
Most Efficient Ways to Smoke – Get the Maximum Out of Every Hit
A Practical Guide to Smarter Smoking
Gallant Gravity
Ever stocked up on herb, only to feel like it’s disappearing way too fast? Whether it’s burning between hits, smoldering in an overpacked bowl, or getting lost in inefficient setups, wasted THC means wasted money—especially when you’re trying to make every gram count.
Most smokers don’t realize how much herb they’re wasting with inefficient methods. Whether you’re stretching your stash on a budget, chasing the strongest hits, or just looking for a smoother experience, the right smoking technique can make all the difference.
This guide breaks down the best ways to stretch your herb without losing quality, power, or flavor.
What Makes a Smoking Method Efficient?
Before we crown the best method, let’s define what efficiency really means:
- Uses less herb while delivering strong effects – The less you burn, the longer your stash lasts.
- Minimizes waste – Poor techniques, excess ash, or smoke escaping before inhalation all kill efficiency.
- Maximizes potency and absorption – Every hit should extract the most THC possible.
Now, let’s rank the top smoking methods based on these criteria.
Ranking the Most Efficient Smoking Methods

1. Gravity Bongs – The King of Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, nothing beats a gravity bong.
They use minimal herb to deliver massive, concentrated hits—stronger and more effective than what you’d get from a regular bong or pipe. Every bit of smoke is captured and inhaled, meaning no wasted THC, no wasted money.
Why Gravity Bongs Win:
- Less Herb, More Punch – A small bowl delivers hits that feel much stronger than a regular bong rip.
- Zero Waste – Unlike joints that burn between puffs or bongs that torch excess flower, gravity bongs use every bit of THC.
- Controlled Burn – The herb only burns when you pull, so no smoke escapes before you’re ready to inhale.
A DIY gravity bong will do the trick, but plastic bottles can leach chemicals and leave a burnt aftertaste. A glass gravity bong, like those from Gallant Gravity, eliminates toxins and delivers cleaner, smoother hits.
2. Vaporizers – Best for Maximum THC Extraction
Vaporizers heat herb to a temperature that releases cannabinoids as vapor without combusting the plant material, making for a more efficient and cleaner experience.
Why Vaporizers Are Efficient:
- Precise THC Extraction – Controlled temperatures pull out the most cannabinoids without waste.
- Reusable Herb – Already vaped bud (AVB) still has THC left, perfect for edibles or second hits.
While high-quality vapes like the Pax or Volcano require an upfront investment, they make up for it by maximizing THC extraction, reducing waste, and even giving you a second use for your herb. If you're looking for a cleaner, more efficient way to smoke, a vaporizer is hard to beat.
3. One-Hitters – Best for Microdosing
For smokers who want to conserve herb and control their intake, one-hitters are one of the most efficient options. Designed for quick, single-hit use, they eliminate unnecessary burn and help stretch your stash longer than most traditional methods.
Why One-Hitters Are Efficient:
- Precise Dosing – You only pack what you’re going to inhale, so no excess herb burns between hits.
- Minimal Waste – No lingering embers like in joints or overpacked bowls, meaning every bit of THC is used.
- Discreet and Portable – Small enough to take anywhere while keeping your usage low-key.
While they may not be the best choice for social sessions or those who prefer heavy hits, one-hitters are one of the best tools for smoking efficiently, reducing waste, and making your stash last longer.
4. Dabs – Best for Concentrated Efficiency
Dabs are one of the most efficient ways to get high, delivering intense effects from a tiny amount of material. Unlike flower, which contains plant matter and lower THC percentages, concentrates like wax, shatter, and oil are highly potent extracts. This means you need far less product to achieve the same or stronger effects compared to traditional smoking.
Why Dabs Are Efficient:
- High Cannabinoid Concentration – While flower contains 15-30% THC, concentrates can exceed 70-90% THC, making even small amounts extremely effective.
- No Plant Material Burned – Vaporizing dabs avoids the excess smoke, tar, and ash that comes with burning flower, meaning less waste and cleaner hits.
- Instant and Long-Lasting Effects – A single dab delivers a fast-acting, powerful high that lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent re-dosing.
Dabbing requires a rig, torch, or e-rig, making it less beginner-friendly than other methods. But for those looking to maximize potency while using as little material as possible, dabs are one of the most efficient ways to consume cannabis.
5. Water Pipes (Bongs, Bubblers, Hookahs)
Dabbing requires a rig, torch, or e-rig, making it less beginner-friendly than other methods. But for those looking to maximize potency while using as little material as possible, dabs are one of the most efficient ways to consume cannabis.
Why Water Pipes Are Moderately Efficient:
- Steady, Even Burn – While they may use more herb per hit than other methods, their consistent airflow helps extract cannabinoids more evenly.
- Cooler, Smoother Hits – The water filtration allows you to take deeper inhales, maximizing the absorption of THC with each pull.
- Improved Smoke Quality – Filtering out impurities results in a cleaner smoking experience, which means you’re getting the most out of the cannabinoids you do consume.
Although water pipes don’t rank highest in efficiency, their smoother hits and steady performance make them a reliable choice for smokers looking for comfort and quality along with a reasonable level of herb usage.

Why Gravity Bongs Are the Ultimate Choice
When it comes to efficiency, gravity bongs set a high standard. By requiring only a small amount of material to deliver strong, concentrated hits, they allow you to make the most of every session. Gravity bongs offer a straightforward, no-nonsense way to enjoy big, milky pulls while minimizing waste.
Why Gravity Bongs Are Unmatched for Efficiency:
- Minimal Material, Maximum Effectiveness – A small pack provides a powerful, concentrated hit.
- No Excess Burn – The material only burns as you pull, so you’re not losing smoke between hits.
- Customizable Setup – Adjust the airflow, burn rate, and bowl size to suit your preferences.
- Cleaner Options – Glass setups provide a more durable and cleaner experience compared to plastic DIY versions.
While a quick DIY gravity bong might be convenient, investing in a high-quality glass option makes for a more efficient and cleaner experience. Pairing it with a reusable glass or stainless-steel bowl—like the Gallant Greeb—helps you avoid waste and keeps your sessions consistently reliable.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Efficiency in Any Setup
Regardless of your smoking method, these tips will help you get the most out of every hit:
- Grind Your Herb Properly – Evenly ground herb burns more consistently and extracts more THC.
- Pack Smart – Overpacking restricts airflow and wastes herb. Keep it balanced.
- Use Ice or Water Filtration – Cooler smoke allows bigger inhales and higher absorption rates.
- Control Your Pulls – Slow, steady pulls ensure maximum THC absorption.
- Upgrade to a Gallant Greeb Bowl – These custom-sized bowls optimize burn efficiency in gravity bongs.
Final Verdict: Gravity Bongs Reign Supreme
DIY setups work in a pinch but upgrading to a glass gravity bong transforms your smoking experience. No plastic taste, no chemicals—just pure, powerful hits.
Looking for the best gravity bong setup? Check out Gallant Gravity for smoother, cleaner, and more efficient hits that make every bowl count.
It’s time to get the most out of every hit. Your herb—and your wallet—will thank you.