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Can Michael Phelps Get Twice As High?

Slate's Explainer answers the pressing question of whether Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, can take monster bong rips:

"[F]ans are wondering whether Phelps' abnormally large lung capacity means he can take monster bong rips. Can he?

He can. Total lung capacity refers to the volume of air contained in the lungs at the point of "maximal" inspiration ? i.e., the biggest breath you can take. It's measured in liters. The greater a smoker's total lung capacity, the more he can inhale from a given joint, bowl, or bong.

According to some estimates, Phelps' lung capacity is twice that of the average human, or 12 liters rather than six. So if he puts his mind to it, he can take a hit that's twice as big as that of the next partygoer.

But the article goes on to say it doesn't mean Phelps can get twice as high, necessarily. Instead, a bunch of other factors are at play, including frequency of use.

But how long before your local group of neighborhood stoners takes up Olynpic swimming?

Hat Tip: JS

Full post as published by Expressio Unius on February 04, 2009 (boomark / email).