Did you used to get completely stoned from just one puff of a joint, but now need ten times as much to get the same effects? Many cannabis users find that, at some point, the good green herb just doesn’t work as effectively as it used to. One of the reasons is what’s known as cannabis tolerance—a fancy term for your body getting used to a certain substance. Do you want to enjoy cannabis to the fullest again—just like you used to—while using as little as possible? It’s possible!
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How cannabis tolerance develops
We can explain very simply how your body gets used to cannabis, and it won’t surprise you: the more cannabis or marijuana you use, the faster tolerance will develop. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It works by affecting the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain.
If you consume THC frequently, your CB1 receptors will become desensitized over time. This means that the same amount of THC doesn’t affect the CB1 receptors in the same way, resulting in reduced effects. There is no exact timeline for this, but some factors that come into play include how often you use cannabis, what type of cannabis you use, and your body’s unique physiology and response.
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Start a so-called ‘T-break’
One of the most common ways to lower your cannabis tolerance and thus enhance the effects again is by implementing a so-called T-break or Tolerance Break. The idea is very simple: by not using cannabis for a certain period of time, your CB1 receptors can eventually reset to their previous levels.
There is no set duration for such a break, nor is there any scientific data on how long you actually need to reset your CB1 receptors. In short: you’ll have to experiment a bit to see what works for you. While some people notice effects after just a few days, a period of at least two weeks is generally recommended.
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Keep your dosage under control
Another way to keep your cannabis tolerance in check is simply by keeping track of how much cannabis you use and limiting “spikes.” The less cannabis you use, the lower the chance that your body will build up a tolerance. So just use the minimum amount you need to feel comfortable and enjoy it. Another option is to use cannabis less frequently. This can also help reset your body’s tolerance and prevent it from returning in the future.
