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For the county in Liberia, see Bong County

For the cooling apperature, see Bong cooler.

A bong or water pipe is a device used for smoking drugs such as cannabis, salvia divinorum, tobacco, or crack cocaine. The bong (and its many extant technological elaborations) is a prominent social artifact of the international body of smoking culture.

The word bong derives from the Thai word baung (บ้อง) which refers to a cut off section of bamboo.

Operation

Principles

Smoking from a bong is somewhat different than smoking from a pipe or cigarette. Bongs are designed to cool the smoke before it enters the smoker's lungs, to build up a large buffer of smoke which the user inhales quickly, or to filter unwanted chemicals from the smoke before inhalation.

One inhales with his or her mouth sealed against the large opening at the top of the chamber. Sucking the air out of the bong reduces the air pressure in the chamber of the bong above the water level in the bottom of the bong. To equalize the pressure, the atmosphere pushes air through the bong's "bowl" - where the combustible matter has been placed and is lit whilst simultaneously inhaling - pulling the smoke down through the stem. The smoke then bubbles through the water, into the chamber and into the mouth and lungs. The bubbling produces a characteristic noise. For example, blowing bubbles into a glass of liquid with a drinking straw, demonstrates the same physics, except that the blower is assuming the role of the atmosphere and not the bong user.

The water helps filter out some of the undesirable substances found in smoke, such as tar, and many other carcinogens as these are water soluble. It also helps cool the smoke down before it enters the lungs, allowing for a smoother and deeper inhalation. Some bongs are designed with twists or traps for ice in the neck. Some people have experimented by replacing the water with fruit juice or alcoholic spirits or have a preference of using steaming water, if their bong can withstand the heat of the water.

Many bongs have a small hole; a carburetor or carb (also called a shotty (from 'shotgun'); choke; or rush (hole)). This is simply a valve that the user places his finger over when inhaling allowing the chamber to fill up with smoke. If the user releases the carb then he or she is no longer having to pull the smoke through the downpipe and water so it is easier or more relaxing to smoke. Some bong users allow fresh air to rush rapidly in through the hole. The fresh air mixes with the smoke and forces the smoke into the users lungs more rapidly than just normal inhaling would do. Inhaling a lung full of smoke is known as a hit. Often, bongs are smoked in two hits; first a "lit hit" when smoke is allowed to fill the chamber, then, after a short break, the "chamber hit" or the "clear", when the user inhales smoke.

In other bongs, the bowl-piece is removable. This piece is then called a 'slide', 'pull', 'slip stem', or 'suicide carb', and is similar to the carb in function. When the stem is removed, fresh air instead of smoke bubbles through, and acts to clear the chamber. An audio recording of a bong with a slide style carb being used is available (see media help).

Description

A typical bong is made of few components (numbers on the picture correspond to the descriptions below):

1. A mouthpiece, this is where the user's mouth is placed, sealing out air through that hole. Doing this renders the bong airtight (providing there is an airtight seal around the stem and, if a carburetor hole is present, it is also covered. When "airtight" it has but one small source of air, the small bowl where the substance is placed.
2. A chamber, where smoke collects. When the desired amount of smoke is accumulated, the 'carb' hole is released, allowing air/smoke to suddenly shoot down the users lungs (the user should be inhaling throughout, from the moment the substance is lit). The height and width of the chamber can vary and this naturally changes the volume. If all the smoke is not removed from the bong in a single hit, the user can exhale and take another hit.
3. A base, holds the water and is usually wider than the chamber so it can stand up without tipping (see the consequences of a spillage). Some models have removable bases. The bottom end of the "stem" ends up in the base.
4. A Down Stem (also known as "chamber" or "slide"). This is a tube which has one end in (which goes to the very bottom, but cannot be blocked) the base and the other end sticking out the side with the bowl at the end of it. The stem also collects resin over time (if the bowl does not reach the water line) which can clog the stem, and reduce the air flow through the water. If one is in need of getting high, they can remove the excess resin built up in the stem, and smoke it like they would any other substance.
5. A Bowl (also known as "conepiece", "headpiece" or "chillum") is usually a removable cup or cone shaped container made of metal, glass, wood, or ceramic, where the substance is packed and ignited. In some designs, such as glass, the bowl is not removable (i.e. part of the stem), whereas in others a screw-on system means other bowl-heads (such as six-shooter bowls) can be placed on. The bowl forms a seal around the stem so that the only inlet of air is through the bowl. Over time burnt residue will collect on parts of the bowl.

