Whether it’s sharing your favorite hookah with friends, vaping concentrates with roommates, or sparking up a joint on a backyard hammock get-together, smoking sessions, especially when you do it with friends, have become popular.
However, not everyone knows that there are certain tools and equipment you need to have to maximize your smoking sessions with friends – especially if you’re just getting into the scene. In this article, look at the variety of options available, like a glass bubbler pipe, and understand what you need to know before picking out a smoking device.
The First Step: Picking a Delivery Method for Your Marijuana
Whether you’re getting some fresh buds from your local dispensary or some already-ground down kief from your friend, there are a few different ways to use it when you’re smoking with friends. Here are the most popular methods:
Smoking Joints
It is probably one of the more traditional ways of taking cannabis. It is also easy to do, which is why it has remained an option for so long. It’s easy enough to roll one up with your friends, pass it around the circle, and enjoy it together.
Mostly “cone hits” are done by rolling a joint skinny enough to smoke through the length of the paper without it being wrapped around another cylinder (like a pen). It lets you take turns pulling smoke through the tip of the cone so everyone gets some.
Smoking Bongs
Another easy way to enjoy marijuana with friends is through smoking bongs or water pipes. You can pick up glass pieces for cheap or invest in higher-quality ones that will last you a long time.
The basic process is that everyone takes their turn pulling the smoke from the chamber and then it comes bubbling out through the water and into the lungs. Since the smoke passes through the water before it is inhaled, it feels cooler.
Smoking Blunts / Cigars
Blunts and cigars go hand-in-hand with joints. Instead of rolling a joint, you can always opt for pre-rolled ones, which come in many different flavors and potency ranges – so this is a great option for those who just want to smoke without having to roll joints themselves.
Flavored blunts are also available in packs, so any group can pick out the packs with their preferred flavors and have a joint smoking session.
Glass Bubblers
Another great option for smoking is through a glass bubbler pipe – also known as water-pipe adapters. If you’re looking for a cheaper option that doesn’t force you to break the bank, bubblers are a great choice because they only cost around $20.
Experts recommend picking up male bubblers so you can attach them to your bong, but female bubblers are great for using on their own if that’s what interests you more.
On a basic level, they allow you to attach a piece of male or female glass 14mm or 18mm, to any bong or water pipe. It means that you can take the smoking device of your choice and easily turn it into a bubbler without having to end up spending a ton of money on a whole new piece.
Smoking Vapes / Dab Rigs
Vaping is another popular method for smoking with friends because it’s so versatile. Not only can the temperature settings be adjusted to produce varying effects, but they also permit the use of concentrates, guaranteeing a stronger, more potent high.
Dry herb vaporizers also come in handy, especially those who don’t want to spend too much money and still want something relatively simple and easier to use than a bong. They are also small, making it easy to store them safely and discreetly.
What to Look for in a Smoking Device
Now that you know about the different types of smoking devices, it’s time to get into the details and take a closer look at each one so you can pick out what makes sense for your current situation.
Opt for a Device That Allows Multiple Materials
If you’re looking for something that can handle multiple smoking materials, then it’s best to go with a device that allows you to use more than one type of material. Bubblers are a great example because they allow the use of dry herbs, wax, and flowers simultaneously.
Go for a Smaller Size
If you’re not looking to spend a ton of money on elaborate smoking devices, then consider going for something that’s smaller. For example, a glass bubbler pipe is usually very small and portable, making them easy to carry around and store discreetly.
Easy-to-Use Pieces Work Better for Beginners
If you’re just starting, it’s best to go with something lighter and easier to handle. For example, with a glass bubbler pipe, you don’t have to worry about anything complicated.
Instead of having too many pieces, all you have to do is make sure you have the right male or female adapter, and you can attach it to your bong and start using it.
Make Sure There’s a Carb Hole
If there isn’t a carb hole on the pipe, then it might be harder for you to clear all the smoke that’s inside of it. It means that if you’re not able to clear it completely, you might end up with a less enjoyable experience because you’ll be stuck with smoke that still has toxins in it.
Dry Herb vs. Concentrates
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they should go for dry herbs or concentrates when buying smoking devices. It usually comes down to preference because both options have their pros and cons.
For example, concentrates allow for a more potent high while the dry herb is easy to use, convenient, and has longer-lasting effects. What you ultimately decide on comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Even though there are a few factors to consider when trying to choose the right smoking device, it’s important to remember that you can go with something simple and still get the job done.
