Education

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

How to French Inhale: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to impress your friends with a cool smoke trick?

Or maybe you just want to try something new and fun while smoking weed.

Either way, learning how to French inhale, also known as a "Irish Waterfall" or "Snoop Dogg," can add some flair to your smoking sessions.

But what exactly is a French inhale, and how do you do it?

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of this popular smoke trick, as well as provide some tips on how to inhale weed properly and avoid inhaling too much smoke.

So whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to expand your smoke tricks repertoire, keep reading to learn how to French inhale like a pro.

What Is a French Inhale?

A French inhale is a smoke trick that involves exhaling a thick cloud of smoke from your mouth and inhaling it through your nose at the same time.

This creates the illusion of the smoke flowing from your mouth to your nose, like a reverse waterfall effect.

The French inhale has become a popular smoke trick in pop culture, with rappers like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa frequently incorporating it into their music videos and performances.

It's also been featured in movies, such as in the iconic scene from Grease where the female protagonist French inhales while smoking a cigarette.

However, it's important to note that smoking in general, including the use of smoke tricks like the French inhale, can have negative health effects.

If you do choose to smoke, it's important to do so responsibly and in moderation.

How to French Inhale: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try out the French inhale for yourself? Follow these steps to learn how to do this popular smoke trick:

Step 1

Take a large puff of smoke into your mouth. You can do this by taking a hit from a joint, pipe, or bong, or by exhaling a cloud of smoke from your lungs.

Step 2

Position your tongue at the bottom of your mouth, just behind your lower teeth.

Step 3

Slowly open your mouth and exhale a thick cloud of smoke.

Step 4

As you exhale, lift your head back slightly and slightly purse your lips, as if you're about to whistle. This will help the smoke escape from your mouth more easily.

Step 5

Slowly inhale through your nose, pulling the smoke from your mouth into your nostrils. Be careful not to push the smoke too hard, as this can cause it to go down your throat and make you cough.

Step 6

Keep inhaling until all the smoke has flowed from your mouth to your nose.

Step 7

Exhale through your nose to complete the French inhale.

Tips for Successfully French Inhaling

Learning how to French inhale can take some practice, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.

Here are a few tips to help you master this smoke trick:

Take it slow:

French inhaling requires you to exhale and inhale simultaneously, so it's important to go slow and be mindful of your breath.

Use a good smoking device:

A well-packed bowl or joint will produce a thicker smoke that's easier to inhale and hold in your mouth.

Position your mouth and tongue correctly:

Having your tongue in the right position and slightly pursing your lips will help the smoke escape from your mouth more easily.

Inhale through your nose gently:

Avoid pushing the smoke too hard.

Techniques And Variations

Now that you know the basic steps for how to French inhale, let's delve a bit deeper into the technique and some variations you can try.

One common mistake people make when trying to French inhale is inhaling the smoke too quickly or too hard through their nose.

This can cause the smoke to go down your throat and make you cough, which can be unpleasant and ruin the smooth flow of the trick.

To avoid this, try inhaling the smoke through your nose slowly and gently, using your diaphragm to pull it into your nostrils.

Another important aspect of French inhaling is the thickness of the smoke. A denser, thicker smoke will be easier to hold in your mouth and inhale through your nose, so try to exhale a large cloud of smoke rather than a thin stream.

This can be achieved by using a well-packed bowl or joint, or by exhaling a large puff of smoke from your lungs.

Once you've mastered the basic French inhale technique, there are a few variations you can try to add some flair to your smoke tricks repertoire.

One option is the "All the Smoke" French inhale, popularized by rapper Stormzy, which involves exhaling a large cloud of smoke and then inhaling it all through your nose in one continuous motion.

Another variation is the "Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa," which involves exhaling a thick smoke ring and then French inhaling through the center of it.

It's important to note that French inhaling, like any other smoke trick, can be harmful to your health if done excessively or improperly.

Be sure to inhale smoke in moderation and avoid inhaling too much at once, as this can put strain on your lungs and airways. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, it's best to avoid smoke tricks altogether.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that while French inhaling has become a popular aspect of cannabis culture, it's not for everyone.

If you're not comfortable with smoke tricks or prefer to avoid smoking altogether, that's perfectly fine. There are many ways to enjoy cannabis and its effects without inhaling smoke, such as edibles, topicals, or vaporizers.

Other Methods

When it comes to consuming cannabis, there are many different methods to choose from. While smoking is one of the most popular and traditional ways to consume marijuana, it's not the only option. In this section, we'll explore some of the differences between French inhaling and other methods of consuming cannabis.

One alternative to French inhaling is vaporizing. Vaporizing involves heating cannabis to a temperature where the active compounds are released as vapor, rather than smoke. This can be done with a vaporizer device, which uses conduction or convection heating to release the vapor.

Vaping

Vaporizing has become a popular choice for many cannabis users due to its perceived health benefits, as it produces less harmful byproducts than smoking. However, it's worth noting that vaporizing is not completely risk-free and can still have negative health effects, especially if done excessively or with low-quality products.

Edibles

Another option for consuming cannabis is edibles. Edibles are food or drink products that have been infused with THC or CBD, the active compounds found in marijuana. Edibles can be a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis, and they offer a unique set of effects due to the way THC is metabolized in the body. However, it's important to be careful with edibles, as it can be easy to overconsume and experience negative side effects such as anxiety or paranoia.

Topicals

Topicals are another alternative to French inhaling, and they involve applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin. Topicals can be used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief, skin conditions, and muscle soreness. They offer a localized effect, meaning they don't produce a psychoactive high like other methods of consumption. However, topicals may not be suitable for everyone, as they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to French inhale can be a fun and impressive way to add some flair to your smoking sessions. However, it's important to remember that French inhaling, like any other smoke trick, can be harmful to your health if done excessively or improperly.

Be sure to inhale smoke in moderation and avoid inhaling too much at once, as this can put strain on your lungs and airways. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, it's best to avoid smoke tricks altogether.

While French inhaling is just one of many ways to consume cannabis, there are many other options to consider as well. Vaporizing, edibles, and topicals are just a few examples of alternative methods of consumption that offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

If you're interested in learning more about these options, be sure to check out our article on edibles vs. vaporizers to help you decide which method is right for you.

Overall, the most important thing is to choose a method of consuming cannabis that works for you and fits your needs and preferences. Whether you choose to French inhale, vaporize, eat edibles, or use topicals, be sure to do your research and make informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.