Motivations

The characteristics of the bong enable the material to be smoked in ways not possible with a simple pipe or cigarette. Another advantage of using a bong is that it uses much less tobacco than rolling a whole cigarette, because only the bowl needs to be packed. Because the chambers on most bongs are 2 to 3 inches (50–75 mm) in diameter the temperature of the air moving through the chamber is reduced. Depending on the length of the bong a considerable amount of smoke can be built up in this way. On the larger bongs, about 4 ft (1.2 m) tall, the operator must stop drawing on the bong when the smoke reaches their lips. At this point the operator must exhale deeply, open the carb, and use the entire contents of their lungs to clear the chamber of the charge of smoke. This high concentration of smoke in the lungs enables the operator to transfer much higher quantities of the chemicals in the smoke into their lungs but also tends to waste large amounts of the smoke. The longer the operator can hold the hit in, the more chemicals the operator will extract from it, but this becomes more difficult as the smoke gets more dense and the volume increases. Individuals in the Cannabis culture who can hold in a monster hit are typically held in high regard, or seen as long time/experienced smokers.

Bubbling the smoke through water also serves to cool down the smoke, which is typically very hot, and to trap some of the heavier and more water-soluble particulate matter, keeping it from entering the smoker's lungs. Most smokers believe that bongs are healthier than other smoking devices; however, a 2000 NORML-MAPS study found that "waterpipes filter out more psychoactive THC than they do other tars, thereby requiring users to smoke more to reach their desired effect" . The analysis used smoke from NIDA-supplied marijuana drawn through a smoking machine adjusted to mimic the puff length of marijuana smokers. The apparatus, comparing smoke from a standard bong, a small portable device with a folding pipestem, a battery-operated model with a motorized paddle to thoroughly mix the smoke in the water, and two different types of vaporizers, found that the unfiltered joint outperformed all devices except the vaporizers, with a ratio of about 1 part cannabinoids to 13 parts tar.

However, MAPS also conducted a review of some of the scientific work that has been done regarding the effects of water filtration on the composition and effects of marijuana and tobacco smoke. It found that when alveolar macrophages, an important component in the lungs immune system, were exposed to unfiltered smoke there was a marked reduction in the macrophages ability to fight bacteria, whereas there was no such reduction in those exposed to water filtered smoke. It also found that there is substantial epidemiological evidence among tobacco smokers that those who smoke through water-pipes, as opposed to cigarettes, cigars and regular pipes, have lower incidences of carcinoma. "It appears that water filtration can be effective in removing components from marijuana smoke that are known toxicants... The effectiveness of toxicant removal is related to the smoke's water contact area. Specially designed water pipes, incorporating particulate filters and gas dispersion frits would likely be most effective in this regard; the gas dispersion frit serves to break up the smoke into very fine bubbles, thereby increasing its water contact area." This seems to suggest that from a harm minimisation perspective bongs may quite well be the best option, regardless of the small amounts of cannabinoids lost through condensation (note: THC has a very low solubility in water).

Bong water

When a bong is not properly maintained especially in regards to cleaning, the water used to filter and cool the smoke can take on many undesireable characteristics. These effects can include simple discolouration in the form of a green and eventually brown tint. In addition, as a bong is smoked, often ash is sucked through the stem where it rests in the bong water.

Many bong users prefer using other additives, such as flavoured drinks and alcoholic beverages, in place of water; however, certain chemicals bond easily to alcohol, and could reduce the effect of the substances contained within certain strains of tobacco and cannabis. Additionally, there is a minute risk of fire when using flammable substances in place of water.

Finally, there are energy drinks advertised as "bong water". These often add flavour while containing very few other properties.

Cleaning

Bongs become quite dirty and smelly after use. Depending on what material a bong is made from it can be cleaned easily without use of often expensive commercially sold bong cleaning kits or solutions. While one shouldn't put a plastic bong in a dishwasher, many other techniques, such as simply scrubbing the interior with a brush will get good results. For glass 99% isopropyl alcohol works best; it instantly cleans resin in seconds. Pour iso alochol and salt or rice inside, cover any holes and shake/stir the solution around. Pour out and repeat if necessary. Once clean rinse out well with running water. You can also soak it in the iso overnight or place in a bag with iso/salt or rice mix and then shake it around in the bag. Q-tips or other devices can be put in the bag to clean with without opening the bag or making a mess. This works well with pipes as well.

