In the clouded realms of cannabis culture, a persistent myth whispers among enthusiasts: the belief that coughing during a smoke session leads to a stronger high.
This enduring tale, often shared in smoke-filled rooms, suggests a direct link between the intensity of a cough and the potency of the experience. But what does science have to say about this claim?
Join us on a journey that navigates through the smoke of misconceptions, guided by scientific evidence and clear facts. As we delve into the realities of THC absorption, coughing reflexes, and the actual contributors to a cannabis high, we invite you to discover a world where understanding replaces myth, and a smoother experience awaits.
Why Cannabis Smoke Causes Coughing
Cannabis smoke, much like any smoke, carries irritants such as tars and particulates.
These irritants are primarily responsible for the coughing reflex experienced by all cannabis users. When cannabis is smoked, the heat of the inhaled smoke further contributes to this irritation.
Coughing is a natural defense mechanism of the body, designed to protect the lungs from potential damage caused by inhaled compounds. Coughing is a physiological response to clear the airways, ensuring that foreign particles are expelled from the respiratory tract.
From a physiological standpoint, the common misconception that coughing somehow enhances the cannabis experience falls flat on its face. In reality, coughing is simply the body’s way of responding to and managing the irritation caused by smoke inhalation. It’s important to recognize this as a protective reaction, rather than a contributor to the effects of cannabis.
The Science of THC Absorption’s Quick Entry and Lasting Effects
The key to understanding how ‘high’ one feels from cannabis is rooted in the absorption of THC into the bloodstream.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the sensation of being high. When cannabis is smoked, THC is absorbed very rapidly into the bloodstream, often within seconds. This swift absorption is crucial in determining the intensity of the high.
The critical factors influencing THC levels in the blood are the size of the toke (or puff) and the frequency of consumption. The larger and more frequent the tokes, the more THC is available to enter the body, the higher the THC concentration in the bloodstream, thus leading to a more intense high.
This relationship between toke size, frequency, and THC absorption underpins the true mechanism of achieving a high from smoking cannabis, challenging the misconception that coughing or the duration of holding in smoke are significant contributors to this process.
In simple terms, the THC you inhale in the first second of taking a toke instantly transfuses through to your bloodstream – and coughing or holding the smoke for longer has no impact on strengthening this effect.
Size of The Toke Matters, Not The Size of The Cough
A prevalent belief in cannabis culture is that the intensity of coughing, often triggered by larger tokes, is directly related to a stronger high.
However, this belief confuses cause and effect. Larger tokes indeed introduce more THC to the bloodstream, potentially leading to a more intense high as well as more coughing. But it’s not the coughing that enhances the high; rather, it’s the quantity of THC inhaled.
In fact, coughing during smoking can have the opposite effect. It can expel smoke from the lungs and reduce lung capacity, meaning less THC is absorbed per toke compared to if there is no cough. This reality dispels the myth that coughing enhances the high.
Rather than supporting the “you-got-to-cough-to-get-off” misconception, a deeper dive into the subject highlights the importance of the toke’s size and frequency, and not the physical reaction of coughing, in determining the potency of the cannabis experience.
The Misconception of Holding in Cannabis Smoke
Another common myth in cannabis use is that holding smoke in the lungs for a longer time leads to a stronger high.
This myth, however, has been debunked by scientific research. Holding the smoke in longer doesn’t significantly increase the amount of THC absorbed; the absorption occurs almost instantaneously upon inhalation. However, holding smoke in for extended periods can pose health risks.
Prolonged exposure of the lungs to smoke increases the deposition of tar and other harmful substances. These carcinogens can cause damage over time, leading to respiratory health issues.
The mistaken belief that holding smoke enhances the high overlooks these potential health risks, making it crucial for users to be aware of the actual effects of their consumption practices.
Health Risks Associated with Coughing and Holding Smoke
Coughing and holding smoke in the lungs are not benign aspects of cannabis smoking; they carry health implications.
Coughing, particularly from harsh cannabis smoke, can lead to both immediate and long-term respiratory issues. Short-term effects include throat irritation and coughing itself, while long-term, repeated exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.
Holding smoke in the lungs for extended periods also poses significant health risks. This practice increases the exposure of lung tissue to tar and other harmful substances in cannabis smoke, potentially leading to respiratory damage or even can cancer over time. It’s a misconception that holding smoke longer enhances the high, but it’s a reality that it can exacerbate health risks.
As a cannabis smoker, a person must understand that while consuming cannabis is a lifestyle or medical choice, to continue doing so throughout life, you must protect your lungs to avoid long-term damage that can potentially force you to stop smoking altogether. This understanding allows users to make more informed choices about their consumption habits, prioritizing not just the immediate effects but also their long-term lung health.
Bud Love’s Role in Enhancing the Cannabis Experience
Bud Love’s innovative approach addresses these challenges head-on by incorporating marshmallow leaf into their cannabis mixers.
Marshmallow leaf is known for its cooling properties and for burning at a lower temperature compared to pure cannabis. This not only reduces the irritation that leads to coughing but also offers a smoother smoking experience.
Furthermore, marshmallow leaf contains medicinal compounds that soothe the throat and lungs. This unique characteristic makes Bud Love’s blend not just a pleasure to consume but also gentler on the respiratory system.
By minimizing coughing and irritation, Bud Love enables users to enjoy bigger and more frequent tokes, enhancing the overall experience without the adverse effects traditionally associated with cannabis smoking.
A Clearer Path Forward in Cannabis Enjoyment By Embracing Healthier Practices
Our journey through the smoke of cannabis myths leads us to a clearer understanding.
We’ve uncovered that coughing and holding smoke do not enhance the high; rather, they present potential health risks. The key to a stronger and more enjoyable cannabis experience lies in the size, frequency of tokes, and the strain’s potency – not in the physical reactions to the smoke.
Bud Love steps into this landscape with a groundbreaking herbal blend, featuring marshmallow leaf, to offer a smoother and healthier alternative. Their approach not only reduces coughing and irritation but also enhances the overall experience by allowing for larger, more enjoyable tokes without the health drawbacks of traditional methods.
In the evolving world of cannabis, understanding and embracing these insights can lead to a more pleasurable and responsible enjoyment. Bud Love paves the way, proving that better experiences and healthier choices can indeed go hand in hand.
––This article comes to you from the Bud Love team.
