Bong vs Joint: Does One Get You Higher Than the Other?

Ever been stuck trying to decide between a bong or a joint and wondering which one’s actually better for you?

Maybe you’re tired of wasting weed on joints that don’t hit as hard, or you’re worried about coughing up a storm after using a bong. It’s a common dilemma, especially if you’re trying to figure out what works best for your style and needs.

This guide dives into the differences, pros, and cons of bongs and joints to help you make the right choice—whether you’re all about smooth hits, portability, or just getting the most out of your weed.

Let’s clear the air on this debate!

Bong and Joint Overview

Maybe you already know what these two terms mean, but for the sake of context, let’s go over the definitions of a ‘bong’ and a ‘joint’ in a quick overview.

What is a Bong?

A bong is basically a water pipe designed to give you smoother, cooler hits. The smoke passes through water, which filters out some of the harsh stuff and makes the experience easier on your throat and lungs.

Some bongs even come with perks like ice catchers or extra chambers to level up the smoothness. They’re super efficient, so you can use less weed and still get a strong high.

But, bongs are more of a stay-at-home option since they’re not exactly portable and need regular cleaning to keep them fresh.

What is a Joint?

A joint is the classic go-to for smoking weed. It’s made by rolling ground cannabis in a thin paper, kind of like a DIY cigarette.

Joints are all about simplicity—no tools, no setup, just roll it, light it, and you’re good to go. They’re perfect for social situations because they’re easy to share and don’t take up much space.

However, joints can be a little wasteful since they burn continuously, and the unfiltered smoke can feel a bit rough compared to a bong.

What’s the Difference Between a Joint and a Bong?

There’s a lot, actually. Efficiency, smoke quality, and convenience are the top three areas where a bong and a joint differ—but to break it down further, let’s explore the differences below:

Efficiency and High

Bongs are far more efficient than joints. A 0.5g bowl in a bong delivers a much stronger high compared to a 0.5g joint, thanks to water filtration and the ability to take larger hits. Joints burn continuously, wasting some cannabis, and typically require more to achieve the same effect.

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Smoke Quality and Filtration

Bongs use water filtration to cool and purify smoke, removing some toxins and harsh irritants. This results in smoother hits that are less taxing on your throat and lungs. Joints, without any filtration, produce harsher smoke that contains more tar and other byproducts, which can make them less comfortable for some users.

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Convenience and Portability

Joints are lightweight, portable, and perfect for on-the-go use, requiring only rolling papers and cannabis. In contrast, bongs are bulkier, need water, and are better suited for home use, making them less practical for outdoor or social settings.

Maintenance and Cleanup

Bongs require regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain performance, which can be time-consuming. Joints, on the other hand, are disposable and require no maintenance, making them much easier to handle.

Cost and Longevity

Joints are inexpensive upfront, with rolling papers being cheap and readily available. However, the ongoing cost of papers and the waste from burning weed can add up. Bongs are a bigger initial investment but are more economical in the long term due to their efficiency and durability.

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Session Style

Bongs are ideal for quick, intense sessions due to their ability to deliver powerful hits in a short time. Joints, however, offer a slower, more laid-back experience that’s great for social or extended sessions.

Flavor and Smoking Ritual

Bongs preserve the flavor of the cannabis better, especially when using ice or clean water, while joints can add a burnt paper taste that some find unappealing. Rolling and smoking a joint is a ritualistic experience that many users enjoy, adding a social and cultural element that bongs don’t provide.

ALSO CHECK: How to Roll Cones Properly

Health Considerations

Bongs, with their water filtration, may reduce some toxins and tar, making them slightly healthier than joints. However, both methods involve smoking, which carries inherent health risks. Unclean bongs can harbor bacteria, making maintenance essential to avoid health issues.

Social Dynamics

Joints are more social, easy to pass around, and align well with communal settings. Bongs, while effective, are less commonly shared in group settings due to their intensity and the setup required.

