Clearing the Smoke: Responsible Bong Use in a Regulated Market
There has definitely been a rise in legalized usage of marijuana lately. This has been matched with the increasing popularity of using bongs as well. However, with this rise, it is also important to talk about responsible bong use in this regulated market. While it may be fun and intriguing to use bongs to enjoy cannabis, there are some guidelines you should follow in order to have a safe yet enjoyable experience. Here is what you can consider.
What Are Bongs?
Bongs are considered a type of water pipe which are mostly used for smoking cannabis. These pipes have a vertical cylinder that is filled with water, a bowl-like spot to place cannabis as well as a long tube from which you can draw the smoke in. The smoke you inhale will pass through the water in the cylinder, which can filter it for you.
Types of Bongs
Just like us, bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and types! However, the most common distinction can be made through their shapes and materials. Some types of bong collections include:
- Simple Tube Bongs. You can’t go wrong with a classic! These bongs have straight vertical tubes with a bowl for your cannabis in one end.
- Silicone Bongs. Durable and flexible! Silicone bongs are a great fit for clumsy smokers who are afraid of breaking them.
- Recycler Bongs. While it sounds like they are good for the environment, recycler bongs recycle the smoke you inhale through multiple chambers before it gets to you.
- Ceramic Bongs. Pretty and concise! These bongs are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but they are also durable.
- Percolator Bongs. Bored with only one chamber? Percolator bongs have more than one with multiple chambers to diffuse your smoke with.
- Gravity Bongs. Who says science can’t mix with bongs? These bongs will use gravity to draw your smoke into the chamber.
How to Use Bongs Properly
When cannabis and bong use is legal in regulated markets, it is important to clarify how to properly undergo the entire process. To do so, you can follow practices to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience while smoking cannabis. This is what you can do:
- Purchase Regulated Cannabis.
Before you start purchasing cannabis from a licensed shop, make sure to do your research beforehand. Buy from a reputable and trusted source that shows proof of quality and safety standards. Your best guess in this scenario is to look for products that have been tested for purity.
- Research THC and Its Content.
THC (also referred to as tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is the reason why you may experience effects while smoking. In safe and regulated markets, each type of cannabis you purchase needs to be labeled. This label should include the THC content and is typically expressed with a percentage. THC shows the level of potency present in the cannabis you use. That’s why it’s important to understand the levels if you want to consume and use bongs safely. If you are a beginner, you should opt for lower THC levels. This is because you will begin with a lower tolerance and build it up as you go.
- Clean Your Bongs Properly.
To have a clean and safe trip, you are always recommended to properly clean your bong after each use. Not only can this help with your health, but it also helps with functionality. The proper way to clean your bong is as follows:
- Detach and disassemble your bong so that you have a clearer look at the tube, bowl, as well as the cylinder.
- Wash the bong with warm water thoroughly. This includes each part mentioned in the first step.
- Fill your bong with a proper bong-cleaning solution. If you don’t have one at hand, you can use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. After filling the bong with the cleaning solution, make sure to give it a good shake!
- Next, scrub your bong properly. To do so, grab a thin brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub each nook and cranny of the bong. Afterward, rinse the bong with warm water until it is squeaky clean.
- Air dry your bong. Try to not use your bong until it has air-dried completely as it can mix with your cannabis and ruin the taste and experience.
The Importance of Responsible Bong Use and Health Risks You Can Avoid
So, why is responsible bong use even important? Firstly, it is crucial if you want to avoid health risks and have a proper experience. Some health risks you can avoid if you use bongs properly and safely are:
Respiratory Health Issues
While a bong does in fact filter out harmful substances before you smoke, it can still expose your lungs to harmful compounds. This can even include tar. To use bongs responsibly in this scenario, you can practice moderation and avoid smoking excessively. This can reduce the risks of bronchitis and lung issues.
Injuries
If you handle a bong improperly, you can increase the risk of injuries associated with it. If, for example, you knock over your bong with water you can burn yourself immediately. That is why practicing responsible bong use also includes being mindful of what is around you and handling your bong with care.
Anxiety, Paranoia, and Destroyed Cognitive Functions
Since bongs can lead to potent hits of cannabis when you smoke it, they can cause overconsumption if you are not responsible enough. If you smoke too much cannabis in a short period, you will face anxiety, paranoia, and destroyed cognitive functions. However, if you decide to be responsible, you can avoid these issues by smoking moderately.
Long-Term Health Effects
Heavy and frequent cannabis use, especially through bongs, can be easily linked to long-term health effects. This can include cognitive impairment, heart problems, and addiction. To be responsible with bong use, you need to be aware of your consumption habits, set limits, as well as prioritize your overall well-being.
In your journey within the regulated cannabis markets, let’s prioritize responsible bong use. It is all about reducing harm and enjoying cannabis and bongs safely. Remember, moderation is key, research your THC content, keep it clean, and always follow the law. This way you will easily make informed choices, and enjoy bongs the way they were intended to – fun but safely
