How to Lower Weed Tolerance: Tips for a Tolerance Reset

A tolerance break or a T-break is an interesting concept. It is when you temporarily stop using weed to reset your body’s sensitivity to THC. In theory, a T-break lasts for 21 days, as it has been estimated that it takes nearly 3 weeks for THC (an active ingredient in weed) to leave your system.

In this article, we shall look into how T-breaks work and tips for lowering your tolerance without quitting cold turkey.

High tolerance to weed (also known as cannabis, marijuana, pot) occurs when you use weed frequently. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the main psychoactive compound in weed - overloads the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for many of the body’s functions.

THC binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain, typically, the CB1 receptors, and gives rise to a high or euphoria. It also impacts your brain’s reward centers, mood, sleeping patterns, and memories, which is why you keep going back to weed again and again. However, over time, you develop a tolerance toward weed. What this means is that you need more quantities of weed to achieve the desired effect. But even as you consume more, your mind and body will need even more to experience the same high as you did initially.

Some signs of high weed tolerance are as follows:

• Consuming weed simply does not give the same effects it once used to. One does not experience the same high or other intoxicating effects.
• Consuming weed in increased quantities to experience the high and other intoxicating effects, as what once used to be satisfactory now barely makes any difference.
• One might often find themselves “chasing the high” in that they consume weed more frequently as well to experience the same effects. In fact, frequent use is also a consequence of the effects of weed wearing off pretty quickly.
• With high weed tolerance, one can also notice that switching between strains or consuming highly potent products also do not provide any satisfactory effects, indicating that the body has built a high tolerance for weed.
• Certain physical effects like red eyes, dry mouth, and increased hunger are also signs of high weed tolerance.

The best way to lower weed tolerance is to take a tolerance break or a T-break, which is when you abstain from weed to allow your body to reset its sensitivity to THC. Typically, a T-break of 21 days is advised, as that is how much it takes for THC to completely leave your body. However, it also depends on the amount of weed you take. Here is a weed tolerance chart that will better allow you to understand how long your T-break needs to be for the best outcomes:

What Is the 2-Day Tolerance Break?

If you have heard of the 2-day tolerance break, you are not alone. It is the too-good-to-be-true option for resetting your weed tolerance, but there is a reason why it is popular. Basically, weed tolerance is related to CB1 receptors in your brain, as we mentioned previously. 2 days is the amount of time it takes for your CB1 receptors to bounce back or get back to their original functioning before prolonged THC use.

While a 2-day T-break sounds like an effective option, it is only effective when your weed use is not heavy or chronic.

If you are considering a tolerance break, you mainly need to be prepared for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms result from the fact that your brain has gotten used to certain levels of weed and finds it difficult to function when you stop weed use abruptly. So, it leads to some intensely unpleasant symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms. Common weed withdrawal symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep troubles
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Vivid dreams
• Cognitive impairment.

To cope with these symptoms, you need to keep your body hydrated and get enough rest. You can also ask your family or friends to come over so that they can be a shoulder you can rely on when these symptoms become overwhelming. You can also speak with your primary healthcare provider for some over-the-counter medications to deal with the more discomforting symptoms, like headaches and vomiting.

While these withdrawal symptoms can be intensely unpleasant, they begin to subside within 72 hours.

While taking a T-break is said to have its benefits, the CNN reports that there is not much evidence whether it really allows the body to recalibrate the body to the weed levels. Therefore, here is how to lower weed tolerance even without having to take a T-break:

Microdosing: You can reduce your weed tolerance by taking weed in very low levels, also known as microdosing. This is under 5mg, and can be as low as 0.5 mg as well. So, instead of reaching out for a joint whenever you feel the urge to use weed, stick to something like a low-dose cannabis edible.

Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is the other main active psychoactive compound apart from THC. It does not produce the same high as THC, but it has anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects. Moreover, CBD does not impact the brain as THC does. So, try sticking to products with a high CBD to THC ratio if you do not want to take a T-break.

Keep Your Body Hydrated: Keep your body hydrated at all times. Drink plenty of water, as it will flush out the THC from your body because water acts like the body's own detoxification system. Moreover, you can also consume an antioxidant-rich diet so as to allow your body to detoxify quickly.

Exercise: Along with keeping your body hydrated, maintain a certain level of physical activity. How quickly THC is eliminated from your body depends mainly on your metabolism rate, which is enhanced with better activity levels. Exercise also lowers body fat, where THC is often stored.

Once you have been able to take a tolerance break or have tried other ways to reset your weed tolerance, the next step is to prevent weed tolerance in the future. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent this from happening again:

• Stick to weed products with low THC levels, as it is basically THC that significantly impacts your CB1 receptors, leading to weed tolerance. Instead, you can use weed products with a higher CBD ratio.
• Do not use weed as frequently. The more you use it, the higher the chances of developing weed tolerance.
• Sometimes, the above-mentioned steps are easier said than done. It is not always easy to stick with low-THC use. If you slip, do not be hard on yourself. Just take another short T-break to reset again.

If your weed use feels out of control - even after a T-break - you are not alone. It might be time to get to the root of why you are using weed. So, if you or your loved one is struggling with weed use, please remember that help is just a heartbeat away.

At the NuView Treatment Center, we treat weed use in outpatient settings with programs like partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs that are tailored to your unique needs and goals. As we believe that you do not have to put your life on hold to get the care you need and deserve, we also provide personalized evening programs and telehealth services so that you can receive the care at your own pace and convenience.

T-breaks do not fix the root problem. If your weed use is affecting your life, it is time for more than a reset.

Reach out to NuView now at (323) 307-7997 or mail us at info@nuviewtreatment.com to begin healing today!