How to Hit a Cart Without Coughing

Yes, taking a hit from a cartomizer – THC, CBD, or any other – can be a smooth, enjoyable experience.

It can also leave you gagging and gulping for breath by throwing you a violent coughing fit.

Whether you’re new to vaping or just looking to refine your technique, mastering the art of hitting a cart without coughing is easier than you think. It’s all about understanding the right approach and making a few small adjustments.

And while you probably won’t be able to 100% completely avoid an ocassional harsh hit, in this post, I’ll show you a few tried and tested ways to maximize the time you’re enjoying your vaping sessions without being plagued by irritated throat. By focusing on your inhale technique, choosing the right settings, and staying mindful of your body’s limits, you can take smooth, controlled hits most of the time time.

Here’s where you need to start…

Understanding the Basics of Hitting A Cart

Using a vape cart efficiently – as it was designed for – almost guarantees a smoother experience. And that means that mastering the basics will help you prevent common issues like coughing and harsh throat sensations.

What Is a Cart?

A cart, short for cartridge, is a pre-filled container for vape pens. It typically contains cannabinoids (e.g., THC or CBD) or nicotine in liquid form. Carts attach to vape batteries to produce vapor when heated. They come in various strains, flavors, and potency levels, allowing for a customizable experience. For a deeper dive into cart types, check out our guide on how to use weed carts.

Why Do People Cough When Hitting a THC Cart?

Harsh vapor, incorrect technique, or high potency levels can trigger coughing. This is especially true when you’re vaping on THC carts – the type of the material you’re using (distillate, resin, or oil) + the temperature settings will make all the difference in determening if or not your device will produce harsh vapor.

Another common cause of coughing is inhaling abruptly or too deeply. That’s because this quickly exposes your sensitive throat tissues to heat and active compounds, which can lead to irritation.

And lastly, low- quality product  and low-quality carts can also lead to increased vapor harshness. Beginners are especially prone to coughing when learning how to hit a cart for the first time.

The Importance of Technique

Proper technique reduces coughing and enhances vapor quality. Begin with small drags, inhaling gradually instead of deeply. Setting a lower battery voltage creates cooler vapor, which is gentler on your throat. Staying hydrated supports smoother inhalation and minimizes irritation.

Materials and Preparations

Proper materials and preparation improve your cart vaping experience. Focus on choosing the right cart, using a suitable strain or oil, and maintaining clean equipment.

Choosing the Right Cart

Select a cart compatible with your vape device. Look for carts made with high-quality materials to avoid inhaling harmful substances.

Consider the potency and cannabinoid ratio based on your tolerance. Beginners experimenting with how to hit a cart for the first time may benefit from lower-potency options. Inspect the cart for leaks or defects before use. Reliable brands reduce issues like irritation and coughing. For example, THC-O cartridges require specific voltage settings for optimal use.

Choosing the Right Vape Battery

Choose a vape battery that can deliver appropriate temperature to what you’re vaping on. Another important consideration is the design of the battery – upright cart vapes keep your carts standing vertically, avoiding clogging. This reduces overheating and burning of your material during those initial pulls.

Selecting The Proper Strain Or Oil

Choose a strain or oil that matches your preferences and desired effects. Indica, Sativa, or hybrid strains provide distinct experiences. And make sure that the oil has been lab-tested for purity and quality. Additives like cutting agents can cause a harsh throat feel.

Opting for terpene-rich oils to enhance flavor is great, but keep in mind that terps can increase throat irritation as well. If you determine you’re very sensitive to added terpenes, try sticking to products with fewer additives or isolate THC / CBD. This might prevent some factors contributing to why carts make you cough.

Ensuring Clean Equipment

Clean vape pen connections and the cart mouthpiece regularly. Residue can affect vapor quality and lead to coughing. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol for stubborn buildup. Allow the equipment to dry fully before reassembly.

Using clean, well-maintained hardware improves airflow and gives you consistent vapor production. This supports smoother hits while avoiding irritation. If your device malfunctions, our guide on vape pen problems and fixes can help troubleshoot issues.

How To Hit a Cart Without Coughing

Learning how to hit a cart involves controlled inhalation, proper technique, and awareness of personal limits. Coughing can result from harsh vapor or poor practices; following these careful steps can improve your experience.

Step 1: Take Small, Controlled Hits

Take smaller puffs instead of deep hits. Short, gentle draws allow vapor to cool before reaching your lungs, reducing irritation. For instance, a 2-second pull prevents your throat from feeling harsh. Begin gradually to prevent overwhelming your lungs, particularly if this is how to hit a cart for the first time.

Step 2: Use Cough-Reducing Inhalation Technique

Use the Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) technique. Inhale vapor into your mouth first, then slowly draw it into your lungs. This will prevent throat irritation by letting the vapor cool in your mouth. Beginners may find this especially helpful to stop coughing when smoking carts.

Step 3: Know Your Lung Capacity

Don’t go overboard with the size of your hits.

We all love that full-lungs-feeling when we inhale, but you might need to work towards it if you’re a beginner. So take note of your lung capacity and don’t test it too often. Start with short puffs and adjust based on your comfort. Also, avoid large amounts of vapor on your first hit to reduce coughing risks. Understanding limits enhances your ability to master how to hit a cart smoothly.

