Dear Stoner: I've been seeing online threads about putting a few drops of mineral oil or vegetable oil in bong water to help prevent gross buildup and make cleaning easier. What do you think?
Leon
Dear Leon: I think you should never do that, and pour out that bong water right now if you already have. I've heard of the mineral oil technique, but I've also learned that adding oils to bong water puts you at risk of smoking or inhaling those oils, which could give you lipid pneumonia. Lipoid pneumonia occurs when fatty acids, or lipids, get into your lungs. Vaping fatty acids can also cause lipoid pneumonia, which is connected to several vaping-related illnesses, including cannabis vapes.
Cleaning your bong or dab rig can be a pain in the ass, I get it. Just change your water frequently and buy something with a simple base for easy cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol and chunky salt will take care of that grimy piece, and it'll be a breeze if you soak or submerge it in alcohol first. But whatever you do, do not put mineral oil, vegetable oil, sesame oil, melted butter, ghee or anything of the like in your bong. Water only, please.
Send questions to [email protected]