Key points:
- THC vape is unlikely to cause cough.
- Cough is more likely to occur due to improper vaping techniques.
- THC vapes generally do not irritate the airway.
As a physician, I often hear complaints about coughing when using THC vapes. Although vaping is much gentler than smoking, it may still irritate the throat in some cases. Of course, vaping does not produce smoke, but it still has particles that may cause throat irritation in sensitive individuals.
Coughing is the body’s way of protecting itself. When you inhale THC vapour, it interacts with your airways, sometimes triggering a reflexive cough.
How Vapor Affects Your Lungs
Vaping works by heating cannabis extracts or distillates into an aerosol. Unlike smoke, this vapour does not contain tar or burnt plant material, which makes it cleaner. However, vapour still contains tiny particles that can irritate the respiratory tract.
Your lungs are highly sensitive. The sudden exposure to hot vapour can cause airway constriction, leading to a coughing reaction. If you’re new to vaping or have sensitive lungs, this reaction may be stronger.
High Temperatures Can Make Vapor Harsh
One of the most common reasons for coughing is vaping at high temperatures. Many devices allow users to adjust the heat, but higher temperatures produce thicker vapour.
When the heat is too high, cannabinoids and terpenes become more concentrated. While terpenes add flavour and aroma, they can also act as irritants when inhaled in large amounts. Lowering the temperature to 315–400°F (157–204°C) creates a smoother vaping experience with less irritation.
Additives in Vape Cartridges Can Cause Irritation
Not all THC vape products are the same. Some contain additives or thinning agents to modify the oil’s consistency. Ingredients like propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) are common in vape liquids, but they can cause throat irritation and increase coughing. Fortunately, some high-quality THC vape pens these days do not contain PG or VG, making them a better option (like vapes sold on this platform).
Terpene-rich cartridges can also be harsh, sometimes. While terpenes occur naturally in cannabis, high concentrations can make vapour feel more intense on the throat. This effect is stronger if you take deep, fast inhales rather than slow, controlled draws.
UK-Legal THC Vapes and Coughing
Unlike high-THC products available elsewhere, UK-legal THC vapes contain no more than 1 mg of THC per pack. These formulations also include CBD and minor cannabinoids, which means they are far less likely to cause significant irritation.
CBD itself has anti-inflammatory properties and may help counteract some of THC’s airway effects. However, even with low THC content, individual sensitivity to vaporized cannabinoids varies.
How to Reduce Coughing When Vaping THC
If THC vaping makes you cough, there are ways to minimize it:
- Lower the temperature on your vape device.
- Use additive-free cartridges to avoid unnecessary irritants.
- Take smaller, slower inhales instead of deep, forceful pulls.
- Stay hydrated to keep your throat moist and less reactive.
- Choose high-quality, lab-tested products for a smoother experience.
Coughing while vaping THC is common, but it’s usually not a cause for concern. The heat, vapour density, and additives in some products can irritate the lungs, especially in new users.
UK-legal THC vapes contain very low THC levels, making them less likely to trigger excessive coughing compared to high-THC distillates. Adjusting your technique and choosing the right temperature and products can make vaping more comfortable.
