As fun as it is to spark up a joint, a little too much fun can cause some discomfort. One of the many inconveniences weed smokers are familiar with is the post-toke sore throat.

There are several reasons for this short-lived but annoying occurrence. And fortunately, there are numerous ways to relieve yourself of the discomfort, almost as soon as it arises.

If you happen to deal with a sore throat after a night of smoking, this short article is written just for you.

Why Does Smoking Weed Cause a Sore Throat?

Before we dive in, let’s first understand why smoking weed causes a sore throat to begin with. The answer here is pretty simple: the heat from the smoke dries up the passageways to the lungs, which then get irritated, resulting in discomfort.

Furthermore, one study points out a link between cannabis smoke and inflammation of the large airways, which may also increase the likelihood of a sore throat.

How to Stop a Sore Throat From Smoking Cannabis — Top 5 Tips

Now, let’s get to the primary subject matter and the reason you clicked on this article. Here are five simple yet effective tips to help relieve yourself of a sore throat brought on by smoking marijuana.

Throat Lozenges

Throat lozenges are a go-to method of relief for people dealing with a sore throat of any kind. Most of these products contain menthol and honey, both known for their soothing effects.

Throat lozenges can provide a temporary respite from the discomfort, which is much-appreciated if you must be at work or school. But don’t overdo it, because, as you’ll see on the warning labels of most of these products, taking too much can cause digestive issues.

Try Different Consumption Methods

If you’re living in a place where cannabis is legal, you may be fortunate enough to enjoy cannabis in all of its forms. That said, you can explore other options outside of smoking.

Vaping

Even among tobacco enthusiasts, vaping is seen as a less intrusive option. That’s because vaping does not burn the cannabis, but rather heats it to the point at which its active molecules evaporate. And because you’re inhaling vapor, the effect is potentially smoother and less irritating on the throat.

Vaping also offers other upsides, discretion being potentially the biggest one. Unlike sparking up a joint, inhaling from a vape is much less noticeable. You can do it while walking your dog in the park or sitting outside at a café.

Tinctures

Unlike vaping, tinctures do not involve any inhalation or use of the air passageways. Instead, they are applied sublingually, under the tongue. Effects come on fairly quickly, and you eliminate the threat of experiencing a smoking-induced sore throat.

So, if you’re willing to wait at least 15 minutes before you get high, go with a cannabis tincture.

Edibles

Edibles are another non-irritating option for the throat, and a welcome treat for many cannabis lovers. Especially in this day and age of legalization, we’re no longer limited to space cakes and pot brownies. Nowadays, you can choose from the likes of gummies, chocolate bars, and even weed-infused sodas.

But unlike tinctures, edibles take longer to kick in—about 45 to 90 minutes. So be patient, and don’t make the rookie mistake of going for seconds soon after having your first dose. Save yourself from a potentially traumatic edibles experience.

Bongs or Water Pipes

Now, most smokers love the sensation of inhaling and blowing out smoke. And if you must enjoy your weed this way, we recommend using bongs, aka water pipes.

These tools have some form of percolating mechanism that cools down the smoke. By the time it reaches your airways, the substance you’re inhaling is no longer as sharp on the throat, and therefore less irritating.

The downside of bongs is that many of them aren’t very portable, and you have the added chore of cleaning them regularly. But if you want a less harsh option, this is one way to go about it.

Stay Hydrated

Throat dryness causes irritation and pain. Especially if you’re the type who can smoke for hours throughout the night, this will become prevalent throughout the course of your session.

So do yourself a favour and stay hydrated. Keep a glass of water by your side, and make it a point to take a drink at least every hour. More frequent bathroom breaks will be a bit of an inconvenience, but at least you’ll be sore throat-free.

Try Warm Foods

You’ve probably been offered a bowl of chicken soup during those times when you were feeling under the weather. That’s because the warmth of the broth provides a soothing, relieving feeling on the throat.

Now, if you’re not a fan of chicken soup, any other warm meal will do. As long as it provides that same effect, you’re good to go.

Take a Break From Smoking Weed

What’s the best way to prevent and solve a sore throat from smoking weed? Stop smoking! At least for a bit. Especially if you’re a heavy smoker, you may want to give yourself a tolerance break. It allows your body time to recuperate and operate substance-free, which ultimately gives it a restart.

But how long should you go without? Some recommend as few as three days, others a week, and others say three weeks to a month offers a true restart. In reality, there isn’t a set amount of time, as long as you give your system a significant respite from all the smoke and THC.

Live a Weed Smoker’s Life Without a Sore Throat

Smoking weed shouldn’t be synonymous with a sore throat. And as long as you’re not overdoing it, these remedies should be of great help. So be sure to keep these tips in mind, and feel free to pass this information along to your weed smoking buddies! No stoner deserves the wrath of a sore, scratchy throat.