The Pros and Cons of Smoking a Weed Pipe

It’s 4:20 and time to smoke a bowl! The fastest way to feel the effects of your favorite cannabis flower is by smoking. Pre-rolled joints are a handy way to get your THC fix, but smoking weed from a quality pipe is an easy, fast alternative. Smoking weed from a pipe is a common method of consumption, but if you’ve never done it, it can be intimidating and a little scary at first.

As with all marijuana products, there are benefits and disadvantages to this method of consuming cannabis, and smoking weed from a pipe might not be a good fit for you. Only you can make that decision! First, you should do a little research to determine if this smoking method is right for you. At Doobie, we can help by sharing our knowledge so you can make an informed decision. 

Let’s start with the pros of smoking weed from a pipe:

• Pipes are easy to use: Smoking weed from a pipe is relatively easy and requires minimal preparation compared to other methods.

• Weed pipes can be discreet: Marijuana pipes come in various designs, sizes, and materials. Glass is great for a clean smoke, but only if you clean your pipe frequently.

• Greater control over dosage: Since you can directly manage the cannabis you pack into the bowl, you have more control over your dosage when smoking weed from a pipe.

• Portability: Pipes are typically small and compact, making them easy to carry with you and use on the go. However, weed pipes also come in a large range of sizes, and some of them can be monstrous. Those are meant to be shared at home with your friends!

• Cost-effective: Pipes are generally less expensive than other smoking devices, such as bongs or vaporizers. They’re also reusable for years to come with regular cleaning.

• No need for extra accessories: Smoking weed from a pipe requires no additional accessories or equipment besides a lighter and your favorite cannabis flower.

And now, the cons of smoking weed from a pipe:

• Harsh smoke: Smoking weed from a pipe can produce harsh smoke, which may cause irritation or discomfort to your throat and lungs. If you have any respiratory issues, this method is probably not a good choice.

• Risk of burning: Pipes can get very hot, and there is a risk of burning your fingers or lips if you’re not careful. Also, be cautious and mindful of the flame. Flames that are too high are more dangerous, so set your lighter on the lowest flame setting to reduce the risk of burnt hair or skin. 

• Resin buildup: Pipes can become clogged with resin over time, affecting the taste of your smoke and making the pipe more difficult to use. Also, resin definitely impacts the taste of the fresh flower you’re smoking. Cleaning your weed pipe regularly is strongly advised for a fresher, better-tasting experience.

• Lack of filtration: Pipes don’t offer the same level of filtration as some other methods, which can make the smoke harsher and less smooth. When pipes are brand new or squeaky clean, they hit harder. Although a clean pipe is the best, it’s also the harshest because the device has no buildup.

• Potential health risks: As with any form of smoking, there is a potential risk of negative health effects associated with smoking weed from a pipe, such as lung damage or respiratory issues.

If you’ve never experienced smoking cannabis from a pipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Grind your cannabis flower: Remove all seeds and stems from your bud before grinding it. Use your grinder to break up your cannabis into smaller, uniform pieces. The trick is to grind the flower evenly for the best possible smoking experience. Grinding weed too finely will result in a power that’s difficult to smoke. 

2. Pack the bowl: Take a small amount of ground cannabis and place it into the bowl of the pipe. Don’t pack it too tightly or it may be difficult to light. On the other hand, if you pack it too loosely, it may result in an uneven burn and wasted bud. It’s best to go slow until you know.

3. Light the bowl: Hold a flame over the bowl (but not too close to your face!) and inhale slowly as you light the cannabis. Make sure to inhale slowly and deeply, so the smoke enters your lungs. Avoid inhaling too quickly or taking too much at once, or you may have a coughing fit. Less is more when it comes to inhaling cannabis.

4. Cover the carb: If your pipe has a carb (a small hole on the side), cover it with your finger while inhaling. Release your finger when you stop inhaling to clear the chamber of smoke. Coordinating these fine motor movements may not come naturally initially, but you’ll have it down pat with practice.

5. Inhale and exhale: Slowly inhale the smoke from the pipe into your lungs and hold it for a few seconds before exhaling. If you are new to smoking weed from a pipe or in general, go slow until you know. 

6. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 until you’ve smoked as much as you’d like. It’s not quite simple, and you need to ensure you’re not taking hits that are too big or the THC will hit hard. Remember, you can always smoke a little more, but you can never smoke less.

7. Clean the pipe: When you’re finished smoking, use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to remove any remaining debris from the bowl. Depending on how frequently you smoke weed out of a pipe, clean it regularly by soaking it in rubbing alcohol (if it’s made of glass or certain types of metal). As there are so many marijuana pipes on the market these days, it’s best to follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

There you have it! These are the pros and cons of smoking weed from a pipe – otherwise known as “smoking a bowl.” Now all you need is some premium, top-shelf flower. At Doobie, we offer a large assortment of high-quality cannabis flower. Check out our selection online and order up your favorite buds. We’ll be there before you know it! Ordering cannabis for delivery is that easy.