Getting high for the first time? Glassphemy has options
From glass blunts to bongs, Glassphemy offers affordability
More stories from GABRIELLA RAMOS
Glassphemy manager Felix Alatorre walks over to a display case near the door of the head shop. He pulls out an oil rig that looks like a cactus. Adorned with Native American symbolism, it costs between $4,000 and $5,000.
“It’s like buying a piece of artwork,” he says.
For a college students’ budget, a rig like that isn’t the most feasible. Alatorre made his way to the right of the store and picked up an oilrig from Oregon’s Solid Glass that starts around $70.
For those who enjoy using dabs or oil, Glassphemy’s least expensive option is from overseas and starts at $28. Alatorre explains that glass from China is frowned upon in the glass blowing industry because of its low quality.
Sixty percent of glass sold in the store comes from local artists, Alatorre says, while the other 40 percent comes from glassblowers all over the country and world. Glassblower Mike Porter says it took him about 17 years to make a smokeable piece in a decent amount of time. While the timing depends on the design of the piece, he said it can take anywhere from four to 20 hours to finish a project.
Alatorre removes a glass pipe from the display case and abruptly throws it on the floor. The bowl is indestructible due to the way it’s tempered, he explains. Made in-house, the bowl costs $15.
Owner Willow Falcon says that although rolling papers are the cheapest option to get baked for 4/20, she believes these indestructible bowls are a more sustainable, high-quality option.
Other bowls are designed based on famous smokers, such as Sherlock Holmes and Gandalf. The “Sherlock” pipe has a curved stem, while the “Gandalf” features a long, straight neck.
The cheapest glass option, a chillum, starts at $6. Chillums are basically glass cigarettes that allow herb to be packed into the end. Glassphemy also sells glass blunts, which start at $25 and can be completely filled with ground herb.
Beyond bowls, Glassphemy has a wide array of bongs and water pipes made from two different kinds of glass. Soda-lime glass is also referred to as “soft glass,” and is often used to make plates and other glassware. Alatorre says that while soft glass products are heavier, they are not necessarily stronger and can still break. These bongs usually feature colorful designs. Small soft glass bongs start at $30, while large ones start at $50.
Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as “scientific glass,” Falcon said. With a purer chemical composition and a lower melting temperature, this glass is considered more stable. This allows for more precision when working the glass and can accommodate more complex filters and ice catchers. Small borosilicate bongs start at $60 and large ones start at $80-$100.
To break down your weed, Glassphemy sells two-piece and four-piece grinders. Falcon says four-pieces are the more popular option, as they feature a compartment to hold the ground herb. Explaining that quality increases with price, she says they just sold their last titanium grinder for $100. She says aluminum grinders, such as Herbivore and Diamond, will do the job. The smallest four-piece aluminum grinder starts at $12, but they also offer a two-piece wood grinder for $6.
For 4/20, Glassphemy will offer up to 75 percent off select items in the head shop. Alatorre says all glassware will be 20 percent off and they may be hosting a giveaway on Friday.
Gabriella Ramos is a junior strategic communication major from Aurora, Illinois. She is pursuing minors in business administration and French. During her...