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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Quitting smoking weed after regular, prolonged use can sometimes lead to coughing bouts in the days and weeks after stopping. This side effect is usually temporary and not dangerous, but it can be disruptive and uncomfortable. Understanding why this cough happens and how to manage it can help make the transition smoother.Why Does Quitting Weed Make You Cough?Lung clearingInflammation reductionCannabinoid withdrawalHow Long Does the Cough Last After Quitting Weed?Is Post-Weed Coughing Dangerous?Tips for Managing Post-Weed CoughStay hydratedUse cough drops/lozengesTry honeyRun a humidifierAvoid triggersUse air filtersDo airway clearing exercisesTake anti-tussives if neededWhen to See Your DoctorThe Outlook for Post-Weed CoughingWhy Does Quitting Weed Make You Cough?There are a few reasons why coughing often occurs when stopping marijuana use:Lung clearingSmoking weed regularly can cause some buildup of tar and irritants in the lungs over time. When use stops, the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) that line the airways become more active in clearing out this buildup. As this cleared phlegm and mucus moves up, it can stimulate coughing. Think of it as the lungs cleaning house.Inflammation reductionThe hot smoke from smoking cannabis can cause mild swelling and inflammation in the airways. When smoking stops, this inflammation starts to subside. This reduction process can also stimulate coughing.Cannabinoid withdrawalThe active compounds in weed, including THC and other cannabinoids, act on receptors in the brain and body involved in calming effects. When these compounds are withdrawn, it can lead to rebound excitation of the nervous system and increased nerve sensitivity. This heightened sensitivity can make the cough reflex more easily triggered.How Long Does the Cough Last After Quitting Weed?The duration of increased coughing after stopping weed use usually depends on:– How much and how long you smoked prior to quitting– Your individual body chemistry and lung health– Whether you smoke tobacco as wellFor most former cannabis smokers, the cough tends to peak over the first 1-2 weeks after quitting. It then gradually improves over the following few weeks as the lungs complete cleansing and nerve sensitivity normalizes.However, in people with heavier or more prolonged use, it can sometimes take 6-8 weeks for coughing to fully resolve.
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