The Classic Methods
Smoking is the oldest and most common way to consume cannabis. The principle is simple: applying fire to dried flower combusts the plant material, instantly converting THC-A to active THC and releasing terpenes as inhalable smoke. While all smoking methods share this basic mechanism, each format offers a different experience in terms of flavor, intensity, convenience, and social context. Here's your guide to the four main methods.
Joints & Papers
The joint is cannabis rolled in thin paper — the most iconic and portable method. Rolling papers come in rice, hemp, wood pulp, and cellulose (clear). Hemp and rice papers burn slower and add the least flavor. Joints typically hold 0.5–1g of flower. You control the size, and you can put them out and save the rest. Rolling is a skill that takes practice, or you can buy pre-rolled cones and fill them. Our pre-rolls are professionally rolled for an even burn every time.
Pipes & Bowls
Hand pipes (also called bowls or spoons) are the simplest smoking device — pack ground flower into the bowl, light, and inhale through the mouthpiece. A carb hole on the side lets you control airflow. Pipes are portable, require no papers or accessories, and let you smoke exactly the amount you want. One pinch in a small bowl is perfect for a single-hit microdose. Glass pipes are preferred because they don't affect flavor. Clean regularly with isopropyl alcohol and salt.
Bongs & Water Pipes
Bongs filter smoke through water before it reaches your lungs, cooling it and removing some particulate matter. This produces a smoother, less harsh hit that allows for larger inhalations. A 1991 study in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (Gieringer) noted that water filtration effectively cools smoke and removes some water-soluble toxins. However, it does not significantly reduce THC loss. Bongs are typically used at home due to their size. They come in glass, silicone, and ceramic, with various percolator designs for additional filtration.
Blunts
Blunts use tobacco leaf wraps or tobacco-free wraps (hemp, palm leaf) instead of thin rolling paper. They hold 1–3g of flower, burn slower than joints, and have a distinctive flavor. Traditional tobacco wraps add nicotine to the experience, which some consumers prefer for the combined buzz. Tobacco-free wraps (hemp wraps, palm leaves) offer the slow-burn format without nicotine. If you're sensitive to tobacco or trying to avoid it, look for explicitly labeled tobacco-free wraps.
At a Glance
- Most portable options
- Smallest amounts (0.1–1g)
- Quick sessions
- Minimal equipment
- Easiest to clean (pipes)
- Best for solo use or small groups
- Better for home use
- Larger amounts (0.5–3g)
- Longer sessions
- Smoother hits (bongs)
- More cleaning required
- Best for groups or extended sessions
Bong hits are healthier than joints because the water filters out all the bad stuff.
Water filtration cools smoke and removes some particulate matter, making hits smoother and less irritating. However, research published by NORML and MAPS found that water filtration removes THC and other cannabinoids at roughly the same rate as it removes toxins — meaning you may compensate by inhaling more deeply. No smoking method eliminates combustion byproducts entirely. If health is the priority, vaporizing at low temperatures is the significantly cleaner option.
Find Your Method
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a pipe or the convenience of a pre-roll, great flower makes every method better.
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