How to properly inhale weed

Ever wondered why some people seem to get higher than others with the same amount of weed? It may all be in the inhale! Proper inhalation is crucial to maximising the effects of cannabis while minimising discomfort. Many beginners make simple mistakes that reduce THC absorption and lead to unpleasant experiences like coughing fits or throat irritation.

In this guide, we’ll break down the skill of inhalation, give step-by-step techniques for different smoking methods, and outline key mistakes to avoid. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to refine your technique, this article will help you achieve a smoother, more enjoyable experience. But rest assured if you are new to it: you will make mistakes, and we’ve all been there!

Understanding how inhaling weed works

To get high, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) must enter the bloodstream, which happens when you inhale cannabis smoke or vapor into your lungs. The key is to ensure that the smoke reaches the alveoli—tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. If the smoke gets this deep, then it can be effectively absorbed into your blood, at which point the THC will begin to interact with the receptors in your brain.

THC absorption in the lungs

When cannabis smoke is inhaled, THC is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The bioavailability of THC (the proportion that enters circulation) varies depending on the smoking method, with estimates suggesting that smoking results in 15–50% bioavailability, while vaping may enhance absorption efficiency due to fewer combustion byproducts (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2018).

Shallow vs deep inhales

A shallow inhale, where the smoke (or most of it) remains in the mouth, significantly reduces THC absorption and will therefore reduce the intensity of the high. A deep inhale, followed by fresh air intake, ensures that the smoke reaches the lungs properly.

Should you hold the smoke in longer?

Many believe that holding in smoke increases THC absorption, but studies suggest that most THC is absorbed within the first few seconds of inhalation, making long holds unnecessary. In fact, while holding smoke in your lungs until it disappears might look cool, it makes smoking much more damaging without really affecting the high at all. Holding in smoke longer only increases exposure to tar and toxins, leading to unnecessary irritation without offering any benefit.

The difference between smoking a joint and a cigarette

The main difference is quite obvious: smoking a joint gets you high, while smoking a cigarette doesn't (or, not to the same degree). In terms of inhaling, the smoke of a joint may feel more intense and dense, but the process is basically the same.

This means, if you smoke cigarettes but have not yet tried to inhale weed, the latter may immediately feel more intuitive to you—but don't start smoking cigarettes to prepare for becoming a stoner, that would be a bad idea!

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Step-by-step guide to inhaling weed properly

Depending on your chosen method of consumption, there are different ways to inhale cannabis. Once you get the trick with each, you’ll never forget it. But getting it in the first place can be tricky. This guide will never replace the help of an experienced friend, but in lieu of that, we’re here to help!

Joints and blunts

Joints and blunts are a go-to for many smokers due to their versatility and ease of use. Here’s how to approach them.

Step 1: Take a controlled draw

• Inhale slowly and steadily instead of taking a rapid, sharp drag.
• Joints and blunts require a gentle pull to prevent excess heat from irritating the throat.
• Compared to bongs or vapes, joints may produce harsher smoke, requiring a slower inhalation process.

Step 2: Breathe in fresh air after the draw

• Immediately after pulling smoke into your mouth, take a second deep breath of fresh air.
• This pushes the smoke into the lungs, ensuring proper absorption rather than letting it sit in the mouth.

Step 3: Exhale naturally

• Exhale smoothly and naturally—there’s no need to forcefully push out the smoke.
• Avoid unnecessary long holds; THC absorption happens almost instantly.

Bongs and pipes

Bongs and pipes are a totally different art and require much more practice. If you can find someone who knows what they’re doing and is willing to teach you, we’d recommend that! But if you can’t, we’re here to help.

Pipes—especially bongs—deliver powerful hits. So if you’ve never used cannabis before, be careful before having your first smoke with one of these.

Though pipes and bongs can vary quite a bit in size and configuration, the general principles around inhaling from them are quite similar.

Step 1: Burn the herb

• Cover the carb hole (or rush hole) with a thumb or finger.
• Light the herb in the bowl and gently, but steadily, inhale. Don’t pull too hard.

