Why Does My Throat Hurt After Smoking Weed?

Your throat burns after smoking weed because hot smoke dries and heats your airways, the smoke carries irritating compounds, and THC cuts back saliva, leaving your mouth and throat parched. Drinking cold water, sucking on throat lozenges and going easier on the volume all help. It's one of the most common complaints among cannabis fans, so here's why it happens and how to ease it.

In this guide, we break down the underlying causes of the sore throat that can come with smoking or vaping weed, and share a bunch of remedies that actually help.

From simple tips to more targeted fixes, you'll find practical ways to soothe a smoker's sore throat and make your sessions more comfortable. Read on to learn how to fight back and get the most out of your time with the herb!

Scratchy, dry throat: why do you cough after smoking weed?

After a smoke session, it's common to feel your throat go dry and irritated, followed by a coughing fit. That can kick off a loop where coughing makes the irritation worse, which brings on more coughing and more discomfort. There are several scientific reasons why smoking weed can make you cough.

From irritated airways to the effects of smoke on your lungs, we'll go through what's behind it. We'll also share some solid tips and techniques to cut down on coughing and make smoking more comfortable and enjoyable.

What makes your throat dry and scratchy when you smoke cannabis

Let's look at the different factors behind the dryness and soreness that come with smoking cannabis, and which parts of the smoking process cause this annoying side effect.

The hit of hot smoke

When you inhale hot cannabis smoke, it hits your throat and airways directly, drying them out and heating them up. But temperature isn't the only culprit. Water might seem like the obvious fix, but there's more going on that complicates things.

Irritating compounds in the smoke

Once you've inhaled hot smoke, your airways are already sensitized and easy to irritate. And you're not just dealing with heat: cannabis smoke carries a whole range of irritating compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, that make your throat even more irritated.

How THC affects saliva

You might expect an irritated throat to trigger more saliva to soothe things, but cannabinoids in cannabis, like THC (and possibly CBD), can do the opposite. These compounds can slow down saliva production, which makes dry mouth (aka cottonmouth) and a dry throat even worse.

All of this leaves you dealing with dry mouth, a scratchy throat and a cough, courtesy of the same plant that brings you relief and relaxation. Frustrating paradox, right?

How to soothe a sore throat from smoking or vaping weed

Here are a few ways to ease a sore throat from cannabis. Some people may switch to other ways of consuming weed, but if you prefer to smoke, these tips can help calm the irritation and discomfort.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to relieving a dry throat. Cold water works especially well to rehydrate a throat dried out by smoking. Skip hot drinks like tea or coffee, since they can make the irritation worse.

Hard candy or throat lozenges

Hard candy or throat lozenges can get your saliva flowing, which keeps your mouth and throat moist. Some lozenges also contain local anesthetics that can calm the irritation and help you bounce back faster.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a classic home remedy for a sore throat. Besides soothing the irritation, it gives you essential nutrients, which makes it a comforting, feel-good option.

Steam inhaler or humidifier

A steam inhaler can moisten your airways and relieve a dry throat. No inhaler? Make your own by filling a bowl with hot water, draping a towel over your head and breathing in the steam. Skip adding menthol rubs like VapoRub to the hot water: their labels warn against heating them or mixing them into hot water.

Lower-THC strains

Some cannabis strains have lower THC levels, which may mean less dry mouth and throat. Try lower-THC strains for a smoother, less irritating smoke.

Go easy on how much you smoke

Smoking less can help prevent or reduce a sore throat. Leave some time between sessions so your throat can recover and doesn't get overly irritated.

Follow these tips and you'll enjoy cannabis more comfortably, with less wear and tear on your throat. Listen to your body and adjust how much you smoke as needed to keep things enjoyable and healthy.