How Does a Bong Work?
Understand the science behind bongs and how water filtration creates a smoother cannabis experience.
•4 min read•154 words
Bongs may look intimidating, but they're straightforward once you understand how they work.
Anatomy of a Bong
- Base: Holds the water
- Tube/Neck: Main chamber where smoke collects
- Downstem: Tube from bowl into water
- Bowl: Where you pack flower
- Mouthpiece: Where you inhale at the top
How Water Filtration Works
- Flame lights the flower in the bowl
- Smoke travels down the downstem
- Smoke bubbles through the water
- Water cools the smoke and filters particles
- Cooler, smoother smoke rises into the chamber
- You inhale the filtered smoke
Using a Bong
- Add water - 1-1.5 inches above downstem opening
- Pack the bowl - Grind medium-coarse, pack loosely
- Light and inhale - Watch smoke fill the tube
- Clear the chamber - Remove bowl, inhale quickly
- Exhale and breathe
Key Takeaways
- Water filters and cools smoke for smoother hits
- Fill water just above the downstem
- Control hit size by stopping when you have enough smoke
- Clean your bong regularly
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