See It: These Canadian Students Built A Better Marijuana Bong

For most cannabis consumers, figuring out how to operate a bong is a rite of passage. It takes a little more technique than simply toking on a joint or passing around a pipe. The bong, or water pipe, requires a little practice and can be intimidating for the newbie.

Enter BRBT Designs, a Canadian cannabis accessory brand founded by University of Alberta students in Edmonton. Simon Grigenas, co-founder and CEO, and his team decided to break the traditional bong design and revolutionize the experience.

“BRNT provides a more sophisticated alternative to the various other smoking accessories that do not provide the benefits of precision engineering and airflow design,” said Grigenas. “With hundreds of varieties to choose from, consumers are not always aware of the availability of newer and better ways of administrating cannabis.”

• Related Story: TFT How To: Mastering Bong Etiquette 

For Grigenas, his company’s innovation is mostly about function, but he is equally excited about the form of his new product. “We plan to give our customers these functional benefits in a product that is so aesthetically pleasing that you can proudly show it off on your coffee table at home.”

So, what makes the design so unique? The device, dubbed the Hexagon, is made of a ceramic-glass blend. It is safe to put in the dishwasher and can be placed in the freezer for a smoother smoke. Other ceramic bongs are similar, but the Hexagon’s stylish design gives it an artistic aesthetic.

“My mom has been using it as a flower vase,” Andrew Feltham, one of the co-creators of the bong, told CBC News. “It’s got a modern, minimal feel.”

The company is funding its venture via the crowdfunding route and is scheduled to launch the campaign this week. The retail price for the high-end bong will be $188 in Canadian dollars (about $235 US).

According to the company’s official website, the Hexagon is “professionally engineered while leveraging air flow dynamics. It hits perfectly every time, no exceptions. It’s a superior thermal insulator, leaving the bong cool to the touch.”