Bong

In popular culture, images of bongs have been used to represent or symbolise cannabis, and sometimes ‘stoner’ culture globally. Bongs have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures as a tool to inhale the smoke and vapour from burning natural and herbal substances in traditional medicine practices. 

 

What is a bong?

 

Bongs serve as filtration devices for inhaling ignited or vaporised herbal substances.

At one end, the herbal substance is placed in a bowl and ignited (or heated to a specific temperature for vaporisation). The resulting smoke or vapour travels down a tube connecting the bowl to the water-filled base of the bong. When the user inhales from the mouthpiece, the smoke or vapour is cooled and filtered through the bong water, creating a concentrated cloud that is less harsh than when unfiltered, which is then inhaled. 

 

What does a bong look like?

 

Thanks to the global expansion of legal recreational and medical cannabis markets, there's a variety of bong styles to choose from - different shapes, sizes, textures, and designs for patients and consumers. Bongs are typically crafted from glass or sturdy plastic, featuring a water-filled base, a stem with a bowl for igniting or heating the herbal product, and a mouthpiece for inhaling.

  

Are bongs legal in the UK?

 

Yes. 

It is not illegal to simply possess cannabis paraphernalia like bongs or pipes, but using them to consume or administer cannabis that has been set alight is a criminal offence.

Medical cannabis should never be smoked, as the health risks outweigh any potential benefits. However, bongs can be used for other herbal products or substances that are legal to consume, or as a vaporiser for medical cannabis flower or oil. 

 

Can I take my medical cannabis using a bong?

No. 

In the UK, it is a criminal offence to smoke cannabis, regardless of whether it has been prescribed by your doctor to treat a diagnosed health condition. 

When used as a vaporiser for cannabis based therapeutic products like dried cannabis flower or medical cannabis THC and CBD oil, bongs can be a safe and effective method of consumption. However, it is important to note that not all medical cannabis products are suitable for vaporisation, and it is illegal to smoke them through a bong. 

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.