Step 4: Monitor Your Puff Duration

Time your puffs carefully. A 1-2 second inhale delivers smoother vapor than prolonged pulls. Longer draws increase vapor heat, leading to irritation. That’s why it’s important to keep your inhale duration brief to enjoy sessions…. and you’ll never have to ask yourself why your THC carts make you cough.

Helpful Tips & Techniques

Use Right Temperature Settings

Adjust your vape battery’s voltage to avoid harsh vapor. Keep the temperature low, starting around 2.2 – 2.6 volts, to ensure a comfortable hit. This reduces throat irritation and lowers the risk of coughing. Gradually increase only if necessary, finding the right balance for your preferences. For precise control, explore our guide on best temperature settings for THC/CBD oil.

High temperature settings often make carts feel harsh, especially for beginners, which explains why carts make you cough in these scenarios.

Of course, what you’re vaping on will make a big difference when it comes to harshness and the desired voltage setting. For example, CBD carts vaporize differently to THC carts; and even THC carts have their quirks, depending on which type of material is inside, distillate, oil, or Delta 8, for example.

Consult this table here to find the optimal voltage ranges that will ensure smooth, cough-free inhales with your carts:

Drink Water Before a After Hits

Keep your throat hydrated to reduce irritation during vaping. Drink water before inhaling, sip between hits, and drink again afterward to protect your throat. This simple routine minimizes dryness and coughing. Dehydration can make throat irritation worse, particularly if you’re figuring out how to hit a cart for the first time. Consistent hydration improves your overall experience and prevents discomfort.

Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

Control your breathing for smoother hits. Take shallow inhalations instead of deep, harsh drags, which often overwhelm the lungs. Let the vapor settle in your mouth briefly before inhaling it fully.

Trying to take big drags too quickly can trigger coughing, especially if you’re still figuring out how to stop coughing when smoking carts. Stay mindful of your pace.

Experiment With Inhalation Methods

Try methods like the Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) technique. Inhale vapor into your mouth, hold it momentarily, then draw it gently into your lungs. Alternatively, take slow, controlled direct lung hits and monitor comfort levels. Discovering what works best depends on experimenting with different techniques. Testing these methods is key to knowing how to hit a cart effectively and avoiding irritation.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting common problems enhances your vaping experience. Understanding these issues can help prevent coughing and discomfort.

What To Do If You Still Cough

• Switch to the Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) technique by taking smaller, cooler puffs into your mouth before inhaling into your lungs.
• Lower the wattage or temperature settings on your vape pen to produce less harsh vapor.
• Improve hydration levels by drinking water before and during your session to reduce throat dryness.

If coughing persists, pause for a few minutes and let your throat recover to avoid further irritation.

Recognizing Overheating Issues

High wattage can cause overheating, resulting in harsh vapor and coughing.

• Check your vape device settings, ensuring the wattage remains between 1.8 and 2.4 volts for a beginner-friendly experience.
• Feel the cartridge to confirm it is not too warm, which may signal overheating.

Overheating affects vapor quality and increases coughing risks, especially with prolonged use. For more on this, see our article on why vapes taste burnt.

Identifying Low-Quality Products And Their Impact

Low-quality carts can lead to coughing due to impurities or unrefined oils.

• Use lab-tested cartridges free of harmful solvents or additives.
• Avoid carts with poor construction that may cause uneven heating or burnt flavors.

High-quality products provide smoother hits and reduce irritation significantly. Always verify the source and materials before use. Learn how to spot subpar products in our beginners guide to vaping oils.

Additional Alternatives For Sensitive Lungs

Enhancing your experience with vape carts involves choosing options that minimize irritation. Sensitive lungs benefit greatly from alternative approaches or adjustments to the vaping process.

For example, you can opt for products that are created with less additives. Rosin and CBD carts are among your best choices here because there’s nothing added to them in the later stage of production that might increase the risk of harsh hits.

Consider Using Carts With Lower THC Levels

Select carts with reduced THC percentages, such as 10% or less. Lower THC levels generate smoother vapor, decreasing the chance of coughing. Test hybrid or CBD-dominant strains for milder effects on sensitive lungs. High-potency carts often cause throat irritation, especially for beginners exploring how to hit a cart for the first time.

Alternatives To Carts, Like Edibles or Tinctures

Replace carts with smoke-free options like edibles or tinctures. These eliminate inhalation, protecting sensitive lungs. Edibles provide effects that last 4–6 hours, while tinctures offer sublingual absorption for faster onset (15–30 minutes). Both are ideal for users who want to avoid coughing fits or troubleshoot why carts make you cough.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of hitting a cart without coughing takes a bit of practice and attention to detail. By focusing on proper techniques, maintaining your equipment, and choosing high-quality, compatible products, you can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable vaping experience. Don’t forget to listen to your body and make adjustments if needed. With the right approach, you’ll be able to savor the flavors and effects without the discomfort.

Related Posts

Vaping Without Exhaling Vapor

Connecting Cart Vape + Bong

Can You Bring a Cart on a Plane