For those new to cannabis, it’s crucial to understand that the method you choose for smoking can significantly influence both the onset and intensity of the effects. Inhalation methods such as smoking a joint, using a pipe, or vaping deliver the effects almost immediately, typically within minutes, as the active chemical compounds in weed are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. Vaping, in particular, can produce stronger effects compared to smoking, especially for those with little to no tolerance. A 2018 study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vaping cannabis offers a more potent experience for infrequent users, resulting in faster and more intense effects. Additionally, using a bong might lead to a stronger experience due to the possibility of inhaling larger doses at once, along with a smoother intake due to its water filtration system.
In this blog, we will delve into these and other popular cannabis smoking accessories, including joints and pipes, which remain among the top choices for beginners due to their simplicity and controlled dosage. Each section below provides detailed explanations and step-by-step guides to help you navigate these tools confidently and safely. Whether you’re exploring options for your first experience or looking to better understand the accessories you might already own, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed choices in your cannabis journey.
1. Weed Grinder: Chop down your bud fast and avoid getting your fingers sticky
A weed grinder (available in metal or plastic) is the best way to prep your cannabis for smoking. It breaks down buds quickly and avoids sticky fingers! Different grinds work best for different methods: finely ground bud is perfect for bongs and pipes as it creates a “cherry” (a steady flame in the bowl). Some grinders have kief catchers, collecting the potent bits that fall off – save these for an extra-special smoke session!
2. Hand pipes
Hand pipes are popular for their ease of use. They offer bigger hits than joints or prerolls, leading to a faster, stronger high. A typical hand pipe has a small hole on the side called a “carb cap,” which controls airflow. To use a pipe, gently pack it with cannabis, light it up, and cover the carb cap while you inhale. Be careful not to burn your thumb on the lighter! Hand pipes come in various forms, including bubblers (which use water for filtration) and traditional dry hand pipes.
3. Rolling Papers
Anyone new to cannabis will quickly understand there is a learning process for being able to adequately roll up joints. It’s important to understand how to properly roll a joint to avoid uneven burning and wasting cannabis. Rolling joints can be an art, and requires understanding the steps needed from the joint and roll it perfectly so it burns good, and isn’t too tight. We suggest watching videos that break down the steps visually, and practicing until you get it right. We also suggest adding a filter tip to your roll to improve the joint further.
4. Filter Tips
Improve your joints with a filter tip that will keep tiny pieces of weed out of your mouth, and also cool down the smoke a tad bit. Filter tips are really popular when prerolls and most have them because of their usefulness of making smoking joints much better. They can also make rolling joints a bit easier having them inside of your joint paper when rolling. It’s important to avoid burning too close to the filter tips. The most common filter tips are made out of paper and glass. We highly recommend using glass filter tips which can be reused and cleaned, unlike paper joint filter tips.
5. Joint and Blunt Roller
Rolling joints and blunts takes practice, but a roller can make it a breeze. These tools come in different styles, but they all work on the same principle: they help you evenly pack your ground bud into the rolling paper, creating a perfect shape. With a roller, you’ll get consistently good results every time.
6. Hemp Wick
Avoid burning your thumb lighting up bongs with hemp wick. Ditch the lighters and upgrade your smoking experience with this natural alternative. Perfect for joints, pipes, blunts, and bongs, hemp wick burns cooler and cleaner than butane. Say goodbye to burnt fingers and enjoy better-tasting smoke. Plus, it lasts longer than lighters.
7. Glass Bongs
Bongs deliver big hits, so proceed with caution if you’re new to cannabis! They take in a lot of smoke at once, and the water filtration makes it smoother but doesn’t reduce potency. This means you’ll get a much stronger, faster high than with joints. If you’re a beginner, start with small inhales.
8. Vape Pen + Cartridges
Vape pens revolutionize cannabis consumption! With just a press of a button, you get flavorful, smoke-free vapor. They’re designed for both dried cannabis and potent extracts. Pre-filled oil cartridges (often called 510-thread) are super popular because they’re easy to use and come in tons of flavors.
9. Dab Rigs
If you’re new to cannabis, steer clear of dabs for now. These concentrated extracts pack a serious punch of THC, which can be overwhelming for those without a tolerance. Dab rigs are specialized tools, using intense heat to vaporize the concentrate. There are both traditional glass rigs (heated with torches) and convenient electric versions.
10. Nectar Collector
Nectar collectors provide a portable, direct alternative to traditional dab rigs. Instead of a separate nail and bowl, you heat the tip of this straw-shaped device and touch it to your concentrate. They come in both torch-heated and electric varieties for convenience.