Drugs like marijuana and cocaine are forbidden by the law in the United States, but do you know that certain items related to them are also illegal?
Under federal law, objects used to consume illegal drugs are considered drug paraphernalia. If so, are bongs legal? Bongs belong under this category, so by virtue of law, they are not. Still, there are several factors that will determine whether you will get arrested for possessing one.
Each state has its own drug paraphernalia law, so it is best to check to be sure. Generally, those where marijuana laws are more relaxed have less strict measures regarding bongs.
Stores typically get away from selling by labeling them as water pipes and stating that they are for tobacco use only. In the event that you are arrested, you might want to use this defense as well.
Of course, the court will still determine if there is any marijuana residue in your bong or not.
What are Bongs Used for?
Bongs are filtration devices used to smoke tobacco, cannabis and other herbal substances. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some traditional ones look like water pipes.
Some look like hookahs. The fancier ones come with more advanced features, like built-in percolators and additional filtration. Basic bongs are usually composed of a bowl and a chamber.
The bowl holds the dried weed. When the plant material combusts, the smoke rises and passes through the chamber before entering your mouth. Users prefer to use bongs because they offer a smoother draw. The bong’s percolator also helps cool down the smoke. Typically, the smoke created in dry pipes is hot and harsh on the throat and lungs.
In the cooling percolation process, the smoke passes through the water and filters out cannabinoids and other particulates. Users get to enjoy the aroma and flavor of cannabis without the urge to cough too much. If you want to know more on what are bongs used for, check out this website: https://www.vaporizerchief.com/glass/bongs-water-pipes
Are Bongs Illegal?
Regardless of individual state laws in the United States, marijuana is still considered illegal under federal law. This is the reason why items that are related to marijuana consumption are also considered illegal.
Then, are bongs legal? No, they are not. Technically, bongs are part of the drug paraphernalia category. Under federal law, selling, importing and exporting drug paraphernalia is illegal. Mere possession of one, however, is not counted as a federal crime.
Even so, there are some state laws that indicate owning bongs is illegal. Washington has an extensive list of banned drug paraphernalia, including bongs.
However, the punishment is not as severe as those involving illicit drugs themselves. Charges are typically misdemeanors. For first time offenders, jail time is unlikely. In Ohio, drug paraphernalia possession is punishable by up to 30 days of jail time and a fine.
Penalties for repeat offenders, however, can get more severe. Harsher punishments are also given if you are arrested within a school zone or other prohibited places.
It is best to avoid carrying your bong in public or at least, conceal it well. If arrested, your lawyer can argue that your bong is only a water pipe, which is legal. Meanwhile, in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, bongs are not forbidden.
Is Buying Bongs Online Legal?
Now that we have answered the question of are bongs illegal or not, the next important query will probably be about purchasing. Online buying is a convenient method of buying bongs, but some are wary of doing it.
Ordering one from online headshops is not illegal since these establishments sell the items intended for tobacco and even medical use. This is regardless of whether the state you live in classifies the use of cannabis as unlawful or not.
As long as you are 18 years old, you can purchase bongs online. Your order will not be flagged as buying alone does not mean you will use it for illegal purposes.
Online headshops will also protect your privacy well. Shipping and delivery of your item will be done discreetly that no one will know the contents of your parcel. There are also fewer chances of identity theft or fraudulent activities if ever you used a credit or debit card to pay.
If you decide to buy a bong online, there are some considerations you must keep in mind. Pricing is one. Usually, you can buy a good bong and pay just under $100. High-quality ones, of course, cost more. Durability is also an important factor.
Those that are made of thick glass or silicon tend to last longer. The size of the bong depends on your preference. If you are usually on the go, consider a more portable one, like a travel pipe.
