Picture this: After adding cannabis into your daily routine, you finally nailed the right amount for you. But over time, that same amount of THC just isn't as effective as it once was.
This may be a sign that your body has built up a “
tolerance.” Just like with
caffeine or alcohol, developing a tolerance to the effects of THC is common, but there are many ways to overcome it.
Typically, the amount of THC you’re used to consuming has to be increased to feel the effects you once did, but the most effective way to reset your tolerance is to take a T-break. Read on to discover how this practice may be just what you need to experience the effects of cannabis again.
What is a T-Break?
When cannabis users abstain from consumption for a period of time with the aim of lowering their THC tolerance, it's called a "t-break," where "t" simply stands for "tolerance."
T-breaks are helpful and often necessary because anyone who frequently consumes cannabis risks developing a high tolerance. For example, a novice who occasionally enjoys cannabis will have a low tolerance compared to someone who enjoys it more regularly. The former can smoke once a month and expect the same effects, for example, whereas the latter will notice the effects diminishing over time.
This practice gives your body and brain time to reduce and reset cannabinoid receptor desensitization, so the next time you consume, the effects are stronger, clearer, and more satisfying.
Why Does Cannabis Tolerance Happen?
According to
Carol DerSarkissian, MD, cannabis tolerance is believed to occur because of
"cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) downregulation."
Cannabinoid receptors are a crucial component of the body's
endocannabinoid system, a vast network of chemical messengers and receptors that helps regulate vital bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and pain perception. CBR1 is the receptor that THC (a phytocannabinoid) binds to when you consume it. When you use cannabis too frequently, this receptor can get
"downregulated" and not get activated as easily.
Studies suggest that after someone abstains from cannabis for a period of time, their tolerance can be significantly reduced.
How to Reset Tolerance With a T-Break