Smoking weed still holds the record as the most common method of consuming cannabis among enthusiasts. It’s the oldest method and it’s become a classic – almost synonymous with weed use. Sure, nowadays many people also vape weed as the smoke is less irritating, but there is a certain charm in smoking that makes it hard to give up completely.
Many weed users are therefore switching up the ways they inhale weed. In addition to joints and vaporizers, some enthusiasts use bongs and bubblers, and even dab rigs. There is also another classic (if not old-fashioned) way to smoke weed that is preferred by many, and that is by using a pipe – and not just any type of pipe, but a one-hitter pipe.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to one-hitters, giving you some tips on how to use one correctly and how to load it up.
What Are One-Hitter Pipes?
A one-hitter pipe, sometimes called a bat or chillum, is a small pipe that can hold a single hit of cannabis which is about 25 milligrams. It’s designed to be used for a single inhalation and refilled as needed. One-hitters are great for controlling the dosage you get, and also for those who prefer microdosing.
The shape of a one-hitter is like a tube, with the mouthpiece for inhalation on one end and the bowl for the weed on the other end of the pipe. They’re most commonly made from metal or glass, and they come in different styles. Some have a more elegant, blown glass pipe look, while others are designed to look like cigarettes for those who want to keep a low profile. Some even feature a loop, so you can attach them to a keychain.
One-hitters can be used as standalone gear, but some also come as a set with an additional accessory called a dugout. Dugouts are wooden boxes with a sliding lid. They have two chambers – the first is used to hold the one-hitter on one side, and the second is for storing ground cannabis for when you’re on the go.
One-hitter dugouts are heavier than single pieces, but the idea is to twist the bowl end into the weed to pack it up and stow it away more neatly. They’re smell-proof and help to contain the odor of weed. They also help keep the weed safe from moisture, ensuring that the cannabinoids CBD and THC remain intact.
How to Pack a One-Hitter With Cannabis
Using a one-hitter pipe is incredibly easy and convenient. All you need is high-quality weed, a one-hitter pipe, a lighter, a grinder, and a dugout (if you have one, but it’s not necessary).
Step 1 – Grind It
Grind the cannabis with your grinder, but if you don’t have one, you can also use scissors or even your hands. The main thing is making sure that the pieces are more or less even. This will allow for better airflow as all the small pieces will burn evenly and won’t clog the pipe. Next, put the ground cannabis in a bowl or on any kind of flat, sturdy surface, and prepare a plastic bag that you’ll need later for storage.
Step 2 – Pack It
If you’re using a dugout, all you have to do is fill up the chamber designated for weed until it’s almost full and press the bowl end of the pipe into it with a twisting motion. If you’re using a single piece one-hitter, slowly stamp the bowl end of the pipe into the ground cannabis, and make sure to twist while applying enough pressure to pack it more securely. Whatever method you’re using, keep pressing and twisting gently until you see the weed has filled up to the edge of the bowl of the pipe.
Step 3 – Light It
Place the mouthpiece of the one-hitter between your lips and light the other end while inhaling at the same time. As soon as you taste the smoke, turn off the lighter and keep inhaling. You will probably smoke the entire bowl in one large inhalation, but some people like to take smaller tokes and will pull 2-3 times to smoke the whole thing. Smaller tokes are a little gentler on the lugs, so if you’re more comfortable doing it that way, you surely can.
Step 4 – Clean It
When you’re done, always remove any remaining plant material and ashes. You can either tap on the side of the one-hitter, blow air through the mouthpiece end, or use a pipe cleaner if you have one. If you’re using a glass one-hitter, be extra careful and extra gentle so as not to break it. Cleaning the pipe after each use prevents clogging and an unpleasant or burnt taste during your next smoke sesh, especially if you’re microdosing throughout the day. If you’re using a dugout, put the pipe back in its chamber and seal the lid.
Tips for Using a One-Hitter Weed Pipe
Now that you know how to use a one-hitter pipe, here are some tips to help you get the best of your weed and your pipe. We also included some advice on how to keep the pipe in the best possible condition for a more enjoyable smoking experience.
Don’t Grind the Weed Too Fine
Using the right consistency of cannabis is crucial for getting a smooth hit. That said, you shouldn’t grind the weed too fine (like kief, for example), because if it’s too fine, it will turn into ash as soon as you light it up. Not only is this unpleasant and will make you cough, but you will also burn those cannabinoids very quickly and won’t even feel the effects. Also, when you grind your weed, make sure the pieces are fine enough to fit the pipe, but still large enough to stay there and not fall out the second you move the pipe.
Pack It Vertically
Forget about putting weed in your one-hitter pipe with your bare hands and squishing it in there; packing it vertically is the way to go. Keeping the pipe vertical and straight, and then gently twisting a couple of times while pressing down, allows the weed to align naturally in the bowl end of the pipe. Don’t pack it too tightly, though, as you will hinder proper airflow.
Keep It Clean
In addition to the regular cleaning you’ll need to do after each use, every couple of weeks or less (depending on your use), you should give it a deep clean to keep it fresh and prevent build-up of waste materials. The deep cleaning process is very easy and takes only about 15 minutes.
Basically, you’ll need to disinfect it by using rubbing alcohol. Just rinse the pipe under hot water and place it in a Ziploc bag. Pour some rubbing alcohol over it, just enough to cover the pipe, and add about a tablespoon of salt. Close the Ziploc bag and gently shake it for a couple of minutes (be careful if it’s a glass pipe), and leave it to sit there for about 10 minutes. Some gunk should come out, but not a lot.
Finally, rinse it thoroughly under hot water again and leave it out to dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before using it again. If the pipe seems really dirty, just leave it in the bag longer.
Why You Should Get a One-Hitter
One-hitters may not be the most commercial weed smoking accessory out there, but for many weed connoisseurs it’s a staple. Depending on your preferences, you may love it or be indifferent to it. However, these pipes have many benefits.
Easy to Use
One-hitters are super simple and easy to use, especially if you use it with a dugout for when you’re on the go. As it contains just enough weed for a single hit, it can keep your cannabis needs satisfied throughout the day.
Discreet
One-hitters are also very discreet. They’re small enough to fit in your pocket, and if you own one that looks like a cigarette, it’ll be even more discreet. Since you only get one puff, you’ll be done with it quickly and pack it back in your pocket before anyone even notices.
Less Wasteful
These pipes not only offer the opportunity of “portion control”, especially for microdosing, but also for users who want to keep track of their cannabis consumption. It’s less wasteful because you’re not at a risk of burning weed that you won’t consume if you change your mind, like is often the case with joints.
Not as Smelly
This perk may also fall under the “discretion” tag, because one-hitters really are less odorous than other methods of smoking. This is because they’re designed to fit just enough weed for a single inhalation, meaning that the combusted weed goes straight into your lungs instead of in the air around you. Therefore, there will still be some odor, but not as much as the traditional joint or bong.
Final Thoughts on Using One-Hitters
If you’re on board with the perks of using a one-hitter, then it’s the perfect choice for you. Packing it is very simple and easy, as is cleaning it. So, the only thing left to do is head out to a dispensary and buy some fresh buds to enjoy.
