The bong is not just a cool-looking object that gets you high. It holds a deeper significance in our lives, helping us create rituals and fill a void in our society. Just take a look around today – it’s clear that Americans are searching for something, and cannabis culture can provide that missing piece and inspire change in the world. And at the forefront of this movement is the bong, a powerful vehicle for transformation.
As a glass artist and co-founder of Jerome Baker Designs (JBD), I have developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the bong. Its journey begins when it is purchased from a head shop and given a name, becoming a secret companion hidden from parents and taken on adventures in friends’ cars. But eventually, it may meet a tragic end – broken or confiscated by the police. The loss of a bong is a devastating feeling, as it represents a person’s unique style and identity. This holds true across cultures, from hillbillies to hip-hop enthusiasts.
My personal journey with the bong began during my college years, when I met a renowned glass pipe innovator named Bob Snodgrass. His pipes were the first to change color with use, and I was fascinated by his work. I started learning the art of glassblowing with him and his crew, and eventually, my business partner Jordan Shefter and I founded JBD. In the early days, we would go door to door at frat houses, selling our bongs for $125 wholesale. But as our reputation grew, we began connecting with collectors through social media, and our pieces became highly sought after. In fact, some JBD bongs have increased in value by twenty times over the years.
By the late 1990s, JBD had become a million-dollar business with 70 employees in Eugene, Oregon. We were creating bongs that were recognized as works of art, while staying true to our roots in that college dorm room. But our success was short-lived, as we were caught in the crosshairs of Operation Pipe Dreams. On February 23, 2003, I was arrested alongside 55 others, including Tommy Chong. The raid on JBD headquarters was a chaotic scene, with multiple law enforcement agencies tearing apart our shop and confiscating everything – from our computers and digital photos to our glass pieces.
Despite this setback, JBD continued to thrive and evolve. We have faced many challenges, but our passion for the bong and its role in cannabis culture has never wavered. Today, we are considered leaders in American-made glass art, and our pieces are highly coveted by collectors. The bong may just seem like a simple object, but it holds the power to inspire change and bring people together. And that is something truly special.
