learn

How To Properly Smoke Weed Using A Pipe
Learn by Kate Ryan
Apr 23, 2019 · 3 min read

Set down that apple and step into the light.

Maybe you fashioned one out of an old Coke can in college or maybe you had one passed to you at a party, but chances are you’ve interacted with a pipe at some point in your life. These handy little tools are incredibly useful for smoking weed because of their simplicity and portability. Knowing how to correctly use a pipe also happens to be the most basic skill you want to have in your smoker toolkit.

Before You Begin

Find a pipe that suits your needs and personality. How often are you planning on using it? Is this pipe going to live on your porch, bookcase, or coffee table? How much are you looking to spend? The more decorative the pipe, the more cash you can expect to throw down. The size will also determine how many hits you can get without having to repack the bowl. If this is your first time purchasing and using a pipe, I’d recommend starting with a small, basic glass hand pipe from your local headshop. It’ll be easy to use and shouldn’t set you back more than $20.

To get started, you’ll also want to acquire a lighter, a basic grinder, and a nug or two of high-quality flower.


Step 1: Grind

Break up a nug of dried flower, place it in your grinder, and twist a few times or until it resembles the texture of loose leaf tea. Achieving this consistency will allow air to easily pass through the plant matter and expose a great surface area to the flame. If you don’t have a grinder handy, place your bud in a shot glass and cut it up with scissors until you reach the right consistency.

Step 2: Pack

Grab a pinch of flower and pack it into the end of the pipe that resembles a bowl. Make sure your flower is secure enough not to fly out with the slightest breeze but not packed so tightly air can’t pass through.

Step 3: Light

Light your freshly packed bowl while at the same time inhaling through the other end of the pipe. If your pipe has a carb (AKA the small hole on the side of the bowl), you can hold your thumb over it while you inhale to clear the pipe’s inner chamber of smoke. Simply release your thumb once you’re done inhaling. One other weed etiquette tip: If you plan on passing the pipe around a circle, only light a corner of the bowl so there’s fresh herb for your friends to enjoy. They’ll thank you for it.

Final Tips

As with any new cannabis product or consumption method, start slowly and check in with yourself often. Believe it or not, smoking will not get you high instantaneously. After your first hit, wait 10 minutes and let the high unfold before consuming more.


Looking for some high-quality flower to go with your new pipe skills? Check out our collection of the best beginner-friendly flower the U.S. has to offer. 

Photos by Anthony Tripoli.



Shop This Article

Northern EmeraldsSapphire Kush

 

KorovaSuper Silver Haze

 

Aster FarmsMaui OG

 

LitHouseDark Dosi

 

Flow KanaGreen Lantern

 

Good BrandsLazy Lightning