Smoke Sesh

A session, also referred to as a smoke session or “sesh” for short, is a communal act of smoking cannabis that typically involves two or more persons. There are many social norms to a “smoke session” including joint or bong rotation, not “bogarting,” offering to “throw in,” and other basic actions. One of the most iconic sessions in cannabis history is when people all over the world gather on April 20, or 4/20 Day, to participate in the act of smoking cannabis.

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A session, also referred to as a smoke session or “sesh” for short, is a communal act of smoking cannabis that typically involves two or more persons. There are many social norms to a “smoke session” including joint or bong rotation, not “bogarting,” offering to “throw in,” and other basic actions. One of the most iconic sessions in cannabis history is when people all over the world gather on April 20, or 4/20 Day, to participate in the act of smoking cannabis.

What does session mean?

When you hear someone talk about a sesh, a smoke session, or a weed session, they’re referring to consuming together with at least one other person. For many people, sessions are among the most enjoyable aspects of consuming cannabis, since it involves community. A sesh is a great way to bond and have fun with friends and serves as a way to get to know new people better. Either way, a smoke session is a social practice, so be sure to practice good etiquette:

Puff, puff, pass—don’t hog it.

Pass to the left.

Be gracious and accept the weed that others offer in a spirit of community.

Offer to pitch in for the cost of the weed, or if you have weed with you, add it to the sesh.

Preparation leads to success

Start with Clean Glass. Clean your glass pieces with 90% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) found in any grocery store. Seal holes with paper towels or saran wrap, add coarse salt and then shake it like a polaroid picture. Rinse and scrub with pipe cleaners raided from the kid’s art supplies.

Prepare the water. If you’re using a bong or water pipe, taking some extra time to prep the water can make a big difference. Try filling your clean bong with cool water, and replace the water often. Use Ice if your bong has an ice catch, or try keeping your bong outside on a cool day before you sesh. Use snow in place of ice for an extra wintry treat.

Prefill two bowls. If you have a higher tolerance and consume more cannabis than others, try preparing two bowls at a time. Once the first one is done, plop in a fresh one. Easy peasy and you get to skip the step of cleaning and refilling a bowl. Also consider preparing two bongs for one session.

Have a backup bowl, stem, and pipe. Nothing is worse than sitting down to smoke a bowl and then somehow breaking an essential piece, rendering the bong useless and you completely unsatisfied. Save yourself the misery and have backup methods for medicating, like a pipe, vaporizer, or rolling papers.

The case for the blunt. I adore smoking a thick blunt, but because they aren’t the discreetest of methods I don’t get the opportunity to do so very often. But for a full on stoner session with no kids anywhere for miles? Give me a blunt everyday. Plus, switching up your consumption method helps you support a healthy tolerance.

Grind up enough cannabis for the entire sesh at one time. I don’t like having to hold off on my second bowl because I need to grind weed. I prefer to do a lot of grinding at one time, and then to keep that ground cannabis in a container with me during the sesh. This is also a great way to manage how much cannabis you’re consuming.

mise en place for Stoners

2 Lighters: Lighters are notorious for disappearing into the nether of the couch. Have a second on hand so you don’t ruin the vibe.

Candle: I light a candle for all sit down smoke sessions. The smell, the ritual, the convenience when using with hemp wick, candles have become a stoner session enhancement that I can’t give up. 

Hemp wick: Hemp wicks are a simple way to greatly increase the pleasure of the smoke sesh. Available from a plethora of vendors, hemp wicks allow you to skip using a lighter to smoke your bowls, resulting in greater flavor and no gas inhalation. They’re inexpensive and handy to have around the house too! Pro tip: use the candle to light your hemp wick every time and you can completely forego having a lighter involved in your smoke session.

A poking tool: I call these “pokeys” and they look like dental tools. You can find these tools at head shops, craft stores, and home improvement stores. Any sort of poking tool is great for debowling a bowl, and if you have nothing on hand try uncooked spaghetti, toothpicks, or a bamboo skewer from the kitchen. There are also ashtrays with built in debowlers, perfect for any dedicated smoke sesh.

Herb grinder: Eventually every stoner decides they want a grinder. These save your finger tips, manicures, and they usually have a built-in kief catcher to really enhance your experience. You can find grinders easily online or in your local head shop.

Measuring spoon or scoop: One of the questions I am most frequently asked on my YouTube channel, is what is the little spoon I use to scoop my cannabis. It makes me laugh every time I get this question because the spoon is literally just a ¼ teaspoon that I stole from my kitchen and repurposed for my own stoner needs. Advice, next time you’re at Target, look at everything from a stoners perspective.

Container for ground cannabis. If follow my advice and grind all at one time, find a small container to keep it in, don’t just keep it in your grinder. Grinders are a frequent offender for being dropped when grabbed by the top, and spilled cannabis is definitely worth crying over.

Drinking water. I have a glass of ice water every time I smoke weed. Fortunately since I smoke so much weed this means that I also drink a lot of water. Everybody wins! *note: If the sesh is a wake and bake, coffee is required.

A healthy snack for the munchies. If you’re the type who needs to snack when you’re high, definitely consider preparing your snack before you get stoned. We make terrible dietary decisions when under the influence. Use the power of the munchies in your favor by preparing a snack plate of clean, healthy and filling foods. Crackers and cheese with ample fruit and nuts is a personal favorite, as are the classic “ants on a log” (celery with raisins and peanut butter).

Audio Enhancements. I believe that every stoner needs a personal stoner playlist. Something you don’t have to think about, it’s already ready to go. I also love listening to podcasts when I’m stoned or getting stoned. Something about not having the TV on but still being pulled into a story works wonderfully with getting high.

Day planner, notebook, pen and pencil. I often have brilliant ideas when stoned, don’t you? But stoners aren’t known for their excellent memories, so for goodness sake be prepared to write it down!