Im not sure abut the pharmacology of jwh synthetic cannabinoids and synergy with DMT.  With weed me and some others feel it actually numbs the effects of dmt, makes it more cloudy.  Personally my absolute best way of smoking (or rather, vaporizing) is using a GVG (glass vapor genie) but not all people have at the moment possibility to buy it because its kinda expensive (100$). Its definitely very worth it, though, makes it sooo much smoother and more effective.  Before that my preffered method was indeed in a bong between layer of ashes.

Regarding setting, that sounds fine   I like no music though, and rather do it in bed with some comfortable pillows behind my back, sitting up comfortably.

As for trouble integrating, look up posts by joebono, for example. This is the last thread he made (wasnt the only one with this tone).