Getting a sore throat from smoking weed isn’t uncommon, particularly if you’re taking big hits or coughing hard. If your sore throat refuses to go away, there are a few easy tricks you can use to reduce irritation.
This blog covers five ways to soothe a sore throat, along with tips to prevent it in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Large hits and repeated smoke sessions with cannabis may cause a sore throat
- Holding smoke in can be irritating to sensitive throat tissue
- Smaller hits, hydration, warm beverages, and lozenges can reduce throat irritation
- If your sore throat persists, consider switching to a water pipe or dry herb vaporizer
Why Does Smoking Weed Make My Throat Sore?
Smoke is an irritant. When you spark a joint or light a bowl, the combustion produces smoke. This can cause irritation and inflammation and reduce saliva production.
Holding in big hits of hot smoke can evaporate moisture and irritate sensitive tissue. Frequent smoke sessions can aggravate the discomfort.
5 Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat After Smoking Weed
Drink Something Warm
Sip warm liquids like tea and honey, broth, or hot water and lemon to soothe an irritated throat. For tea, choose blends with soothing herbs like ginger, chamomile, or marshmallow root.
Pro tip: Start boiling water when you pack your bowl or roll your joint. That way, your tea can steep while you’re smoking, and be ready to sip when you’re done!
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration makes a sore, itchy throat feel worse. Keep a cold glass of water nearby during a smoke sesh, and take sips in between hits. This soothes your throat and helps prevent irritation.
Bonus: This is also great for fighting off post-smoke-sesh cotton mouth.
Suck on Cough Drops or Lozenges
Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candies stimulate saliva production, which helps soothe a dry, scratchy throat. If you live in a dry climate, keep these candies on hand to prevent your throat from becoming irritated, especially if you’re a frequent smoker.
Add Steam or Vapor
Dry air aggravates a sore throat. Breathing in water vapor helps. The easiest way to do this is with an air humidifier to increase humidity in your home. If you don’t have a humidifier, taking a hot, steamy shower can produce similar results. Whichever method you choose, make sure to inhale deeply to get the benefits of the vapor or steam.
Gargle Salt Water
A classic home remedy for a sore throat, gargling salt water can help stoners soothe a sore throat. It’s a safe, effective way to soothe a sore throat. Gargling salt water reduces inflammation and soothes the nerve endings that cause that scratchy feeling.
Ways to Reduce Throat Soreness While Smoking Weed
Use a Water Pipe
If dry bowls or joints leave your throat feeling raw, consider switching to a bong or water pipe. Water filtration cools the smoke before it reaches your throat, so there’s less irritation from your sesh.
You can experiment with the water temperature in your bong. Some people add ice for extra-cool rips, while others use warm water to add a little steam vapor to their sesh.
You can also add an ice catcher, percolator, or bubbler to your water pipe. This gives an additional level of filtration, cooling the smoke before it reaches you.
Take Smaller Hits
Big rips off a joint or bong deliver hot smoke straight to your throat. If your throat is sore after smoking, try reducing the size of your hits.
Taking smaller, controlled hits reduces heat exposure and may prevent coughing, which can reduce throat irritation.
Switch to a Dry Herb Vaporizer
If smoking often leaves your throat feeling sore, consider changing your consumption method. Dry-herb vaporizers heat cannabis without combustion, meaning there are fewer irritants to inhale.
Vaping at a lower temperature than smoking means your weed may also taste more flavorful.
FAQ
Can I smoke weed with a sore throat?
Technically, yes, you can do what you want. But smoking weed with a sore throat may make it worse. If your throat is dry or scratchy, consider taking a break from smoking and try dry-herb vaping or edibles until you feel better.
Is it normal to have a sore throat after smoking weed?
Yes, sore throats are a common irritation after smoking weed, especially for new consumers. To reduce your chances of getting a sore throat, take small hits, avoid holding in smoke, and don’t talk while exhaling.
Best drink for a sore throat?
If you have a sore throat from smoking weed, drink water to stay hydrated and try a warm beverage like tea with honey. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they may make your sore throat feel worse.
Weed Accessories That Fit Your Lifestyle at Be. Illinois Dispensaries
Be. The Cannabis Store offers options for everyone, from water pipes to dry-herb vaporizers. Whether you know exactly what you want or have a few questions, our budtenders are here to help. Visit us in Blue Island or Oak Forest to find the cannabis products that fit your goals.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Related posts
How Much THC Is in a Blunt? Potency & Dosage Breakdown
Blunts are a popular but potent form of cannabis. These tobacco or hemp wraps contain 1- 2 grams of flower and between 1 …
Does Weed Smoke Stain Walls? How Cannabis Affects Indoor Surfaces
Smoking weed inside your home? While weed smokers don’t need to fear the same level of odor and residue as cigarette smo …
