What is a One-Hitter or Chillum?

What is a One-Hitter or Chillum?

Published on 10/14/21

There are so many ways to light up these days. Each way, in its own right, has a time, place and an advantage. Everyone, whether they like to admit it or not, has a favorite way to light up with friends. One way to consume that is often overlooked is the one-hitter pipe, which is in fact one of the easiest and effective ways to get stoned. We're going to dive deeper into the world of one-hitters, explaining why they are so awesome, how to use them, where to buy and much more. 

What's with All the Names? 

To begin, one-hitters can be called a variety of things, which can tend to confuse things if you don't know some of the names they are called. One-hitters can be called a bat pipe, a pinch hitter pipe or even a chillum. Often, in a smoke shop, you'll ask for a cigarette one-hitter, to keep things discrete. Don't worry, these are all the same thing, and all serve the same purpose -- smoking.  

What is a One-Hitter?

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A one-hitter is a small pope, with a narrow bowl that is designed and used for a single inhalation and will typically hold about 25mg of weed, which is the equivalent to one hit. The pipe is always a short, straight tube that will feature a channel connected from end to end, which will allow airflow straight through the entire pipe. 

The one-hitter will either be a stand-alone piece or will come as a set of sorts that is known as a dugout. This variety of one-hitters uses a rectangular, usually wooden case that contains two compartments and is the length of a cigarette. The larger of the two compartments is for the stash of weed that you are keeping hidden, and the second compartment is where the "bat" or the one-hitter is kept. If you are lucky enough to have a dugout, it is the perfect place to twist the end of your one-hitter into the flower, as you pack it with that delicious strain of yours

What are One-Hitters or Chillums Made Of? 

The beauty of this product is that it can range from the simplest-looking piece to something that is much more extravagant. Chillums, which have been around since the 18th century and were used by Hindu Monks, typically are made from clay. However, nowadays there are a plethora of other materials used as well such as wood, stone, glass and steel. You may have even seen a one-hitter with metal marijuana pipes, which are typically considered to be the most durable. 

Why Use a One-Hitter?

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As we mentioned earlier, the one-hitter is often overlooked and isn't the most sought-after piece when it comes to your weed game. People are always looking for that shiny, colorful bong or sleek vape pen

However, don't count out the one-hitter. They are extremely discreet, due to their size you can take these little guys anywhere and light up as you wish. They may also be the most practical piece out there too because, as the name says, you only get one hit at a time. This equates to not only saving and conserving your bud but also your money. If you've been curious about microdosing with your weed, this could be the piece for you. The one-hitter is mostly indestructible, as many of them are wooden pieces that will never break like a fancy bong will. Even if you do buy a glass one that breaks, replacing it won't break the bank like a bong could.

Overall, with the one-hitter, you are getting the perfect, quick fix that is clean and discrete, and its versatility allows you to pack it almost anywhere. 

How to Use a One-Hitter

This may seem like common sense, but there are still a lot of novices in the world of weed. This step-by-step process also applies when thinking of how to use a chillum.

  1. Pack the end of the one-hitter with your ground-up weed. You want to make sure to pack it pretty tight, so it doesn't come out when held horizontally. 
  2. Put your mouth against the list, which is the side that isn't packed with weed. Light up, and slightly pull while doing so. 
  3. Inhale the marijuana hit and then release it. 
  4. Clear the pipe. This can mean either knocking the packed end against one of your hands or blowing through the mouthpiece to clear it. Try to avoid sucking the ash through the pipe, which could result in some pretty gnarly scooby snacks. 

Where Can I Buy a One-Hitter?

Not only is the one-hitter itself one of the more versatile and easiest pieces to use, but it is also one of the easiest to find as well. Your local convenience store, gas station or head shop will usually carry one of these. Also, due to the fact that they can be made out of so many different materials, it has turned into quite an artisanal piece, too. You'll find a plethora of Etsy sites that carry them, along with Amazon, for tobacco use only of course.   

Have you ever used a one-hitter or a chillum? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below. 


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