How To Zero a Hit: Tips, Effects, and Safety Precautions

Imagine taking a hit of weed and holding in every bit of smoke, exhaling absolutely none. This technique aims to maximize the effects of THC. But does it actually get you higher? Discover the technique, its purpose, and whether you should use it.

What does zeroing a hit mean?

Before learning how to zero a hit, let's quickly define what zeroing is. According to the Urban Dictionary, zeroing can be defined as:

"When you're smoking weed and you take a hit and you hold in 100% of the smoke from the inhale, exhaling zero smoke from the hit. Done in order to get maximum effect from the weed."

To summarize, zeroing involves holding the smoke in your lungs for an extended period until you can barely exhale anything.

Does zeroing a hit really make you feel higher?

A 1989 paper looked into whether keeping marijuana smoke in for longer periods increases its psychoactive effects. The researchers reached a surprising conclusion: holding cannabis smoke for an extended time does not result in a higher effect.

Here is what they found:

"Marijuana smokers are frequently observed to hold the smoke in their lungs for prolonged periods (10-15 sec) apparently in the belief that prolonged breathholding intensifies the effects of the drug. (...) Typical marijuana effects (increased heart rate, increased ratings of 'high' and impaired memory performance) were observed under each of the breathhold conditions, but there was little evidence that response to marijuana was a function of breathhold duration."

While it is a common myth among users, zeroing a hit likely will not elevate your high, as THC is absorbed within seconds.

Why is zeroing a hit a bad idea?

Although zeroing a hit will not increase your high, it might elevate the negative health risks associated with smoking, as harmful chemicals come into contact with lung tissues for a longer duration.

According to a harm reduction report from Algonquin College, cannabis users should avoid holding their breath while smoking or vaping THC products:

"Holding the smoke in will only make you cough more and have a harder time breathing. When marijuana is burned, toxins are released. Holding your breath allows toxins to sit in your lungs longer."

How to zero a hit

While it is not advised to zero a hit, some cannabis users still want to give it a try. Here's a quick guide on how to do it if you insist on trying it.

• Pack your joint or dry herb vape loosely for proper airflow.
• Light the joint or activate the vape, then take a slow inhale.
• Hold the smoke in for about 10–15 seconds.
• Exhale slowly when you are ready! There will likely be little to no smoke.

What can you do instead of zeroing a hit?

Since zeroing is not recommended due to the potential negative health consequences, there are many alternatives to enhance the intensity of your high.

Opt for cannabis products with higher THC content!

Looking for a more intense experience? Choose a strain with higher THC content or select a THC pen with stronger e-juice. We recommend exploring stronger cannabis products with extra care, as excessive THC use can lead to adverse side effects.

Consider edibles instead of smoking or vaping!

Edibles are typically considered stronger than flowers. So, if you are after more intense effects, try experimenting with gummies, candies, cakes, cookies, and other edibles.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:

"For some people, the effects of edible cannabis can be more intense than inhaling a similar dose of dried cannabis. This intensity is partly because when you ingest THC, your liver turns it into a stronger form."

Take a T-break to adjust your tolerance level!

Taking a T-break, which means stopping cannabis use for a while, can help reset your tolerance. The typical duration of a T-break is usually between one week to two months.

Western Washington University recommends the following T-break protocol:

"A true T-Break should be at least 21 days long since it takes around three weeks or more for THC to leave your system."

Explore alternative cannabinoids that may have stronger psychoactive effects!

Instead of zeroing your hits, consider looking into alternative cannabinoids, such as THC-H, THC-JD, THC-X, and THCM, that might have higher psychoactive potential.

If you are thinking about using marijuana, make sure you are at least 18 and that it is legal where you live. If you have any health issues or take other medications, check in with a healthcare professional before use.