How To Care For A Sore Throat From Smoking Cannabis

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Smoking Cannabis Causes Dry Throat
• Tips for Caring for a Sore Throat
• Alternative Ways to Consume Cannabis
• Conclusion

Introduction

Smoking cannabis can be a chill experience, but sometimes, it might leave you with a pesky sore throat. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or just an occasional partaker, it's handy to know how to take care of that scratchy throat. In today’s lesson, we'll explore why a sore throat can pop up after a smoke session and share some friendly tips on how to make it feel better. Let’s Dive In!

Why Smoking Cannabis Causes Dry Throat

Before we dive into the solutions, let's figure out why smoking cannabis can lead to a sore throat:

• Hot Stuff: The temperature of the smoke from cannabis can be pretty high. Inhaling this hot smoke can scorch the delicate tissues in your throat, leading to soreness. This irritation aggravates the throat and causes you to cough. Once you start coughing, it aggravates your throat further, making you cough even more, etc. However, heat alone isn't the sole factor responsible for this unpleasant side effect. If it were, a simple glass of water would suffice to alleviate it. 

• Substances in the smoke: The substances in your weed, including aromatic terpenes and cannabinoids, but also toxins from the smoke itself, will irritate your (already irritated) throat even more.

• THC inhibits saliva production: One might expect that when dealing with a dry throat, the body would naturally increase saliva production to provide relief. However, here's the unfortunate reality: cannabinoids like THC and CBD can actually impede saliva production. Ever heard of Cotton mouth? Well, that’s what causes it. 

Tips for Caring for a Sore Throat

Now that we know why a sore throat might drop by, let's check out some friendly fixes:

• Stay Hydrated: Keep sipping on water to soothe your throat and keep it nice and moist. Note that cool water is best for this purpose. Avoid hot drinks (coffee & tea) and alcohol because they can dry you out.

• Embrace the Humidifier: If you've got a humidifier, it's like giving your throat a warm hug. It adds moisture to your room's air, which can make you feel way better, especially in dry climates or during chilly seasons.

• Tame it with Lozenges and Sprays: Munching on a sweet candy or lozenge encourages the production of saliva, effectively maintaining moisture in your mouth and throat. Additionally, many throat lozenges contain local anesthetics that can alleviate irritation and expedite the healing process.

• Saltwater Gargles: Make yourself a DIY throat elixir with warm water and a pinch of salt. Gargling with this mix a few times a day can help reduce throat inflammation and ease the pain.

• Give Your Voice a Break: Refrain from talking too much or shouting – it only makes things worse. Give your vocal cords a little vacation so your throat can heal.

• Opt for Low-THC Cannabis Strains: As we said earlier, THC is one reason smoking weed causes dry passageways and cottonmouth. But this doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying weed: just select cannabis strains that are low in THC (10% or Less). Strains: In The Pines, Red Pop, Blue Dynamite, Penny Wise, CBD Blue Stark, Star Tonic.

• Pace Yourself: space out your smoking sessions to give your throat more time to heal. It will also make your stash last longer and your high feel stronger. 

• No Smoking Allowed: Yup, it's a no-brainer, but steer clear of smoking anything while your throat is on the mend. Smoking will just keep irritating it and drag out your discomfort. 

• Consider Alternatives: If sore throats from smoking cannabis are a regular thing for you, think about trying different methods like edibles or vaporizers. They're gentler on your throat.

Watch for Infections: If your sore throat sticks around for more than a few days, gets worse, or comes with a fever, don't be shy about seeing a healthcare pro. It might be a sign of something more serious that needs a pro's touch.

Alternative Ways to Consume Cannabis

If you want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without irritating your throat, there are alternative methods of consumption to consider:

1. Vaporizers: Vaporizers heat cannabis to a temperature that releases its cannabinoids without combustion, resulting in smoother and less irritating vapor. This method reduces throat irritation as there is no smoke involved. The water in your body will cool vapor more quickly than smoke—meaning less irritation!

2. Edibles: Edibles are cannabis-infused products, such as gummies or baked goods, that are ingested rather than smoked. They provide a smoke-free experience and can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to inhale.

3. Tinctures and Oils: Tinctures and oils are liquid cannabis extracts that can be consumed orally or sublingually (under the tongue). They offer precise dosing and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the throat entirely.

Conclusion

Congratulations on successfully finishing today's lecture discussing the connection between cannabis consumption and throat discomfort. Dealing with a sore throat after a cannabis session isn't a vibe, but with a little TLC and some of these friendly tips, you can help your throat feel better in no time. Keep hydrated, cozy up with remedies, and put the smoking on pause until you're back to 100%. If the sore throat hangs around, it's totally cool to get some expert advice – your health is always the top priority, even when you're having a good time.

* Please note that we do a ton of research to get you the most accurate and reliable information. Individual reactions to cannabis vary, so it is crucial to consult a qualified medical professional before using cannabis or cannabis-related products, especially if you have specific health conditions or concerns. Also, ensure compliance with your local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use. Thank you for reading, and we wish you a safe cannabis experience.

Sources

• HealthLine: Health Sore Throat
• National Center for Complementay & Integrative Health: Medical Cannabis
• WebMD: Marijuana Use & Its Effects
• Leafly: Vaporizing Cannabis Compared to Smoking It