Everyone remembers their first time getting high. However, most people would say that over time, it’s gotten harder and harder to reach that same feeling. If you’re a regular cannabis consumer, you may very well know what your weed tolerance is. In fact, you may be at the point where you don’t even feel the effects of consuming cannabis at all. In this week’s article, we explore the role of THC in weed tolerance, how you build a tolerance, and why a ‘T break’ might be a good idea.
THC and The Brain
The psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the component of cannabis which interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain. These CB1 receptors accept many different neurotransmitters, including those for appetite, stress, pain, or sleep. When THC is attached to these receptors, cannabis users experience the feeling of being high. Over time, this interaction in the brain can be affected by two main factors: the frequency of use and potency of the cannabis. The frequency with which cannabis is used and the strength of that said cannabis are also responsible for building a person's weed tolerance.
How Tolerance Develops
There are some variables, such as genetics, which can also factor into weed tolerance alongside frequency of use and the strength of cannabis. However, the way that you actually build tolerance is by consuming cannabis so often that it repeatedly activates the CB1 receptors and eventually leads to desensitization. This means the brain has less of a response to THC, but with continued use can lead to internalization or when CB1 receptors disappear from the surface of cells. When it comes to two differentiating the two, desensitization would indicate that THC can still bind to cells, whereas internalization would mean it cannot. Cannabis consumers who are experiencing internalization won’t be able to feel the effects of THC, because there are far fewer receptors for it to act on.
The Benefits of a ‘T break’
We get it, you love cannabis and we love cannabis, too! Although it is possible to have too much of a good thing and if that means you can’t feel the effects of cannabis, then maybe a break is in order. Taking a T break (a tolerance break) will allow your CB1 receptors to recover and revive your joie de weed! If you’re not in a position where you can stop consuming cannabis, you can also try choosing strains with higher CBD content. Other options include limiting how much cannabis you consume, i.e. reducing daily or weekly intake. Not to mention, choosing to consume cannabis less often can also help give your brain a break and give those CB1 receptors time to return.
Time to Enjoy
Managing your weed tolerance is vital to your full enjoyment of cannabis. After all, it’s no fun consuming cannabis if your weed tolerance keeps you from appreciating the power of the plant! Anyone looking for more cannabis education and information may want to to visit our Instagram. If you are searching for strain recommendations or tips on selecting smoking accessories, be sure to check out the Parkdale Brass blog. While you’re there, be sure to take a peek at our online shop as our functional, rugged, and timeless brass accessories will be available again very soon!