If you have normally smoked joints then you probably would take a small amount of smoke in - its easier for you to control.

With a bong you take in a LOT of smoke and its concentrated. Even if you cough you have already absorbed a lot of the active compounds within the smoke - like THC. You are already on your way to absorbing a lot of the good stuff all in one go.

Your lungs will feel like they want to expand? Right? and you then begin to cough out of control. Your lungs become irritated and produce mucus - this makes you hack and cough some more!

Then your blood pressure probably shot right up and it freaked you out - so your pulse starts racing and you begin having a panic attack. This isn't that unusual if you smoke too much - especially if you smoke it in a short period.

But the effects are short-lived and if anything I bet you won't do it again in a hurry You just need to take it easy and find your own pace - remember that all weed is different and it affects different people in different ways. Just because a 'friend' thinks it isn't strong - doesn't mean you will.