In recent years, there has been an explosion of incredible cannabis products on the market. Despite the vast array of vapes, edibles, and concentrates, it’s often smoking that remains a favorite method of consumption. It’s easy to do and provides fast, effective results.

And it’s not just joints that people are smoking. Many cannabis enthusiasts use pipes and bongs. These devices allow you to smoke your favorite strains without having to put in as much work before you light up. Even so, learning how to smoke a bowl properly is essential for the perfect session every time.

Pipes and bongs are two different devices that achieve a similar goal—smoking cannabis buds without rolling a joint. A pipe is a smaller, more portable, handheld piece. While pipes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, they consist of similar components: a mouthpiece, a stem, and a bowl. Price points vary, but they’re generally more cost-effective than a bong.

Bongs are larger, more complex, and often more expensive smoking devices. They consist of a mouthpiece, tube, percolator, base, downstem, and bowl. You fill the base with water, which acts as a filter to create smoother, more enjoyable hits.

Pipes and bongs might look different, but they share one similar component—the bowl. This is where you place buds and light them to smoke. Here’s what you need to know about how to smoke a bowl for the perfect hit every time.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK A BOWL

Before you pack a bowl, you’ll need a few supplies:

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QUALITY FLOWERS

First of all, an excellent smoke sesh—whether you’re smoking a joint or from a pipe or bong—starts with high-quality cannabis flowers. While every strain looks a little different, there are a few ways to identify top-notch products. One of the best ways to ensure quality is to buy from a reputable dispensary.

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GRINDER

You can break up your buds by hand, but that’s a messy process. Your buds might be uneven and you could lose valuable trichomes. A good grinder will help to ensure an even consistency for the optimal smoke.

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PIPE OR BONG

Of course, you can’t smoke from a pipe or bong if you don’t have one. There are all kinds of different devices on the market. They range in size, shape, color, and material. Again, quality is an essential factor, but you don’t want to break the bank. Look for a pipe or bong that fits within your budget and feels comfortable in your hands.

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HEATING ELEMENT

Finally, you’ll need something to light your buds. One of the most common options is a pocket lighter. Some smokers use a hemp wick, while others enjoy the use of a heated glass wand.

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A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PACK THE PERFECT BOWL

After you gather all of your supplies, it’s time to pack the perfect bowl. The process is the same whether you’re using a pipe or a bong.

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GRIND YOUR FLOWERS

First, you’ll need to grind your buds. You’ll want them broken down but not too fine. While you want to expose as much surface area as possible to the flame, too fine of a grind can impede airflow. A good grinder can help to ensure consistency.

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CREATE A “FILTER”

While this step isn’t always necessary, a filter of sorts can keep you from clogging the stem of your device or inhaling burnt bits of cannabis. You can create a natural filter with a bit of stem and intact calyx. Your other option is to purchase screens.

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PACK YOUR BOWL

Start by packing ground cannabis lightly at the bottom, which will help to ensure good airflow for easy inhalation without the risk of creating a clog. After all, you can’t smoke from your pipe or bong if you can’t inhale anything.

As you get toward the top of the bowl, begin packing your ground buds more densely. The goal is to ensure you maintain a consistent burn, also called a cherry. You don’t want your flame to fizzle out too quickly, nor do you want everything to burn up before you get a chance to inhale.

Like rolling a joint, packing the perfect bowl will require a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll be enjoying amazing hits every time you light up.

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HOW TO SMOKE YOUR BOWL

After packing your bowl, it’s time for the main event, lighting the buds and inhaling the smoke. Here’s what you need to know to take a hit from a pipe or bong.

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SMOKING FROM A PIPE

When you’re ready to light up, hold your pipe in one hand and use your thumb to cover the carb hole. The carb hole is a small opening that helps control airflow. Use your other hand to light the buds. When they spark, start drawing in with your lungs—but don’t fully inhale just yet.

The goal is to start building smoke inside the device. Once you’re ready to inhale, move your thumb from the carb hole and take your hit.

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SMOKING FROM A BONG

Slide your packed bowl into the downstem of your bong. Next, use your heating element to ignite the buds. At the same time, put your mouth to the mouthpiece and start pulling in with your lungs. If done correctly, you’ll see smoke start to travel down into the base and bubble through the water.

When you’re ready, inhale and slide the bowl from the downstem at the same time. By removing the bowl, you create open airflow, which then allows you to clear the chamber.

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EMPTY THE BOWL 

The last step is to ash your bowl. Emptying it at the end of your session gets you ready for the next one.

Don’t forget to clean your pipe or bong periodically so that you get clean hits every time.

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THE PERFECT BOWL STARTS WITH QUALITY CANNABIS

While you don’t need to worry about rolling anything to smoke, there’s still an art to packing the perfect bowl. Once mastered, you’ll get great hits every time.

To smoke the perfect bowl, you need to start with quality cannabis flowers. As one of the top dispensaries in Battle Creek, Quality Roots grows and sells some of the highest quality recreational marijuana in Michigan. Visit us today to browse our selection of buds and various other products and place your order online for pick up.