Navigating the world of high-quality glass and herb can be overwhelming if you don't know the lingo. Whether you are looking for cool bongs or trying to understand the difference between various vaporizers, this dictionary covers the essential terminology of modern stoner culture.
A–C: From Adapters to Concentrates
- 10mm / 14.4mm / 18.8mm Joint: These are the three standard sizes for glass connections. Knowing your size is essential when buying bong accessories.
- 420: Originally referring to the April 20th holiday, it now acts as a general code for anything related to herb culture.
- 710: The newer holiday celebrated on July 10th (OIL spelled upside down), dedicated to the community of dab rigs and concentrate enthusiasts.
- Adapter: A glass component used to change the size or gender of a joint. For example, a bong adapter can convert a 14.4mm female joint into an 18.8mm male joint.
- Ashcatcher: A removable attachment that filters smoke through an extra water chamber before it enters the main piece. It is the best way to keep glass bongs clean.
- Atomizer: The heating element inside a vape pen that converts oil or e-liquid into inhalable vapor.
- Beaker Base: A classic bong silhouette with a wide, flared bottom resembling laboratory equipment. Beaker base bongs are known for their stability and large water capacity.
- Borosilicate Glass: A high-grade glass infused with silica and boron trioxide. It is the industry standard because it is resistant to thermal shock and physical damage.
- Bubbler: A handheld hybrid between a pipe and a bong. Bubblers offer water filtration in a more portable, compact size.
- Carb Cap: An essential tool for dabbing. It covers the nail to regulate airflow and maintain heat for a more efficient hit.
D–H: Devices and Hardware
- Dab Rig: A specialized water pipe designed specifically for vaporizing concentrates rather than burning flower.
- Dabber: A heat-resistant tool used to apply your wax or oil to a hot nail. These dab tools are usually made of stainless steel, glass, or titanium.
- Dabs: Slang for cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, or budder.
- Diffused Downstem: A downstem with extra slits or holes at the bottom to create more bubbles and better cooling.
- Dry Herb Vaporizer: A device that heats raw flower to the point of vaporization without causing combustion. You can find high-end models or vaporizers under $100 for every budget.
- E-Nail: An electronic nail that uses a heating coil to maintain a consistent temperature for dabbing, removing the need for a butane torch.
- Fumed Glass: A technique where silver or gold is vaporized onto the glass, causing it to change colors as resin builds up inside the piece.
- Grinder: A tool used to break down nugs into a fluffy consistency. Many metal grinders feature a kief catcher to collect potent pollen.
- Heady Glass: Highly stylized, artistic glass pieces that are usually hand-blown and one-of-a-kind.
K–P: Parts and Pieces
- Kief: The resinous trichomes that fall off herb during the grinding process. It is often collected in the bottom of multi-chamber grinders.
- Nail: The dabbing equivalent of a bowl. It is a surface (usually quartz, titanium, or ceramic) that is heated to vaporize concentrates. Quartz nails are preferred for their clean flavor.
- Nug: A high-quality, dense bud of herb.
- Percolator: A small structure inside a water pipe that forces smoke through water to cool and filter it. Pieces with multiple "percs" are called percolator bongs.
- Recycler: A design where water and vapor travel through multiple chambers and "recycle" back through the system for maximum cooling. Recycler dab rigs are highly sought after for their smooth performance.
- Rolling Papers: Thin sheets made of hemp or rice used to roll joints. They are often used alongside rolling trays to keep the process organized.
R–Z: Resin to Zongs
- Reclaim: The leftover concentrate that accumulates inside a dab rig.
- Resin: The sticky byproduct left behind after smoking flower in a pipe or bong.
- Scientific Glass: A style of glass that prioritizes function and technical percs over bright colors. Straight tube bongs are a staple of this category.
- Silicone Bongs: Unbreakable water pipes made from food-grade silicone. Silicone bongs are perfect for travel or clumsy smokers.
- Spliff: A rolled cigarette containing a mixture of herb and tobacco.
- THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound found in the herb.
- Water Pipe: The formal, technical term for a bong or any device that uses water filtration for smoking.
