Your guide to pipes: how to use one, buy one, and clean one for the best high

With consumer sentiment that’s swiftly shifting from viewing cannabis as an illicit substance to an essential component of our wellbeing, we’re thrilled to also see a growing acceptance and understanding of the benefits of inhaling cannabis. As we’ve shared, smoking isn’t necessarily “bad for you” as long as you smoke the right product for your goals with the right intentions. And how you smoke can also affect your experience.

There are a lot of other options for inhaling flower, such as bongs, vapes, joints, and blunts, but here is our back-to-basics primer on the simple and classic pipe. By definition, a pipe is an accessory that allows smokers to inhale smoke derived from burning cannabis. A pipe is also an excellent smoking device for a cannabis beginner or someone who prefers low doses and more controlled sessions. 

Most pipes fit right in the palm of your hand with a small “bowl” for your ground flower and an airtight channel for the smoke and air to travel through a mouthpiece. Some pipes contain a second air channel via a small hole, known as a carb, to regular more airflow. One hitters are similar to pipes in function but are smaller devices that resemble a cigarette with just enough room in for one hit of cannabis. You pack the flower at one end and the mouthpiece is at the other end.

How to use a pipe

1. In addition to your pipe and flower, you’ll also need a grinder to grind your flower for an even and smooth smoke and a heat source. Mesh screens are also helpful to catch any small flower bits so they don’t end up in the air chamber or in your mouth when you inhale.
2. After you’ve ground your weed, you want to “pack” your bowl. Pro tip: pack it lightly in the bottom, but more densely at the top, for a more event smoke as the weed continues to burn while keeping airflow open for easy smoking.
3. If your device has a carb, it is normally located on one side of the pipe. Use your index finger or thumb to cover the carb when you inhale and release once you’re done.
4. Light your cannabis. We recommend using hemp wick for its low flame and to prevent the inhalation of butane gases from lighters or sulfur and woodsmoke from matches.
5. Once your cannabis has started to burn, place your mouth on the mouthpiece, and draw the smoke into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs.
6. Exhale the smoke. You will be able to feel the effects within a couple of minutes.

A quality pipe is key. Here’s what to watch out for.

Pipes can be made using various materials such as glass, ceramic, metal, clay, plastic, and wood. And, thankfully, with the influx of innovative designers and entrepreneurs (mainly womxn, no surprise), we’re now able to choose our smoking accessories from a selection of sophisticated and design-forward pieces that we can proudly display on our coffee tables or as part of our home décor.

That said, it’s imperative to only buy pipes from reputable vendors who use clean and safe materials that can withstand high temperatures, are easy to clean, and are durable. Glass pipes should be made of thick borosilicate glass. Ceramic or glazed pieces should be lead-free, food-safe, and non-porous. Don’t waste money on a mixed-materials piece. Rubber, plastic, silicone, and metal are difficult to clean and not as safe under high temperatures. We recommend that you explore our curated recommendations of accessories, including pieces from Laundry Day, House of Puff, Summerland, and more.

A clean pipe is a happy pipe.

Keeping your pipe clean is just as part of the ritual as it is smoking from it. A clean pipe also preserves its color, functionality, and future experiences, so take care of your pieces!

Here’s how to clean your pipe:

1. Empty out all contents from the bowl when everything is at room temperature. Do not attempt to clean a hot pipe.
2. Submerge your pipe in hot water with soap or a natural antimicrobial pipe cleaner for 20 – 60 minutes
3. For a deeper clean or for stubborn residue, rubbing alcohol cuts through any resin that’s been left behind
4. Rinse your pipe under warm running water and scrub to get rid of residue
5. Let it air dry

Smoking cannabis with a pipe should be a mindful practice that provides you with an opportunity to slow down and be present. Breathe deeply, disconnect, and enjoy this simple pleasure.