Glass has been used for centuries in the creation of devices with which to smoke cannabis and the water-pipe has likewise been with us for much of recorded history. But even today, millions of people rely almost exclusively on glass bongs and pipes for their cannabis smoking activities, not realising for one moment how inefficient they can be.

The thing about glass bongs is that while they can certainly do a good job of cooling the smoke and serving up a smoother hit, they also take so much out of the bud and ensure it never gets anywhere near you. Generally speaking, the bigger the bong used, the more you are denied as the smoke makes its way from the bowl through the water and the pipework to your mouth. You may be able to get a much bigger and more satisfying hit from a large bong than a tiny pipe, but in terms of efficiency, it’s not good news.

Generally much smaller in nature, glass pipes can be considerably more efficient than bongs, though once again will always capture at least some of the good stuff on its way through. It’s always tempting to go for a larger, more elaborate and impressive looking pipe, but the further you are positioned from the cannabis itself, the less efficient each hit will be.