How can I reduce the coughing associated with smoking cannabis?

Getting the right answers in your cannabis journey can be tricky. But with The Cannigma’s Ask the Expert, you can find questions from readers like you, answered by a real cannabis pharmacist.

Question:

My preferred method [of consuming cannabis] is a pipe. This causes a dryness in my throat and coughing.

I’ve used a dry herb vape pen, but find the heating element burns out way too fast to justify the cost. But I did find it eased the coughing.

What would your recommendation be for easing the cough?

Thank you

Answer:

Dear Lynn,

Thank you for your question.

Bummer to hear your favorite method of consumption is causing you some issues.

There is no question that regularly burning plant material and inhaling it can cause lung irritation, including cough and phlegm and minor inflammation in the lungs. Bowls especially don’t filter much of the gunk out, and oil vape pens come with their own issues and lung inflammation concerns.

In this situation I would typically recommend a dry herb vaporizer that has temp control that can help you keep temps lower and cause less irritation. I don’t know what dry herb pen you’re using, but it sounds not very useful. My number one recommendation is The Mighty from Storz & Bickel, but there are many other options when it comes to dry herb vaporizers. This is where I would start and I would keep your vape temps around 170-180 degrees C – any higher and you’re producing more irritating aromatics.

You could also try incorporating oral cannabis oils into your routine to reduce your need for smoking/inhalation throughout the day. Remember to start low to find your optimal dose and not to get too impatient. It can take a while to fine tune edible dosing.

Best of luck!
Codi Peterson, PharmD
Scientific advisor, The Cannigma

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