Accessories
Vapes
Essentially, a vape device is a battery-powered accessory that heats a substance until it produces a vapour, which is then inhaled. (The vapour, also called an aerosol, is a suspension of fine particles, liquid or solid, in air. ) Unlike smoking, in which cannabis is burned, the product is heated, releasing its cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
Vapes can be handheld or pen-shaped and may be disposable or refilled using pre-filled cartridges of cannabis extracts. A vape is made up of four basic pieces: a mouthpiece, tank or reservoir (which holds the vaping product), heating element and battery.
Bongs
A water pipe typically used to smoke cannabis. The bowl is the part of the bong where cannabis buds are contained and heated. The smoke filters through water by traveling through the downstem, a cylinder glass piece with holes that connects the bowl to the bong. The smoke travels through the neck and up to the mouthpiece where users inhale.
Pipes
A small, handheld device used to smoke cannabis. Pipes are available in most dispensaries and in any smoke shop. Cannabis flower is packed into the bowl, which as the name suggests is the bowl-shaped area that holds the marijuana. When using a pipe to smoke cannabis, it is important to cover the carb, or hole found on the side of the bowl where the flower is packed.
Grinders
As you might have guessed, a grinder is the tool you use to break your cannabis up into small bits for smoother-hitting bowls or for wrapping in rolling papers and blunt wraps. There are a number of ways to grind cannabis if you don’t have a grinder, but grinders speed up the process and offer perks like kief catchers.
Infusers
Electronic devices that infuses flower into the fat of your choosing (i.e. plant oil, butter)
Cleaning & Storing Accessories
You can extend the shelf life of bongs and other cannabis accessories by using the proper cleaning tools and regular maintenance.
Cleaning cannabis accessories regularly is an easier job than scrubbing away built-up grime.
Basic items such as rubbing alcohol and rock salt can be used to clean a bong and cleaning kits with wipes and brushes are also available.
Never use a household cleaner—the chemicals can be harmful to your lungs.
As with any tool, proper cleaning and regular maintenance are key to keeping cannabis accessories in good working order—and protecting your health.
Why should it be cleaned?
The simplest reason is to protect your health: Bacteria and mould can grow inside the device, increasing your chances of developing a lung infection; and any residues coating the bong will affect the flavour of the cannabis. Just like your home, cleaning it regularly is an easier job than scrubbing away built-up grime.
