Why Does Smoking Marijuana Make You Cough?

“Why does marijuana make you cough?” is a common question in the MMJ community. Many people who smoke marijuana have experienced the intense coughing fit that sometimes accompanies inhalation. The sensation is similar to the irritating cough caused by inhaling tobacco smoke or getting too close to a campfire. 

Luckily, reducing coughing is possible by addressing the factors that cause it.

Your Weed Cough Explained

Some of the reasons behind the coughing are linked to compounds present in cannabis smoke. However, others aren’t only linked to weed or tobacco (if you smoke both). Rather, irritation is also caused simply by inhaling hot smoke.

Smoking weed causes coughing for the following reasons:

• Throat and lung irritation from smoke: Smoke of any type irritates your respiratory system. Breathing in hot smoke triggers your cough reflex as the body tries to get it out.

• Inhaling irritants: The combustion process when smoking produces various byproducts. The chemicals found in tobacco smoke exacerbate this effect. You might notice you cough up small black particles if you suffer from a weed cough. These are typically byproducts of your joint.

• Prolonged inhalation: Taking especially long drags is more likely to lead to coughing. This is because you increase the amount of heat and irritants that enter your respiratory tract. The best approach is to take small drags. This will help you protect your lung health and minimize coughing.

• High-potency product: Inhaling highly potent concentrates like dabs or oils can be tough on the respiratory system. This is especially true if you're not used to high-THC products.

Please note: A weed cough isn’t exactly the same as a smoker’s cough. Adding weed exposes you to a range of different compounds not found in tobacco. However, smokers’ cough is inevitably more common in long-term tobacco smokers as their exposure to tobacco smoke is much greater. 

Signs of Respiratory Problems From Smoking Weed

Several symptoms in addition to coughing could indicate the development of respiratory health concerns due to smoking weed. These include:

• Increased sputum or phlegm

• Wheezing

• Inflammation of the lung tissue 

• Shortness of breath 

People who stop smoking often find that these symptoms go away on their own. Speak to your doctor if you start to notice signs that smoking could be causing long-term respiratory discomfort. They can recommend alternative consumption methods that don’t involve inhalation.

Lung Infections From Moldy Weed

Marijuana purchased from unregulated sources may be contaminated by mold or bacteria. Inhaling the smoke from moldy weed can lead to a potentially serious lung infection called Aspergillosis (See page 2 of the linked PDF). 

You can reduce your risk of infections by purchasing cannabis flower at licensed dispensaries (take your up-to-date medical marijuana card to save on the 16% excise tax in Arizona). Medical cannabis is typically grown in controlled conditions and rigorously checked for mold and other contaminants to make it as safe as possible for consumption.

Avoid a Weed Cough With Alternatives to Smoking 

The most obvious way to prevent coughing is to choose a consumption method that doesn’t involve inhalation, such as tinctures, edibles, and topicals. Choosing the right delivery system is something we include in our advice for first-time weed smokers.

Sublinguals 

Sublingual products provide a perfect way to avoid inhaling cannabis smoke. Sublingual administration of oils or cannabis extracts involves placing a controlled amount under your tongue. You then wait for it to absorb rapidly into the bloodstream. This is perhaps the best alternative for consumers seeking a fast onset time. 

Edibles

Edibles are also a healthier (and delicious!) alternative to smoking. However, consuming cannabis in a cookie or brownie doesn’t offer instant effects. Expect to feel the full impact of most edibles in two to four hours. The effects tend to be more intense and last longer than those of inhaled cannabis.

Topicals

Cannabis topicals consist of oils, balms, creams, or lotions that are infused with cannabis. They are typically higher in either THC or CBD. 

Topicals are designed to be applied directly to the skin. They are popular for treating localized pain—for example, joint pain from arthritis. 

How to Reduce Weed Coughing

It may not be possible to stop coughing entirely, especially if you already suffer from smokers’ cough. However, you may be able to improve your weed cough with the following tips:

Use Proper Inhalation Techniques

Slow and mindful inhaling helps to ease your throat into a cannabis smoking session. Taking large, forceful drags increases throat irritation with little to no benefit. Taking smaller drags reduces the amount of smoke that enters your airways at once.

Switch to Vaping

Vaping isn’t a foolproof way to prevent a weed cough. However, vaporizers use lower temperatures to release the cannabinoids and terpenes in your favorite strain. You inhale cooler air and fewer byproducts by choosing vaping over traditional smoking.

Smoke High-Quality Cannabis

Opting for high-quality, fresh cannabis flower reduces the risk of inhaling contaminants from the plant itself that could make you sick. This is especially important for long-term cannabis smoking and for patients with a compromised immune system.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is a must when smoking cannabis. Drinking water or your favorite herbal teas will help soothe your throat. Have a warm mug of ginger or peppermint tea on hand to keep excessive coughing at bay.

Ventilate Your Space

The space you smoke in might be contributing to how much you cough. Poorly ventilated rooms increase the likelihood of inhaling recycled smoke into your lungs. Always open a window when you’re smoking inside to let some fresh air in.

Ditch the Tobacco

Many weed smokers prefer the experience of adding tobacco to their smoke. However, ditching the tobacco will expose you to fewer of the harsh chemicals that irritate your throat and lungs. Be aware that the hit is likely to be significantly stronger without tobacco.

Gargle Salt Water

Gargling salt water is a traditional way to soothe throat pain and discomfort. Mix salt with warm water and gargle (don’t swallow!) to relieve any irritation.

Make Cannabis Work for You

A weed cough is a common experience for many medical cannabis patients. It's primarily a reaction to the irritation caused by inhaling smoke and its byproducts. Long-term smoking of any kind carries inherent risks to respiratory health. These risks are greater when tobacco is involved.

Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to mitigate or even eliminate this cough. The most effective approach is generally to choose consumption methods that bypass inhalation entirely, such as edibles, sublinguals, and topicals.