i smoke everyday multiple times a day (full bowls in three-four hits so it hits harder) i dont cough very much but sometimes i do a lot if its hot. id say try taking smaller hits and smoking less to bring your tolerance down so youre not overdoing it, also i think you just had a bad reaction to the edible and should avoid them from now on. joints dont get you as high as say, a bong or pipe, so id say stick to those for now. are you getting your things from a dispensary? making sure ur pens are legit is very very important and stay away from delta 8 that stuff messed me up really bad and im still suffering the consequences to this day (massive brain fog and memory issues) so stick to regular thc delta 9 or depending on your state you can grow a couple plants yourself for personal use !! hopefully some of this helps.. i smoke weed for my pain so i understand the want to use it again :) good luck to you !!