Why Do Dabs Make You Cough So Much?

If you've ever taken a dab and found yourself in an uncontrollable coughing fit, you're not alone. Dabbing, while popular for its potency and efficiency, is notorious for triggering intense coughing episodes even among experienced consumers. Understanding why dabs make you cough so much can help you adjust your consumption methods for a more comfortable experience.

What Are Dabs: Understanding Concentrate Consumption

Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis that contain high levels of THC and other cannabinoids. Unlike traditional flower, which typically contains 15-25% THC, concentrates can reach potency levels of 60-90% or higher. These products come in various forms including shatter, wax, budder, and live resin.

According to research on dab consumption methods, the concentrated nature of these products means users are inhaling much more cannabinoids and terpenes in a single hit compared to smoking flower, which can be more irritating to the respiratory system.

Why Coughing Occurs With Dab Consumption

Several factors contribute to why dabs make you cough so much:

• Concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes
• Higher temperatures used for vaporization
• Direct lung exposure to concentrated vapor
• Expansion of vapor in the lungs
• Potential contaminants in lower-quality products

The coughing reflex is your body's natural response to irritation in your respiratory tract. When you inhale concentrated cannabis vapor, especially at high temperatures, it can trigger this protective mechanism intensely.

The Science Behind the Cough

When you inhale dab vapor, the concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes interact with receptors in your lungs. Terpenes, while responsible for flavor and aroma, can be particularly irritating to sensitive lung tissue. Studies on coughing reactions show that these compounds can stimulate sensory nerves in the bronchial passages, triggering the cough reflex.

The Temperature Factor: How Heat Affects Your Lungs

Temperature plays a crucial role in why dabs make you cough so much. Traditional dab rigs often involve heating a nail or banger to temperatures that can exceed 500 °F (260 °C). At these high temperatures, the vapor becomes harsher and more irritating to the throat and lungs.

Low-temperature dabbing (around 300-400 °F or 150-205 °C) produces a smoother vapor that's less likely to cause severe coughing. However, even at lower temperatures, the concentrated nature of dabs can still trigger the cough reflex in many users.

Concentrate Quality and Coughing

The quality of your concentrate directly affects your coughing experience. Properly purged, lab-tested concentrates from reputable sources are less likely to contain residual solvents or contaminants that can irritate the lungs.

For those concerned about product quality, proper storage is essential. Many consumers use high-quality storage solutions like mylar bags to maintain the integrity of their concentrates and prevent contamination or degradation that could lead to harsher hits.

Why Your Dab Pen Makes You Cough

If you're wondering why your dab pen is making you cough so much, several factors may be at play:

• Voltage settings that are too high
• Cartridges with cutting agents or additives
• Taking hits that are too large or long
• Dehydration while vaping
• Poor quality hardware that doesn't regulate temperature effectively

Portable vaporizers and dab pens often use different heating mechanisms than traditional dab rigs, but the fundamental reasons for coughing remain similar. The concentrated vapor can still irritate the respiratory tract, especially if the device runs hot or if you take large hits.

Practical Ways to Reduce Coughing When Dabbing

To minimize coughing when consuming dabs, consider these techniques:

1. Start with smaller dabs to gauge your tolerance
2. Use lower temperature settings (300-400 °F) for smoother hits
3. Invest in a quality temperature control device
4. Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after sessions
5. Consider using water filtration to cool the vapor
6. Take slow, controlled inhales rather than deep pulls
7. Exhale immediately if you feel a cough coming on

Research on reducing coughing suggests that proper breathing techniques and gradual consumption can significantly improve your experience.

Health Considerations and Long-Term Strategies

While occasional coughing during dabbing is normal, persistent or severe coughing may indicate that adjustments to your consumption method are needed. Safety guides for dab consumption recommend taking breaks between sessions to allow your respiratory system to recover.

Contrary to popular belief, coughing does not enhance your high in any meaningful way. The sensation of an intensified high after coughing is more likely related to oxygen deprivation than increased cannabinoid absorption.

For those who find dabbing consistently triggers uncomfortable coughing fits, consider alternative consumption methods such as lower-temperature vaporization, tinctures, or edibles that bypass the respiratory system entirely.

Understanding why dabs make you cough so much is the first step toward developing a consumption strategy that works for your body. By adjusting temperatures, improving technique, and selecting quality products, you can significantly reduce coughing while still enjoying the benefits of concentrate consumption.