Does Coughing Get You Higher When Smoking Marijuana?
Marijuana has become increasingly popular and mainstream in recent years as more places legalize both medical and recreational use. With this growing acceptance comes a lot of questions, especially from new users or those considering trying cannabis for the first time.
One common question is whether coughing after hitting a bong, joint, pipe or other smoking method gets you higher. Many cannabis enthusiasts swear that coughing makes them feel more stoned. But is there any scientific evidence behind this idea?
Why Do People Cough When Smoking Marijuana?
Coughing after inhaling marijuana smoke is a very common experience. There are a few reasons this happens:
- Smoke irritates the throat - Any kind of smoke can irritate the sensitive membranes of the throat, triggering coughing.
- Inhaling too deeply - Especially for new users, eagerly inhaling too much smoke at once can induce coughing.
- Holding in smoke - Holding in marijuana smoke for a long time before exhaling can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to coughing.
- Underlying conditions - Some people may be more prone to coughing when smoking due to asthma, allergies, or other conditions affecting the lungs.
Experienced cannabis users often develop a tolerance and learn techniques to minimize coughing. But some amount of coughing is unavoidable when smoking marijuana.
Does Coughing Release More THC?
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana responsible for the "high" feeling. When smoking cannabis, THC is absorbed into the lungs then quickly enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain to produce its effects.
Some people believe that coughing after hitting a bong or other smoking method can get you higher by releasing more THC into the lungs and bloodstream. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this idea.
Research shows that most THC absorption occurs within seconds of inhaling marijuana smoke. By the time you feel the irritation in your throat and start coughing, the THC has already been absorbed. Coughing cannot release more THC into your system.
Does Coughing Increase Blood Flow?
Another theorized reason why coughing may feel like it gets you higher is that it increases blood flow. The act of coughing expands the chest and can expand blood vessels. This temporarily allows more oxygenated blood to reach the brain.
However, any extra blood flow from coughing would be momentary. It would not likely have a significant impact on blood levels of THC reaching the brain. There is no research indicating that momentarily expanding blood vessels increases a "high" from marijuana.
The Placebo Effect
While coughing after smoking cannabis doesn't actually release more THC or meaningfully change blood flow, the placebo effect may still impact how high someone feels.
The placebo effect is a psychological phenomenon in which someone's expectations shape their perception of results. When people believe that coughing gets them higher, they may perceive the effects of marijuana as being stronger after coughing.
Interestingly, the opposite placebo effect can also occur - someone may feel less high if they believe coughing decreases the effects. The placebo effect emphasizes the important role set and setting play in the experience of being high.
Set and Setting Matters
"Set and setting" refers to the mindset and environment in which someone uses marijuana. An already established belief that coughing makes you higher can shape the individual's experience through the placebo effect.
But coughing after hitting a bong may also alter the set and setting in other ways that influence perceived effects. The jarring physical sensation of coughing can change a user's mindset. Coughing may also interrupt conversation or connection with other people present, influencing social dynamics.
Overall, someone's assessment of feeling more or less high after coughing likely relates more to shifts in mindset, environment and social dynamics than any pharmacological changes in the body.
Does Hotboxing Get You Higher?
Another common marijuana myth is that hotboxing, or smoking cannabis in an enclosed space, intensifies the high. Just as with coughing, there are some logical-sounding reasons why hotboxing may seem to work:
- Inhaling more smoke - Being in a small enclosed space fills the air with dense marijuana smoke, potentially inhaling more THC.
- Oxygen deprivation - Hotboxing uses up oxygen, which some claim boosts intoxication.
- Increased absorption - More smoke exposure could hypothetically help THC absorb faster.
However, controlled studies show that hotboxing does not actually increase measurable intoxication from THC. Just like with coughing, most THC absorption occurs quickly after inhalation. Remaining in a smoke-filled room does not significantly change THC blood levels.
Some people do report feeling more stoned after hotboxing. But as with coughing, this likely relates more to the placebo effect along with shifts in mindset and environment.
Hotboxing often changes the social setting, like encouraging conversation or shared activities with others in the enclosed space. Being in a smoke-filled room can produce sensory effects like blurred vision and lightheadedness that may alter perceived intoxication.
Health Risks of Hotboxing
While hotboxing may not actually get you higher, it does come with some potential health risks:
- Eye irritation - Marijuana smoke drifting in the air can irritate eyes, causing redness, dryness and puffiness.
- Respiratory irritation - Breathing in dense smoke inflames the throat and lungs.
- Secondhand smoke - Non-smokers in a hotboxed room risk secondhand marijuana smoke exposure.
- Potential asphyxiation - In extreme cases, hotboxing may use up oxygen to dangerously low levels in an enclosed space.
Anyone with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies should avoid hotboxing, as it may trigger coughing, wheezing or other breathing problems. While hotboxing carries risks, it can be done more safely by cracking windows, limiting time in the smoke-filled space and avoiding excessive smoke inhalation.
Tips for Safely Getting High When Smoking Marijuana
For those new to cannabis, it's common to have questions about how to maximize the experience. While unproven techniques like coughing or hotboxing don't inherently get you higher, there are some tips to safely enjoy marijuana:
Take Smaller Hits
New cannabis users often think they need to take huge hits to get very stoned. But inhaling a lot of smoke at once is more likely to induce coughing, sore throat and an uncomfortable high. Smaller hits can minimize coughing while still providing effects.
Control Smoke Exposure
Try not to smoke in an enclosed space or expose yourself to secondhand marijuana smoke. Controlled smoke inhalation is safer and more pleasant than hotboxing.
Stay Hydrated
Cannabis can dehydrate you, especially when smoking. Sip water before, during and after a smoke session to counteract dry mouth and throat.
Consider Different Methods
While smoking marijuana is most common, there are healthier alternatives. Vaping and edibles avoid smoke exposure. Cannabis tinctures, topicals, sprays and other methods also minimize health risks.
Be in a Good Headspace
Set and setting greatly impact cannabis experiences. Seeking the right mindset via activities like meditation can prepare you for an enjoyable high. Choosing relaxing, comfortable environments also optimizes marijuana enjoyment.
Start Low and Go Slow
Consuming too much cannabis too fast can lead to negative side effects like anxiety or paranoia. Start with a small dose, especially if using an unfamiliar product, then wait to feel the effects before using more.
Have Snacks and Activities Ready
Preparing munchies and entertainment beforehand prevents disruption of the high. Have healthy snacks, funny movies, relaxing music or other cannabis-friendly activities lined up.
The Bottom Line
While coughing or hotboxing may seem like they intensify a marijuana high, placebo effects along with shifts in mindset and environment likely play a bigger role. There are no shortcuts to get immediately higher from cannabis.
When smoking marijuana, focus more on controlling smoke intake, avoiding health risks and optimizing your mindset and environment. With responsible use, cannabis can be safely enjoyed without needing to artificially boost effects through ineffective techniques.
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.
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