Coughing and its relationship to getting higher: What does the science say?
Coughing and cannabis consumption have long been intertwined in popular culture.
If you’ve ever indulged in the use of cannabis, chances are you’ve experienced a coughing fit at some point.
But does coughing make you higher? Do you get higher the more you cough?
This blog post provides a scientific perspective behind this popular discourse.
Introduction
Coughing while consuming cannabis has been a topic of curiosity and debate within the cannabis community.
Some claim that coughing can increase the effects of cannabis, while others remain skeptical.
There are various claims and beliefs surrounding this topic, but what does science have to say about it?
The Science of Coughing and Its Effects on the Body
To understand the implications of coughing on the high, it’s essential to grasp how coughing works and its physiological effects.
Coughing is a reflex action where the body forcefully expels air to clear the airways.
It temporarily increases pressure in the chest and lungs, therefore forcing rapid expulsion of air and any irritants present.
Coughing can provide relief by clearing the respiratory tract, but it can also cause discomfort and temporary changes in blood flow.
Does Coughing Make You Higher? – The Interaction Between Cannabis and Coughing
When it comes to cannabis consumption, coughing has an interesting role.
Some believe that coughing can intensify the high, attributing it to the forceful inhalation and increased absorption of cannabinoids.
Although, the reality is a little more complicated.
When consuming cannabis, coughing is common. A too-large hit can cause it, as can irritation of the throat or lungs.
So do you get higher when you cough? Well, not quite.
Coughing disrupts the smooth inhalation process and causes incomplete absorption of cannabinoids.
When a person coughs, the body’s natural response is to expel foreign particles and clear the airways.
It results in a reflex closure of the vocal cords, preventing the substance from entering the lungs.
This means that the smoke containing cannabinoids is not able to fully reach and be absorbed by the lungs.
As a result, you’ll experience a less intense and shorter-lasting high.
The experience can differ based on tolerance and the specific strain or method of consumption.
Therefore, while coughing is common during a smoking session, it does not necessarily bring a stronger high.
You can contact us at Today Telemedicine if you are looking for additional information or need professional guidance.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Let’s debunk some myths and misconceptions that revolve around coughing and the perceived intensity of a cannabis-induced high.
Myth 1: Coughing Amplifies the High
A common, although incorrect belief is that the act of coughing during a smoking session amplifies the ‘high’.
Contrary to popular opinion, scientific evidence does not substantiate this claim.
The intensity of a cannabis high is primarily dictated by its chemical composition, particularly the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration.
THC is the psychoactive compound that imparts the ‘high’.
Coughing is a physiological response to irritation or sensitivity caused by smoke or vapor, and does not directly influence the potency of the high.
Myth 2: Coughing as an Indicator of Cannabis Quality or Strength
Another widespread fallacy is that coughing is an indication of the quality or potency of the cannabis consumed.
This is not the case.
Coughing is merely a response to irritation in the respiratory tract and does not provide a reliable indication of cannabis quality or strength.
Factors such as the strain type, cultivation methods, and processing techniques are much more important when it comes to determining the potency of cannabis.
Myth 3: Coughing is Essential for Complete Absorption of Cannabinoids
As mentioned earlier, coughing during consumption interrupts the steady inhalation process needed for complete absorption of cannabinoids.
Excessive coughing can result in expelling the smoke from the lungs before complete absorption, causing a reduced high.
Therefore, coughing does not increase cannabinoid absorption and might even have the opposite effect.
Health Implications of Excessive Coughing
While occasional coughing from cannabis consumption is generally harmless, chronic or excessive coughing can have health implications.
Prolonged and forceful coughing can strain the respiratory system, possibly causing respiratory issues such as bronchitis or lung irritation.
It’s essential to minimize coughing while consuming cannabis to avoid any long-term health consequences.
Expert Opinions and Studies
To gain further insights into the relationship between coughing and getting high, let’s turn to the opinions of medical professionals and scientific studies.
Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the person’s respiratory health and tolerance when assessing the effects of coughing on the high.
Studies suggest that coughing reduces the absorption of cannabinoids, causing a milder high compared to smooth inhalation.
How to Get Rid of Weed Cough?
Even though occasional coughing from cannabis consumption is generally harmless, it can still be uncomfortable and disruptive.
Here’s how to not cough when smoking weed.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water or tea to soothe your throat.
- Try using a cough suppressant.
- Take breaks while consuming cannabis to allow your body to rest and recover.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, coughing and getting high are intertwined with cannabis consumption, but does coughing make you higher? Nope, it does not help one get high.
Coughing reflects irritation and sensitivity to the smoke or vapor, rather than directly affecting the potency or duration of the high.
Excessive coughing can have health implications, which emphasizes the need for mindful consumption practices.
By understanding the science behind coughing and its effects, people can make informed choices when consuming cannabis.
So, the next time you find yourself coughing while getting high, know that it’s not an indicator of a stronger experience.
Instead, take care of your respiratory system first.
In the sphere of health and well-being, gaining accurate knowledge and understanding is essential to forming responsible habits.
If you’re searching for additional resources or need professional guidance in managing your cannabis consumption and how it affects your mental health, please feel free to reach out to us at Today Telemedicine.
FAQs
Do edibles help with coughing?
Yes, edibles can help with coughing as they do not irritate the throat compared to smoking or vaping.
However, edibles can cause dry mouth and throat, so it is recommended to stay hydrated while consuming them.
Does coughing get you higher?
Despite popular opinion, coughing does not get you higher.
Why does coughing get you higher?
Coughing does not actually get you higher.
It could have the opposite effect by expelling the smoke from your lungs before it can be fully absorbed.
This means that less of the active compounds in marijuana will reach your bloodstream and result in a decreased high.
Some people might experience a temporary rush or feeling of lightheadedness after coughing, but this sensation is short-lived and does not enhance the high.
How to soothe burned throat from weed?
To soothe a burned throat from weed, you can try drinking cool or lukewarm water, chewing on ice chips, or consuming cold foods like ice cream or yogurt.
You can also try using throat lozenges or cough drops with menthol to numb the pain.
My insides hurt from coughing, what should I do?
If your insides hurt from coughing, it is important to take a break and rest.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid any irritants that may worsen the pain.
If the pain persists or becomes severe, consult a doctor.
Does coughing increase heart rate?
Yes, coughing can increase heart rate temporarily as it causes your chest muscles to contract and puts pressure on your heart.
However, this increase in heart rate is usually not significant and should return to normal once you stop coughing.
Does coughing burn calories?
Coughing could burn a small amount of calories as it involves effort and uses the chest and abdominal muscles.
Can coughing cause bruising on stomach?
Yes, persistent and forceful coughing can cause bruising on the stomach from repeated impact from the contraction of the chest and abdominal muscles.
If you experience bruising, it is recommended to rest and avoid any strenuous activities until the bruise heals.
If the bruise becomes severe or does not heal, consult a doctor.
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