For beginning smokers, it can be difficult to navigate the vast maze of available options for smoking marijuana. We’ve got a myriad of pipes and bongs to choose from (and each is suited to different needs).
If you’re a beginning smoker — a novice — or simply prefer not to get too high, you probably want to start with something smaller and unassuming. (You probably don’t want to jump head-first into equipment better suited for more experienced users — like a big glass bong.) Also, keep in mind, the right material is an important consideration to make, as materials like glass, plastic or even wood can have drastically different cleaning methods associated with them, or be more effective at delivering the smoke.
What to Look for When Buying a Cannabis Pipe
Hand Pipes
The hand pipe is the quintessential pipe for beginners. Hand pipes, like the name implies, fit in the palm of your hand and are ideal for casual smokers who perhaps like to indulge themselves once a day before bed or less. You can find good quality hand pipes right here at Mary Mart or online if such a place is unavailable in your area. These pieces mostly come in glass, although there are probably some plastic or metal variations available from certain online retailers. Be careful though, as smaller glass hand-pipes can be exceptionally difficult to clean, and you’ll have to rinse it regularly with acetone if you want to keep your pipe looking pristine inside and out.
Glass pipes also break easily, so be careful not to drop it. When choosing your pipe, make sure the holes are the right size. If they are too small, the airflow of the pipe could be sub par, and the difficulty of cleaning could increase substantially. Whereas if they’re too large, you would need to apply a “stopper” to the bowl to prevent your weed from falling in. Finally, make sure the glass is the right quality, as thicker glass is going to be a lot sturdier and could save you the headache of having to replace your pipe.
Water Pipes
If you are an experienced cannabis user looking for an upgrade from your old hand pipe, you’re going to want to look into buying a water pipe, commonly referred to as a bong. Water pipes have a percolation chamber which bubbles and converts the smoke into water vapor and lessens the harshness of your hit, making your experience much smoother and cleaner. These pipes come in all different shapes and sizes and can range from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the quality and potential for custom artistry.
It should be easy to find one that suits your needs though, and unless you’re splurging on a large, handmade piece with all the trimmings, you won’t be paying more than 20 bucks. These are more likely to come in plastic or metal, although glass is still your best bet for getting the best hit possible. Smoke shops often have a large selection of water pipes, but you can find the best deals online.
One-Hitters and Beyond
For the ultra-casual or on-the-go smoker, you might want to consider looking into alternatives to pipes and bongs. So-called “one-hitters” are available, which are small metal casings which you pack with bud and smoke like a cigarette. These can be useful in situations where you want to be at least mildly low-key about your cannabis usage.
If you are a distinguished gentleman, you might also look into purchasing an old-fashioned gentleman’s pipe, which can work just as well as a regular hand pipe depending on its make and model. Wood pipes can also lend a distinct flavor and texture to the hit that other pipes would otherwise not have, and can make for an excellent way to add variety to your smoking routine.
So there you have it! We hope we have helped narrow down your decision by helping you know what to look for when buying a cannabis pipe. Just stop in to Mary Mart as we’d love to show you our latest cannabis pipes and accessories.
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