Materials

Bongs can vary greatly in their shape, material, style, color, and size. Commonly constructed from metal, acrylic, ceramic or glass, bongs can also be fabricated from materials as diverse as pykrete or even from household objects such as empty water bottles. Some people even make bongs out of fruits and vegetables and discard them after use. Many bongs are regarded for their style, distinct vivid colors, or customizations such as stickers, and become a personalized signature of that particular owner. Some people even name their bongs. These names usually reflect smoking culture or some particular distinction of the bong.

Since the bong is such a simple device it can be constructed out of nearly anything that is at least semi-rigid and can be made airtight. This includes, but is not limited to bamboo, plastic bottles, soda-pop cans, buckets, vases, beer bottles, hollow plastic and ceramic statues, chemistry beakers, snorkels, even apples and potatoes. Though care should be taken since burning plastics results in the production of dangerous toxins. Most bongs purchased will be made out of glass (either hand-blown or cast in molds) or clear acrylic tubing. Most of these bongs will include or otherwise utilize glass stems and bowls. However, cheaper bongs (nearly all made out of acrylic) may be designed with metal stems and bowls.

A common home-built bong is made from a bowl and stem purchased either from a head shop or fabricated from supplies around the house or from a hardware store; this could be out of tinfoil and a short length of garden hose for instance. The rest of the design needs nothing more than a knife or scissors, a 20 oz to 1 liter empty plastic bottle, and some duct tape. Just because a bong can be constructed this way does not indicate it is a good idea; to avoid dangerous fumes and chemicals all bowls and stems should be made of glass or metal, and the chambers of the bongs of glass, metal or acrylic.

Materials such as PVC, plastic, rubber or garden hoses may emit toxic chemicals when heated. Aluminum has been linked with Alzheimer's disease but research in this area has been inconclusive. Plastic can release fumes which may induce asthma. Little has been documented on the inhalation of these fumes but the practice should be avoided. Duct tape may release rubber, metal and aluminum fumes.

Variety

Offshoots from the simple bong concept do exist. These devices either bubble the smoke through water to cool it or have very large chambers. Some of the devices are designed to allow slower and more controlled draw through the bowl which causes the smoke to be much denser and even vaporizer attachments.

Carburetor

Carburation hole bongs use a hole to release the vaccum and allow the smoke to enter your lungs.they are easy to construct so are more often used in home-made versions.

Slide

Slide bongs have two piece downstems. One is attached to the bong itself and the other, with the bowl, slides into that one using a smaller diameter. To use you pull out the second piece by the bowl.

A zong is the same as a bong, but has one or more kinks in the neck. The kinks allow the zong to have the same smoke capacity as that of a taller bong, but in a shorter and sometimes more interesting looking package. The kinks also prevent water from splashing on the smoker's mouth. Zongs are typically made of glass, and can vary in number of kinks and diameters. Ice can also be added in the zong neck, getting trapped at a kink, and cooling the smoke for the user. (For more on ice bongs, see below) Zongs are usually more expensive than regular bongs due to the more complex shape.

Ice Bong

One of the most common variety of bong is the ice bong which are a sub variety of slide or carburetor bongs. These are typically made of glass or acrylic like this one to the right. Ice is placed in a twist or ice trap in the neck. This has the effect of cooling the smoke when the user comes to inhaling. These bongs are typically bright colours and are popular due to the durability, ease of use and controlability. They usually have carb holes on the opposite side to the bowl or slightly to the left or right of that position. These tend to have larger chambers than other bong varieties as ice is used rarely in smaller bongs.

Bubbler

A bubbler is a small bong that can be operated with only one hand (aside from having to provide an ignition source). In these devices the stem is internal and the bowl is at the very top. A majority of the bong is enclosed with only a hole in the side to act as the carb and the hole the smoke will exit on its way to the operator. These operate very much like a pipe since their internal chamber is so small but they have identical parts to a common bong. They are more pleasant to smoke out of than a regular pipe, because the smoke is cooled through the water.

