Free express shipping on all orders over $100 Shop Now
Tolerance is a complex phenomenon that requires a balanced understanding between individual physiology and a substance’s psychoactive properties. Researchers are still exploring why, when, and how it develops in some people, and not in others. However, the general understanding is that it occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of a regularly consumed substance.
In cannabis consumers, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, activates the CB1 cannabinoid reactors in the brain. However, regular consumption desensitises these reactors, indicating the body’s developed tolerance to the typically delivered dosage. As a result, more THC – through more frequent usage or more potent cannabis products – is required to achieve the same initial effects.
The tolerance development process is highly variable, however, and depends on various factors including THC dosage, consumption patterns, administration methods, and genetic makeup. The universal indicator is that when you start increasing your THC dosage to gain the same effects as your initial prescribed dosage, you are building a substance tolerance.
A tolerance break is abstaining from the consumption of THC-based cannabis products or medications for a certain period. There are no exact durations for these breaks, however, a 2015 study shows that the receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body start to reset at around 48 hours. This system is vital in the body’s homeostasis maintenance, and is responsible for the healthy maintenance and extent of metabolization with cannabis. It’s generally accepted that 48 hours is an ideal minimum duration for these breaks.
Too much regular consumption can lead to illnesses such as cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Tolerance breaks reduce the risks of such issues through the disruption of the body’s dependence on THC. Moreover, tolerance breaks help reset the ECS, increasing its responsiveness to cannabis, and leading to more potent effects at lower dosages as a result.
Withdrawal symptoms are the most prominent side effects of tolerance breaks, with their severity often dictated by how dependent the user is. One study showed that when quitting after long-time regular cannabis use, nearly half of consumers experienced withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, decreased appetite, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and depressed mood which are highly similar to nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
For medical patients, temporarily switching to another medication can help manage the symptoms being treated with cannabis. For regular users, replacing THC with CBD has been found to help manage withdrawal symptoms. This has been demonstrated in research with mice, but more research is needed on human subjects. Alternative methods that support the ECS such as meditation, yoga, healthy food, and ample sleep have also been proven beneficial to the break process.
Taking a tolerance break is relatively straightforward. Choose a start and end date and during those days, abstain from the consumption of any THC-containing cannabis products. However, the practice comes with nuances, so planning is crucial.
Some individuals experience strong withdrawal symptoms when cutting out THC completely and immediately. To mitigate this, some taper down their use over some time before their true tolerance break. It’s also helpful to schedule your tolerance break on days or weeks when nothing much is happening. This allows you to handle withdrawal symptoms without the risk of disrupting important events in your life.
Tolerance breaks are crucial in creating a healthy and sustainable relationship with cannabis. While they can be done independently, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor to ensure you have adequate support throughout the break. Their guidance can help prevent significant relapses or extreme symptoms.
For more insights into alternative medicine resources, we invite you to subscribe to AltMed’s podcasts, or check out our blog to stay updated on the latest news of a rapidly changing industry.
Stay up to date with medicinal CBD and alternative medicine in Australia.
