Clean or Cough

Let's talk about something that hasn’t received enough attention with the legalization of cannabis—cleanliness. While most of the conversation revolves around safe consumption and dosage, few people are addressing the importance of keeping smoke devices clean. Not maintaining bongs, pipes, and other smoking gear properly can have serious health implications, much like failing to clean an inhaler or a toothbrush. If you don’t clean your devices regularly, you may find yourself coughing up more than just pot.

The Health Risks of Using Dirty Smoking Devices

Over time, resin, stagnant water, and debris accumulate in bongs and pipes, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to thrive. Each time you take a hit, you're inhaling more than just smoke—you could be breathing in harmful pathogens. This increases the risk of respiratory infections, chronic lung irritation, and other health issues. A 2018 study on cannabis users found that mold and bacteria are commonly found in smoking devices used for cannabis consumption, particularly when they aren't cleaned regularly .

Health experts also warn about the dangers of sharing dirty devices. Much like sharing a drinking glass, using a communal bong or pipe without proper cleaning between uses can spread bacteria and viruses like colds, the flu, and even more serious respiratory infections . Even if no one is visibly sick, saliva and germs can linger on the surfaces of the smoking device, making every puff a health hazard.

Health Risks of Not Cleaning Your Bong or Pipe

Here are some of the health risks associated with using unclean smoking equipment:

1. Chronic Cough and Throat Irritation
   Inhaling mold spores or bacteria can lead to persistent coughing and throat irritation. According to the American Lung Association, inhaling dirty smoke can damage lung tissue over time .

2. Respiratory Infections
   Mold and bacteria in smoking devices can increase the likelihood of respiratory infections. A 2016 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that exposure to mold from cannabis products can lead to serious lung infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems .

3. Lung Irritation and Allergic Reactions
   Inhaling from a dirty bong could result in lung irritation, asthma flare-ups, or allergic reactions due to mold exposure. This is especially problematic for people with existing respiratory conditions .

4. Cross-Contamination and Spread of Illnesses
   Sharing a bong or pipe without cleaning it in between users increases the risk of transmitting infections such as the flu or cold viruses .

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your smoking devices regularly is not just about improving the quality of your experience—it’s essential for protecting your health. Think of your bong or pipe like an inhaler or toothbrush—if you wouldn’t let those go unwashed for weeks on end, why would you let your smoke equipment sit in filth?

One of the most effective ways to keep your bong or pipe clean is by using 99% isopropyl alcohol. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Disassemble the Piece
   Remove all parts, including the bowl, downstem, and any other detachable pieces.

2. Rinse with Hot Water
   Rinse the entire device with hot water to loosen any built-up resin and grime.

3. Soak in Alcohol
   Pour 99% isopropyl alcohol into your bong or pipe, making sure it fully submerges the parts. You can also place smaller pieces in a Ziploc bag with alcohol.

4. Add Coarse Salt (Optional)
   Add coarse salt to the alcohol to act as an abrasive. This helps to scrub off stubborn resin and residue.

5. Shake It Up
   Seal all openings of the bong or pipe and shake it thoroughly to scrub off any residue. For smaller pieces in the Ziploc bag, gently shake the bag to allow the salt and alcohol to clean off tough spots.

6. Soak for 30 Minutes
   Let the bong or pipe sit in the alcohol solution for about 30 minutes to ensure it breaks down the resin and kills any bacteria or mold.

7. Rinse Again with Hot Water
   After soaking, rinse all parts thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining alcohol, salt, or residue.

8. Air Dry
   Let your bong and other parts air dry completely before use.

The Bottom Line

We don’t talk enough about the importance of cleanliness when it comes to smoking devices. With the growing legalization of cannabis, it’s essential to recognize that smoking from a bong or pipe isn’t just a casual activity—it's also a health risk if these devices aren’t cleaned regularly. Without proper maintenance, you could be inhaling bacteria, mold, and other harmful substances that lead to chronic coughs, respiratory infections, and lung damage.

So, the next time you reach for your bong, make sure it’s been cleaned properly. Not only will it enhance your smoking experience, but it will also protect your health in the long run. And remember, sharing may seem fun, but sharing unclean materials isn't worth the health risks. Keep your smoke gear clean, and you’ll find yourself coughing less and enjoying more.

Sources:

1. American Lung Association: Understanding the Risks of Smoking and Lung Health.
2. Journal of the American Medical Association: "Lung Infections from Cannabis and Mold Exposure" (2016).
3. Healthline: "The Importance of Cleaning Your Smoking Gear" (2018).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guidelines for Respiratory Health.
5. Journal of Cannabis Research: "Mold and Bacterial Contamination in Smoking Devices: A Health Hazard" (2018).