One of the most recognizable smoking devices is a cannabis pipe. These pipes are categorized in two groups: carb and carb-less. Those with a “carb,” or small hole, allow for the clearing of smoke in the pipe.
Carb-less pipes are referred to as “chillums” or “one-hitters.” These are available in a variety of shapes, and are usually straight tubes that mimic the appearance of cigarettes or discrete designs.
Pipes with a carb are often called “bowls” or “spoons.” They’re generally spoon-shaped in form. Pipes with carbs are designed for larger amounts of cannabis, and they can generally go around a circle of friends for multiple puffs.
PIPE SMOKING FOR BEGINNERS
When compared to joints or blunts, the primary benefits of consuming cannabis with a pipe are increased smoke and less ash. While joints, blunts, and other rolled options may be seen as more portable, their combustion method involves a significant amount of ash.
Additionally, a clean pipe will be less harsh than a joint or blunt.
How cannabis pipes work
Pipes provide their function using three aspects of the device:
- The mouthpiece: where you put your mouth
- The bowl: where you put your cannabis flower
- The carb hole: some pipes have a carb hole to allow the consumer to “clear” the pipe of residual smoke.
The cannabis is heated and smoke is inhaled through the mouthpiece.
How to choose a pipe
Choosing a pipe is based on personal taste. Standard chillums may be made out of clear glass or cigarette-shaped, while more intricate one hitters and bowls vary in color, shape, size, and details. If you want something that can be discreetly held in the palm of your hand, a one-hitter may be your best option. They’re carb-less, small, and typically stored in a wooden “dugout”.
If you’re looking for a piece that will last a long time, allow for larger smoke sessions, and has a carb hole, then a bowl is likely your best option. While you won’t be able to test the pipe before you buy, you can hold it as if you were using it to see how it feels in your hands and whether you can easily use the carb hole.
How to pack a pipe
When it comes to packing your pipe, ground cannabis is always your best option. It makes for a uniform burn and airflow, which means you’ll get the most consistent hits. Grind your cannabis in a grinder if you have one, or use your fingers to tear the flower into tiny bits. Fill the bowl of your pipe with a few pinches of ground herb.
If it is a larger bowl, you may need to grind up more cannabis, whereas smaller bowls and one-hitters require a small amount to fill the bowl.
How to smoke a pipe
Once loaded, ignite the bowl of cannabis using a lighter or hemp wick, while inhaling from the mouthpiece. If there is a carb, be sure to cover the carb hole using your thumb or finger while inhaling the first half of your puff. Then release your finger and allow air to flow through the carb hole while you inhale the second half of your hit.
For cannabis beginners, be sure to start with small amounts in each bowl, and wait several minutes between inhalations. Cannabis varies in potency, so “go slow and low” until you’ve developed familiarity with cannabis products.
Before You Begin
Find a pipe that suits your needs and personality. How often are you planning on using it? Is this pipe going to live on your porch, bookcase, or coffee table? How much are you looking to spend? The more decorative the pipe, the more cash you can expect to throw down. The size will also determine how many hits you can get without having to repack the bowl. If this is your first time purchasing and using a pipe, I’d recommend starting with a small, basic glass hand pipe from your local headshop. It’ll be easy to use and shouldn’t set you back more than $20.
To get started, you’ll also want to acquire a lighter, a basic grinder, and a nug or two of high-quality flower.
Set down that apple and step into the light.
Maybe you fashioned one out of an old Coke can in college or maybe you had one passed to you at a party, but chances are you’ve interacted with a pipe at some point in your life. These handy little tools are incredibly useful for smoking weed because of their simplicity and portability. Knowing how to correctly use a pipe also happens to be the most basic skill you want to have in your smoker toolkit.
Before You Begin
Find a pipe that suits your needs and personality. How often are you planning on using it? Is this pipe going to live on your porch, bookcase, or coffee table? How much are you looking to spend? The more decorative the pipe, the more cash you can expect to throw down. The size will also determine how many hits you can get without having to repack the bowl. If this is your first time purchasing and using a pipe, I’d recommend starting with a small, basic glass hand pipe from your local headshop. It’ll be easy to use and shouldn’t set you back more than $20.
To get started, you’ll also want to acquire a lighter, a basic grinder, and a nug or two of high-quality flower.
Step 1: Grind
Break up a nug of dried flower, place it in your grinder, and twist a few times or until it resembles the texture of loose leaf tea. Achieving this consistency will allow air to easily pass through the plant matter and expose a great surface area to the flame. If you don’t have a grinder handy, place your bud in a shot glass and cut it up with scissors until you reach the right consistency.
Step 2: Pack
Grab a pinch of flower and pack it into the end of the pipe that resembles a bowl. Make sure your flower is secure enough not to fly out with the slightest breeze but not packed so tightly air can’t pass through.
Step 3: Light
Light your freshly packed bowl while at the same time inhaling through the other end of the pipe. If your pipe has a carb (AKA the small hole on the side of the bowl), you can hold your thumb over it while you inhale to clear the pipe’s inner chamber of smoke. Simply release your thumb once you’re done inhaling. One other weed etiquette tip: If you plan on passing the pipe around a circle, only light a corner of the bowl so there’s fresh herb for your friends to enjoy. They’ll thank you for it.
Final Tips
As with any new cannabis product or consumption method, start slowly and check in with yourself often. Believe it or not, smoking will not get you high instantaneously. After your first hit, wait 10 minutes and let the high unfold before consuming more.