Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Why Does Weed Make You Cough? Coughing After Smoking
Coughing after smoking weed is a common symptom experienced by many cannabis users. While some may consider it a minor inconvenience, it can actually be a sign of potentially harmful irritation to the respiratory tract.
In this article, we'll explore the various reasons why smoking weed can lead to coughing and what you can do to minimize or prevent it.
Smoking Cannabis and The Lung Cancer Risk
Smoking weed has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer, just like smoking tobacco. The smoke from cannabis contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, including tar and carcinogens.
These substances can irritate the lungs and lead to inflammation, which can cause a persistent cough and other respiratory symptoms.
Additionally, cannabis smoke contains particulate matter that can damage the delicate tissues of the lungs and airways.
This can lead to the development of chronic bronchitis, a condition characterized by a persistent cough and mucus production. Chronic bronchitis can cause long-term damage to lung function and increase the risk of lung infections.
While the risk of developing lung cancer from smoking weed is lower than the risk associated with smoking tobacco, it's still a good idea to minimize your exposure to cannabis smoke as much as possible.
Quitting smoking weed or using alternative methods of consumption, such as vaporizers or edibles, can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory issues.
The Role of THC in Coughing After Smoking Weed
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been shown to stimulate the cough reflex in some users. When THC is inhaled into the lungs, it can trigger the body's natural defense mechanisms, causing a reflexive cough. This is the body's way of trying to clear the respiratory tract of any potentially irritating substances.
However, it's worth noting that not all cannabis strains are equally likely to cause coughing. Some strains contain higher levels of THC, which may be more likely to stimulate the cough reflex. On the other hand, strains with lower levels of THC may be less likely to cause coughing.
It's also worth noting that the way you smoke cannabis can affect the likelihood of coughing. Taking larger hits or inhaling more smoke can increase the risk of irritation and coughing. On the other hand, taking smaller hits or inhaling less smoke may be less likely to trigger a cough reflex.
Other Factors That Can Cause Coughing After Smoking Weed
In addition to the irritants in cannabis smoke and the effects of delta 8 THC, there are several other factors that can contribute to coughing after smoking weed. These include:
The presence of other irritants:
Some people may be more sensitive to certain irritants in the environment, such as pollutants or allergens, which can exacerbate coughing after smoking weed.
Dehydration:
Smoking weed can lead to dehydration, which can cause a dry throat and increase the risk of coughing.
Smoking technique:
The way you inhale and exhale when smoking weed can also play a role in coughing. For example, exhaling too quickly or not exhaling fully can leave residual smoke in the respiratory tract, which can irritate the throat and cause coughing.
What Can You Do to Minimize or Prevent Coughing After Smoking Weed?
If you're prone to coughing after smoking weed, there are a few steps you can take to minimize or prevent it:
Choose strains with lower levels of THC:
As mentioned earlier, strains with lower levels of THC may be less likely to cause coughing.
Use a vaporizer:
Vaporizers heat cannabis to a temperature that releases the THC and other cannabinoids as a vapor, rather than smoke.
Take smaller hits:
As mentioned earlier, taking larger hits or inhaling more smoke can increase the risk of coughing. Taking smaller hits or inhaling less smoke may be less likely to trigger a cough reflex.
Drink plenty of water:
Dehydration can contribute to coughing after smoking weed, so it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Inhale slowly and exhale fully:
Exhaling too quickly or not exhaling fully can leave residual smoke in the respiratory tract, which can irritate the throat and cause coughing. Inhaling slowly and exhaling fully can help minimize this risk.
Use a humidifier:
Dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and increase the risk of coughing. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and reduce the risk of coughing.
Try cough drops or herbal tea:
Cough drops and herbal teas can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
Consult a cannabis specialist:
If you're experiencing persistent coughing after smoking weed and are unable to find relief through the above methods, it may be worth consulting with a cannabis specialist or healthcare provider. They can help identify the underlying cause of your coughing and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coughing after smoking weed is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the irritants in cannabis smoke, the effects of THC, and other factors such as dehydration and smoking technique.
While there are steps you can take to minimize or prevent coughing after smoking weed, such as choosing strains with lower levels of THC, using a vaporizer, and taking smaller hits, some people may still experience coughing despite these measures.
If you're someone who experiences coughing after smoking weed and are looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the side effects, we recommend trying our delta 8 gummies 100mg. Our gummies are made with 25mg of delta 8 THC, a lesser-known cannabinoid that has been shown to have a lower risk of side effects than delta 9 THC, the psychoactive compound found in most strains of cannabis.
Delta 8 THC has been shown to provide many of the same therapeutic benefits as delta 9 THC, such as pain relief and relaxation, without the intense psychoactive effects.
Overall, if you're someone who experiences coughing after smoking weed and are looking for a more enjoyable and less irritating way to consume cannabis, we recommend giving our delta 8 gummies a try. They're a convenient and discreet way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the harsh side effects that can come with smoking.
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.
