How to Pack a Bowl – Marijuana 101

The world is full of marijuana pros, but not one of them could walk before they crawled. Every single cannabis enthusiast began with baby steps and had to start their tenure by learning the basics before they could master them.

Packing a bowl is one such foundational step: Before you smoke, you've got to prepare. For those that have not yet had the pleasure, here are the fundamental steps in learning how to pack a bowl.

Steps to Pack a Bowl of Weed

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The very first and essential step in packing a bowl is preparation. You need the following items:

1. Weed

2. Lighter or Matches

3. Smoking Accessory

NOTE: For those using a bong, it is a good idea to remove the bowl to ensure that the bong doesn't fall over and break or chip, or that some stray weed doesn't accidentally fall into the water chamber.

Step 2: Break Down Your Cannabis

Now is the time to find/break off a piece of weed – or nug – that fits slightly larger than the hole at the bottom of the bowl. After breaking it off, remove any seeds and stems. Next, place these nugget-like chunks at the bottom of the bowl.

You will pack the smaller chunks on top of these two (acting as a base), which prevents pieces from falling into the water chamber. This formation is known as snapping the bowl.

Tip: Covering the bottom hole completely will prevent air flow. By using two smaller nugs rather than one larger piece, you can allow for a little more air flow.

Step 3: Start to Fill the Bowl

Next, grab another nugget-sized piece of weed. Remove its stems and seeds and either rip it into small pieces with your fingers or use a grinder. The smaller the chunks – or finer – the easier it is to pack it in tight into the bowl. Chances are, it will burn better too. Pile them on top of the larger chunks in the bowl.

Break down enough cannabis to create a mound of weed above the rim of the bowl – firm enough that it doesn't shake loose or fall out.

Step 4: Pack the Bowl

Now is the time to shine, where your “how to pack a bowl” lesson comes into play. Use your thumb to apply pressure to the weed in the bowl. Press the mound until it's either even or just below the rim of the bowl.

There is a sweet spot here: You want it to be packed enough to burn well, but it can't be too dense that it restricts airflow completely. This is where the mantra "practice makes perfect" comes into play.

Step 5: Light Up and Inhale

It’s now time to enjoy the leaves of your labor. Ignite your flame and apply it to the weed in the bowl. While you do so, inhale through the bong to receive the smoke from the light.

Savor it, and remember the areas you need more practice in to perfect your packing skills.

Keep Leafbuyer in mind the next time you're on the look for a bong, cannabis deals, or more information on how to pack a bowl to ensure a surefire smoking experience.