Bong

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Pipe Dreams by David Shankbone

Bong is a filtration device generally used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, or other herbal substances. In the bong, the gas flows from the lower port on the left to the upper port on the right. A bong is similar to a hookah, except smaller and especially more portable. A bong may be constructed from any air- and water-tight vessel by adding a bowl and stem apparatus (or slide) which guides air downward to below water level whence it bubbles upward ("bubbler") during use. To get fresh air into the bong and harvest the last remaining smoke, a hole known as the "carburetor", "carb", "choke", "bink", "rush", "shotty", "kick hole", or simply "hole", somewhere on the lower part of the bong above water level, is first kept covered during the smoking process, then opened to allow the smoke to be drawn into the respiratory system.

History

The use of a water pipe for smoking was introduced in China during the late Ming Dynasty (16th century), along with tobacco, through Persia and the Silk Road. By the Qing Dynasty, it became the most popular method to smoke tobacco, but became less popular since the Republic of China era, when cigarettes became the dominant smoking apparatus. The bong as it is known today was developed from the water pipe that was used in the Middle East and Asia, where it was commonly used to smoke tobacco.

Design and Operation

A bong is made up of a tube, usually at least partially made of glass or acrylic, a base that can hold water, a bowl where the herb is placed, and a downstem that connects the bowl to the water in the base. Some bongs also include a percolator, an additional water chamber that helps filter the smoke even more. The smoke travels through the water in the bong before entering the smoker's lungs, which cools down the smoke and filters out particulate matter, including toxins and carcinogens.

Types of Bongs

Bongs can vary greatly in their shape, materials, sizes, and designs. Common types include:

• Glass bongs: The most popular type due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and the inert nature of glass which does not affect the flavor of the smoke.
• Acrylic bongs: Less expensive than glass, but more prone to damage and may affect the taste of the smoke.
• Ceramic bongs: Often elaborately decorated, but heavier and more fragile than glass or acrylic.
• Bamboo bongs: Traditional material for making bongs, known for its durability and unique aesthetic.

Health Considerations

While bongs are often used with the belief that they are healthier than direct smoking methods due to the water filtration, it is important to note that they are not completely safe. The water in a bong does trap some of the harmful substances in smoke, but it also cools the smoke allowing for deeper inhalation of larger quantities of smoke, which can lead to increased exposure to harmful substances.

Legal Issues

The legality of bongs varies by region, with some areas classifying them as drug paraphernalia and others allowing their sale for tobacco use only. It is important for users to be aware of their local laws regarding the possession and use of bongs.

Cultural Impact

Bongs have become a popular cultural icon associated with cannabis culture. They are often featured in movies, music, and television shows that touch upon drug use. Despite their controversial nature, bongs have remained a popular method for smoking due to their efficiency, effectiveness, and the communal aspect of passing the bong in social settings.

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