Why Does Smoking Bongs Make Me Cough, But Spliffs Don't Cause Me to Cough Up My Lungs?

Understanding the Differences

Many cannabis enthusiasts notice a difference in how they feel when smoking a spliff versus using a bong. Some individuals, especially those with a history of smoking tobacco, may experience significant coughing with a bong, which is often absent when using a spliff. This article explores the reasons behind these differences and provides insights based on extensive experience and scientific understanding.

The Role of Strain and Weed Type

According to many experienced smokers, the strain of weed plays a significant role in these differences. For instance, European strains like Amnesia Haze and G13 are often mixed with tobacco, a practice common in the Netherlands. Smoking pure cannabis can indeed cause severe coughing, as the pure resin can irritate the lungs severely. This might explain why users from certain regions might find spliffs more tolerable.

However, it's crucial to understand that the strain alone is not the only factor. Other variables such as the method of smoking and the usage technique also play a significant role. Smoking a pure spliff, whether it is a joint or a crutch, provides a concentrated quick hit that goes past the larynx, often resulting in minimal irritation.

The Impact of Smoking Method

The smoking method used is another key factor in the differing experiences. A joint or spliff typically consists of around 1-2 grams of weed. When smoking a joint, the resin burns very slowly due to the conical shape, making it last somewhat longer. However, this burning process can take multiple people to complete, often over 15 minutes, resulting in a more drawn-out smoking session. Each inhalation from a joint or spliff generally leads to a smaller inhalation of the resin.

In contrast, a bong typically holds around 1 gram of weed in a single bowl, and the smoking process involves a single, larger intake of the resin. This is why you might find that smoking a bong causes more coughing, as you are inhaling a larger volume of resin in a single breath.

Health Considerations

It's worth noting that smoking a bong also presents another issue: the use of paper. While tobacco paper is often mixed with cannabis, the paper itself can cause irritation and coughing. However, bongs made of glass or other materials that do not involve paper provide a safer alternative, as the gases and particles produced by burning paper can contain harmful substances like dioxins. Glass bongs, in particular, are less likely to irritate the lungs and can provide a safer smoking experience.

For those who had asthma in the past, as mentioned by the user from Detroit, moving to a less polluted environment like Los Angeles could significantly reduce the coughing and irritation associated with both spliff and bong smoking. Moving to a cleaner environment can greatly improve lung function and overall health, making both spliff and bong smoking more tolerable.

Moreover, it's important to consider the long-term health impacts of smoking any form of cannabis. While a pure spliff might be less irritating in the short term, the harmful effects on lung health can still be significant. Therefore, many experienced users, including the retired X cigarette smoker mentioned in the post, opt for pipe smoking as a safer alternative. Pipes, especially those made by experienced manufacturers like Journey, can provide a safer and more controlled smoking experience.

In conclusion, the differences in coughing when smoking a spliff versus a bong are due to a combination of factors, including strain, smoking method, and health conditions. Moving to a cleaner environment and using safer smoking materials can also significantly reduce the negative effects of cannabis smoking. For those concerned about their lung health, exploring different smoking methods and staying informed about the potential health impacts is crucial.