Step 2: Draw the smoke in

• Breathe only into your mouth, not your lungs. Imagine you're taking a long, slow sip of a drink through a straw.
• Fill the chamber with smoke.

Step 3: Inhale and exhale

• Take your finger off the carb hole and inhale sharply (but not too hard). This will pull the air in the chamber into your lungs.
• Exhale.

A hit from a bong or pipe can get even experienced stoners incredibly high, so sit back and relax!

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Vaporizers

The experience of smoking weed with a vaporizer lies somewhere in between joints and bongs. Moreover, each vaporizer functions slightly differently, so the experience may vary.

Step 1: Take a slow, controlled draw

• Unlike smoking, vaping requires a slow, steady pull to produce quality vapor.
• Some vaporizers require longer draws due to resistance.
• Start with small inhales to gauge how much vapor you’re getting.

Step 2: Breathe in again for maximum absorption

• Vapor may feel lighter than smoke, making it easier to miss deep inhalation.
• After pulling vapor into your mouth, take a second breath of fresh air to push it into your lungs.

Step 3: Exhale smoothly

• Vapor is less harsh than smoke, so exhaling should feel effortless.
• There’s no need to hold vapor in for extended periods.

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Methods of smoking and inhalation differences

There are meaningful differences between the method of consumption and the experience of inhalation. Joints and blunts tend to lead to moderate THC absorption and, depending on how they’re rolled and the quality of their contents, can range from fairly smooth to very harsh.

Bongs offer very high THC absorption and, in theory, a smoother inhalation experience. A well-packed and properly smoked bong can be relatively smooth. A dirty bong and poor protocol can make for a horrendous experience. So keep your bong clean!

Vaporizers are undeniably the smoothest of the bunch; and potentially the strongest too! They deliver very smooth inhalation with high THC absorption and minimal throat irritation, making them ideal for the throats and lungs of beginners. However, the effects can be very strong, which might not be ideal for all.

Common mistakes to avoid when inhaling weed

As mentioned, everyone makes mistakes when they start smoking. So don’t be ashamed if you can’t do it right straight away! That’s the first mistake to avoid. Following on from that, here are some other easily avoidable errors:

• Holding the smoke in too long: Most THC is absorbed instantly, so long holds only really increase the lungs’ exposure to tar.
• Inhaling too fast or too slow: Quick inhales can lead to coughing, while slow inhales may not draw enough smoke.
• Overloading a bowl or joint: Packing too much weed can lead to uneven burning and wasted cannabis.
• Not hydrating before smoking: Dry mouth and throat irritation are common. Drink water before and after smoking.

How to avoid coughing when smoking weed

Coughing is par for the course when smoking anything. You’re breathing very hot, combusted materials into your sensitive lungs—it would be weird if you didn’t cough. So if you're wondering, "Why do I cough when inhaling weed?", that's why! Still, there are choices we can make that make coughing less likely, or at least less brutal.

If you choose smoother strains, or just weed that has been dried and cured well, then it will be less harsh and you’ll cough much less. Some weed just hurts. As well as this, consider using a tobacco alternative with your weed. Some smoking mixes are dry and harsh, while others are smoother and gentler.

If vaping, dial the temperature down. Cooler temperatures are naturally less harsh on the throat and lungs, and they might even help to highlight certain cannabinoids and terpenes.

Finally, taking slow, deep breaths before smoking can help minimise coughing. And if all else fails, have a glass of water on hand and consider our 10 tips to relieve smoker's cough—you’ll be fine in no time!

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Inhaling cannabis: Requires practice

Mastering your inhalation technique takes practice. Whether you prefer joints, bongs, or vaporizers, experimenting with different methods will help you find what works best for you. What’s the best method for beginners? Probably smoking joints, as the effects are generally not too overwhelming (in small doses).

Ultimately, it just takes time until you can inhale without having to focus on doing it correctly. But rest assured, you will quickly move past the point when you’re coughing at every drag. But until then, enjoy it while it lasts!

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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