Understanding Bong Smoking Habits:
A Statistical Analysis

Research Summary

Bongs and water pipes are commonly used for smoking various substances, such as cannabis and tobacco. They are available in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials and can be acquired from retail outlets, including headshops, dispensaries, and online stores. The modern water pipe typically comprises a bowl for tobacco placement, a body, a water chamber, and a hose with a mouthpiece.

With the increasing legalization of cannabis in the United States and globally, the market for bongs and water pipes is anticipated to grow continuously. This research, conducted by Olofly, will delve into pertinent statistics and metrics concerning the use of bongs in the United States, encompassing demographics, usage trends, and market developments. Whether you’re an experienced smoker or simply curious about this widely-used smoking accessory, this article aims to shed light on the world of bongs and water pipes.

General Statistics About Bongs Usage

• The typical lifespan of a bong is approximately two years before it becomes damaged or necessitates a replacement. 
• Regarding bong purchases, the West Coast of the United States boasts the highest sales rate, with California alone contributing to 37% of all bong sales nationwide.

Trends

• In the United States, there are more than 21,000 smoke shops that specialize in the sale of cannabis-related accessories.
• Among these, glass bongs stands out as the preferred material, with approximately 68% of respondents favoring it. Following glass, ceramic bongs accounted for 11% of preferences, silicone bongs for 9%, and acrylic for 5% as the most commonly chosen materials.

Bongs’ Market Growth Factors

The rise in water pipe tobacco smoking can be attributed to the promotion of flavored tobacco, the influence of social media fostering water pipe smoking, and misconceptions about the addictive nature and possible negative health consequences of this type of tobacco consumption.

As cannabis becomes more and more legalized, smoking is becoming more mainstream and socially acceptable. In the upcoming years, this is anticipated to fuel demand for smoking accessories, especially bongs.

Market Revenue Statistics

• The global smoking accessories market is valued at $66.98 Billion in 2022. The market is further anticipated to expand and reach $99.15 Billion by the end of 2032.

Demographics of Bong Smokers

• Approximately 15.5% of adults in the United States partake in cannabis consumption, with 22.4% of individuals aged 18 to 25 revealing that they have employed a water pipe within the past year. 
• The utilization of bongs is particularly prevalent among young adults in the 18-25 age group, and it’s noteworthy that men exhibit a higher propensity for bong usage than women.

Frequency and Duration of Bong Smoking

• Approximately a quarter of water pipe users indicated they employed their bong or water pipe weekly, while 16% disclosed using it daily.

Patterns of Bong Smoking Among Youth

• Water pipe usage is more widespread among young people and adolescents in the United States than adults. 
• The younger demographic is particularly inclined to use bongs, water pipes, and other smoking paraphernalia to enhance their social image during gatherings. Additionally, peer pressure often plays a significant role in influencing young individuals to smoke. Some see smoking as a symbol of independence, contributing to its prevalence at social gatherings like cafes and restaurants.
• Statistics show that 24.1% of male college students reported using a water pipe within the past 30 days, while the figure for female college students was slightly lower at 18.6%.

• Most young users of water pipes do so sporadically. Data from the PATH wave 1 study indicated that less than 1% (specifically 0.1%) of youths aged 12 to 17 use water pipes daily.

Patterns of Bong Smoking Among Adults

• Around 22.4% of individuals between 18 and 25 indicated that they had employed a water pipe within the previous year.

International Use of Bongs

• The surge in popularity of water-based smoking devices like bongs and hookahs is fueling the expansion of the smoking pipe industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Anticipated factors contributing to the increased demand for smoking pipes in this area in the coming years include a growing number of smokers, urbanization, improving living standards, and rising disposable income levels.
• The global trend of increased water pipe usage among younger populations is noteworthy. Data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, encompassing 13-to 15-year-olds across seven Middle Eastern countries, revealed that water pipe smoking rates ranged from 9% to 15%. These rates surpassed cigarette smoking rates in nearly all the countries surveyed.

Reasons Why People Prefer Bongs 

The primary factors frequently cited for favoring bongs include ease of use, affordability, cooling effect, smoother inhalation, and a quicker onset of the desired high.

Cooling Effect

One of the main factors contributing to the milder inhaling experience offered by bongs is the cooling impact of water filtration. When cannabis is combusted, its smoke can be hot and harsh on the throat and lungs. Nevertheless, as the smoke passes through the water within the bong, it undergoes a considerable cooling process, rendering it considerably more pleasant to breathe in. 

Filtration for Cleaner Hits

Another advantage of using water filtration in bongs lies in its capacity to eliminate impurities and tiny particles from the smoke. The water serves as a natural filter, capturing ash and unwanted elements before the smoke makes its way to the user’s mouth. Consequently, this leads to a cleaner and gentler inhalation experience, decreasing the chances of coughing or throat irritation.

Reduced Harshness

The synergy between water filtration and cooling reduces the smoke’s harshness, ultimately enhancing the overall smoking experience. This enables smokers to inhale more deeply without the typical discomfort caused by hot smoke, allowing them to savor the flavors and effects of their selected strain fully.

Efficient Delivery of Smoke

Bongs also offer an effective means of delivering smoke to the user. When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the smoke is pulled through the water and up the bong’s chamber, maximizing the use of the substance. This precise delivery method guarantees that no smoke goes to waste in between puffs, enhancing the overall efficiency of the smoking experience.

Versatility and Aesthetics

In addition to their practical benefits, bongs also provide versatility and visual appeal. They are available in various sizes, forms, and styles, tailored to personal tastes. Certain bongs are outfitted with extra elements like percolators or diffusers, elevating the smoking encounter.

History

The origin of the bong can be traced back to Africa. While the exact timeline of cannabis introduction to Africa remains uncertain, archaeological evidence suggests that Africans had been using cannabis for smoking purposes well before tobacco. The earliest African smoking devices were ingeniously integrated into the ground. A buried container, often a bottle, was employed, with lit embers and hemp positioned on top of the embers. An underground conduit connected the chamber to a mouthpiece a short distance away.

Health and Safety Concerns

• Using bongs is linked to a higher likelihood of developing a cannabis dependence.
• Regularly cleaning bongs helps eliminate yeast, fungi, bacteria, and pathogens, which can lead to various symptoms ranging from allergies to lung infections.
• Emerging evidence suggests that smoking tobacco through a water pipe has short-term effects on heart rate, blood pressure regulation, baroreflex sensitivity, tissue oxygenation, and vascular function.
• Long-term use of water pipes is connected to an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
• Many harmful or potentially harmful substances found in cigarette smoke are also present in water pipe smoke, often at levels exceeding those in cigarette smoke.
• Individuals who smoke tobacco through water pipes are likelier to start smoking cigarettes than those who have never smoked.

Costs Comparison

• Bongs are available at a price range spanning from $20 to $50, while those crafted from premium materials such as ceramic or silicone can go for prices exceeding $1,000.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bongs and water pipes have evolved, offering diverse shapes, sizes, and materials to cater to users’ preferences. As the legalization of cannabis continues to grow in the United States and worldwide, the market for bongs and water pipes is expected to see sustained expansion.

Bongs and water pipes play a significant role in the evolving landscape of smoking habits. As attitudes and regulations around cannabis and tobacco continue to change, understanding these habits and their potential health implications becomes increasingly essential.

References

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