Hookah It Up: Can You Smoke Weed Out of a Hookah?

In many parts of the world, hookah smoke has been part of social gatherings for centuries. Originating in 16th century India, this communal ritual has gracefully endured many many years, offering a unique way to enjoy the flavors of various kinds of tobacco (and other substances).

With hookahs and their characteristic ambiance of shared enjoyment, it’s only natural that some wonder about the possibility of combining this age-old tradition with another cherished substance: cannabis.

So, can you smoke weed out of a hookah?

What is a Hookah?

A hookah, also known as a water pipe, is a smoking tool that is both beautiful and practical. The pipe is often used for smoking tobacco, filtering the smoke through water before it's inhaled. Hookahs are commonly used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures and can be found in many parts of the world.

Hookahs consist of several components:

• Bowl: This is where the tobacco or herbal mixture is placed.
• Stem: The stem is the central pillar of the hookah, connecting the bowl to the base. It often boasts intricate designs and is the duct through which the smoke travels.
• Base: The base is a water-filled container that cools and filters the smoke as it passes through – an integral part of the hookah’s intended function.
• Hose: The hose is the channel through which the smoker inhales the smoke. It’s an elongated, flexible tube that allows for easy sharing among friends.
• Tongs: Tongs are used to handle the hot charcoal that heats the tobacco or herbal mixture within the bowl.
• Charcoal Tray: This flat surface holds the hot charcoal and prevents ash from falling into the base.

The roots of the hookah can be traced back to medieval India, where it first emerged as a cultural treasure before spreading throughout Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and North Africa during the 16th and 17th centuries.¹ Since then, its popularity has spread from India to all over the world.

Although both use water to filter and cool the smoke before it's inhaled, hookahs and bongs aren’t quite the same. Each has a very distinctive design and its own particular cultural significance. A big part of the hookah experience typically involves using it in groups, with communal sharing and conversation, while a bong is often (but not always) a more solitary experience.

Of course, they look fairly different, as well. Bongs do not have hoses for inhalation, nor is charcoal used to burn the substance being smoked.

Can You Smoke Weed Out of a Hookah?

So, can you smoke weed out of a hookah? Of course, it’s designed for smoking shisha, but there’s no reason you can’t use cannabis instead, right? The ultimate verdict: yes, but there are some important things to take into account. The process involves replacing the traditional tobacco or herbal mixture with finely ground cannabis, and this can present a few unique challenges. 

If you've ever used a hookah before, you’ll notice that the shisha that is typically used isn’t quite like the tobacco in a cigarette or a pipe. Instead of dry leaves, shisha is a syrupy mix containing molasses, vegetable glycerol, various flavors, and tobacco. The result, as you can expect, is a bit of a wet substance.

As strange as this initially may seem, it’s necessary for the rich, smooth smoke that a hookah is famous for producing. Lit charcoal is typically the source of heat when using a hookah. The grill masters reading this already know: Lit charcoal can get super hot.

So, the biggest potential pitfall of smoking cannabis using a hookah is really harsh, hot smoke on the inhale, as the charcoal can produce way more heat than is necessary to combust the cannabis.

Beyond that, cannabis is notorious for leaving quite the mess in whatever device you decide to use. If your hookah is not exclusively going to be used for smoking weed, but ordinary shisha as well, the previous cannabis smoking could affect your normal hookah experience.

That, or you’d need to clean the device fairly often, which, obviously, can be a pain.

But at the end of the day, the answer is: Yes, you can smoke weed out of a hookah.

What Are the Benefits to Smoking Weed from a Hookah?

Smoking weed from a hookah has unique benefits that both beginners and experts can enjoy.

1. Social Bonding

One of the most enchanting aspects of the hookah tradition is its ability to create a shared space for friends and acquaintances to connect. Smoking cannabis from a hookah can bring people together to share in a communal experience of conversation and friendship. The hookah, in this sense, becomes a catalyst for forging connections and deepening relationships.

2. Amplified Smoke Volume

A hookah’s design inherently facilitates the generation of a higher volume of smoke compared to other methods of cannabis consumption.² This plume of fragrant smoke adds a sensory dimension to the experience, enhancing the enjoyment and engagement of all participants.

3. Enhanced Flavors

One of the hallmarks of hookah culture is the exquisite array of flavors available. An already flavored shisha infused with cannabis can open up a world of possibilities if you were to try it out. So, when you smoke cannabis with a hookah, you get a new and exciting sensory experience.

