Bong

Etymology and History of Bongs

• The word ‘bong’ originates from the Thai word ‘baung’ (Thai: บ้อง, bɔ̂ŋ).
• Bongs have a historical background dating back to Scythian tribal chiefs using gold vessels for smoking cannabis and opium.
• The invention of the water pipe is attributed to Physician Hakim Abul Fath in India during Emperor Akbar’s reign, with evidence suggesting a Chinese origin during the late Ming dynasty.
• The water pipe gained popularity during the Qing dynasty, with variations designed for different social classes.

Use and Construction of Bongs

• Bongs act as filtration devices, providing a smoother smoking experience by trapping particles and water-soluble molecules.
• Most bongs are made of glass or plastic and consist of a bowl, stem, and water to produce smoke.
• Components of a bong include a bowl and stem apparatus, a carburetor hole for airflow control, and can be made from any air- and water-tight vessel.
• Metal bongs, made of materials like bronze, brass, or silver, often have decorative elements.

Health Effects and Benefits of Bongs

• Studies show that water filtration in bongs can reduce toxicants in cannabis smoke and filter out more psychoactive THC compared to other tars.
• Water-filtered smoke has been associated with a lower incidence of carcinoma among tobacco smokers.
• Specially designed water pipes with filters and gas-dispersion frits can enhance smoke filtration, making the smoke less harmful than unfiltered smoke.

Legal Issues Surrounding Bongs

• In the US, selling drug paraphernalia, including bongs, is illegal under the Federal Drug Paraphernalia Statute.
• Retailers in countries where marijuana is illegal label bongs for tobacco use to avoid legal issues.
• Some head shops refrain from using terms like ‘bong’ to comply with laws against drug paraphernalia.
• Brand name bong manufacturers like RooR take legal action against stores selling counterfeit products.
• The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the sale, transport, import, or export of drug paraphernalia, including bongs.

Related Concepts and Further Reading

• Drug paraphernalia, hookah, one-hitter, gravity bong, Thuoc lao, and vaporizers are related to bongs in the context of smoking devices.
• Operation Pipe Dreams was a high-profile case involving drug paraphernalia.
• Various sources, studies, and publications provide information on the history, legality, and effects of bongs, including risks associated with smoking out of plastic or dirty bongs.
• Further reading includes a Pediatrics study on water-pipe smoking among North American youths and external links to resources like Wikimedia Commons and Wiktionary.

Bong Data Sources