The Coughing Conundrum: Does It Really Boost Your High?

“You don’t cough, you don’t get off!” -Stoner logic

Among the many legends that permeate cannabis culture, one of the most enduring is the belief that coughing after taking a hit can somehow enhance your high. But what does science say about this widespread claim?

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps protect the lungs from irritants, and in the context of smoking cannabis, it’s often a response to the inhalation of smoke, which the lungs perceive as an irritant. The theory among cannabis users is that coughing increases lung capacity and absorption of THC because it shakes up the alveoli – the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

However, from a scientific standpoint, there’s scant evidence to support this idea. While coughing does momentarily increase blood pressure, which in turn can briefly enhance blood flow to the brain, this physiological response does not equate to increased THC absorption or a stronger high. In reality, coughing is more likely to signify that you’re taking more smoke than your lungs can comfortably handle.

Research into cannabis and its effects often focuses on dosage and method of consumption rather than the physiological side effects of smoking, like coughing. The limited studies available suggest that the psychoactive effects of cannabis are more directly related to the amount of THC that enters the bloodstream, which is influenced by factors such as the potency of the strain, how deeply you inhale, and how long you hold the smoke in your lungs.

It’s worth noting that the sensation of an intensified high following a coughing episode could also be attributed to a lack of oxygen or a head rush caused by the rapid breathing that often follows coughing, rather than an actual increase in the effects of THC.

Furthermore, the act of coughing can pose risks to lung health, especially if it’s frequent. Chronic coughing from smoking can lead to long-term issues, such as chronic bronchitis or other respiratory problems.

In conclusion, the claim that coughing intensifies your high lacks scientific backing. While the immediate head rush associated with coughing might feel like a heightened experience, it does not increase the effectiveness of THC absorption. As with many aspects of cannabis use, the best approach is one that prioritizes personal comfort and safety.

---

_{^{© 2024 Pot Culture Magazine. All rights reserved. This content is the exclusive property of Pot Culture Magazine and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations in critical reviews.}}