Vaporizer-Bong

A vaporizer-bong, or "vapor-bong," is the use of a box type vaporizer or heat gun and a bong. Connected via a special glass attachment. The vapor goes through attachment, filters through the water, and may pass through a layer of ice - creating an ice-cold, vaporized hit of herbal material.

Popper

A popper, also called a shotty, is made out of a plastic bottle and is similar to a bong but lacks the bowl. The bottle should be made from a firm and rigid bottle, so as not to buckle from the force of 'shooting' the shotty. A good example is a soft drinks bottle or bottle that used to contain carbonated drinks, as these have to be stronger than water bottles to maintain their shape under pressure. A small hole is burnt in the bottle about one quarter of the way up. A pipe is pushed into this hole at a downward angle while still warm, ensuring an airtight fit as the molten plastic cools around the pipe. The pipe used can be made from materials such as metal wind chimes, tubular aerials and bong pipes with the bowl unscrewed. A shotty is performed in much the same way as a bong, except a rush-hole is not required, as when it is "shot" or smoked the mixture in the pipe falls into the water, allowing air to enter quickly. One way people do this is by cutting 1cm off a cigarette and putting it in sideways into the piece then packing cannabis on top by stamping the piece into a cannabis covered flat surface. One could also take a flattened piece of tobacco and maneuver it into the top of the tube; again, the cannabis is added on top. When the user smokes a popper they light the cannabis and breathe slowly. Then, when the cigarette underneath begins to burn, they inhale as hard as they can, creating a "pop".

Gravity bong

A gravity bong (also known as bucket bongs, buckets, g-bongs, GBs, sinkers, torpedoes, depth-charges, aqualungs, or turbos) does not necessarily filter the smoke through water but instead use water to generate a slow and constant vacuum in the chamber. This offers the same benefit of delivering a concentrated charge of smoke to the user but are much more effective at making the smoke denser, hence, more chemicals can be absorbed. These devices are known for inducing huge coughing fits in their users and can be very unpleasant to use. People sometimes use a pipe coming down from the bowl into the water which is the length of the bucket to act as the stem, thus filtering the smoke through water.

Another variation of the gravity bong is the reverse gravity bong, also known as a "waterfall." A waterfall is made by punching a hole in the bottom of a large container (usually measuring at least one gallon) and by attaching a bowl piece to the top of the container in the place of its lid. Some people may make the bowl out of the lid or a piece of aluminum foil. The container is filled (the hole being covered). Once it is filled the bowl is placed on top, the combustible material is lit, and the water is drained. This creates a vacuum effect and pulls the smoke into the container. Once the water is done draining, the smoke is inhaled. A "SoBe bong" is a waterfall made from a glass SoBe bottle; these bottles are often used because the manufacturing process creates an indentation near the bottom, which can easily be knocked out to form a drain hole.

Another variation of the waterfall consists of a .5 liter water bottle and a metal 4mm (or around) socket wrench bit. The bit is placed in a pre drilled (or burned) hole in the cap of the water bottle. The combustible material usually no more than .2 grams) is then placed in the metal bit. A hole is cut or burned into the bottom section on the side of the water bottle, the bottle is filled with liquid, top is replaced and the marijuana is lit, and the bottle is drained.

See also

• Hookah
• Head shop
• Vaporizer
• List of bong patents
• Tobacco
• 420 (cannabis culture)
• Audio sample of a bong hit (Media help)
• Popular bong manufacturers: Roor. Hurricane, PHX, Illedelph, Ehle, Blue Dot, Gear

References

1. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
2. http://www.maps.org/mmj/vaporizer.html
3. Nicholas V. Cozzi, Ph.D. Effects of water filtration on marijuana smoke: a literature review
4. Nicholas V. Cozzi, Ph.D. Effects of water filtration on marijuana smoke: a literature review

External links and references

• Cannabis Culture thread on Bongs and Bong Culture
• NORML-MAPS Vaporizer Study, from the Newsletter of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies; MAPS - Volume 6 Number 3 Summer 1996.
• Bongs, pipes and other wonderful contraptions, Erowid Psychoactive Substance vault, Bongs FAQ

• Drug paraphernalia
• Cannabis