What Do You Smoke in Hookah? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hey there! If you’ve ever been to a or seen someone puffing away on a hookah pipe, you might’ve wondered: What do you smoke in hookah? It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. Hookah, also called shisha or a waterpipe, is a fun, social way to smoke various substances. Most people associate it with flavored tobacco, but there’s more to the story. In this guide, we’ll dive into what people smoke in hookahs, why they choose those substances, and how to do it safely. Whether you’re new to hookah or a seasoned smoker, you’ll find some useful tips here—straight from my experience as a hookah enthusiast and wholesale expert.

Let’s break it down and explore the options, risks, and some practical advice to make your hookah sessions awesome.

What is Hookah?

Before we get into what goes in a hookah, let’s quickly cover what it is. A hookah is a smoking device that originated in the Middle East centuries ago. It’s made up of a bowl (where you put the stuff you’re smoking), a hose, and a water-filled base that cools and filters the smoke. You light it with , and the smoke travels through the water before you inhale it. It’s smoother than a cigarette, which is why it’s so popular at and beyond.

Hookah’s global rise—especially among young adults—makes it a staple in social settings. According to the CDC, hookah use among U.S. college students has spiked in recent years, with many drawn to its flavors and chill vibe. But what exactly are they smoking? Let’s find out.

What Do You Smoke in Hookah? Common Substances

So, what do you smoke in hookah? The short answer: it depends. Most folks stick to traditional options, but some get creative. Here’s a rundown of the main substances people use:

Flavored Tobacco (Shisha): This is the big one. It’s a mix of tobacco, molasses, and flavors like apple, mint, or even coffee. About 90% of hookah users smoke this, based on a 2010 study of North Carolina college students (Sutfin et al., 2014).
Herbal Shisha: A tobacco-free alternative made from herbs and molasses. Around 37% of users try this, thinking it’s safer (spoiler: it’s not entirely risk-free).
Marijuana: Yep, some folks use hookah to smoke weed—about 45% of users in that same study. It’s less common but growing in popularity where it’s legal.
Hashish: A concentrated form of cannabis, smoked by 18% of hookah users in the study. It’s niche but worth mentioning.

These numbers come from real data, not guesses. I’ve seen this firsthand too—running a hookah wholesale business, I’ve had customers ask for everything from fruity shisha to advice on using their for cannabis. Let’s dig deeper into each option.

Exploring Hookah Tobacco Options

Hookah tobacco, or shisha, is the star of the show. It’s what most people mean when they ask, “What do you smoke out of a hookah?” Here’s why it’s so popular:

Why Shisha Rules

Flavors Galore: From double apple to love 66, there’s a flavor for everyone. Brands like Al Fakher and Starbuzz dominate the market—I’ve shipped tons of these to .
Smooth Experience: The molasses makes the smoke thick and sweet, and the water filtration softens it. Ever tried mint shisha on a hot day? It’s refreshing!
Social Vibe: A single bowl can last 45 minutes to an hour (check out ), perfect for group hangouts.

My Experience

I once supplied a hookah lounge in Houston with 50 kilos of Al Fakher tobacco. They swore by the blueberry mint—it flew off the shelves! Shisha’s variety keeps customers coming back, but it’s not all roses. Nicotine in tobacco can hook you, and the smoke still carries risks (more on that later).