When it comes to the popular belief that coughing after taking a hit of cannabis intensifies the sensation of being “high,” there is a lot of debate and confusion surrounding this issue. The truth is, coughing does not make you higher when consuming cannabis. In fact, the idea of coughing amplifying the effects of the drug stems from a phenomenon known as the head-rush, which is temporary and directly related to the decrease in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide levels during coughing.
The Science Behind Coughing and Smoking Weed
When smoking cannabis, particularly hot or harsh smoke, the respiratory system can become irritated, prompting a coughing response. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, can bind to specific receptor sites in the brain, producing the sensation of being “high.” While CBD, another major compound in cannabis, does not have a psychoactive effect, it still has therapeutic benefits.
Physiology of Coughing
Coughing, as a reflex action, serves to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. Vigorous coughing can momentarily deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to dizziness or a head rush. This sensation can be intense, but it is completely different from the high produced by THC.
Effects of Cannabis on Blood Pressure
Some believe that coughing can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure, which might amplify the delivery of THC to the brain and intensify the high. However, this connection remains anecdotal and lacks scientific validation. The red eyes commonly seen after cannabis use result from the reduction of blood pressure due to THC, causing blood vessels to dilate and leading to increased blood flow to the eyes.
Summary: Why Does Coughing Make You Higher?
While coughing might amplify the sensation of a high due to a brief decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide, 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?
There are several reasons why smoking weed can make you cough:
Irritation: Cannabis smoke contains various compounds and particulates that can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to a cough.
Heat: The heat of the smoke can also be a factor, as hot smoke entering the throat and lungs can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes.
Bronchial Expansion: THC has been found to act as a bronchodilator, which means 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 inhaled, they can lead to irritation and coughing.
Unfiltered Smoke: Many cannabis users smoke weeds using pipes, bongs, or joints that don’t have filters, resulting in more particulates and irritants inhaled, increasing the likelihood of coughing.
Holding Breath: Some users hold their breath after inhaling to maximize THC absorption, which can irritate the lungs further and induce coughing upon exhalation.
How to Prevent Coughing When Smoking Cannabis
To minimize coughing when smoking cannabis, consider the following tips:
使用电子烟：电子烟将植物材料加热至释放活性化合物形成蒸汽，比吸烟更温和。
保持水分：在吸食前后喝水有助于舒缓喉咙并减少咳嗽。
采取较小剂量：尝试更小的“吸”，减少一次性吸入的烟雾量。
使用水烟或大麻管：这些设备通过水的冷却作用降低烟雾的刺激性，但吸食时仍可能产生较多烟雾。
维护你的设备：定期清洁你的吸烟设备以减少树脂和其他化合物的积累。
选择平滑草株：寻找被认为较温和的草株。研究或在熟悉此领域的人的建议下选择草株。
避免屏气：尽管人们认为屏住气能让更多THC进入肺部，但这实际上会刺激肺部并导致咳嗽。
润湿空气：在房间内使用加湿器可以保持呼吸道湿润，减少刺激。
新鲜草料：过于干燥的草料会产生较重的烟雾。将草料存放在密封容器中，并用湿度包装来保持其新鲜度。
练习良好的吸入技巧：学会正确地吸气，吸气先将烟雾吹入嘴巴然后深呼吸，这有助于稍微冷却烟雾再进入肺部。
考虑替代品：如果持续咳嗽，探索其他消费方法如食品补充剂、滴管或局部涂抹产品。