Can You Smoke Weed out of a Tobacco Pipe?

You’ve just come from work, and all you can think of is unwinding with the green goddess. 

 For whatever reason though, you don’t have your trusty glass pipe or rolling papers at the ready. But you do have a tobacco pipe. The thought crosses your mind: can you smoke weed out of a tobacco pipe?  Although it’s possible, you may not want to because of the differences between the two.

 Photo: Unsplash

Tobacco pipe vs. weed pipe

Let’s compare tobacco pipes vs. weed pipes.

Presence of screen 

Both weed pipes and tobacco pipes have built-in screens or filters to prevent ash and small pieces from being inhaled. However, some tobacco pipes may not have inbuilt screens due to design. 

Materials used 

Each type of pipe is made from distinct materials. For instance, tobacco pipes are made from briar wood, meerschaum, pear wood, rosewood, or clay. They can also be made from less common oak, soapstone, and more.

Conversely, weed pipes are made of heat-resistant ceramic, glass, silicone, and metal. This allows the weed pipe to withstand repeated use and heat exposure without breaking or shattering.

Why don’t people use tobacco pipes to smoke weed?

Although it might be possible to smoke cannabis from a tobacco pipe, it’s not the norm. Here’s why:

No carb hole 

A carb hole improves airflow efficiency into your weed pipe, leading to better hits. Also, you can control the size of your hit using your thumb while smoking, leading to an elevated experience.

However, a tobacco pipe doesn’t have a carb hole. Thus, you’ll get small and harsh cannabis hits, which can lead to wasting your precious weed.  

Big bowl 

Most tobacco pipes have enormous bowls to pack your favorite tobacco. However, this can be an issue when packing cannabis in a tobacco pipe. The chances of your herb going to waste  is much higher. Considering how costly cannabis is, most people prefer sticking to smaller bowls with minimal wastage. 

Tobacco aftertaste 

Tobacco may leave a nasty aftertaste on the pipes. This could be an issue, especially when you want an unadulterated taste of your favorite strain. However, you can clean the pipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove the aftertaste before packing your weed. 

Portability issues 

Most tobacco pipes are quite big, creating portability issues. However, glass or metal cannabis pipes are smaller and can easily fit into your pockets so that you can remain discreet. Thus, you can get high without attracting any unwanted attention. 

How to pack a tobacco pipe with weed?

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to pack a tobacco pipe with weed when in a pinch.

Materials 

• Tobacco pipe 
• Weed 
• Grinder 
• screen( optional) 

1. The first step is to ensure the pipe is thoroughly clean to remove residue. Remove the mouthpiece and knock down any ash or leftover tobacco into an ashtray. Then, gently push a pipe cleaner back and forth through the stem until it comes out clean. You can also use rubbing alcohol for deeper cleaning. 
2. Next, use the herb grinder to grind your weed to medium consistency. Avoid grinding too finely, as the weed pieces can pull through or too coarse, which can have an inconsistent burn. 
3. Place the screen (if it doesn’t have an inbuilt one) into the bottom of the bowl. Take a small amount of ground cannabis and sprinkle it evenly into the pipe’s bowl. Repeat the process severally, but avoid packing too much, as this can restrict the airflow. Then, use your fingertip to tamp down the packed weed for an even burn. 
4. Finally, light your pipe and enjoy. However, you have to control the burn by relighting the cannabis every time you want to take a hit. 

Alternatives to tobacco pipes

While it’s possible to use tobacco pipes to smoke weed, there are some alternatives you might consider to enjoy your cannabis.

Glass pipes

Borosilicate glass pipes are one of the best ways to smoke cannabis. Besides being heat-resistant, the pipes are chemically inert; thus, they don’t pollute the smoke in any way. 

Furthermore, glass pipes have a carb hole to control airflow, ensuring you get smooth and consistent hits. 

Rolling joints 

Knowing how to roll is one of the crucial skills of a cannabis enthusiast. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use standard rolling paper (68-70mm x 34-36mm wide) or a king-sized one (4 x 2 inches). 

You can use a joint roller to roll easier and faster, especially if you’re a novice.