Table of Contents
(Hither-to) Unwritten Rules of Bong Smoking
Dealer’s Choice
If you brought the weed, you smoke first. It’s a common courtesy in bong circles that the person who provided the cannabis gets the first hit. This rule ensures fairness and gratitude for sharing.
Respect the Rotation
Follow the order of the circle to the left and don’t skip turns. When smoking with a group, it’s important to maintain a consistent rotation. Each person takes their turn, ensuring everyone gets an equal opportunity to enjoy the bong.
Clearing the Chamber
Always clear the smoke from the bong before passing it. Clearing the chamber means inhaling all the smoke in the bong before passing it to the next person. This prevents stale smoke and ensures a fresh hit for the next participant.
Cornering the Bowl
Apply heat to a small section of the bowl to preserve the green hits for others. When lighting the bowl, “cornering” refers to concentrating the flame on a small portion of the bowl to ignite a small section of the cannabis. This technique allows others to enjoy fresh, unburned cannabis during their turn.
Social Distancing
Never place your lips on the mouthpiece if you have a cold or are feeling unwell. It’s important to be mindful of hygiene and the health of others in the group. If you have a cold or are feeling unwell, it’s best to refrain from placing your lips directly on the mouthpiece to prevent the spread of germs.

Cleaning Up Properly After Smoking
Immediate Cleaning
- Rinse with Warm Water: After each smoking session, it’s important to rinse your bong with warm water. This helps remove any leftover residue and prevents buildup. Simply fill the bong with warm water, cover the openings, and give it a gentle shake to dislodge any debris.
- Dry with Care: After rinsing, use a soft cloth or paper towel to thoroughly dry your bong. This step is crucial to prevent water spots and the growth of mold. Ensure all parts, including the bowl and downstem, are completely dry before storing.
Regular Maintenance
- Deep Cleaning Routine: Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your bong. Depending on usage, aim to clean it thoroughly every 1-2 weeks. You can use a specialized cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol for this purpose. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning solution or soak your bong in isopropyl alcohol, making sure to cover all parts. Use a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub away stubborn residue, paying close attention to the bowl, downstem, and percolators. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water after cleaning and dry it completely.

Proper Handling and Care for your Bong
Setting Up the Bong:
- Choose a Stable Surface: When using your bong, place it on a flat and stable surface to prevent accidental tipping or knocking over, ensuring a safe and enjoyable smoking experience.
- Adding Water: Fill the water chamber of your bong with the appropriate amount of water. This will vary depending on the type of bong you have, but aim for enough water to cover the percolators or downstem. Proper water levels enable efficient filtration and smooth hits.
- Pack It Right: When loading the bowl, avoid over-packing or under-packing. Find the balance that allows for proper airflow and combustion. A well-packed bowl ensures a consistent burn and maximizes the flavor and potency of your cannabis.
- Secure the Bowl: When traveling with your bong, it’s advisable to remove the bowl or slide and wrap it separately. This precaution helps prevent breakage during transportation, keeping your bong and its components intact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bong Etiquette
What is the proper bong etiquette for passing the bong in a smoking circle?
Pass the bong to the left and follow the rotation to ensure fairness and equal participation.How do I clear the smoke from a bong properly?
Inhale all the smoke from the bong before passing it to the next person to ensure a fresh hit.What is “cornering the bowl” in bong smoking?
Cornering the bowl means applying heat to a small section of the bowl to preserve unburned cannabis for others to enjoy.Want to Learn More about Cannabis?
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