How to Buy a Marijuana Pipe

There is no better time to treat yourself, or anyone on your holiday shopping list, to a little something that will help them get through the rest of 2020 and beyond. A marijuana pipe makes for a great stocking stuffer or “treat yourself” reward. Plus, sharing pipes doesn’t sound like the safest idea anymore.

Once you’ve decided to buy a pipe, you’ve got to figure out what kind you want to buy. There is a lot more to pipes than meets the eye. You want your piece to be high-quality, beautiful, and something that you’ll want on hand at the park or a party. You don’t want to spend hours, or even days, testing out bad pipes or sorting through the thousands of options out there. We’ve done all the hard work for you. Use this guide to navigate through the pipe-buying process and make the best decision for you and your smoking preferences.

What Makes a Pipe a Pipe?

Let’s get this question out of the way first. When you buy a pipe, what exactly are you buying?

A “pipe” is a general word for a type of piece that you use to smoke marijuana (or other substances, like tobacco.) Pipe is also an umbrella term, covering a few different types of instruments used for smoking:

-Hand pipes

-Water pipes

-One-hitters

Hookahs and vaporizers also fall under the category of “pipe,” but this guide will focus more specifically on the three types of pipes listed above.

Hand Pipes

Hand pipes, like bowls and the classic “Sherlock-style” pipe, may also be known as “dry pipes.” They’re easy to maneuver, even for beginners. Simply put your weed in the bowl area, light it up, and put your mouth to the mouthpiece.

The relatively simple construction of hand pipes gives glassbowlers and makers ample opportunities to get creative with materials and designs. (You may have made your own pipe using an apple, water bottle, or other household items.) As you might have learned from DIY experience, the material used in making hand pipes can make all the difference.

Water Pipes

Water pipes, like bongs and bubblers, use water as a filtration tool for smoking cannabis (or other substances.) These pipes may look more complicated, but they’re easy to use once you get the hang of them. Due to the need to hold water, water pipes are typically larger than dry pipes.

One-Hitters

One-hitters, also known as “chillums,” are the smallest pipes of all. They often resemble cigarettes, offering a discreet way to smoke weed anywhere. While hand pipes and water pipes are usually made from glass, one-hitters may be made from metal. These tiny pieces are unlikely to be the only pipe you have in your collection, but they’re always good to have on hand for microdosing or travel.

What To Look Out for When Buying a Pipe

Have a pipe in mind? Now you can narrow down your search and look at the details of each piece. Pipes aren’t just mass-produced products (although they can be, if you’re looking on certain websites.) Glassblowers and artists around the world put a lot of love and care into their pipes. Pay attention to the details to get a pipe that will last.

Materials

Pipes can be made with metal, rubber, or wood pieces, but most high-quality options will be made from glass. What’s more, the best pipes are made from a thick glass that measures 9mm or more. Look for an all-glass pipe that feels sturdy in your hand.

If you plan on transporting your pipe from place to place, consider buying a carrying case that will prevent it from shattering in your pocket.

Price

A cheap pipe may get you smoking faster, but don’t just look for the greatest deals. An intricate, sturdy pipe made by an individual glassblower is going to cost a pretty penny. That’s okay. When you consider the time, effort, and care that this individual put into their piece, their price might end up feeling like a steal. Don’t be surprised if you feel you need to save up for a custom statement pipe.

Size and Practicality

Pipes range in size, from 2.5 inches to a whopping 5 feet. Some are much easier to sneak into a music festival, while others are sturdy and hold enough weed for a whole party to share. Think about when and where you smoke most often. Do you need to hide it? Are you okay with cleaning a 5-foot bong? (Please, clean your bong regularly, no matter what size it is.) There are enough pipes on the market to fit all palms, pockets, and lifestyles. Don’t settle for something clunky or impractical just because it’s the first thing you see online.

Reviews or Recommendations

Buying online? Check out reviews from past users. Reviews are the best place to look for specific answers on using the pipe, cleaning issues, and other practical questions that you might have. A review may bring up problems with the product that you didn’t know could exist!

Where to Buy a Marijuana Pipe

There is a lot to consider when buying a marijuana pipe. You want to see how thick the glass looks and even talk to the artist that made the piece. So don’t trust Amazon or eBay to buy a pipe. Shop local. Pipes are more accessible than ever - you will be able to find a shop that sells pipes while running errands or even jamming out at a music festival.

If you’re out of luck and can’t find any pipe in-store, head into a local dispensary and get their tips. The budtenders and employees at head shops and dispensaries should know their way around a pipe. They’ll have favorites, local recommendations, and insider tips that can get you the best pipe for a good price.

The “right” pipe looks different for everyone. Consider how you smoke and the maintenance you want to put into your pipe before you buy. Proper research and consideration will pay off. Happy smoking!