A cannabis tolerance break is when a consumer abstains from using cannabis or products laced with THC, including medications, for a defined period.
A cannabis tolerance break is when a consumer gives their body a break from cannabis and related products to reset the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
There is no definite period for an effective tolerance break, but studies show that the recommended period is 48+ hours.
This is because other studies show that after 48 hours, the cannabinoid receptors in the body have already started the process of resetting. So, it is therefore generally accepted that 48+ hours is good enough.
Why a cannabis tolerance break?
Your body develops something called cannabis tolerance when you consume it often. When you consume cannabis often, the cannabinoid receptors in your brain are reduced over time.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, works by affecting these receptors. If you ingest THC often, the amount of THC required to affect these receptors the same way will have to change. Unless they are changed, users will experience reduced or less intense effects.
Factors influencing cannabis tolerance
cannabis tolerance develops based on different factors and has no specified timeline.
Anatomy of the body
How often do you consume cannabis?
The strain used (how strong the weed is)
Note with caution; For medical consumers, it is essential to balance their cannabis tolerance breaks and ensure they still have their symptoms under control.
Consumers who use CBD only or CBD dominant products are less likely to require A cannabis tolerance break.
Signs you may need a cannabis tolerance break.
The easiest and main sign that one might need a cannabis tolerance break is when they start to or notice that they are getting less intense results and a milder high from the same amount of cannabis that had them feeling as high as a kite before.
Other users are likely to see a significant increase in consumption with limited or no increase in the desired result or effects. You feel less relaxed, less creative, and less focused.
However, consumers need to know that more weed doesn’t always mean better results. This applies mostly to users that prefer THC dominant cannabis. Research says that at past a certain age, increasing THC levels in your body will negatively affect the body.
Tips on taking a cannabis tolerance break.
Acknowledge the Difficulty of the Task at Hand
Every marijuana consumer has thought to themselves, “I can quit whenever I want,” but the fact remains it is not as easy.
Anything you do daily will affect you once you try to discard it or suddenly stop, even for eating, drinking, and even the people you see every day. Your brain and body will crave it because they are accustomed to it.
When it comes to weed, after a few days of abstaining, you will find yourself wondering where the harm is in simply hitting one joint, or maybe a half.
There is no physical pain, but mental torture is inevitable. The feeling will eventually go away, maybe after a week or two, but it is essential to acknowledge that it is not as easy to take these cannabis tolerance breaks.
Get Rid of All Your Cannabis
You could choose to smoke it all or give it to your fellow stoners. Washing it down the drain isn’t advisable.
It is a waste of good grass, and not every stoner is on a break. Give it out. Just make sure you get rid of it all. For a cannabis tolerance break to be effective, out of sight of mind has to be your go-to method.
Don’t keep any stash around; all human beings are prone to temptation. You will find yourself going back to it when the feeling of withdrawal kicks in, which means feeling guilty after the deed is done.
Tell Your Friends That You’re Taking a Cannabis Tolerance Break
Especially your smoke buddies. This will stop them from tempting you with weed and other cannabis products.
It is easier to avoid temptation when you are alone, so you could also choose to take some time to yourself.
Telling your friends, depending on how understanding they are, can help curb the pressure from peer groups and is essential when taking cannabis tolerance breaks.
Find a New Hobby
You will have extra time if you decide to take a cannabis tolerance break. Idleness can be dangerous and can push you to withdraw.
It is, therefore, wise to get something to consume your time. It is advisable to find something productive, creative, and active. You could choose to do something your future self will thank you for.
Stay Focused and Don’t Break.
Pick a target date and make sure you stick to it. The discipline and self-control it takes to stop yourself from smoking will also help you deal with other addictions. Temptation is inevitable, but that’s more reason to stick to your goal. Usually, what works for many stoners is reminding them that it all pays off. The next time they get high is going to be memorable.
Be prepared for potential withdrawal symptoms.
People with high cannabis tolerance experience withdrawal when they decide to take a cannabis tolerance break.
Withdrawal from cannabis is not as hard as withdrawing from other substances like alcohol or cocaine, but it can also be disturbing.
Symptoms of cannabis withdrawal.
Mood swings
Fatigue
Headaches
Impairment
Diminished appetite
Stomach problems, including nausea
Insomnia
Intense, vivid dreams