How to Smoke Weed Without Coughing: 10 Tips for a Smooth Hit

Smoking weed is a popular pastime for many adults in states where cannabis is legal. In the United States an increasing number of states have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use.

However for some the experience can be marred by coughing fits that leave them feeling uncomfortable and disrupt their enjoyment. In this article we’ll explore some tips and techniques for smoking weed without coughing so you can fully relax and savor your cannabis experience.

Chris Dorcey

Inheal Editor

Post date

April 22, 2024

Time to read

6 mins 31 secs

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Coughing when smoking weed is caused by irritation to the throat and lungs from hot smoke produced by burning cannabis plants.
Starting with small hits using a grinder and trying different smoking methods can help prevent coughing.
Staying hydrated taking smaller hits and not holding the smoke can also reduce coughing.
Experimenting with different types of cannabis cleaning your smoking equipment and pacing yourself are important for a smooth smoking experience.
Practicing good smoking technique by inhaling deeply and exhaling smoothly can minimize coughing.

Why Does Smoking Weed Make You Cough?

Before we dive into how to prevent coughing it’s helpful to understand why it happens in the first place. When you inhale smoke from burning cannabis plants the hot smoke can irritate your throat and lungs triggering a cough reflex. This reflex is your body’s attempt to expel the irritant and protect your respiratory system.

Additionally if you’re new to smoking or haven’t smoked cannabis in a while your throat and lungs may be more sensitive to the smoke leading to more coughing. Over time as you smoke more regularly your body may develop a tolerance and the coughing may subside.

Tips for Smoking Weed Without Coughing

1. Start with a Small Hit

One of the most effective ways to avoid coughing is to start with a small hit. Instead of taking a huge lungful of smoke start with a small puff and gradually increase the amount you inhale. This allows your throat and lungs to adjust to the cannabis smoke reducing the likelihood of coughing.

2. Use a Grinder

Using a grinder to break up your cannabis can help prevent coughing. When you smoke large chunks of weed they can burn unevenly leading to harsh smoke.

A grinder breaks the cannabis down into a fine consistent texture that burns more smoothly resulting in a smoother hit. Ground cannabis is easier to roll into joints or pack into bowls making for a more enjoyable smoking experience.

3. Try a Different Smoking Method

If you’re prone to coughing when smoking joints or blunts you may want to try a different smoking method. Water pipes or bongs can help cool and filter the smoke making it less harsh on your throat and lungs.

Vaporizers which heat the cannabis to release the active compounds without burning it can also provide a smoother smoking experience. Many cannabis users find that vaporizing cannabis products produces less irritation and coughing compared to smoking.

4. Drink Water

Staying hydrated can help prevent coughing by keeping your throat moist and reducing irritation. Drink plenty of water before during and after smoking to keep your throat lubricated and minimize coughing.

Consuming cannabis can sometimes lead to dry mouth so having water on hand is always a good idea.

5. Take Smaller Hits

In addition to starting with a small hit it’s important to take smaller hits throughout your smoking session. Taking huge rips can overwhelm your lungs and trigger coughing so take smaller more manageable hits instead.

This technique is especially useful when smoking from a bong or pipe where the amount of smoke inhaled can be more easily controlled.

6. Don’t Hold the Smoke

Some people believe that holding the smoke in your lungs for an extended period will get them higher but this is a myth. In reality holding the smoke only increases the amount of tar and other irritants you inhale which can lead to more coughing.

Instead inhale the smoke deeply into your lungs and exhale smoothly. The psychoactive effects of THC the primary cannabinoid responsible for the “high” are felt almost immediately upon inhalation.

7. Experiment with Different Strains

Different types of cannabis can have different effects on your throat and lungs. Some strains may be harsher and more likely to cause coughing while others may be smoother and easier to inhale.

Experiment with different strains to find one that works well for you. Keep in mind that the amount of THC as well as the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes can influence the overall smoking experience.

8. Clean Your Smoking Equipment

Dirty smoking equipment can contribute to harsh smoke and coughing. Make sure to clean your pipes bongs and other smoking devices regularly to ensure a smooth smoking experience.

Resin buildup can lead to harsher hits and increased irritation so keeping your gear clean is essential for a pleasant session.

9. Pace Yourself

Smoking too much too quickly can increase the likelihood of coughing. Pace yourself and take breaks between hits to give your throat and lungs a chance to recover.

This is particularly important when consuming cannabis products with high THC content as the psychoactive effects can be more intense.

10. Practice Good Smoking Technique

Finally practicing good smoking technique can help prevent coughing. Inhale slowly and deeply filling your lungs with smoke before exhaling smoothly.

Avoid taking short shallow breaths which can irritate your throat and lungs. When using rolling papers be sure not to roll your joint too tightly as this can restrict airflow and lead to harsher hits.

Final thoughts

Coughing when smoking weed is a common issue but it doesn’t have to ruin your cannabis experience. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article you can learn to smoke weed without coughing and fully enjoy the relaxing and euphoric effects of cannabis.

Remember to start slow stay hydrated and listen to your body and you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable smoking session. As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States more people are exploring the world of cannabis products and consumption methods. By understanding how to minimize the side effects such as coughing you can make the most of your cannabis experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to cough when smoking weed?

Yes coughing is a common reaction to smoking weed especially for new or infrequent smokers. The hot smoke from burning cannabis can irritate the throat and lungs triggering a cough reflex.

Can certain strains of weed make you cough more?

Yes some types of cannabis may be harsher and more likely to cause coughing than others. Experimenting with different strains can help you find one that is smoother and easier to inhale.

Does holding the smoke in your lungs get you higher?

No holding the smoke in your lungs for an extended period does not increase the psychoactive effects of cannabis. In fact it can actually increase the amount of tar and irritants you inhale leading to more coughing.

Can drinking water help prevent coughing when smoking?

Yes staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before during and after smoking can help keep your throat moist and reduce irritation minimizing the likelihood of coughing.

Are there any smoking methods that are less likely to cause coughing?

Yes water pipes or bongs can help cool and filter the smoke making it less harsh on your throat and lungs. Vaporizers which heat the cannabis without burning it can also provide a smoother smoking experience with less coughing. Experimenting with different temperature ranges when vaporizing can further optimize the experience and minimize irritation.

Disclaimer

The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. FDA has not evaluated statements contained within the blog. Information on this website or in any materials or communications from Inheal is for educational/informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions, correct dosage or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

by Chris Dorcey

A connoisseur of cannabis creativity and true contemplation with more than 20 years of experience, Chris extracts deep thoughts from getting lightly baked and shares his wandering mind. He blends cuisine and cannabis culture into nutritious, delicious recipes and insights for other hemp lovers.