doesn’t have much to do with the depth of the buzz you experience.
| Aspect | Bongs | Hand Pipes |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Size | Larger, more concentrated | Smaller, less intense |
| Effects | Stronger, faster-acting | Milder, slower onset |
| Smoothness | Water filtration for smoother hits | Harsher on the throat |
Bongs vs. Joints
Joints have been a staple for cannabis consumers for decades. They’re portable, easy to roll (once you get the hang of it), and offer a classic experience. However, when it comes to getting the biggest and fastest high, they fall short compared to bongs.
Joints have a limited airflow due to their narrow structure, meaning you can only inhale a small amount of smoke at a time. Bongs, on the other hand, allow you to take in significantly larger hits, leading to a quicker and more intense high.
| Aspect | Bongs | Joints |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Size | Larger, more concentrated | Smaller, drawn out |
| Effects | Stronger, faster-acting | Milder, gradual onset |
| Smoothness | Water filtration for smoother hits | Can be harsher, unfiltered |
Bongs vs. Blunts
Blunts are similar to joints but made using cigar wraps, which means they contain nicotine. This adds a stimulating effect but also raises concerns about nicotine dependence. While blunts hold more cannabis than joints, they still don’t match the size or intensity of bong hits.
| Aspect | Bongs | Blunts |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Size | Large, powerful | Moderate, continuous |
| Effects | Stronger, rapid onset | Mellow, longer-lasting |
| Smoothness | Water filtration reduces harshness | Harsher due to tobacco |
Bongs vs. Dab Rigs
Dab rigs are specialized devices designed for consuming cannabis concentrates. Unlike bongs, which use dry herbs and combustion, dab rigs vaporize concentrates at high temperatures, typically using a heated nail or banger. This method produces a smoother, more flavorful inhale and delivers a more potent high than traditional bong hits, making them popular among concentrate enthusiasts.
| Aspect | Bongs | Dab Rigs |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Size | Large, powerful | Smaller but extremely potent |
| Effects | Strong, long-lasting | Extremely intense, short-lived |
| Smoothness | Water filtration for smoother hits | Hotter vapor, potentially harsher |
Bongs vs. Edibles
Edibles offer a completely different cannabis experience, as they are metabolized through digestion. This results in a delayed but long-lasting high, often stronger than smoking. However, they lack the immediate effects of a bong hit.
Want to learn more? Check out our recent guide on the effects of cannabis edibles to dive deeper into this topic.
| Aspect | Bongs | Edibles |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Size | Large, instant | N/A (ingested) |
| Effects | Immediate, shorter duration | Delayed, longer-lasting |
| Smoothness | Water filtration for smoother hits | No inhalation required |
Edibles vs. Smoking: How They Compare
To learn more about the differences between eating edibles & smoking cannabis, review our recent guide.Edibles vs. Smoking
Tips for Better Bong Hits
Want to get the most out of your bong experience? Here are some essential tips to ensure optimal hits and an enjoyable session.
- Use clean water: Fresh water ensures better filtration and a smoother hit. Change the water regularly to avoid buildup.
- Grind your herb well: A consistent grind allows for even burning and maximized airflow.
- Control your inhale: Don’t rush; take a steady draw to fill the chamber before clearing it.
- Avoid overpacking the bowl: Too much herb can restrict airflow, making it harder to inhale.
- Experiment with percolators: If your bong has percolators, use them to enhance filtration and cooling.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more efficient bong experience with every session.
Visit Our Online Head Shop for Bongs, Pipes and Much More
Despite the rise of vaping, the bong has retained its prominent place in stoner culture due to its simplicity, the fact that it produces clean, monster hits, and the fact that it’s the fastest way to an intense high.
If you’re looking for a new bong, visit our brick-and-mortar shop in Denver or Northglenn. And if you can’t make it down to our shop in person, check out our online head shop where you’ll find everything available in the walk-in store ready to be delivered anywhere in Colorado.