Does holding your strokes longer get you higher?

Marijuana has established itself in the mainstream and with it comes a whole range of new users. While flowers are still popular, e-cigarettes and gummy bears are gaining popularity among consumers. Given the influx of canna newbies, some myths still circulate. Here’s the answer to the question of whether being in control when consuming weed makes a difference.

How your lungs work

Whether you inhale smoke from a joint, a pipe, or a bong, the lungs respond the same way they do when you breathe. The lungs expand and take in oxygen. When you inhale cannabis, you absorb THC and release it into your alveoli (the little air sacs in your lungs). The THC is then sent to your bloodstream, where it is delivered to different areas of the body, getting you high in the process. It’s a relatively quick series of events that causes people to feel high within minutes.

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When it comes to how long you keep the THC or how much you cough, the effect remains the same. It takes approximately 3 seconds for the THC to pass through your body. So the myth of holding on to your own high is not supported by science.

Why you feel dizzy

Photo by Toan Nguyen via Unsplash

By holding back the smoke, you won’t increase the effects of the cannabis on you, but you will deprive your brain of oxygen and speed up your heartbeat. This process will make you feel lightheaded, which may help you feel more comfortable, at least for a few seconds, as your body needs a minute to rebalance itself. Still, holding your breath is not an effective way to get high.

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If you’re interested in finding a more efficient way to get high, there are several things you can try. A new type of cannabis, be it edible or smoked from a vape or bong, could boost your body’s relationship with the drug and get you high in the meantime. You can also try adding some kief to your joints or bowl, adding more trichomes to the mix and getting stronger experiences.