Marijuana smokers go above and beyond to prove their creativity. You can tell it by simply looking at the number of different devices available for weed aficionados.
Pipes, bongs, bubblers, vaporizers (portable and desktop), dab rigs — there’s a myriad of models to choose from, and each of them comes with its unique benefits.
If you’re looking for a DIY method of elevating your experience with cannabis, the gravity bong will be your best bet.
It’s kinda hard to say “gravity bong” without having pleasant shivers down your spine, because on the one hand you know this is going to be a kickass sesh — but on the other hand, you’re aware of how powerful the gravity bong can be.
But, if you have absolutely no clue what the gravity bong is, how to make one, and how to use it, we’ll be more than pleased to clear up the confusion.
After reading this guide, you’ll know gravity bongs roots to branches.
A Primer on Gravity Bongs
A gravity bong is a DIY water pipe that uses two empty plastic bottles (or a bucket) to funnel smoke through water and push it right into the smoker’s lungs.
The gravity bong creates additional pressure because the small bottle that holds your weed is submerged into a larger bottle — or, again, a bucket — filled with water.
When igniting the bud in the bowl, you need to steadily pull the bottle out of the water to fill it with cannabis smoke. Then, you detach the lid, put your mouth over the bottle’s mouthpiece, and push the small bottle down the reservoir to let gravity work its wonders and channel the smoke to your lungs.
How to Make a Bucket Gravity Bong
The bucket bong is perhaps the most common type of gravity bongs. It can be built in various sizes depending on the type of large water tank you choose, as well as the size of your smoke chamber.
Here are your must-have tools:
- An two-liter water bottle (emptied)
- A cap vour that bottle
- A bucket
- A drill or screwdriver
- A weed bowl
- A lighter
- Your favorite strain
1. Gather the Bucket and Water
You want to start by filling the bucket with water up to about an inch from the dop. This is where you should drill a hole through the bottle’s cap. You need to insert the stem of your bowl through this hole and make it as airtight as possible. That’s important because if you create a whole that’s too big, the stem will fall into the bong.
2. Insert the Stem Along With the Bowl
Once you’ve filled the gravity bong with water, it’s time to pierce the stem of the bowl through the hole. You may need to push a bit harder or turn the stem as you’re working it through that slot. If you’re still having problems with insertion, you can apply a small amount of coconut oil or canola oil to reduce friction.
3. Prepare the Small Bottle
Leave your stem, bowl, and cap aside and cut off the bottom of the bottle. Most plastic bottles have a bottom that starts to curve in toward the center at a specific point. Find this point and cut the bottom as straight as you can.
4. Pack the Bowl
Take the jar of your favorite strain and pack some buds into the bowl, breaking them up into smaller pieces by hand. Remember that the gravity bong is a powerful device and can hit pretty hard, so you can actually load less weed to get yourself elevated. We recommend loading the bowl with 0.3–0.5 grams of the greens.
5. Assemble Your Gravity Bong
All that’s left is putting everything together, so without further ado, let’s get down to business! Place the small bottle into a bucket filled with water so that only the mouthpiece and a bit of the bottle are above the water.
Screw on the bowl and the cap — trying to be as gentle as possible — and voila!
How to Smoke from a Gravity Bong
Okay, so you’ve got your gravity bong in one piece — awesome!
Now, grab the small bottle and hold it in the water with one hand, while helping yourself with the lighter in the other.
Light your bowl and begin to pull the bottle out of the water (DO IT SLOWLY!). When you pull it out immediately, you’ll lose all your smoke — and that’s the thing that makes even the toughest guys cry like babies.
As you’ve burned all your herb or the bottle has started to emerge from the water, it’s a sign that you should move on to the next step. You’ll need both hands for the job, so set your lighter somewhere aside.
Here’s the final step. Unscrew and remove the carb from your bottle. Quickly place your lips over the bottle’s mouthpiece and push the bottle slowly back into the bucket while gently inhaling the smoke.
That’s exactly how a gravity bong works. If you’re up for another hit, empty the bowl, reload it, put the bottle back in the bucket, and repeat.
Some people are afraid of coughing too much due to taking too big hits, so instead of inhaling as you push the bottle down, you can just keep your mouth over the mouthpiece and let the smoke freely travel into your mouth as you push.
Benefits of the Gravity Bong
The main advantage of the gravity bong over other devices is the efficacy it offers. You only need a small amount of weed (0.3–0.5 grams) to make huge clouds of smoke.
Plus, the way the gravity bong is built seals the smoke within the device, which is impossible with a joint or pipe that has multiple holes.
Final Thoughts: Would You Smoke from a Gravity Bong?
Of course, gravity bongs are less popular than regular bongs and they certainly aren’t good daily drivers because they can get the user high as a plane.
However, if you’re looking for something that would spice up your next smoking sesh with your buddies, or you want to rip delicious and potent hits on the budget, the gravity bong is the holy grail of all weed meetups.
Have you ever made a DIY gravity bong? Share your stories in the comments!
