Does Coughing Get You Higher?
Weed is one of the most popular recreational drugs, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you’re smoking a joint, hitting a bong, or taking a dab, getting high is the main goal.
But there are many myths and misconceptions about what can affect your high, and one of the most common questions is does coughing make you higher?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the science behind coughing and getting high, and find out whether there’s any truth to this popular belief.
Key Takeaways: Does Coughing Get You Higher
- When you smoke weed, the smoke contains THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant matter.
- When you inhale cannabis smoke, the sensory nerves in your airways produce a cough reflex. This is your body’s way of protecting against irritating substances. It’s a normal response that occurs when you inhale any kind of smoke.
- Coughing can cause a temporary increase in blood flow to your brain, which can enhance the effects of THC.
- Coughing can also cause you to exhale more smoke, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of THC that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
- CBD and terpenes can play a role in reducing coughing.
- The myth that coughing can make you higher is not entirely true, and holding in your hits for too long can be harmful.
- Taking slow, deep breaths and using filters or other devices can help to reduce coughing.
- Ultimately, the best way to enjoy your weed and get the most out of your high is to experiment and find what works best for you.
The Science Behind Coughing and Smoking Weed
First, let’s take a look at what happens when you smoke weed. When you inhale smoke from a joint, bong, or other smoking device, the smoke contains a mixture of chemicals, including THC (the psychoactive compound that gets you high), other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant matter. When you inhale this smoke, it passes through your lungs, where it is absorbed into your bloodstream.
When you inhale smoke, your body’s natural reaction is to cough. Coughing is a reflex action that helps to clear your airways of irritants, like smoke. When you cough, your diaphragm and other muscles contract forcefully, causing a sudden burst of air to be expelled from your lungs. This can help to expel any smoke that may have gotten trapped in your airways, and can also help to increase the amount of oxygen in your lungs.
So, does coughing actually affect your high?
The answer is somewhat complicated. On one hand, coughing can cause a temporary increase in blood flow to your brain, which can enhance the effects of THC. On the other hand, coughing can also cause you to exhale more smoke, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of THC that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
The Relationship Between Coughing and THC Absorption
To understand the relationship between coughing and THC absorption, let’s take a closer look at how THC is absorbed into your body. When you inhale smoke, the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream through the tiny blood vessels in your lungs. From there, it is transported to the brain, where it binds to cannabinoid receptors and produces its psychoactive effects.
However, not all of the THC that you inhale is absorbed into your bloodstream. Some of it can get trapped in your airways, or be exhaled before it has a chance to be absorbed. This is where coughing can come into play.
When you cough, you expel air from your lungs, which can help to push out any smoke that may be trapped in your airways. However, this can also cause you to exhale more THC, which can decrease the amount that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
So, what does this mean for your high? It means that coughing can have both positive and negative effects on your high. On one hand, coughing can help to increase blood flow to your brain, which can enhance the effects of THC.
On the other hand, coughing can also cause you to exhale more smoke, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of THC that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
The Role of Cannabinoids in Coughing
Another factor to consider when looking at the relationship between coughing and getting high is the role of other cannabinoids in coughing. THC is just one of the many active compounds found in weed, and it’s not the only one that can affect your high.
One of the other cannabinoids found in weed is CBD. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and it can also help to reduce anxiety and stress. Some studies have suggested that CBD may also help to reduce coughing, by suppressing the cough reflex.
So, if you’re smoking weed that contains high levels of CBD, you may be less likely to cough, which could affect your overall high. Additionally, some terpenes (the compounds that give weed its distinctive smell and taste) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which could also help to reduce coughing.
Myths About Coughing and Getting Higher
Now that we’ve looked at the science behind coughing and getting high, let’s take a closer look at some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic. One of the most common myths is that coughing can make you higher.
While it’s true that coughing can increase blood flow to your brain, which can enhance the effects of THC, it’s unlikely that coughing alone will significantly increase your high.
Another myth is that holding in your hits (i.e., not exhaling immediately after inhaling) can also increase your high.
While it’s true that holding in your hits can lead to a slightly higher concentration of THC in your bloodstream, it’s unlikely to have a significant impact on your overall high.
In fact, holding in your hits for too long can actually be harmful, as it can lead to increased tar and other harmful chemicals in your lungs.
Tips for Reducing Coughing When Smoking Weed
If you’re someone who tends to cough a lot when smoking weed, there are several things you can do to reduce coughing and improve your overall smoking experience.
One of the most important things is to make sure you’re inhaling the smoke correctly. This means taking slow, deep breaths, and inhaling the smoke into your lungs, rather than just your throat.
