ANJA Presents: Tolerance Breaks
Ashley Robins
March 13, 2023
Are you finding that your usual amount of cannabis isn't cutting it anymore? You're not alone! Regular cannabis users can build up a tolerance to THC over time, which can make it harder to experience the desired effects.
If you're experiencing this, it might be time for a "tolerance break" or "T-break." Taking a break from cannabis for a period of time can help to reduce your tolerance and increase the potency of your next smoke session.
But who should take a tolerance break and for how long? Generally, it's recommended that anyone who uses cannabis regularly take a break at some point to give their body a chance to reset. A tolerance break can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even a month, depending on the individual's usage and tolerance level.
At ANJA, we believe a tolerance break can be an excellent opportunity to explore other activities and hobbies you enjoy. You might find that exercise or spending time in nature helps to fill the gap and provide a natural high that can complement your cannabis use. Whatever your reason, we are happy to advise!
Today ANJA Presents: What is a Tolerance Break?
Fact: Regular cannabis use can lead to a decrease in the felt effects of THC, leading to a need for higher doses to achieve the desired effects. While you cannot fatally overdose on cannabis, a high tolerance can still become expensive and less satisfying over time.
Anyone who uses cannabis regularly may benefit from taking a tolerance break at some point. Regular cannabis use can lead to the development of tolerance, which means that you need to consume more cannabis to experience the same effects as before. Taking a tolerance break can help to reset your body's tolerance and increase the potency of your cannabis use.
Specifically, those who should consider a tolerance break include:
Heavy cannabis users: If you use cannabis frequently or daily, you may have developed a high tolerance to the substance. Taking a break can help to reset your tolerance and make your cannabis use more effective.
Medical cannabis patients: While some medical conditions may require higher doses of THC, many medical cannabis patients may still benefit from taking a tolerance break. If you find that your cannabis use is becoming less effective, it may be time for a break to reset your tolerance and enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Those who want to reduce their cannabis use: If you're trying to reduce your cannabis use, taking a tolerance break can help you to reset your body's tolerance and make it easier to consume less cannabis in the future.
Those who want to enhance their cannabis experience: If you're looking to enhance your cannabis experience, taking a tolerance break can help to reset your tolerance and make your next smoke session more potent and enjoyable.
How does a Tolerance Break “Work”?
The endocannabinoid system is your body’s orchestra conductor, ensuring the proper harmony of various physiological processes like mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. When THC enters the body, it's like a new musician has joined the orchestra- playing its part by binding to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system and leading to a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and giggles.
However, with regular cannabis use, the body may start to ignore THC's musical notes, leading to the development of “tolerance.” This happens because the body adapts to the presence of THC by reducing the number of available CB1 receptors, which can be thought of as reducing the number of musicians playing a particular instrument. This can make it harder for THC to play its desired notes and produce its desired effects. Over time, this desensitization can lead to the need for higher doses of cannabis to achieve the same effects as before.
Taking a break from cannabis is like giving the orchestra a break and allowing it to rest and recover. With a break, the body can increase the number of available CB1 receptors, which is like adding more musicians back to the orchestra. With more available musicians playing their parts, THC can once again play its part and produce its desired effects with even smaller doses.
It's worth noting that the exact timeline for recovery from desensitization can vary from person to person and depends on various factors, including the frequency and duration of cannabis use. However, studies have shown that even a short break from cannabis can lead to a more harmonious performance from the endocannabinoid system, with an increase in the number of available CB1 receptors and a reduction in tolerance.
How to Determine if You Need a Tolerance Break
Assess your consumption: The amount and frequency of your cannabis consumption can give you a good indication of how long of a break you may need. If you use cannabis every day or multiple times a day, you may need to take a longer break than someone who only uses it occasionally.
Consider your goals: What do you hope to achieve with your tolerance break? If you want to completely reset your tolerance and experience the full effects of cannabis again, you may want to take a break for a few weeks or even a month. If you just want to reduce your tolerance slightly, a break of a few days to a week may be sufficient.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel when you take a break from cannabis. If you start to feel more clear-headed or experience more vivid dreams, it may be a sign that your body is resetting. If you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability or difficulty sleeping, it may be a sign that you need to take a longer break.
Seek advice: If you're unsure how long of a break to take or have any concerns about your cannabis use, don't hesitate to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or a knowledgeable budtender at a dispensary.
Overall though, let's be honest. Taking a break from your favorite herb can be tough. Here are some tips to help make your tolerance break a little more manageable.
Find some new activities to fill the gap that cannabis once filled. Exercise can also be a great way to get a natural high and release those feel-good endorphins. additionally, try to remove any temptations from your living space. If you have any leftover cannabis or smoking accessories lying around, it's best to put them out of sight and out of mind. There is no shame in a support group; reach out to supportive friends and family members who can help keep you accountable and provide encouragement.
Lastly, remember that taking a tolerance break can actually enhance your cannabis experience when you do return. So stay strong, stick to your goals, and enjoy the rewards when you're ready to come back to it. ANJA is not going anywhere, and we fully support you in being the best version of yourself that you can be.