Just eye it carefully after you break it up to make sure any foreign materials don't make their way into the bowl. Actually (and forgive me if this insults your intelligence), did you break it up prior to rolling it? The weed looks dry, so it should crumble rather easily. Rolling chunks of it up might explain why you had trouble lighting it and keeping it lit, which in turn might help explain why the full effects of the weed eluded you. Break it down to a consistency a little finer than sea salt and you'll be good to go. Of course if you did break it up properly, disregard this. Just trying to cover all the bases.
I think getting high is something of an acquired sensation that you might not completely notice until you become familiar with it. I know I didn't get high my first few times smoking, and it can't only be something to do with improper inhalation. See how the bong works out and let us know.