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Now that we’ve covered the definitions and differences, you might be wondering: which one is really better? Well, we’ve got the answer (though it might not surprise you).

Which is Better Between a Joint and a Bong?

Bongs are better because they’re more efficient—delivering stronger hits with less weed, thanks to water filtration that cools and purifies the smoke.

This makes the experience smoother on your lungs and more economical in the long run. Plus, you can level up with ice or flavored water for an even better session.

While bongs aren’t as portable and need regular cleaning, their ability to give you a cleaner, more intense high with less waste makes them the go-to choice for serious smokers.

Just keep it clean for the best results!

How to Choose Between a Bong and a Joint

We get it—everyone has their own preferences, and not everyone will agree on which is better: a bong or a joint. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things to consider to help you figure out which one works best for you.

Go for a Bong If:

You want to get the most out of your weed

Bongs give you stronger hits with less cannabis, so you save in the long run.

You prefer a smoother hit

The water cools and filters the smoke, making it easier on your throat and lungs.

You like to customize your experience

Add ice or flavored water for an even cooler, more enjoyable session.

You usually smoke at home

Bongs are perfect for solo or small group sessions where portability isn’t a big deal.

Skip the Bong If:

You need something portable

Bongs are big and clunky—definitely not the easiest to carry around.

You don’t like cleaning gear

Bongs need regular cleaning to avoid gross buildup and keep them working well.

You’re all about social smoking

Bongs aren’t as easy to share, and the heavy hits can leave you too zonked to chat.

Go for a Joint If:

You’re all about convenience

Joints are portable, easy to roll (or buy pre-rolled), and ready to go anytime.

You like a chill social vibe

Rolling and passing a joint is a classic way to bond with friends.

You’re more of a casual smoker

Joints give you a mellow high and are great for laid-back settings.

Skip the Joint If:

You want to save weed

Joints burn continuously, so you lose a bit of cannabis with every puff.

You can’t stand harsh smoke

Without filtration, joints are rougher on your throat and lungs.

You hate lingering smells

Joints can leave your hands, clothes, and space smelling like smoke.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s all about what suits your vibe. If you’re looking for products like bongs or joints, check us out at BMWO! We’ve got everything you need, from weed and concentrates to edibles and more.

Looking for more topics and information? You’ll find it here on our blog! We’ve covered fun topics like “Yoga While High” and “Drawing While High.” If you’re curious, make sure to check it out.

With that said, while bongs are perfect for efficiency and big hits at home, joints are easy, portable, and great for social settings. Choose what works best for you and enjoy it to the fullest!

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Take care!

Related Questions

Do bongs get you higher than joints?

Yes, bongs generally get you higher than joints. This is because bongs allow for larger, more concentrated hits due to their water filtration and the ability to take in more smoke at once. This results in a quicker and more intense high, often with less cannabis compared to joints, which burn continuously and deliver smaller hits over time.

Are bongs better for lungs than joints?

Bongs are slightly better for your lungs than joints because the water filtration cools and filters the smoke, removing some harmful toxins and particulate matter. However, both methods involve inhaling smoke, which can irritate your lungs and carry health risks. Regularly cleaning your bong is essential to prevent bacteria buildup that could harm your respiratory system.

What are the alternatives to bongs and joints?

Alternatives include pipes, vapes, and edibles. Pipes are compact and simple but lack filtration. Vapes offer a healthier option by avoiding combustion, while edibles provide a smoke-free experience but require careful dosage control.

Does a bong or joint make you cough more?

Bongs and joints can both make you cough, but for different reasons. Joints often produce harsher smoke because there’s no filtration, which can irritate your throat more. Bongs, while smoother due to water filtration, can still induce coughing from the larger, denser hits they deliver, especially for new or occasional users. Keeping your bong clean and using ice can reduce coughing with bongs.

Which method is better for sharing in a group?

Joints are generally better for group settings as they’re easy to pass around and allow everyone to enjoy a consistent experience. Bongs are less social because they require more setup and individual use, and not everyone may be comfortable with the intensity of a bong hit.