1. HARSHER SMOKE
Pipes are known for their stronger smoke compared to other smoking methods like bongs and vapes. This is because the hot flame directly contacts the cannabis. Pipes usually have a small bowl where the cannabis is placed. When it's lit, the flame directly touches the herb, causing it to burn at a high temperature. This high heat can cause the combustion of certain compounds in the cannabis, producing unpleasant smoke that can irritate the throat and lungs.
Pipes also produce unpleasant smoke because they lack effective filtration and cooling systems. Unlike bongs or vapes, many pipes do not use water or filters to eliminate impurities and cool the smoke. Consequently, the smoke from burning cannabis enters your lungs along with irritating particles. Additionally, the shorter stem of pipes allows less time for the smoke to cool, resulting in a hotter and harsher sensation on your throat.
2. LIMITED COOLING & FILTRATION
Pipes, unlike bongs or vapes, do not have a filtration system. This means that the smoke produced by pipes can be unpleasant. Filtration systems play a crucial role in removing impurities, toxins, and unwanted particles from the smoke before it is inhaled. They also enhance the taste and aroma of the cannabis, resulting in a more enjoyable smoking experience. Without proper filtration, the smoke from a pipe may contain tasteless or harmful substances, making it less appealing to those who prefer a clean, smooth, and flavourful smoke.
Pipes also lack cooling mechanisms to lower the smoke temperature. They have small bowls where the cannabis is placed, coming into direct contact with the flame, causing it to burn at higher temperatures. This high heat leads to the combustion of specific compounds, resulting in harsh smoke. Unlike bongs, pipes do not utilise water for smoke cooling, allowing the smoke to go straight from the heat source to your lungs which can cause irritation.
3. STRONG SMELL & RESIDUE BUILD-UP
Pipes emit powerful cannabis odours due to their lack of filtration systems and direct flame exposure. This means that without a filtration system, the intense smells cannot be filtered out during combustion. To eliminate the impurities that cause these strong aromas, a filtration system is necessary.
Additionally, the flame directly contacts the cannabis, amplifying the smell. When the flame heats the cannabis, it ignites and releases the distinct aroma compounds and terpenes. No barriers exist, allowing for direct combustion and the maximum release of odour-causing compounds. While some may enjoy the distinct aroma of cannabis, other may find it overwhelming especially when surrounded by others or in places where discretion is paramount.
4. LIMITED CANNABIS CAPACITY
Pipes have a restricted capacity to hold ground cannabis, which can cause inconvenience for users. The smaller capacity means you can only pack a smaller amount of cannabis into the pipe at once. This can be frustrating if you prefer smoking larger quantities or if you plan to share with friends. Additionally, having a smaller bowl means you'll need to repack more frequently, which can disrupt the flow of your smoke, particularly during longer sessions.
A smaller bowl also has an impact on the smoke's intensity and flavour. With less cannabis in the bowl, the smoke may lack potency and flavour compared to a larger bowl. The temperature of the smoke is also affected by a small bowl. When there's less cannabis, the flame's heat directly affects a smaller surface area, resulting in a hotter and harsher smoke.
5. CANNABIS WASTAGE
Pipes have limited capacity and can lead to cannabis wastage. Their small bowls can only accommodate a small amount of cannabis, necessitating frequent refills during a smoking session. This interruption not only disrupts the smoking experience but also results in unburned cannabis when the bowl is emptied for refilling.
Using a pipe to consume cannabis can also lead to wastage due to direct contact with the flame. This contact causes uneven burning, resulting in the loss of cannabinoids and other valuable compounds found in the cannabis material. Uneven burning creates hot spots, where the cannabis burns too fast, and cold spots, where it doesn't burn properly.
6. HOT TO TOUCH
Pipes are commonly made from materials like metal and inexpensive glass, which have poor heat conductivity. When cannabis is lit and smoked in a pipe, the heat from the combustion process is transferred to the pipe. Without proper insulation or cooling mechanisms, the pipe quickly becomes hot to the touch. As a result, the heat is directly transferred to the exterior of the pipe, which comes into contact with your hand.
Excessive heat from pipes can also result in burns or injuries to the user's hands and lips, causing discomfort while handling and smoking. Additionally, the increased risk of dropping or mishandling the pipe can result in accidental breakage or damage. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and be mindful of potential heat build-up when using pipes for smoking cannabis.
7. LEARNING CURVE
Beginners may find it difficult to use a pipe for smoking cannabis. It requires practice and time to develop the necessary skills for a consistent and enjoyable experience. The quality of the session is influenced by factors like packing technique, lighting method, and inhalation. Novice users should be prepared to put in some effort to master their technique and understand the intricacies of pipe smoking.
When starting out, the strong smoke can also be too much to handle. The lack of filtration means that you might inhale a lot of smoke at once, causing coughing and discomfort, especially for non-smokers. Beginners might also find it challenging to evenly heat the cannabis, leading to uneven burning and waste. Additionally, controlling the dosage can be tough due to the limited space in the pipe's bowl.
8. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Pipes gather resin, commonly referred to as tar or gunk, over time due to frequent usage. This sticky resin buildup poses a challenge when it comes to cleaning. It can lead to clogged pipes, hinder the airflow, and make it harder to take smooth hits. Moreover, this accumulation can also impact the overall taste of subsequent hits, making the entire experience less enjoyable.
The designs of pipes can also be quite intricate, with curves and narrow passages that pose a cleaning challenge. Resin accumulation in hard-to-reach spots demands additional time and effort to achieve thorough cleanliness. To effectively clean these challenging areas, it is necessary to equip yourself with various tools like pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, and small brushes.
Pipes made from delicate materials like glass require careful handling to prevent breakage. This further extends the already meticulous process of removing all the resin and residue, demanding patience and attention to detail. For those seeking a simpler and hassle-free smoking approach, this time-consuming commitment may seem burdensome.
CONCLUSION: ARE SMOKING PIPES WORTH IT?
Pipes have stood the test of time as a favoured method for indulging in cannabis and tobacco. Their popularity remains unwavering, and for good reason. But let's not forget, pipes do have their fair share of limitations when stacked up against bongs. These eight drawbacks we've explored should be taken into account before investing in a pipe. Plus, it's always important to consider your own unique smoking preferences.
