Curious about smoking weed in Maryland effectively? You might have heard the belief that taking bigger hits and holding them in longer enhances the psychoactive effect. While many enthusiasts swear by this method, there’s little scientific evidence to support it. DispensaryWorks is a marijuana dispensary in Maryland and has experts who can help you elevate your high. Explore the facts behind this common misconception below.
Big Hits: Does It Matter How Much Weed Smoke You Inhale?
Beyond the showmanship, the practice of taking and holding in big hits—preferably without coughing—has become a ritual aimed at maximizing efficiency. Many smokers will give you a sideways glance if you exhale too quickly, believing you’ve just wasted valuable THC before it had the chance to fully absorb into your bloodstream.
But before we dive into whether big hits really matter when smoking cannabis, let’s clarify what we mean by a ‘big hit.’ Unlike a standard puff, a big hit involves drawing on a joint, bong, pipe, or vape in a forceful or sustained manner. The duration you hold in that hit in also plays a role in its size. Taking a deep inhalation only to release it a second later would undoubtedly diminish the impact.
So, we’ve outlined the basics of a big hit: a deep, sustained inhalation followed by a relatively long hold. Now, let’s explore how large hits compare to smaller ones.
Does Holding a Hit Matter?
In 1989, two researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago took an interest in this very topic and published a study on their findings.
The researchers noted that cannabis users at the time commonly held their hits for 10–15 seconds, believing this would amplify the psychoactive effects. To investigate, they studied the physiological, cognitive, and subjective effects of holding in a hit. They divided eight eager participants into three groups based on breath-holding duration (0, 10, and 20 seconds) while controlling variables like the number of puffs, puff volume, and post-puff inhalation. They even measured carbon monoxide levels in exhaled air before and after smoking.
While it may seem like the golden age of cannabis inhalation science is behind us, the results of this study still hold relevance. According to this experiment, holding in your hits makes little to no difference. So, when deciding between big or small hits, rest assured that holding it in doesn’t matter.
Why You Don’t Need Big Hits
You don’t need to take big hits when smoking weed in Maryland unless you’re in a rush to get high. Also, there’s no need to hold your hits for more than a few seconds—THC quickly crosses lung membranes into the bloodstream. Holding in smoke for 10–20 seconds offers minimal extra benefit. Although research on this topic is limited, it suggests that holding in big hits doesn’t make much of a difference. The takeaway? Smoking weed in Maryland in a way that suits you is best, and don’t feel pressured by myths or trends.
Smoking Weed in Maryland
Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland marijuana dispensary committed to providing the best cannabis product to our patients and clients. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
