Everything You Need to Know About Bongs in York

When it comes to pop culture, portrayals of marijuana and stoner culture often have bong-related imagery associated with them. Think of your favourite stoner movie, there probably was a bong involved. Bongs are known for their cylindrical design and simple aesthetic, and sometimes, they can mistakenly even be confused with vases due to their tubular shape, but not all bongs come in the same shape or size, which we’ll explain later in this blog. It’s without a doubt that bongs are popular, and they’re a staple in the cannabis sphere but our team at Weedjar knows that not everyone has the same experience. If you’re new to the wonderful world of bongs, or if you’re just looking to learn more about bongs and where to find them in York – we’ve broken it down to share the top-selling bongs at our Weedjar York locations at Broadview and Oakwood Ave, and some of the benefits and history of bongs. 

What are Bongs?

A bong is a water pipe used to smoke cannabis. A pipe is a handheld device to smoke cannabis. This is one of the oldest methods to smoke that doesn’t require you to roll your weed into a joint. It’s a great alternative for people only looking to smoke a little, or if they are beginners. It is also the most hassle-free, as all you need is a nug, a lighter, and your pipe to smoke. Bongs are a little more complex, as there are a few more moving parts than a pipe, but it is generally quite easy to use. 

Anatomy of a Bong

The makeup of a bong is quite simple. Glass bongs are the most common of bongs, but they can also come in ceramic and silicone, and even metal. What we carry in our Weedjar York locations are mostly glass bongs, or variations of the glass bong. Over the years, there have been new improvements to elevate the bong experience by adding accessories, but the most common components of a beaker bong are the tube, stem, bowl, carburetor, and base. 

Tube

The tube is what connects the mouthpiece to the base of the bong. It is where the smoke stays before you inhale it. 

Stem

The stem, or downstem, is the clear tube that sticks out of the side of the base, connecting the bowl to the base. 

Bowl

The bowl is where the weed is packed and lit.

Carburetor 

The carburetor, also known as a carb piece, is a small hole on the side of the device that allows control of airflow when your finger is placed on it. 

Base 

The base is where the water is stored. 

Accessories 

Depending on the type of bong that is used, there will be different components. Some bongs might also have the following pieces, which are available at both our Broadview North and Oakwood Village locations at Weedjar. 

Ice Pinch

An ice pinch is a small feature in the neck of a bong that catches and holds ice cubes to allow for a cooler and easier inhale of the smoke produced in a bong. 

Percolator or Perc 

A percolator is used to help reduce the splashing of water into your mouth when inhaling from a bong, it also acts as a cooling and filtering source for the bong. 

What is the Difference Between a Bubbler and a Bong?

Both are water pipes, the main difference between them is that a bubbler is usually a lot smaller than a bong, so that means it will change the “hit” that you get when smoking through them. Bongs are a lot bigger and the bowl allows for a slow-burning time, whereas bubblers burn quite fast making them ideal for quick sessions. Another difference is that bubblers have fixed downstems, which means they can’t be removed to be cleaned. 

What is the Difference Between a Dab Rig and a Bong?

A dab rig is a type of water pipe that is specifically designed for concentrates, like waxes and oils. 

Homemade Bongs vs. Store-bought Bongs 

You’ve probably heard of someone smoking out of an apple, or through a handmade pipe before. The principle of smoking is quite similar to any other pipe. The Apple Bong is a favourite if you’re in a pinch, as it only requires a pencil and 30 seconds of your time. It’s usually used as a novelty, hopefully, if you’re ever in a pinch, our Weedjar York locations at both Oakwood Village and Broadview carry a wide variety of pipes and bongs so you don’t have to worry about making a makeshift bong out of fruit. 

Why use a Bong or Water Pipe?

They are smoother to smoke.

Normally when you smoke, irritation can occur due to the smoke. Bongs filter the smoke from burning cannabis and cool it down as it passes through a chamber full of water. 

They’re easier to use. 

Whether you’re new to smoking or have been ripping the bong forever, it’s no doubt that smoking out of a bong is a sure-fire way to get stoned quickly with little to no effort. 

Your weed stays fresher.

Unlike smoking a joint, the filtration systems in bongs keep your weed fresher and reduce any tar buildup, unlike a joint which can get smelly and sticky giving a musty flavour to your cannabis. 

They look cool.

While you should never smoke simply because it looks cool, it’s a bonus, though, to consider how beautifully crafted bongs can be. There are retailers out there that have made pipes and bongs more of an aesthetic choice while also accommodating your lifestyle. One of our staff favourites is the Humble and Fume Hoss H151 18” Beaker. This bong can be found at our York, Broadview North location. 

What Are Some Disadvantages of Bongs?

One of the major downsides of bongs is that they are costly. They are beautifully crafted, but the accessories and setup can be expensive once added up. Pipes and bubblers are usually cheaper options.

While they’re easy to use and require no effort to enjoy the process, they do require a lot more maintenance and upkeep during your off time of smoking to make sure it continues to produce good hits. If you don’t keep your bong water clean, it starts to smell really bad. The bong water traps all the bacteria and resin, making it unpleasant to clean out if it isn’t done often.

Bongs in Oakwood Village

10″ Accent Beaker Bong by Red Eye Tek supplied by OCS 

The Red Eye Tek 10” Accent Beaker Bong is a classic shaped bong with a downstem, water base, and amber mouthpiece and ice pinch for a pop of colour. 

Bongs in Broadview North 

Hoss H151 18″ by Humble and Fume 

The Hoss H151 18” Beaker Bong is a beauty to be marvelled at. It is designed for durability and styling, with a thick 10mm glass bottom, a new streamlined ice catcher, and a coloured top that comes in a variety of five colours. 

6” Sherlock Bubbler by Recreation Marketing

There is a sherlock bubbler, which is a dual-use hand and water pipe. If you’re looking for a more advanced alternative than a pipe, this piece is ideal for you.

4” Glass Spoon Pipe by Recreation Marketing 

An elegant mid-sized hand pipe with a smooth black finish, the Glass Spoon is a mid-sized hand pipe. This is an affordable starter pipe.

The Bottom Line

Bongs, or water pipes, are a popular way to smoke marijuana. They filter the smoke from burning cannabis and cool it down as it passes through a chamber full of water. The bong is a classic device for cannabis consumption, and whether you’re a novice to the bong experience or have been partaking in bong hits for some time now, there is a reason why they’re a favourite to fall back on. You can choose from our Weedjar shops in York if you are looking to have an elevated experience with bongs, or opt for a more casual solo experience with smaller pipes.

About Weedjar

Weedjar is a family-owned and operated business providing carefully curated cannabis products and accessories to our customers in over three locations in Ontario, including Eglinton/ Scarborough, Oakwood Village, and Broadview North.