How to Properly Use a Chillum or One-Hitter Pipe

Believe it or not, many of the most seasoned smokers don't know how to properly use a chillum.

Chillums have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years and are used by a variety of cultures and tribes from around the world. Thought to have originated in Africa and later spread to India, these pipes were typically made of clay or stone. Used in tribal ceremonies the chillum was used to smoke a variety of herbs. The chillum is still widely used by Rastafarians, African tribes, in India, and its modern counterpart by Western cultures.

Before we get into how to use a chillum, let’s distinguish the difference between a chillum and a one-hitter. A one-hitter is pretty much a type of chillum. As the name implies, a one-hitter typically holds enough herb for one or two hits. It has a small bowl and is typically much thinner. In contrast, a chillum holds as much herb as a regular spoon or sherlock design pipe. It has a wider body and comes in a variety of shapes. Although chillums are still made from a variety of materials, from aluminum to ceramic and stone, with the most common contemporary versions being made of borosilicate glass.

How are chillums different than other hand-pipe designs?

The chillum has a bowl that’s located at the head of the pipe. If you smoke a chillum like a traditional pipe or hold it like a cigarette, there is a clear disadvantage. The main disadvantage is that your herb can fall out of the bowl and the second is that you don’t have a carb.

So how do you properly use a chillum?

The traditional and right way to use a chillum is to ball your hand into a loose fist, then hold the chillum between your index and middle finger by the mouthpiece. The pipe should be pointing straight to the sky. Put the end of your hand where your thumb and index finger meet to your mouth and light the bowl while sucking air through your hand and the pipe. Near the end of your hit loosen your fist to act as a carb, and inhale cool air. Below are some cool pics of some OG’s showing you how to properly smoke your chillum.

The great thing is that your mouth never touches the pipe, instead, just your own hands. You can share your pipe with strangers, not having to worry about what kind of cooties they might have.

Li from LA Pipes