4. Experimentation and Customization

The hookah’s versatile nature allows for experimentation and customization. Cannabis enthusiasts can easily create their own unique blends by mixing different strains or adding other herbs.

What Are the Cons of Using a Hookah for Weed?

Alright, so far, so good. But what’s the catch? If smoking cannabis out of a hookah is so great, why isn’t everyone doing it? Of course, like most things in life, there are some drawbacks.

Hygiene and Maintenance

The intricate design of a hookah demands meticulous cleaning to maintain proper functioning and a smooth experience. Residue from cannabis can be sticky and challenging to remove, requiring extra care to prevent build-up that may affect the taste and quality of future sessions.

Combustion and Flavor

While the fusion of cannabis with the hookah’s flavors can be enticing, the process of combustion can alter the taste and aroma of both the cannabis and the shisha. Some consumers might find the combo a bit odd and not to their liking. Not only that, this combo also introduces the potential risks associated with tobacco consumption.

Respiratory Effects

Inhaling smoke, whether from cannabis or tobacco, carries inherent risks to lung health. Possible side effects include coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation.

Irritation and Allergies

The various components of hookah shisha might trigger allergies or cause irritation in individuals with sensitive respiratory systems.

Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), should be cautious when using a hookah for cannabis consumption, as the combustion process can exacerbate these conditions.

How to Smoke Weed Out of a Hookah

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to smoke weed out of a hookah:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Step 2: Set Up Your Hookah

Step 3: Prepare the Bowl

Step 4: Ignite the Charcoal

Step 5: Begin Smoking

Some tips to keep in mind:

1. Temperature Management: To prevent excessive burning, manage the heat source carefully. Adjust the charcoal’s position or use fewer pieces if the cannabis burns too quickly.
2. Packing the Bowl: Avoid overpacking the bowl, as this can restrict airflow and hinder the combustion process. Aim for a consistent, even layer of ground cannabis.
3. Airflow Control: Inhale gently and consistently to maintain steady airflow. Too forceful of an inhale can disrupt the burning and airflow dynamics.
4. Screen or Foil: Using a screen with small holes or foil with punctures helps regulate the airflow and prevent the cannabis from falling into the bowl.
5. Sharing and Rotation: When smoking with friends, pass the hose clockwise.
6. Cleaning: After each session, clean the hookah thoroughly to prevent residue buildup, which can affect future sessions.

Hookah and Weed FAQ

Is hookah the same as shisha?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same. Hookah refers to the device itself. Shisha, on the other hand, refers to the flavored tobacco or herbal mixture that’s placed in the hookah’s bowl for smoking. However, in some contexts, “shisha” is also used colloquially to refer to the entire hookah experience.

What makes hookah different from vaping?

Hookah and vaping are distinct methods of consumption. The heat from charcoal or heating stones is used to combust a mixture of tobacco, herbal blend, or cannabis in hookah, resulting in smoke that is inhaled. Vaping, on the other hand, entails heating a liquid or concentrate (e-liquid, cannabis oil) to produce vapor, which is then inhaled. Vaping typically uses electronic devices and doesn’t involve combustion.

How is a hookah different from a dab rig?

Dab rigs are devices designed specifically for vaporizing cannabis concentrates, such as wax or shatter. They involve heating a “nail” or surface and placing a small amount of concentrate onto it, producing potent vapor. Hookah, while providing a pretty smooth experience, still involves combustion, resulting in a smoke rather than a vapor.

Can I use a hookah for weed everyday?

Sure, it’s possible to use a hookah to smoke weed on a daily basis. However, whether this is entirely practical is another matter. Hookah relies on a piece of charcoal to heat the shisha or cannabis within the bowl to produce smoke that is inhaled. Getting everything set up and getting the charcoal hot enough can be time consuming for an everyday occurrence.

How often should I clean my hookah?

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience. It’s recommended to clean your hookah after every use. Thoroughly rinse and scrub the components, removing any residue or buildup. Regular cleaning prevents flavors from mingling, maintains optimal airflow, and extends the longevity of your hookah.

References

1.  Patel MP, Khangoora VS, Marik PE. A Review of the Pulmonary and Health Impacts of Hookah Use. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2019;16(10):1215-1219. doi:https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201902-129CME
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2.  Biehl JR, Burnham EL. Cannabis Smoking in 2015: A Concern for Lung Health? CHEST. 2015;148(3):596-606. doi:https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.15-0447
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.