Basic Hookah and Bong Sharing Rules
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.
Hookah and Bong Sharing Etiquette
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.
Don’t Share With Strangers
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
Alternatives to Sharing
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 Culture
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.
