Big Hits, Big Miss: The Wednesday Woes

There is a long-standing debate about whether big hits from a bong or joint get you higher. Some people believe that taking big hits wastes weed, while others believe that it is the best way to get the most out of your smoke. However, according to limited studies on the topic, breath-hold duration has no influence on the amount of cannabis absorbed by the lungs. In fact, holding your breath after taking a big hit can be unhealthy, as it deprives your brain of oxygen and can lead to a feeling of lightheadedness.

Holding in big hits wastes weed

Holding in big hits does indeed waste weed.

There are a few reasons why this is the case. Firstly, cannabinoid absorption is almost instantaneous. Human lungs contain tiny air sacs called alveoli that immediately absorb oxygen and other chemical compounds from the smoke, including cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN. These are then transferred to the human bloodstream, resulting in a "high" feeling. As the lungs absorb any available THC instantly, there is no delay in compound transfer, and holding in the smoke does not increase its effectiveness.

Secondly, lungs can only absorb a small percentage of the compounds they encounter during a single inhale/exhale cycle. Therefore, no matter how much smoke is inhaled or how long it is held in, there is a limit to how much cannabis the body can intake during a single cycle.

Thirdly, holding in the smoke for too long can lead to oxygen deprivation, which can cause lightheadedness and dizziness. This is not related to the cannabis itself but is instead due to a lack of oxygen, which is unhealthy and can cause damage to the lungs.

Finally, taking big hits can irritate the lungs and airways, increasing the risk of developing respiratory issues.

So, while taking a big hit and holding it in may seem like a good idea to get the most out of your weed, it is actually not effective and can be harmful to your health. Instead, it is recommended to take deep, steady hits and breathe in the smoke slowly before exhaling naturally. This way, you can optimise cannabinoid absorption while minimising potential damage to your lungs.

Smaller hits are better for microdosers

Microdosing is the practice of taking very small amounts of a drug to benefit from its physiological effects while reducing unwanted side effects. While it is growing in popularity, there is still not enough research to support the conclusion that it improves mental health. However, there are a number of reported benefits of microdosing, including enhanced energy, stimulation, wakefulness, mindfulness, concentration, focus, improved problem-solving skills, and improved mood.

Microdosing psychedelics such as LSD, magic mushrooms, and MDMA is illegal in many places. However, some places have decriminalized the use of psychedelics like psilocybin, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded a breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Microdosing is often practiced to improve cognitive function, mood, and mental concentration. It also helps enhance problem-solving skills and creativity. A study published in Nature-Scientific Reports found that individuals who engaged in microdosing psilocybin experienced "small- to medium-sized" improvements in their symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression over a 30-day period when compared to individuals who didn't.

Another benefit of microdosing is that it can help individuals quit bad habits, such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Some people even feel that they don't need simple stimulants like coffee when they're microdosing.

In terms of lung health, it's important to remember that bigger doesn't mean better when it comes to hits of cannabis. Taking a huge puff of THC-rich smoke doesn't mean that more is going to be absorbed by the body. Plus, the rate at which THC is absorbed into the bloodstream is near-instantaneous, so holding in a huge hit for an extended period will not deliver more of the cannabinoid to the brain. After only a few milliseconds, around 95% of THC is said to have already been absorbed. Holding smoke in your lungs is not healthy, as it can be detrimental to your respiratory system.

Bongs allow for bigger hits

Bongs are a popular way to consume marijuana, and for good reason. They offer a unique experience that is more intense than other smoking methods. One of the main advantages of using a bong is that it allows for bigger hits.

The water in a bong acts as a filter, providing users with smooth hits without inhaling impurities like tar, resin, and butane from lighters. The elongated neck of a bong further smoothens the smoke as it travels from the bowl to the lungs. This filtration and cooling system is what sets bongs apart from other smoking devices and enables users to take larger hits.

The filtration system in bongs ensures that the smoke is cooled to an optimal temperature, so users don't have to worry about burns or discomfort. This is especially beneficial for those who are new to smoking or have lower tolerance levels. With a bong, users can take a single, strong hit that will take effect almost immediately, providing a quick and intense high.

