Does Coughing Make You Higher? (2024)

A commonly held belief among cannabis users is that coughing after taking a hit intensifies the sensation of being “high“.

This idea has sparked curiosity and debate within the community, leading to various theories about its validity.

The question arises:

Does coughing truly amplify the effects of cannabis, or is it merely a myth?

Does Coughing Make You Higher?

No, coughing does not make you “higher” when consuming cannabis. The belief likely stems from the fact that coughing can lead to a brief head-rush due to a decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide. However, this sensation is temporary and not directly related to the effects of the substance consumed.

Science Behind Coughing and Smoking Weed

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis. When inhaled, THC rapidly travels from the lungs to the bloodstream, and then directly to the brain, inducing the sensation of being “high.”

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major compound in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD offers therapeutic benefits without a psychoactive effect.

Physiology of Coughing

Coughing serves as a reflex action to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. Vigorous coughing can momentarily deprive the brain of oxygen, resulting in dizziness or a head rush.

When smoking cannabis, especially if the smoke is hot or harsh, the throat and lungs can become irritated, prompting a coughing response.

If one coughs forcefully after inhaling cannabis, the temporary oxygen deprivation combined with THC’s rapid onset can create an illusion of a heightened high.

In essence, one is feeling two distinct effects: the initial impact of THC and the short-lived head rush from coughing.

Effects of Cannabis on Blood Pressure

Coughing can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. Some believe that this increased blood pressure might amplify the delivery of THC to the brain, intensifying the high.

However, this connection remains anecdotal and lacks scientific validation.

The red eyes commonly seen after cannabis use result from THC reducing blood pressure. This reduction causes blood vessels, especially in the eyes, to dilate, leading to increased blood flow and reddened eyes.

Summary: While the act of coughing might amplify the sensation of a high due to a brief oxygen shortage, it doesn’t bolster the actual effects of THC. Cannabis users should recognize this difference for a better understanding of their experiences and to maintain respiratory health.

Why Does Smoking Weed Make You Cough?

Smoking weed can make you cough for several reasons:

• Irritation: Cannabis smoke contains various compounds and particulates that can irritate the throat and lungs. Just as with tobacco smoke or any other type of smoke, inhaling these particulates can lead to coughing.
• Heat: The heat of the smoke can also be a factor. Hot smoke entering the throat and lungs can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes, leading to a cough.
• Bronchial Expansion: THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to act as a bronchodilator, meaning it expands the bronchial tubes. This can lead to increased exposure to the irritants in the smoke.
• Toxic Compounds: Like tobacco, cannabis smoke contains tar and other harmful compounds. When these are inhaled, they can lead to irritation and coughing.
• Unfiltered Smoke: Many cannabis users smoke weed using pipes, bongs, or joints that don’t have the kind of filters you’d find in commercial cigarettes. This means more particulates and irritants are inhaled, increasing the likelihood of coughing.
• Holding Breath: Some users hold their breath after inhaling to maximize THC absorption. This can irritate the lungs further and induce coughing upon exhalation.

Note: Using vaporizers or consuming cannabis in edible form can reduce or eliminate the coughing associated with smoking. Always exercise caution and be aware of how any substance affects your body.

How to Prevent Coughing When Smoking Cannabis

To minimize coughing when smoking cannabis, consider the following tips:

• Use a Vaporizer: Vaporizers heat cannabis to a point where the active ingredients are released without combusting the plant material. This produces a vapor that is less irritating than smoke.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before and after smoking can help soothe your throat and reduce the likelihood of coughing.
• Take Smaller Hits: Instead of taking large, deep inhalations, try taking smaller, more controlled hits to decrease the amount of smoke or vapor entering your lungs at once.
• Use a Water Pipe or Bong: The water in these devices cools and somewhat filters the smoke before it’s inhaled, which can make it less irritating to the throat and lungs.
• Maintain Your Gear: Regularly clean your smoking or vaping equipment to reduce the buildup of resin and other compounds that can make the smoke more harsh.
• Choose Smooth Strains: Some cannabis strains are smoother to smoke than others. Do some research or consult with knowledgeable individuals to find strains that are known for a milder smoke.
• Avoid Holding Your Breath: Contrary to popular belief, holding in the smoke does not significantly increase THC absorption but can irritate the lungs more.
• Humidify: Using a humidifier in the room where you’re smoking can help keep airways moist and reduce irritation.
• Smoke Fresh Cannabis: Overly dry cannabis can produce a harsher smoke. Store your cannabis in an airtight container with humidity packs to maintain freshness.
• Practice Good Inhalation Techniques: Learn to inhale properly, drawing the smoke into your mouth first, then taking a deep breath of fresh air to push it into your lungs. This can help cool the smoke a bit before it hits your lungs.
• Consider Alternatives: If smoking consistently causes discomfort, explore other methods of consumption like edibles, tinctures, or topicals.

Remember: Everyone’s body reacts differently. It may take some experimentation to figure out what works best for you. If coughing persists or you experience other concerning symptoms, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.

FAQs About Coughing While Smoking Cannabis

What Happens When You Inhale Cannabis Smoke?

When you inhale cannabis smoke, it enters the lungs, where the active compounds, primarily THC and CBD, are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

This leads to the transportation of these compounds throughout the body, including the brain, producing various psychoactive and therapeutic effects.

Concurrently, the smoke also delivers tar and other harmful chemicals, which can irritate and potentially harm the respiratory system over time.

What Happens During a Cannabis Cough?

A cannabis cough occurs when the respiratory system responds to irritants found in cannabis smoke. These irritants, combined with the heat of the smoke, stimulate the nerve endings in the throat and lungs.

The body’s reflexive reaction is to cough, which is an effort to expel the irritants and clear the airways.

A cough can also be accompanied by a short-lived head-rush due to decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels during the coughing episode.

Does Cannabis Damage Your Lungs?

While cannabis contains therapeutic compounds, smoking it regularly can expose the lungs to harmful chemicals and particulates, leading to respiratory concerns.

Some studies suggest that chronic cannabis smoking may lead to bronchitis symptoms, lung inflammation, and decreased lung function over time.

However, the damage is generally believed to be less severe than that caused by tobacco smoking. Vaping cannabis or using other consumption methods can reduce these respiratory risks.

Does Holding in Marijuana Smoke Get You Higher?

Holding in marijuana smoke is believed by some to increase THC absorption and thus intensify the high. However, the majority of THC is absorbed almost immediately upon inhalation.

Holding the smoke in for extended periods may slightly increase absorption, but it also exposes the lungs to more tar and other harmful compounds.

The lightheadedness some experience after holding their breath might be mistaken for increased intoxication, but it’s more likely due to decreased oxygen levels.

Does Smoking Cannabis Cause Lung Cancer?

The relationship between smoking cannabis and lung cancer remains inconclusive.

While cannabis smoke contains carcinogens similar to tobacco smoke, the evidence has not definitively linked moderate cannabis use to the same cancer risks associated with tobacco.

However, it’s important to note that any type of smoke inhaled into the lungs can cause cellular damage and potentially increase cancer risk.

More research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of regular cannabis smoking.

Final Thoughts

After exploring various perspectives and scientific explanations, it becomes clear that the heightened sensation felt after coughing is not a direct enhancement of the cannabis high.

Instead, it’s likely a result of a brief decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the brain.

Thus, while coughing may produce a transient head-rush, it doesn’t inherently make one “higher”.