A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a tool used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, or other herbal substances. It is a filtration device that cools and filters the smoke through water, providing a smoother smoking experience compared to other methods. Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all have a bowl where the ground substance is placed and a chamber where the smoke is filtered through water before it is inhaled. The word "bong" is an adaptation of the Thai word "baung," which refers to a cylindrical wooden tube, pipe, or container cut from bamboo, and which also refers to the bong used for smoking.

Bongs are made from different materials, including glass and plastic, but most glass bongs are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which can withstand repeated use and heat exposure without breaking. Plastic bongs, on the other hand, can release potentially dangerous components such as BPA and phthalates when heated, which can be harmful to health.

While bongs can provide a smoother smoking experience, they are not necessarily safer than other smoking methods. Inhaling deeply and holding ones breath when smoking pot can expose the smoker to more tar per breath, and bongs can deliver more smoke into the lungs while making it more pleasant to inhale, which can lead to overuse.

In summary, a bong is a tool used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, or other herbal substances that filters and cools the smoke through water, providing a smoother smoking experience. Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all have a bowl and chamber where the smoke is filtered through water before it is inhaled. While bongs can provide a smoother smoking experience, they are not necessarily safer than other smoking methods.