Bongs are a quintessential part of the cannabis smoking experience. Sometimes referred to as a water pipe, a bong is a smoking device featuring a bowl for dried weed and a chamber filled with water. Smoke bubbles up through the water, which cools and filters it, and the result is smooth cannabis smoke with only trace amounts of particulate matter such as tar and ash.
Since the filtration system cleanses the smoke, you might be wondering what exactly is in that leftover water. Learn what could be lurking in your old bong water, find out why it's important to keep your bong clean and explore some bong water alternatives.
Substances in bong water
Although some of the substances in bong water are toxic, others are desirable, such as cannabinoids. The water filters out some of the good and some of the bad, which means that you may need to take more hits with a bong than with a joint to reap the full potential benefits of the cannabinoids.
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Not all the weed will burn off, so there could be some residual herb in the bong water, which means lower concentrations of CBD and THC in the smoke that reaches you. Some CBD, studied for its many potential therapeutic effects, may be left behind. Some THC will also linger in the water, meaning that a bong may not get you as easily high as other types of smoke.
Stagnant bong water, just like water in a puddle, can gather all kinds of bacteria and fungi, and yeasts and other microorganisms can also fester in dirty bong water. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drink bong water. It's not even advisable to water plants with bong water, as it can contain toxic levels of mold. If in doubt, pour the old water down the drain and start fresh.
How often should I change bong water?
Ideally, you should always use fresh water for every bong session. If you don't change the water frequently enough, the bong will be challenging to clean. It's also important to change bong water regularly to remove any potentially carcinogenic materials that the filtration system has released.
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You'll know that the water needs to be changed when it develops a top layer known as biofilm. Forming across the surface of the water, the biofilm could harbor any number of nasty pathogens, from Strep and E. coli to black mildew. When inhaled, these substances can lead to serious illness, so be vigilant about changing that bong water. One of the benefits of bongs is that they filter out harmful materials, but they can only accomplish that feat with clean water.
If you're cleaning out your bong water for the first time, be prepared for a foul odor and replace the water with the purest, cleanest water available. You can also toss in a few ice cubes or ice water for a cooler, more refreshing smoking experience.
Bong water alternatives
If you want to experiment with all the tastes and aromas you can get out of other types of liquid, there are several alternatives to bong water. However, sugary fruit juice is not recommended as a bong water alternative since the sugars can create a sticky residue and make the bong cleaning process very frustrating. But you have other options:
- Unsweetened cranberry juice: A popular substitute for plain water. While the juice won't dramatically change the flavor of your bong hit, it will display an appealing crimson color in the glass. Even better, cranberry juice's natural acidity can keep your bong cleaner for longer.
- Sparkling water: Rather than still water, sparkling water is another option that will make your cannabis smoke feel like a party. Fizzy bubbles add lightness and texture to your bong hit, along with subtle flavor if you use a flavored brand with no sugar.
- Fruit peels and herbs: Insert lemon and lime peels into the chamber along with still water, sparkling water, or cranberry juice. Mint leaves may offer the ultimate chill factor for your water pipe.
Get creative with bong water alternatives but avoid any sugary substances. Also, steer clear of liquor, which can emit dangerous alcohol fumes.
Written by Lesley Nickus | Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
