Every community has their own lingo and terminology, another way for people to connect with each other. Of course, it can be a bit hard to understand when you first get into a new hobby. If you’re looking to understand all the smoke shop lingo, you’re in the right place.

What is a glass head?
A glass head is an individual who is addicted to buying glassware for smoking, like bongs and pipes. It’s someone who loves smoking and wants the latest tools for getting the best smoking experience.

So what is a glass head shop?
The term “head shop” came around decades ago, coined by hippies. The term faded from everyone’s vocabulary for a while but returned in the late 80s and early 90s. Raves were replacing the hippie scene and words were coming back — you know how things go. But what does head shop mean and why was the term used to begin with?

It’s a bit fuzzy how the term started. But some people believe that the term “head” is an acronym for “he eats acid daily.” Another theory is that it’s related to the Grateful Dead — fans are known as dead heads.

But experts believe that it originated all the way back in 1913. This is the first time the term was ever seen. The document had someone using “head” to mean addict. In the 60s, the term was used again in various forms, like “acid heads” and “pot heads.” Remember the song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane? It has that one line “feed your head.”

This all came together to become the name of smoke shops. Essentially, a smoke shop was a place for stoners to “feed their heads.” It was a place to expand the mind and provide great experiences. It was even a safe haven.

Head shops are essentially a store that sells cannabis-related products. In the past, however, head shops sold drug paraphernalia like pipes and papers. To lay low, the glass pipes were said not to be for smoking but rather decorations! While selling glass is now allowed, head shops like to pay homage to the past by still providing colorful, fun glass and displaying it in the windows and on shelves.

And why glass?
So why do the head shops sell glass? Why are bongs even made of it?

Glass is a very clean material. When you heat a piece of glass, the glass gets hotter. It won’t smoke or vaporize. It doesn’t create toxic fumes. There are no weird odors. This has made glass the perfect material for smoking weed.

Why a local head shop?
People have started going online. A lot. Maybe too much. But there’s just something special about a local glass head shop. Why?

Smoking is better when you have a community. You’ll be around not only other glass heads but experts that work at the shop. They can give you the best advice, including which glass piece to use and how to use it properly.

The Hip Cat Smoke Shop is one place like that. The vibes are emacculate and you’ll be surrounded by other enthusiasts that will heighten the experience.