Is it safe to share a hookah or bong?

Some risk can be associated with sharing smoking equipment; you may spread illnesses accidentally. You can minimize those risks by cleaning the mouthpiece in between uses and by avoiding sharing with people who are sick or whom you do not know.

How do you clean a hookah or bong mouthpiece?

You can clean the mouthpiece with alcohol wipes, or replace it with a new disposable tip when switching between users Some hookahs have removable hoses that can be cleaned

What I the No want to keep smoking?

If you've had enough feel free to pass your turn Don't feel pressure to keep smoking if it doesn't feel right to you Know your personal limits

Can I share my hookah or bong in public?

The best place for sharing cannabis is privately, as most places do not allow public consumption, even if you are in a legal state. Stick to sharing at the house or in a designated consumption space.

Etiquette 101: Sharing a Hookah or Bong with Cannabis

Sharing a hookah or bong can be loads of fun and an integral part of social gatherings with friends—but, of course, there are ways to do it right, so everyone has a good time and stays safe. Here is some advice for sharing a hookah or bong with cannabis.

Chris Dorcey

Inheal Editor

Post date

August 31, 2024

Time to read

4 mins 7 secs

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Always ask first before using someone else's hookah or bong.
Wipe mouthpiece down with an alcohol swab or change if there are going to be many users.
Don't blow smoke in people's faces, and don't hog the hookah/bong.
Bring your own weed to contribute. Don't assume you can smoke theirs.
Keep tabs on how much you're consuming, so you know your limits.

Hookahs and bongs are designed to smoke weed: they provide the combustion smoke to the user through the water to inhale, which in turn cools and filters it. Hookahs are generally larger in size and designed for use by several people at once, with a hose being passed around. Bongs generally tend to be smaller in size and are used by one user at a time, although it is also permissible to share them.

When sharing a hookah or bong, follow some basic principles of etiquette to make sure that the experience is a positive one for all involved.

Ask Permission

Always ask for permission before using someone else’s hookah or bong. It is incredibly rude to assume you can just start using one without checking with the owner. There may be specific do’s and don’ts for how their piece is used.

Clean the Mouthpiece

If you are sharing a hookah or a bong around multiple people, always clean the mouthpiece in between people. You can simply wipe it down with alcohol swabs or replace the mouthpiece. Some hookahs even come with disposable plastic tips on their mouthpieces for just this purpose.

Do not blow smoke at people

When you are taking a hit, be attentive to not blow the smoke directly into anyone’s face; not only is this rude, but not everybody wants to be in a cloud of smoke. Exhale upwards or away from the group.

Don’t Hog It

Puff puff pass, generally, is how you share marijuana. If you’re hogging the hookah hose or bong for too long, you’re not letting anybody else enjoy it. Take a couple hits then pass it along to the next person.

Bring Your Own Marijuana

Do not just think that it’s natural to take the liberty of smoking somebody else’s marijuana just because they are sharing their hookah or bong with you. It can be very considerate of you to let them share and bring your weed for the session. And if you don’t have any, offer to chip in some money.

Know Your Limits

Just because the hookah or bong are getting passed around doesn’t mean that you need to keep smoking if you’ve had enough. Marijuana affects people in a different manner, so be mindful of how much you’re consuming. You wouldn’t want to get too high and spoil the vibe for other people.

Hookah and Bong Safety

In addition to etiquette, there are also some safety considerations to keep in mind when sharing hookahs or bongs.

Share only with people who look healthy and say that they feel well. Better not to share if a person in the group appears visibly ill or states that they do not feel well. Smoking increases respiratory symptoms.

Clean Water

Fill the base with fresh, clean water. Stagnant water can host both bacteria and mold—stuff you don’t want to be inhaling. Change the water out regularly.

While it may seem convenient to share with a friendly stranger you just met it’s safer to only share with people you know and trust You don’t know what illnesses they may have or what other substances they may have

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing a hookah or bong there are some alternatives you can consider

Using Your Own Equipment

Bring your own personal hookah hose mouthpiece or whole bong to the session This way you dont have to worry about sharing germs with others

Try Edibles or Tinctures

If you want to consume cannabis socially but dont want to smoke you can try edibles or tinctures instead These can be a good option if youre concerned about respiratory health

Stick to Joints or Blunts

Joints, blunts, and other more traditional forms of smoking are a little more shareable compared to smoking out of a big hookah or a bong because everyone sort of has their own. You can pass it around, but at least less touching is directly involved.

Sharing cannabis has been part of culture for decades. Many see it like a bonding thing and a way to socialize with friends, but it is important to remember that not everybody consumes the weed the same.

Some people may just have lower tolerances and need to go slow Others may just prefer certain strains or consumption methods Its important to communicate with your smoking buddies and respect each persons preferences and boundaries

Conclusion

A hookah or bong is commonly shared among friends as a way to start a social interaction, but etiquette and basic safety have to be observed for everyone to enjoy the moment. Ask permission before clean the mouthpiece between users, don’t hog it, or blow smoke in faces, bring your own cannabis, and know your limits. A little consideration and common sense will take your hookah- or bong-sharing experience to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share a hookah or bong?
Some risk can be associated with sharing smoking equipment; you may spread illnesses accidentally. You can minimize those risks by cleaning the mouthpiece in between uses and by avoiding sharing with people who are sick or whom you do not know.
How do you clean a hookah or bong mouthpiece?
You can clean the mouthpiece with alcohol wipes, or replace it with a new disposable tip when switching between users Some hookahs have removable hoses that can be cleaned
What I the No want to keep smoking?
If you've had enough feel free to pass your turn Don't feel pressure to keep smoking if it doesn't feel right to you Know your personal limits
Can I share my hookah or bong in public?
The best place for sharing cannabis is privately, as most places do not allow public consumption, even if you are in a legal state. Stick to sharing at the house or in a designated consumption space.

Disclaimer

The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. FDA has not evaluated statements contained within the blog. Information on this website or in any materials or communications from Inheal is for educational/informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions, correct dosage or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

by Chris Dorcey

A connoisseur of cannabis creativity and true contemplation with more than 20 years of experience, Chris extracts deep thoughts from getting lightly baked and shares his wandering mind. He blends cuisine and cannabis culture into nutritious, delicious recipes and insights for other hemp lovers.