When you take a big hit of weed and immediately start coughing, you might have heard people say, “That means it’s working!” But is there any truth to the idea that coughing makes you higher? Let’s break down the science, myths, and what really goes on when you cough while smoking weed.
The Science Behind Coughing and Its Effects on the Body
Before we dive into whether coughing affects your high, it helps to understand what happens in your body when you cough.
What Happens in Your Lungs When You Cough?
Coughing is your lungs’ way of protecting themselves. When you inhale smoke, it can irritate your airways and trigger a cough reflex to clear out any irritants. Your lungs are lined with tiny hair-like structures called cilia that work to remove unwanted particles. When you cough, these cilia kick into overdrive, helping to push out the smoke and mucus. This process is basically your lungs’ self-defense mechanism. So, while coughing can feel harsh, it’s actually your body doing its job.
The Relationship Between Coughing and THC Absorption
Now, you might wonder if coughing has anything to do with THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, getting into your system. Here’s the deal: THC is absorbed in your lungs and quickly enters your bloodstream. This absorption happens fast—usually within seconds of inhaling. Coughing doesn’t increase the amount of THC absorbed; it’s more about how deep you’re breathing in the smoke in the first place. If anything, coughing might expel some smoke before your body can absorb the THC. So, while coughing is a common part of the experience, it’s not directly related to getting you higher.
Does Coughing Actually Increase Your High?
The short answer is no, but let’s dig into why so many people think it does.
Common Beliefs and Myths About Coughing
You’ve probably heard people say, “If you don’t cough, you don’t get off.” This myth likely started because coughing can make you feel lightheaded or out of breath, sensations that might feel like an intensified high. People often mistake these effects for being “higher.” In reality, coughing is just your body’s response to smoke, not a signal that you’re absorbing more THC.
Studies and Research on Coughing and Cannabis High
Researchers haven’t found a direct link between coughing and increased THC absorption. The most important factors in how high you get are the strain’s potency, your tolerance, and how you consume it. Coughing hasn’t been shown to make a noticeable difference in how high you get.
Why You May Feel Higher When You Cough
When you cough, it can trigger a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain, causing lightheadedness or dizziness. This feeling can mimic the sensations of being high, especially when combined with the effects of cannabis. So, while coughing itself doesn’t make you higher, the physical sensation of coughing might trick you into thinking it does.
Factors That Influence How High You Get
If coughing doesn’t get you higher, what does? Several other factors play a role in how high you feel.
The Role of Strain Potency and THC Content
The strain you’re smoking and its THC content are the real game-changers here. High-THC strains deliver a more intense high, whether you cough or not. That’s why knowing the strain’s potency is key to gauging how strong your experience will be.
Inhalation Techniques and Their Impact on Coughing
How you inhale matters. Taking smaller, slower hits can minimize coughing while still allowing for THC absorption. Deep inhales might expose more surface area in your lungs to THC, but they also increase the likelihood of coughing. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you.
How Your Body’s Tolerance Affects Your High
Your tolerance plays a huge role. If you’re new to cannabis, even a small hit might make you cough and feel extra high. More experienced smokers might take bigger hits without coughing and still get the same effect. Your body’s reaction to THC will change over time, affecting how high you feel.
Tips to Avoid Coughing When Smoking or Vaping
If you want to avoid coughing but still get a good high, there are a few tricks you can try.
Choosing the Right Method of Consumption
Not all methods of consuming cannabis are equal when it comes to coughing. Edibles, tinctures, and oils skip the whole inhalation process, so they’re cough-free. Vaporizers heat cannabis to a lower temperature, producing vapor instead of smoke, which is gentler on your lungs.
Using a Vaporizer for a Smoother Experience
Vaping can be much easier on the lungs. Vaporizers create a smooth vapor by heating cannabis below the point of combustion. This means you inhale less harsh substances that can irritate your throat and lungs, reducing the chance of a coughing fit.
Proper Inhalation Techniques to Reduce Coughing
If you prefer smoking, take slow, measured inhales. Start with a small puff, hold it in for a second, and then exhale smoothly. This method can help prevent that sudden urge to cough while still allowing you to enjoy the effects.
Risks and Downsides of Coughing Too Much
Coughing isn’t just uncomfortable—it can have some downsides, too.
Potential Health Impacts on the Respiratory System
Frequent coughing from smoking can irritate your lungs and throat over time. This irritation can lead to inflammation, sore throats, and even bronchitis. Your lungs aren’t designed to handle constant exposure to smoke, so it’s best to take it easy if you’re coughing a lot.
How Coughing Can Lead to Discomfort or Pain
A good cough might clear the airways, but too much can cause chest pain, sore muscles, or even headaches. It’s like your body saying, “Hey, give me a break!” The more you cough, the more uncomfortable the experience can get.
Is Coughing a Sign of Low-Quality Cannabis?
Not necessarily, but low-quality weed can be harsher on the throat and lungs, leading to more coughing. Stale, moldy, or poorly cured cannabis might contain impurities that irritate your respiratory system. So, while coughing isn’t a guaranteed sign of bad weed, it’s worth considering if you’re hacking up a lung every time you light up.
Does coughing help you absorb more THC?
No, THC absorption happens quickly in the lungs before you cough. Coughing doesn’t increase THC levels.
Why do I cough so much when I smoke weed?
Coughing occurs due to smoke irritation in your lungs and airways. It’s a natural reflex to clear out irritants.
How can I stop coughing when I smoke or vape?
Use small, slow inhales and consider vaping instead of smoking. Vaporizers produce smoother vapor that’s easier on the lungs.
Is coughing a sign of good weed?
Not necessarily. Coughing is more about how your body reacts to smoke rather than the quality of the weed.
Can holding in smoke make you higher?
No, THC absorption happens almost instantly. Holding in smoke only increases discomfort, not your high.
So, does coughing make you higher? Not really. While coughing is a natural reaction to inhaling smoke, it doesn’t actually increase the amount of THC your body absorbs. The key to getting a good high is all about choosing the right strain, using proper inhalation techniques, and listening to your body. Keep it smooth, take your time, and enjoy the experience without the need to cough your lungs out.
