Smoking Weed In A Shisha: What You Need To Know

Although there are certain considerations, it can definitely be done, and will at the very least make your smoking sessions more interesting.

Now, the question is, how do you go about smoking cannabis through a shisha? We’ll go through every question you may have in this short article.

Can you use cannabis in a shisha?

Before we dive in, let’s first take a brief look at how a shisha works. It’s a water pipe very similar to a bong, with the main difference being that a shisha uses charcoal as its heating mechanism. But just like a bong, it offers a smoother smoking experience, thanks to the water that essentially filters it.

But as mentioned, you’ll have to consider certain factors before using one to smoke weed. For one, you have to ensure that the coals are properly and consistently lit. To do this, you have to maintain the ideal temperature, which can involve a bit of work.

Another thing to consider is how you actually smoke the cannabis. The bud must be gently packed into the bowl and secured underneath a piece of tin foil below the coals, to ensure it doesn’t come into direct contact with the heat source.

But if you do everything correctly, you’ll get to experience a flavourful smoke that you won’t experience with a traditional pipe, joint, or bong for that matter. And because certain devices are able to attach more than one hose, you can smoke simultaneously with the people around you. That, too, isn’t something you get to experience during regular smoking sessions.

Now, some downsides should also be considered. For one, if you choose to mix your bud with a traditional shisha blend, there will be tobacco present, as it is the base ingredient of the mix. Shisha mixes tend to include tobacco, honey or molasses, glycerine, and flavourings. These days, there are tobacco-free shisha blend options as well.

Another drawback is that, unlike cannabis bongs, pipes, and joints, shishas are bulky and less portable. Bringing them around and setting them up requires a bit of a ritual, which takes away the convenience of the experience.

Can you use hash or concentrates in a shisha?

Yes, indeed. In fact, hash is the recommended option if you’re using a shisha to consume cannabis. It’s a popular practice in the Middle East, and hash burns much slower compared to buds. It also offers a more potent high.

Likewise, modern concentrates could work well in a shisha. For this, however, you have to consider that concentrates can get very sticky and potentially jam up the device. Using small amounts mixed in with your herb is recommended.

How to smoke weed from a shisha

Smoking weed from a shisha entails a simple five-step process.

Step 1: Clean your shisha of any dust particles. This is a requirement even if your device is brand new.

Step 2: Fill the reservoir up to about one-third of the way with clean water. Do not overfill, as it can make taking puffs more difficult. After you’ve done so, insert the hoses and make sure they are snug to avoid any leaks.

Step 3: Fill the bowl about one-quarter full with a shisha mix of your preferred flavour, then add in the ground cannabis. Make sure the bud has been ground to a fine consistency to make for easier hits. Then, add in another layer of shisha tobacco on top. Finally, give everything a mix to incorporate it. Also, do not overfill or push down too hard, as it can obstruct the airflow. Filling half the bowl should do. You can top it up with more shisha mix, as desired.

Note: For those who want to avoid tobacco completely, you can smoke the cannabis by itself. However, note that the burn rate and subsequent smoking experience might be faster and less desirable when using ground bud. Also, you will miss out on the flavour of the shisha blend.

Step 4: Cover the bowl with tin foil and poke tiny holes into it. Next, place the coals on top of the foil.

Step 5: Light up the coals. You can use either a blowtorch or an electric charcoal heater for this. It should take less than five minutes for them to heat up and for your shisha to be ready for use. If the bowl gets too hot and you notice a burnt taste, carefully remove some of the coals.

Enjoy an entirely new smoking experience

If you haven’t tried smoking cannabis using a shisha, now’s the time to do so. At the very least, it'll open you up to an entirely new experience that you can share with friends.

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

With an AB Mass Media and Communications degree, Miguel Ordoñez is a veteran writer of 13 years and counting and has been covering cannabis-related content since 2017. Continuous, meticulous research along with personal experience has helped him build a deep well of knowledge on the subject.

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