Unveiling the Truth: Does Bong Water Really Filter Out THC?

The world of cannabis consumption is filled with numerous myths and misconceptions, one of which is the notion that bong water filters out THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), resulting in a less potent high. In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect this theory, explore the science behind it, and ultimately reveal the truth. 

What is a Bong?

A bong, often referred to as a water pipe, is a popular smoking apparatus used for consuming cannabis. Characterised by its water filtration system, a bong provides a smoother, cooler, and generally more pleasant smoking experience compared to conventional methods like joints or pipes.

Understanding Bong Water

Bong water is the liquid found in the chamber of a bong, often described as having a strong and somewhat unpleasant smell. Its primary function is to cool down and filter the smoke produced by the heated cannabis. As the smoke passes through the water, it is cooled down and stripped of certain compounds, resulting in a smoother, less harsh hit for the user.

The Function of Bong Water

The water in a bong has two main functions:

  1. Temperature Reduction: As the heated cannabis smoke travels through the cold water, its temperature is significantly lowered. This cooled smoke is less harsh on the throat and easier to inhale.
  2. Filtration: The water also acts as a filter, trapping both soluble and insoluble compounds. This process removes unwanted toxins and larger particles like ash and plant matter from the smoke, resulting in a cleaner hit.

Does Bong Water Filter THC?

The question is, while bong water evidently filters certain compounds from the smoke, does it also filter out the THC, the psychoactive component responsible for the 'high' effect of cannabis? The answer is a little complex. Technically speaking, water does trap a very small amount of insoluble THC. However, this minuscule amount is unlikely to impact the overall potency of the hit. Moreover, when compared to other methods of cannabis consumption, such as joints where much more THC is lost due to burning, using a bong is significantly more efficient.

How Bong Water Filters Toxins

Bong water has the potential to remove some toxins from the smoke, although not in substantial amounts. It's important to note that while bong water does provide a degree of filtration, it is not a 'healthy' alternative to other methods of consuming cannabis. If health is a concern, it would be advisable to explore other methods of cannabis consumption, such as vaporisers or edibles.

The Impact on Terpenes

Terpenes are compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its distinctive flavour and aroma. Bong water has the potential to filter out terpenes, but the amount is negligible when compared to the filtration of toxins and particles.

Calculating THC Loss in Bong Water

To calculate how much THC is lost when smoking a bong, several variables need to be considered. These include the THC content of the weed, the amount of weed used, the volume of water in the bong, and the temperature inside the bong.

For instance, if your weed contains 10% THC and you're using 1 gram, that's 100mg of THC. If the chamber of your bong contains 500ml of water, given that THC has a maximum water solubility of around 2.8mg per litre of water at a temperature of 23°C, your bong water would trap 1.4mg of THC. This means you would be inhaling 98.6mg of THC.

However, this calculation does not take into account the fact that THC, like many compounds, becomes less soluble as temperature increases. This means that at the high temperature of a bong hit (around 100°C), less THC will be trapped in the water.

The Bottom Line

Contrary to the popular belief, bong water does not significantly filter out THC. Even if a tiny amount of THC is trapped in the water, the overall impact on the potency of the hit is negligible. Bong water does, however, offer numerous benefits such as cooling the smoke and filtering out unwanted toxins and particles.

In conclusion, the notion that bong water significantly reduces THC is largely unfounded. As long as you keep your bong clean and change the water regularly, your cannabis smoking experience should not be compromised.

So, next time you pick up your bong, you can do so with the confidence that you're not losing out on the potency of your cannabis. Happy smoking!