Most cannabis users have sat around with friends discussing the differences between various ways of smoking. The debate between joint vs. bowl is intense, but none are as deep as the age-old argument in Morocco about the traditional Sebsi. What makes this debate so extraordinary? It’s regional with generational disagreement and one that invokes powerful feelings about tradition and cannabis.
What is a Sebsi?
A Sebsi is a small pipe used to smoke sweet nugs solo or with friends. Its stem is narrow, hardwood (40-50 cm), and its bowl is clay. A metal grille sits inside the bowl and holds cannabis. The pipe’s kept in a leather pouch in three pieces. When you go to use it, it requires assembly. The head holds a tiny amount of flower, about 25 mg.
The long, narrow Sebsi takes two to three puffs to get going, so it’s a discussion starter. Users must light it at a 90-degree angle while inhaling to start a slow burn, and it’s not instant. The sweet spot is once the fire catches and the metal grille glows. Then it’s time to inhale. Click here to learn how to make old weed taste good in a bowl or joint.
Using the traditional Sebsi is a ritual, but it’s also worth noting that the long stem can provide an excellent buzz. Also, it requires cleaning between sessions to keep the smoke clean and the pipe clear. Some users mix hash in with the flower to increase both effects.
How Does a Joint Compare to the Sebsi?
Most Moroccans will say that people who use joints are lazy. The act of rolling requires time and effort, far more than setting up the Sebsi. Joints are often harsh on the throat, while Sebsis give a pleasant smoke.
According to many Moroccan smokers, joints lack taste and offer a weaker high. Marijuana is always better when it’s smoked, most will say. Some go further, saying the scent of pure cannabis burning infuses the smoke for a more potent effect. Before rolling up, check here to answer “does weed get old?”
But the joint’s also less expensive and perfect on the go. Joints allow for multiple users and can be easily shared, unlike a Sebsi. You can pass the pipe with a friend, but it will require regular repacking and cleaning. Joints have more of a social aspect than the traditional pipe.
Sebsis are traditional and the preferred way of smoking, but joints might be a better deal for users. They’re cheaper and don’t require cleaning. But Sebsis are still widely used and preferred over a joint. The reason’s cultural, but it’s also worth noting that outsiders are more likely to roll joints than natives. Learn more about tradition and the answer to “can weed get old” here.
What’s behind the debate?
The answer might lie in how young people view traditional values. For many older Moroccans, smoking the Sebsi makes them feel connected to their history. They might say that it’s part of their culture and history, going back to their roots. For people born after the 1980s, it might be a way of respecting tradition. However, most young consumers prefer a joint.
The traditional way of smoking cannabis has been around for centuries, but it’s still being debated today. The fact that the Sebsi is so deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and history makes this debate even more intense. What are your thoughts on using a pipe vs. joint? Let us know by commenting below!