Does Coughing When Smoking Weed Get You Higher? Effects on Lungs

Does Coughing When Smoking Weed Get You Higher?

This is a common question among cannabis users. The act of coughing can be uncomfortable and even painful when inhaling marijuana smoke. Some believe that coughing causes more THC to be absorbed, resulting in a more intense high.

But is there any truth to this idea that coughing when smoking weed gets you higher? Let's take a closer look at what the science and experts say.

What Happens When You Smoke Weed

When you smoke marijuana, the THC and other cannabinoids quickly enter your lungs. From there, they rapidly diffuse into your bloodstream and travel to your brain and other parts of your body.

THC is absorbed very efficiently when smoking cannabis. Studies show that when smoking a joint, up to 50-60% of the available THC is absorbed by your lungs almost immediately.

This rapid absorption is one of the main reasons people enjoy smoking weed - it offers very fast onset effects. You can feel yourself getting high within seconds or minutes of inhaling.

What Is a Cannabis Cough?

A cannabis cough refers to fits of coughing when inhaling marijuana smoke. This happens for several reasons:

• Smoke irritation - Marijuana smoke contains tiny particles and tar that can irritate the delicate tissues of the throat and lungs, triggering coughing.
• Heat - Hot smoke causes inflammation.
• Expanded lungs - Taking a big inhalation expands the lungs fully, which can induce coughing.
• Holding breath - Holding in smoke causes coughing when you finally exhale.

Coughing is the body's natural reflex to clear irritants from the airways. It is very common, especially among new cannabis users or when taking a very large hit.

Does Coughing Get You Higher?

There are a few theories out there as to why coughing may get you higher when smoking weed:

• Increased absorption - When coughing, people tend to inhale more deeply both before and after the cough. This may pull more smoke into the lungs.
• Coughing opens airways - Coughing expands the air sacs in the lungs, potentially increasing absorption surface area.
• Reduced oxygen - Coughing fits can temporarily reduce oxygen to the brain, inducing lightheadedness.

While these ideas make sense in theory, there currently isn't solid scientific evidence to back them up. However, some cannabis users do insist that bouts of coughing increase their perceived high.

Studies Investigating Coughing and Absorption

Very few studies have directly investigated the link between coughing when smoking cannabis and THC absorption or impairment. But the available research suggests coughing does not significantly change absorption or intoxication levels.

One study from 2009 measured THC levels in frequent cannabis users after inhaling marijuana smoke. While some participants coughed heavily, others did not cough at all. Yet researchers found no association between coughing and blood THC concentrations.

Another study had participants rate their level of subjective intoxication after smoking cannabis with different levels of THC. Again, coughing did not appear to impact perceived impairment severity in this study.

Overall, current research does not demonstrate that fits of coughing increase how much THC enters the body or the resulting strength of effects.

Tips to Minimize Cannabis Cough

While the notion that coughing gets you higher when smoking weed may be a myth, coughing can still be uncomfortable. Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize coughing from inhaling marijuana smoke:

• Take smaller, gentler hits and work your way up.
• Drink water before, during, and after smoking.
• Breathe in some fresh air after exhaling smoke.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Try different strains - some may be smoother.
• Use a dry herb vaporizer instead of smoking.
• Try edibles or tinctures instead of inhaling.

The Bottom Line

Smoking weed can certainly make you cough. However, current evidence suggests that coughing does not actually get you higher. THC absorption remains unchanged whether you cough or not.

While uncomfortable, occasional coughing is normal and no cause for concern. But persistent coughing or lung irritation may be a sign to cut back or try other cannabis consumption methods. As always, moderation is key.

The science is still lacking in this area, so more research is needed on the relationship between pulmonary function and THC impairment. But for now, it seems that the notion of coughing to get higher is more myth than fact.

Is Smoking Weed Bad for Your Lungs?

Marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. However, the link between smoking weed and lung problems is complex and still debated.

Here is an overview of what research says so far about how smoking cannabis affects lung health:

Acute Effects on Lungs

Inhaling hot marijuana smoke immediately irritates the airways. Common short-term effects reported include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing fits
• Increased sputum production
• Airway inflammation

These symptoms often resolve quickly after use and are likened to tobacco's effects. But some evidence suggests cannabis may be even more irritating than cigarettes in the short-term due to how it is inhaled.

Long-Term Lung Damage

The potential for longer term lung changes from cannabis smoke is debated. Studies show mixed findings:

• Some studies find frequent marijuana smoking is linked with chronic cough, increased phlegm, and bronchitis.
• Yet other research finds no association between cannabis smoking and reduced lung function or COPD.

Overall, evidence suggests cannabis smoke may cause mild respiratory issues with heavy long-term use. But it does not seem to cause significant, permanent lung damage for most folks.

Risk of Lung Infections

There are some reports of lung infections, like pneumothorax, in people who smoke marijuana. But it is unclear if cannabis smoke increases infection risk or if these cases were coincidental.

Smoking any substance seems to slightly suppress the immune system in the lungs, which could make infections more likely. This may be true of marijuana as well.

Lung Cancer Risk

There is no good evidence that smoking cannabis raises lung cancer risk like tobacco does. However, risks may increase in very heavy, long-term cannabis smokers.

Marijuana use has not been conclusively linked with lung, head, or neck cancers. More research is still needed though.

Quitting Cannabis Smoking

Studies show that lung function starts improving almost immediately after quitting smoking weed. Coughing, mucus, and wheezing will decrease as lung irritation and inflammation resolve.

So while marijuana smoke may not cause permanent lung damage for most people, quitting smoking can still improve respiratory discomfort and health.

Safer Consumption Methods

To avoid potential lung risks, consider safer cannabis consumption methods such as:

• Cannabis edibles or oils
• Oral tinctures or sprays
• Nasal sprays
• Vaping dried herb (avoid vape cartridges)

While not completely risk-free, these methods avoid inhaling harmful smoke into the lungs.

The Bottom Line

Moderate, occasional marijuana smoking is unlikely to

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.