Weed smokers, do you know how to pack a bowl? Sure, anyone can put marijuana into a pipe or bong and smoke it, but if you don’t pack it correctly, you won’t have a good smoking experience. If you pack the bowl too tightly, it will be hard to get a hit. Pack it too loosely and your weed will blow away.
This article will break down how to pack a bowl so you get a smooth smoke every time.
Preparing for Your Smoke
We’ll get into how to pack a bowl in a minute. First, you must ensure you have the right tools on hand. You will need:
Weed
Weed is arguably the most crucial component in your smoking experience. We can write an entire blog on which strain of weed you should buy, (in fact, we did) but suffice it to say, you should find a strain that is best suited to your wellness goals.
Choose an indica if you want to calm down. Sativa will provide an energizing effect. A hybrid offers a combination of both.
You must also consider how the terpenes and cannabinoids will affect your high. If you are unsure which strain to choose, consult a budtender.
Grinders
Grinders are optional in the bowl packing experience. You can always use your fingers to pull the weed apart, but a grinder will make the weed more consistent, so it burns slower.
Note, that you will have to manually remove the seeds and stems before putting your weed in a grinder. If you leave seeds and stems in your weed, they can burn your throat and give you a headache. They also don’t have enough THC in them to provide the desired effects.
Your Bowl
Weed may be the most essential component in this How to Pack a Bowl tutorial, but your bowl is a strong runner-up. Bowls are typically found on pipes and bongs. But other smoking devices contain bowls.
Again, we could write an entire blog on how to find the perfect bong or pipe. But it’s best to purchase one that offers the perfect combination of functionality and affordability. Choose a bowl that’s sized for the hit you want to get.
Tamping Tool
A tamping tool is another optional item. It ensures the bowl is filled evenly and the weed is well-packed. It provides a smoother smoking experience.
Most tamping tools cost just a couple of bucks so there is no reason not to add them to your smoking arsenal.
A Lighter or Hemp Wick
Finally, you will need something to light your weed. A lighter is a convenient choice, but some smokers prefer not to use them because they emit carbon emissions and present the risk of inhaling flint dust.
A hemp wick will not introduce harmful materials into the weed. It also preserves the flavor of the smoke. Candles and matches are also more environmentally friendly, healthier alternatives.
How to Pack a Bowl
Now let’s get into some ‘how to pack a bowl’ basics.
Grind the Weed
If you choose to use a grinder, you must grind the weed correctly. Every grinder works a little differently, but generally, you will want to break down your nugs into small or mid-sized pieces. Then place them into the side of the grinder where the teeth are.
Close the grinder and begin the grinding process. In some instances, you must turn the cap to start the grinding motion. Other grinders have handles you can turn. High-tech devices will grind with the touch of a button.
Pack the Bowl
Now comes the main part of the lesson- how to pack a bowl.
Pick up small amounts of weed and gently press it into the bowl using your finger, a tamping tool, or the flat end of the lightener. Avoid packing it too tightly or it will be difficult to hit. Do not overload the bowl or you may clog it.
There are no rules regarding how much weed to add to your bowl. But here are some general guidelines:
- Fill your bowl 30% for less intense hits
- Fill your bowl 60% if you want to get very high
- Fill your bowl up and party on
Smoke
Now you know how to pack a bowl. All that’s left to do is smoke it.
Smoking weed through a pipe is more complicated than it seems. You must hold the pipe with your thumb or finger over the carb hole. Use your other hand to light the corner of the bowl.
When the weed sparks, remove the flame and inhale gently. When you are ready for a bigger inhale, take your finger off the carb hole and take a big drag. Hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds to feel the full effects. Then exhale.
If you are smoking a bong, you will need to fill it with water before smoking. Then close the carb hole and inhale as you would with a pipe.
Clean Your Pipe or Bong
The final step in the How to Pack a Bowl lesson involves cleaning out your pipe or bong. If you don’t clean it, the terpenes and resins will clog the screen and make it difficult to hit off it in the future.
There are methods for deep cleaning your bong or bowl, but for everyday use, you can remove the bowl and place it in a zip-lock bag with a teaspoon of baking soda and a splash of vinegar. Fill it halfway with lukewarm water, and let it sit for a minute. Then scrub it with a brush.
You should also change your screen every 2-4 weeks depending on how often you smoke.
Now that you know the steps for how to pack a bowl, you can consider yourself a smoking expert. We hope you have the best smoking experiences in the future.
