Pipe, waterpipe and vaporizer cleanliness is important when administering marijuana through inhalation for various reasons, most importantly health. To avoid any issues, one should have a regular routine of cleaning and maintaining what medical marijuana will be smoked or inhaled from.
Devices that most commonly need cleaning are pipes and waterpipes. Without cleaning, these devices become ill tasting and can even house bacteria and other unwanted organisms. If a pipe’s coloration starts to turn dark or begins to taste bad while smoking, it is time for a good cleaning.
Recommendations
Prior to smoking, it’s advised to take the following steps in order to maintain sanitary cleanliness.
Pipes
Wipe the mouth of the pipe with alcohol or cleaning solution prior to smoking. Run a pipe cleaner brush or bristle through the stem to dislodge any leftover ash or debris, and gently tap the pipe on the palm of your hand to remove any obstructions or debris from the bowl and stem.
Waterpipes
Wipe the mouth of the pipe with alcohol or cleaning solution prior to smoking. Run a large brush through the waterpipe stem, rinse, and replace any old water remaining. Remove any downstem and run a pipe cleaner brush or bristle through the stem to dislodge any leftover ash or debris, and gently tap the pipe on the palm of your hand to remove any obstructions or debris from the bowl and stem.
Vaporizers
Wipe the mouth of the pipe with alcohol or cleaning solution prior to smoking. Clean chambers with a brush and cleaning solution a wipe dry prior to re-use. Replace any elements that need to be replaced.
After smoking, allow device to cool prior to any cleaning; failing to do so can crack elements of your device. Brush off and dump any remaining debris and ash that remains. Blow gently through stem or chamber to dislodge and obstructing elements.
Deep Cleaning
Periodically, give your devices a more thorough cleaning by dipping them in a cleaning solution. For example, Green Hits Pipe Cleaner kit is the result of an exhaustive research project to create a totally organic, yet still effective cleaner for all glass, metal, and ceramic pieces (pipes). There are plenty of products out there, but most contain at least some alcohol or caustic solvents, which can lead to weird tastes and residuals. Green hits is a non-toxic, bio-degradable, soy based cleaner that can take 20 years of crud off your pipe but still safe enough not to harm your pieces.
Soak or run cleaning solution through the stem or chamber and trap the solution, carefully and vigorously shaking device to dislodge any particles. Soak if needed. Rinse of your device with strong water pressure, carefully washing off any remaining particles and residue. Wipe down and allow to dry.
You’re ready for the next sesh! Hopefully these tips will help to allow you to both enjoy medical marijuana a little more safely, hygienically and healthily.
