This week we’re taking a look at some of the OG, tried and true old skool ways of getting your blaze on. Later we will dive into more modern, new tech takeovers for the Canna industry. So sit back, have a toke and let’s get puffing.
Whether you’re a light or heavy smoker, you will know that as long as you have buds and a lighter on you… sparking up is never an issue. Some would say that you can literally smoke out of anything. And there has been enough crazy videos and resources to believe that.
But which way is the best?
Honestly it’s not as much about the method of smoking, but the product. Cannabis can be transformed into many smokeable things. The most popular forms are the bud or flower (of course) and extracts like kief, hash and dabs. Some also like to smoke their buds with additives for a stronger high or different effect. These include tobacco, tinctures or flavoured oils.
But let’s get into a few of the Cannabis Community’s most well known ways of smoking.
Rolling:
A joint. Sometimes referred to as other names (dubie, zoot, jay, doink) but is less commonly known as a weed cigarette. A joint is rolled with Cannabis bud and a roach (tip) for a smoother pull.
If you add tobacco in your weed cigarette, it becomes a spliff. If you remove the filter from your joint and change your paper to tobacco leaf (or hemp wrap), then it becomes a blunt.
However you choose to do it, smoking rolled Cannabis is loved by many. It provides a more relaxing experience because you only need to prep once… like a set and forget – perfect for stoners. It also ensures that you receive a constant and slower burning supply of Cannabis, making smoking easier to combine with other activities and in public (where legal).
Bongs and bubblers:
If you live and smoke in Australia, you’re almost guaranteed to know what a bong is. Bongs come in all shapes and sizes with different kinds of purposes or delivery. By far the most intriguing and mesmerising method of smoking.
Most bongs and bubblers (mini bongs) are transparent. Usually made from glass or acrylic, the Cannabis smoke can be seen filling the body of a bong until it is finally inhaled by the user.
A standard bong is made up of three basic components – the body, stem and cone piece or bowl. The body is where most of the elaborate designs come to life. Glasswork and figurines incorporate an extra layer of fun and wonder. Plus, a cool conversation starter. Water is added into the bottom of the body to cover the bottom end of the stem.
The stem is responsible for holding the cone piece or bowl away from the bong and out of the water. This is because the Cannabis sits in the cone piece and gets sparked by the user. For most, bongs are preferred because they deliver intense hits for intense and immediate highs. They are also used for quick administration like, before going somewhere or during a commercial break.
Just as there can be many bong designs, there is a collection of different types of bongs. But they all make for a powerful and fast hitting sesh.
Pipes:
Like a joint and a bong combined! A standard pipe is limited to two components. A stem and a bowl, both compact enough to hold in one hand. Like we said, a joint and bong combined.
A pipe is one of the oldest methods of inhaling smoke and can be traced to the early cultivation of tobacco by the Native Americans and some even believe… back to the Ancient Egyptians. In other words, at least one of your grandparents used to have one. And that’s not to say they’re old fashioned – they have most definitely withstood the test of time and have landed themselves a “classic” label.
Of course, the first pipes were famously made of quality wood. Not only did using that material serve as a heat resistant device, some would add that the burning or seasoning of the wood would contribute various flavours and aromas while smoking. These days most pipes are either glass, Pyrex or some cheap steel that you can find in any smoke shop or tobacconist.
And that pretty much wraps up the tried and true ways of smoking your buds! While we couldn’t get to all the variations of each category (yet – keep an eye out for more detailed articles), we trust that this is more than a good place to start.
Don’t forget to let us know your fave ways to puff puff pass in the comments. And stay up on all the Canna info on our social media pages.
We’ll be back next week with Fancy a Toke?: Part 2, where we lay out all the modern day smoking methods. Think vaping and dab rigs. See you there!
Peace and love.