Another thing you can do is to use filters or other devices to reduce the harshness of the smoke. There are many different types of filters available, including activated charcoal filters and glass filters.
These filters can help to remove some of the harmful chemicals and particulate matter from the smoke, which can reduce coughing and make the smoke smoother and more enjoyable.
To alleviate a sore throat after experiencing coughing, here are some remedies you can try:
Gargle with salt water: A saltwater solution is an effective way to ease throat discomfort and pain. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 4 to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle.
Drink cold water: Drinking fluids can help reduce dryness in your throat. Cold water can be particularly soothing.
Consume warm liquids: Drinking warm liquids such as caffeine-free tea or broth can also help relieve throat soreness.
Suck on hard candy: Sucking on hard candy can stimulate saliva production and ease coughing.
Eat cold foods: Consuming ice pops or ice cream may provide relief.
Use a humidifier: Humidifiers can help reduce dry air, which can worsen your symptoms.
Take a break: Avoid smoking cannabis until your throat feels better aka a tiny tolerance break.
Conclusion: Does Coughing Get You Higher
So, does coughing actually get you higher? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
While coughing can increase blood flow to your brain, which can enhance the effects of THC, it can also cause you to exhale more smoke, which can decrease the amount of THC that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Additionally, the role of other cannabinoids and terpenes in coughing and getting high is not fully understood.
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy your weed and get the most out of your high is to experiment and find what works best for you. Whether you prefer to cough or not, there’s no denying that smoking weed can be a fun and enjoyable experience.
Just make sure to take care of your lungs, and always use weed responsibly and in moderation. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll find out that coughing really does get you higher – but until then, happy smoking!
F.A.Q – Does Coughing Get You Higher
Q: Does coughing get you higher?
A: No, coughing does not get you higher. In fact, coughing can actually decrease the amount of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) that you absorb.
Q: Why do people cough when smoking weed?
A: Coughing is a natural reflex that occurs when the lungs are irritated by smoke. When smoking weed, the smoke can be harsh and irritate the throat and lungs, causing a person to cough.
Q: Is it possible to reduce coughing while smoking weed?
A: Yes, there are a few things that can be done to reduce coughing while smoking weed, such as taking smaller hits, using a vaporizer like the Pax, or trying a different strain with a smoother smoke.
Q: Can coughing while smoking weed be harmful to your health?
A: Yes, frequent coughing can be harmful to your lungs and respiratory system. It can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Q: What are some alternative ways to consume cannabis that don’t involve smoking?
A: Some alternative ways to consume cannabis include edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vaporizers. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before trying a new method.
Q: Does being high make you cough?
A: There is some evidence to suggest that when you inhale cannabis smoke, the sensory nerves in your airways can produce a cough reflex – this is your body’s way of protecting against irritation and harmful substances.
Additionally, coughing fits can be a symptom of certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or whooping cough, and chronic coughing can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Ultimately, the effects of being “high” on coughing may be subjective and dependent on individual factors.
Q: What is bong lung?
A: Bong lung is a term used to refer to medical conditions that can arise from frequent or long-term use of a bong (a device used to smoke marijuana).
These conditions can include bronchitis, bullae (large air spaces within the lung that are prone to collapse), and other forms of lung damage.
Several studies suggest that heavy or prolonged use of cannabis through a bong can lead to increased risks of these conditions. It is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with cannabis use and its impact on lung health.
Q: Does coughing help you get better?
A: Coughing can be a natural reflex that helps protect your airways and lungs against irritants like foreign particles and mucus.
In this sense, coughing is beneficial as it helps clear the airways and remove the irritants, which can eventually help improve symptoms. However, whether coughing itself can help you get better depends on the underlying cause of the cough.
For example, if the cough is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, the coughing reflex may not directly help you get better
Q: Does indica make you cough more?
A: More research would be needed to determine any potential differences in coughing between indica and other strains of cannabis.
Q: Why don’t I get high until i cough?
A: There are a few theories as to why some people may feel higher after coughing while smoking cannabis.
One theory is that coughing can increase the absorption of THC in the lungs, leading to a stronger high. Another theory is that the act of coughing can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, which may enhance the effects of the THC.
However, it is worth noting that not everyone experiences this phenomenon, and some people may not feel a difference in their high before and after coughing.
Q: Why do I cough so much when I smoke Weed?
A: Coughing is a common side effect of smoking weed, and it is important to take precautions to avoid exacerbating it. If you are a regular smoker and find that you are experiencing chronic coughing or other respiratory symptoms, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.