The size of the bong also matters when it comes to the size of the hits. Bigger bongs lead to bigger hits, and when bigger hits mean bigger highs, it's clear that size does matter. A larger bong can deliver more potent hits, potentially reducing the number of hits needed to achieve the desired effect.

However, it's important to note that taking excessively large hits may not be the most efficient or enjoyable way to consume marijuana. While a bong can facilitate bigger hits, there is a limit to how much smoke the lungs can absorb in a single inhale/exhale cycle. Taking giant hits can result in wasting THC and can also lead to oxygen deprivation, causing dizziness and lightheadedness. Therefore, it's recommended to take deep, steady hits rather than massive ones to get the most out of your smoke and optimise the stream of cannabinoids flowing into your body.

In conclusion, bongs allow for bigger hits due to their filtration and cooling mechanisms, and the size of the bong also plays a role in the size of the hits. However, it's important to find a balance and not go overboard with the size of the hits to avoid wasting THC and potentially causing harm to your respiratory system.

Coughing does not get you higher

Coughing while smoking cannabis is extremely common, with 29% of active marijuana smokers reporting coughing as a side effect. However, despite the persistence of the myth that coughing intensifies the high, this is not the case.

When you cough, your body is attempting to protect your respiratory system from irritation. The forceful expulsion of air can actually expel a portion of the inhaled smoke, along with the THC and other cannabinoids that produce the desired effects. This expulsion may result in a loss of the compounds responsible for the high.

While coughing may spread out the smoke in your lungs, allowing the THC to reach more areas, it is not true that coughing will get you higher. The lightheadedness that people experience after coughing is due to oxygen deprivation, which is unhealthy and can be dangerous.

The high that people experience from smoking cannabis is caused by the THC interacting with the brain, as well as an increased heart rate. This occurs almost instantly, so there is no need to hold in your hit or cough to intensify the effects. In fact, coughing may reduce the high by expelling the smoke before the THC can be absorbed.

Therefore, while coughing may be a side effect of smoking cannabis, it does not get you higher. To achieve a more intense high, it is recommended to consume high-THC strains or try alternative methods such as edibles or vaping.

Personal preference is key

When it comes to smoking weed, personal preference is key. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people prefer big hits, while others prefer small, conservative rips. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you and your body.

Taking big hits can be a personal preference for some, and it may make them feel like they are getting a stronger high. However, it's important to note that this is not necessarily true. The idea that bigger hits lead to a more intense high is a common misconception in the cannabis community. In reality, the size of the hit does not affect the efficacy of the weed.

The lungs can only absorb a limited amount of cannabis during a single inhale/exhale cycle. Additionally, 95% of THC, the main compound responsible for the high, is absorbed almost instantly. This means that taking huge hits or holding them in for an extended period has no impact on the effectiveness of the weed.

Holding in the smoke for too long can actually be unhealthy, as it leads to oxygen deprivation, causing lightheadedness and dizziness. It also allows more time for contaminants in the smoke to adhere to the lungs, which can be detrimental to respiratory health.

On the other hand, some people prefer to take smaller hits. This can be a more efficient way to get high, as it allows for better control over the amount of weed being consumed. Smaller hits can also make the weed last longer and save money in the long run. Additionally, taking smaller hits can enhance the flavour and overall experience, as the smoke is less likely to be scorched.

For those who are new to weed or have lower tolerances, starting with smaller hits may be a better option. This allows for a more gradual increase in the high, which can be less overwhelming.

Ultimately, the decision to take big or small hits comes down to individual preference. Some people may enjoy the harsh sensation of filling their lungs with smoke, while others may prefer to take their time and savour the terpenes. It's important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

Additionally, factors such as the scenario and the THC content of the herb can also influence the size of the hits. If you're in a hurry or have a high-THC strain, bigger hits may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you're relaxing at home with no time constraints, taking smaller hits and savouring the experience may be more enjoyable.

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