How to Avoid Coughing When Smoking or Vaping Weed

Coughing during or after cannabis consumption is a common experience that can detract from an otherwise enjoyable session. Whether you're using a vape pen, smoking flower, or trying concentrates, that irritating urge to cough can be minimized with the right approach. This guide explores practical strategies to help you inhale more smoothly and reduce that harsh throat sensation.

Understanding Why Cannabis Makes You Cough

Before addressing solutions, it's important to understand what causes coughing when consuming cannabis. According to research on why cannabis triggers coughing, several factors are at play:

• Heat irritation from smoke or vapor
• Expansion of lungs during inhalation
• Presence of irritants in smoke
• Individual sensitivity to cannabinoids and terpenes
• Dryness in the throat and airways

Vaping, while often considered less harsh than smoking, can still cause coughing due to temperature, vapor density, and the specific formulation of the oil or concentrate being used.

Proper Inhalation Techniques

For Smoking Flower

How you inhale makes a significant difference in whether you'll experience coughing. Mastering the art of inhaling involves:

• Taking slow, controlled draws instead of sharp inhales
• Drawing smoke first into your mouth, then inhaling into lungs
• Avoiding the urge to hold smoke in your lungs for extended periods
• Exhaling slowly and completely

For Vaping

To prevent coughing when using vape carts, try these techniques:

• Start with smaller, gentler puffs to acclimate
• Use the "sipping" method, drawing vapor like sipping hot tea
• Inhale a bit of fresh air alongside the vapor to dilute it
• Pace yourself between hits, allowing your throat to recover

How Your Equipment Affects Coughing

Your choice of consumption device significantly impacts throat irritation. Consider these options:

• Water pipes/bongs: Water filtration cools and filters smoke
• Bubblers: Portable options that still offer water filtration
• Vaporizers with temperature control: Allow for lower-temperature hits
• Clean equipment: Residue buildup creates harsher hits

Regular cleaning of your devices is essential. Resin buildup not only affects flavor but also creates harsher smoke that's more likely to trigger coughing.

Temperature Control for Smoother Hits

Temperature plays a crucial role in how harsh your hit will be. For vaping specifically:

• Start at lower temperatures (350-375 °F) and adjust upward as needed
• Allow your device to heat properly before inhaling
• Consider devices with adjustable temperature settings
• Let your vape cool between sessions if it becomes too hot

For smoking, using ice in water pipes or choosing slower-burning papers can help reduce the heat of the smoke you're inhaling.

Hydration and Preparation

Proper preparation before your session can significantly reduce coughing:

• Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after smoking or vaping
• Keep water nearby to sip between hits
• Consider throat lozenges or honey to coat your throat beforehand
• Avoid dairy products, which can increase mucus production

Maintaining optimal humidity for your flower is also important. Using humidity control packs in your storage containers prevents your cannabis from becoming too dry, which can lead to harsher smoke and more coughing.

Choosing the Right Products

Not all cannabis products are created equal when it comes to throat irritation:

• Strains with higher CBD content often feel smoother
• Properly cured cannabis tends to smoke more pleasantly
• Higher-quality vape cartridges with fewer additives cause less irritation
• Edibles and tinctures eliminate inhalation altogether

According to research on sensory reactions to cannabis, terpene profiles can also influence coughing. Some users report that strains high in caryophyllene or linalool feel smoother on the throat.

Long-Term Strategies for Cough-Free Sessions

If you're looking to enjoy cannabis without the persistent cough, consider these sustainable approaches:

• Gradually build tolerance through consistent, moderate use
• Practice breathing exercises to strengthen lung capacity
• Consider microdosing rather than taking large hits
• Explore alternative consumption methods like edibles or sublingual products
• Give your respiratory system breaks between sessions

Learning proper smoking techniques is an investment that pays off with more enjoyable experiences. Many experienced users find that their coughing diminishes over time as they refine their approach and find products that work best for their physiology.

Remember that persistent coughing, especially when accompanied by phlegm or chest pain, could indicate underlying health issues and might warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. The occasional cough is normal, but severe or persistent respiratory symptoms should never be ignored.