I've had quite a few customers reach out and ask for help picking a cannabis pipe, so I though I'd share some insight with those that are interested.

Pipes are great if you're a casual smoker or if you want to sesh without having to roll a whole joint or pack a blunt. It's a great alternative for the occasional user that is also convenient and fast.

Cannabis pipes are usually small handheld devices that feature some kind of bowl. They are available in all different shapes, sizes as well as material. When picking out your pipe, you'll want to consider the following: your budget, the style of pipe you want, and what material it's made out of.  

Budget

Your budget can be the leading factor in your choices so you want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. Don't just run for the cheapest piece you find. It may be tempting, but you'll spend more money in the long run, and you won't be as happy with your product. On the flip side, just because something is listed at a low price point doesn't mean it's of the lowest quality. There are tons of affordable and quality options out there, you just have to recognize what you're looking for. Look for sales or coupons when shopping on a budget.

Material

You'll find cannabis pipes made from metal, wood, ceramic or silicone, but the most common types of pipes you will see on the market are made of glass. Borosilicate glass is best because it's less fragile. It can withstand high heat, thermal shock, and won't burn your hands while in use. It's solid so it won't crack or break easily while being handled. It's the same kind of glass found in science labs, medical facilities, and the Pyrex brand you probably have in your kitchen. Keep in mind, not all pipes are created equal. Poorly manufactured glass will be sourced from cheaper materials and they'll skip crucial steps like annealing when blowing glass resulting in a thin and weak product. 

Style

Let's take a look at some of the different styles you can choose from. 

Chillums/One Hitters
For a long time, people have been smoking cannabis out of chillum pipes also known as bats or one hitters. They're slender pocket sized pipes designed to be portable that can be easily concealed in the palm of your hand and great for micro-dosing.

Dugouts
Dugouts are also great for micro-dosing like one hitters but they have conveniently designed compartments to hold everything in one place. They'll hold your one hitter, cleaning tool, and usually have a compartment for your cannabis as well. It's great for having everything ready and on-the-go.  

Spoon Pipes/Hammer Pipes/Sherlock Pipes
Spoon pipes are your classic handheld glass pipe. A lot of people start with a spoon pipe because it's convenient and affordable. Its mouthpiece is at the end of the stem that is connected to a bowl that also features a carb hole on the side. It's great for beginners with smaller hits as the bowl is usually more shallow than a hammer pipe. 

Hammer pipes have a longer stem and still feature a carb hole on the side of the bowl, but the bowl is larger than what you would find on a spoon pipe. Perfect for bigger sessions and a nice durable option, but not as discreet as a spoon pipe if that's what you're going for.

Sherlock pipes on the other hand, named after the greatest fictional detective of all time - Mr. Sherlock Holmes, are exactly how you've seen them on TV. They feature a long downward facing stem connected to a large bowl. The design of the sherlock pipe is meant to be below eye level and away from those pesky mustaches and beards that can get in the way. A lot of people will use them at parties or just home sesh's since they are so much larger and more cumbersome to carry and conceal compared to other pipes. 

Steamrollers
Steamrollers have a cylindrical design with the carb hole positioned at the end of the pipe as opposed to the side. These pipes are the one for you if you're looking for huge hits with little effort. They release a big hit after collecting all the smoke in the chamber. It's a big advantage as it will hold all the smoke in the chamber until you are ready to clear it. Recommended for seasoned smokers. 

Bubblers
All of the pipes we listed above are dry hand pipes. Bubblers are still hand pipes but they feature a water chamber with a percolator or diffuser that offers a filtration that dry pipes can't. They're kind of like mini bongs. They pack a big punch in a smooth hit.

Keep some of these tips in mind when choosing your pipe. Look for a high quality borosilicate glass and choose a pipe that's right for you. There's a pipe out there for everyone. I've linked the different kinds of pipes from the categories to our store for easy browsing. If you still need help, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to answer any questions you may have.