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?
There are a few reasons why coughing often occurs when stopping marijuana use:
Lung clearing
Smoking 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 reduction
The 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 withdrawal
The 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 When these compounds are withdrawn, it can lead to rebound excitation of the nervous system and increased nerve sensitivity.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 well
For 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. The table below summarizes the usual timeline:
| Time after quitting | Degree of coughing |
|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Mild |
| 1-2 weeks | Moderate (peaks) |
| 2-4 weeks | Declining |
| 4-8 weeks | Resolves for most |
For people who smoked weed heavily for many years, a bothersome cough could potentially persist for a few months after quitting. But it still continues to gradually improve.
Is Post-Weed Coughing Dangerous?
While hacking up phlegm and repeatedly clearing your throat can be annoying, post-weed coughing is not generally dangerous or a sign of serious illness. However, if any of the following apply, see your doctor to rule out complications:
– Cough produces blood or yellow/green phlegm
– Difficulty breathing or wheezing with cough
– Fever, chest pain, or weight loss
– Cough persists longer than 2 months after quitting
For most former cannabis smokers though, this temporary increase in coughing is simply part of the recovery process as the respiratory system clears out and adjusts to being smoke-free.
Tips for Managing Post-Weed Cough
Though coughing after quitting weed usually resolves on its own, these tips can help minimize discomfort:
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids, like water and herbal tea, to thin mucus and make coughs more productive.
Use cough drops/lozenges
Non-medicated cough drops can soothe an irritated throat and suppress the urge to cough.
Try honey
A spoonful of honey can coat and calm cough-prone airway tissue.
Run a humidifier
Moistening dry air can keep your airways from drying out and becoming irritated.
Avoid triggers
Steer clear of smoke, strong fumes, and very dusty situations to minimize cough flare-ups.
Use air filters
High efficiency particle filters in your home’s HVAC system can remove allergens and irritants.
Do airway clearing exercises
Techniques like huff coughs or chest percussion can help mobilize mucus without aggravating coughing fits. Ask your doctor for guidance.
Take anti-tussives if needed
For severe bouts, over-the-counter cough suppressants may provide temporary relief. But avoid prolonged use.
When to See Your Doctor
Post-weed cough will improve naturally in most cases. But if you have any of the following, consult your healthcare provider:
– Cough lasting over 2 months after quitting
– Cough producing blood or unusual phlegm
– Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain
– Fever or unintentional weight loss
Ruling out complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD may require exams, imaging tests, or a lung function test called spirometry. Most cases just need reassurance and monitoring.
The Outlook for Post-Weed Coughing
For the vast majority of former cannabis smokers, increased coughing and phlegm in the first month or two after quitting is temporary and part of the recovery process. Allowing the lungs to clear irritants, adjusting to cannabinoid withdrawal, and giving inflamed airways a chance to heal leads to resolution for most people within 1-2 months.
Staying well hydrated, using cough suppression strategies, and avoiding smoke or other irritants can help manage symptoms. Seeking medical advice is wise if cough remains severe or persistent. With patience and care, the lungs can rebound well over time after quitting smoking weed.