A lot of users’ first time with weed involves a pipe. They’re so easy to use, small and discreet, and generally inexpensive, pipes make sense as the go-to for stoners. You may still be learning how to use a pipe, though, so we want to offer some friendly advice in this guide.
How to Use a Pipe: 5 Easy Steps
1. Choose the Right Pipe
Of course, cannabis pipes come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and more. Arguably, pipes are the most popular pieces for cannabis and tobacco alike.
Each pipe is going to hit differently, though. Find out what pieces you like smoking out of.
What feels smoothest when you hit it? Pay attention to the material and size of the pipe — as well as how easy it looks to clean.
2. Grind Up Your Weed
Next up as you learn how to use a pipe, grind up the bud you want to smoke. Many users grind up multiple bowls’ worth at a time. This way, they don’t have to use their grinder every time they want to load a new bowl.
3. Pack Your Bowl Lightly
This is up to preference, but we recommend you pack your bowl lightly. Some users like to pack it full to the brim, and that’s just as valid. We just provide the steps so you can learn how to use a pipe to your own tastes.
However, don’t pack it so much that you clog the airway. Overpacking leads to a bowl that’s hard to hit and just not as enjoyable to smoke.
4. Cover the Pipe’s Carb
We’ll preface this with the fact that some pipes may not have a carb. This is the small hole, usually on the side or front of your pipe, that you cover when you start your hit.
5. Light Up and Enjoy
Generally, you’ll use a standard lighter to light up your bowl. Whatever heating element you decide on, it’s time to enjoy your freshly packed pipe!
Stop covering the carb once you’re ready to inhale and appreciate a job well done.
Pro-Tip: Hitting the Corner
Everyone starts somewhere, so we want to give you some helpful, friendly advice. Don’t torch the whole bowl. Try to hit a corner of the bowl.
If you’re smoking in a group, that’ll leave fresh greens for the person next in rotation.
Smoking by yourself? You’re still getting more fresh hits when you start on the corner. It’s a better-tasting experience when you hit the corner of a bowl to start it off right.
Cornering a bowl is considered proper cannabis etiquette in a lot of circles. After all, no one likes getting handed an ashy bowl.
Wrapping Up: Cleaning Your Pipe
Now that you know how to use a pipe, the final step is to clean it. Try to get the ash and resin out quickly from each bowl when you finish it.
When it’s time to deep clean, you can boil it in water, use an alcohol and salt bath, or a cleansing solution. Many smoke shops even sell specialized pipe cleaners for the job. Dry off your pipe once you’re finished, and it’s ready for the next session.
Ready to fill your pipe? Stop by our Des Moines or Seattle dispensary today!
