Bong vs. Joint vs. Blunt vs. Bowl- Which Is Better?

Cannabis culture has us endlessly debating what is the absolute best way to smoke weed. Some live by the bong and others prefer packing a neat bowl. Some don’t even know the difference between a blunt and a joint and others will tell the masses about what’s healthiest for the lungs or wasting weed.

Realistically speaking, this debate will never end. That’s because what it really comes down to is personal preferences. However, each method of smoking has its own pros and cons, which can make some methods more appealing than others. It’s also exactly what we’re going to talk about in this article.

Here’s our breakdown:

Joint Vs Blunt

You can tell the difference between a joint and a blunt simply by looking at what they’re rolled up in. Surprisingly, however, the two terms are used interchangeably despite not being the same thing

For reference, a joint is a ‘marijuana cigarette’. In other words, it’s ground-up bud rolled into a thin paper usually made from hemp, otherwise referred to as  joint papers or just papers. These papers typically have a sticky adhesive on one side, which enables the roller to hold the joint together by simply licking before they finish rolling.

Joints are also commonly referred to as J’s, doobies, doinks, and our personal favorite, jazz cigarettes. If you sprinkle in some tobacco, your  joint becomes a spliff — which is another term used interchangeably when it shouldn’t be.

Depending on who you ask, joints date back all the way to the 1930s when Jamaicans brought the concept to the US. Others will tell you that the first recorded use of the joint was in Mexico.

A blunt, on the other hand, is traditionally an emptied out cigar used to roll up a larger quantity of marijuana. In fact, one blunt is essentially the equivalent of six joints which means that they last longer and provide for a more intense high.

The tradition of smoking blunts is said to have started in New York City using a cigar brand called Phillies as they were cheap. It was a way to inconspicuously smoke weed and it grew in popularity through early hip hop. Now, you can go to the gas station and purchase blunt wraps, often referred to as ‘dutches’ instead of buying whole cigars and removing the tobacco.

Blunts also go by the nicknames L’s, blizzys, bleezy, dutchies — and actually, a lot of other names.

The Pros and Cons of Smoking Joints

Now let’s talk about the pros and cons of smoking joints.

The Pros:

• They’re easier to roll
• They’re easier to smoke as they’re meant for smaller puffs
• They’re smaller and more portable
• They’re much cheaper
• They allow for a better flavor and aroma experience as you’re smoking
• Since the papers used are thin and typically made of hemp, rice, or flax, they’re healthier for the lungs

The Cons:

• They burn quickly
• They offer a weaker high
• They smell more obvious
• They can give you major cottonmouth
• Depending on the papers used, they can be pretty harsh on the throat and lungs

The Pros and Cons of Smoking Blunts

These are the pros and cons of smoking blunts:

The Pros:

• They burn slower
• They give off a ‘tobacco buzz’
• They tend to hit smoother
• They offer up a more intense high

The Cons:

• They’re more expensive
• They’re more difficult to roll
• Blunt wraps and papers often contain nicotine
• They can also give major cotton mouth

Bong Vs Bowl

The difference between a bong and a bowl is much more obvious. Both have been around for a long time and both have transformed significantly over the years.

Bowls, originally referred to as hand pipes, come in many different forms. While they date all the way back to the  16th and 17th centuries for tobacco use, today they’re most commonly recognized as simple small glass pipes that consist of a bowl, a carburetor, and a tube. Bowls offer a quick and easy way to get the job done, and they fit right in your pocket.

Bongs on the other hand, are much more complex. While they vary in size they’re much larger than bowls and they use water as their smoke filtration system to give you a cleaner and smoother toke. They also get you much higher on a lot less weed, making the ideal for your wallet and your lungs.

The Pros and Cons of Smoking from a Bowl

Now let’s talk about the pros and cons of smoking from a bowl.

The Pros:

• They’re small, making them easier to carry and conceal
• They’re much less expensive compared to bongs
• They’re convenient to pack and smoke out of
• They won’t get you too high

The Cons:

• They break easily since they’re typically made from glass
• They clog easily
• They’re a bit harsh on the throat and lungs since there’s no filter
• If you don’t pack them right, you’ll end up wasting weed

The Pros and Cons of Smoking from a Bong

These are the pros and cons of smoking fro m a bong:

The Pros:

• They allow you to conserve your weed
• They give a much more intense high
• They filter out carcinogens and particulates
• They offer the smoothest toke
• They’re easy to clean
• They can be upgraded by adding percolators and other pieces

The Cons:

• They’re expensive
• They’re not exactly portable
• They can break easily

Main Takeaway: Bong vs Joint vs Blunt vs Bowl Smoking

So which is best when it comes to joints vs blunts and bowls vs bongs? The truth is that it really comes down to your personal preference. Each method offers a unique way to enjoy your weed, and the best part is that you don’t have to choose just one way. You can smoke out of a bong, from a blunt, roll a joint or pack a bowl whenever the mood strikes! Come back and visit us for more cannabis tips and insights, and don’t forget to stop by our shop to check out our odor plant-powered eliminating products that are made without all the toxic junk.