How to Take a Tolerance Break

If you’re a frequent cannabis user, then you may have encountered the tolerance wall – in other words, that point where our tolerance has become so high that we’re just not getting the effects we used to. At that point, we have a choice – keep going and deal with the potential for disappointing results, or simply take a tolerance break.

A tolerance break, often referred to as a "T-break”, means a voluntary, temporary cessation of cannabis, so that someone’s tolerance goes back down and they’re able to get stronger effects from a moderate amount of the product they’ve been using. Tons of avid enthusiasts take tolerance breaks at least once every couple of years, with generally successful results. But, what’s the right way to go about it, and do you even need one?

Do You Need a Tolerance Break?

First, let’s talk about what tolerance is. Tolerance seems to only really apply to THC cannabinoids, as far as we know. That means that nonintoxicating cannabinoids, like CBD and CBG, along with the terpenes in the plant, don’t seem to lead to a tolerance like THC does. And, why we develop a tolerance to THC compounds specifically isn’t well understood, as it turns out. We know that THC works on CB1 receptors in the brain, and one theory that holds a lot of weight is that the more THC we use, the more those receptors decrease over time.

So, do you actually need a tolerance break? First off, the answer is probably only if you’re using a THC-infused product – and not just delta 9. Basically, any hemp-based product that causes intoxication, regardless of the cannabinoid or product type, would theoretically lead to a high tolerance at one point. If you’re just not getting high anymore, it may be time to take a tolerance break.

But, before you do that, consider something else: the strain may be the problem, not the cannabinoid. Many people find that when using a THC product in a specific strain, they aren’t as affected by that strain anymore over time. And, when they switch to a new strain, it reinvigorates their tolerance, so to speak, as if it was never an issue in the first place.

Another thing to consider is that if you’re not getting the high you’re looking for, it may be because of another reason.

Before taking a tolerance break, consider these possibilities:

• If you’ve been recently using a new medication, that may numb or alter the effects of THC.
• If you’re menstruating, your tolerance to THC can increase.
• If you’re sick, your tolerance to THC can increase.
• If you’re simply using a weaker strain, it may not be a matter of tolerance, but potency of the THC cannabinoid.

Planning a Tolerance Break

Below is a general plan for how to take a tolerance break, as we will be going more in-depth in a little bit here. Remember, the process and experience can vary greatly from person to person.

1. Set a Clear Goal and Duration: Decide why you're taking a tolerance break and how long it will last. This could be a few days, weeks, or even months, depending on your usage patterns and goals.
2. Gradual Reduction: If you're a frequent user, consider gradually reducing your consumption before stopping completely. This can help minimize potential withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep disturbances, or mood swings.
3. Choose a Start Date: Pick a date to start your tolerance break. Ideally, choose a time when you anticipate fewer stressors or triggers that might make abstaining more challenging.
4. Find Alternatives: Identify activities or hobbies to fill the time you would usually spend using cannabinoids. Exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family can be good alternatives.
5. Manage Withdrawal Symptoms: Be prepared for potential withdrawal symptoms. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep can help. If you experience significant discomfort, consider consulting a healthcare professional.
6. Support System: Inform friends and family about your tolerance break so they can provide support. You might also consider joining support groups, either in-person or online, where you can share experiences and get encouragement from others who are also taking a break.
7. Mindfulness and Reflection: Use this time to reflect on your cannabis use. Mindfulness practices can help you understand your relationship with cannabis and your reasons for taking a T-break.
8. Plan for Resumption: If you plan to resume use after the tolerance break, consider doing so gradually and with lower doses to assess your new tolerance level.

How to Take a Tolerance Break

Time to cover how to take a tolerance break, if you’ve determined that that’s what’s going to benefit your relationship with cannabis. First, keep in mind that if you were a heavy user, you may experience some mild withdrawal symptoms, like:

• Difficulty sleeping
• More vivid dreams/nightmares
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Changes in appetite
• Reduced stress response
• Depression/low mood

Now, let’s talk about what you need to know about taking a tolerance break, to make the most of it. Instead of weaning off, which just prolongs the inevitable and the result, quit THC products for 48 hours at least. You can keep using CBD and other nonintoxicating products, as the tolerance only applies to the THC. Sometimes, 48 hours is all that you need for your endocannabinoid system to reset itself. If you’re someone who consumes a cannabinoid daily, you may benefit from a longer break – up to a week depending on how heavy of a user you are.

So, how often should you actually do a tolerance break? Most recommend every 30 days, if that’s feasible for you. Again, it’s just 48 hours, so most people can manage that. If that’s too difficult, or if you’re using cannabis for medical reasons rather than strictly recreational, you can do one only when you feel that it’s really necessary – in other words, when you just aren’t getting results anymore, so there’s no point in beating a dead horse, so to speak.

A Tolerance Break May Be Worth it, Depending on the Circumstance

At the end of the day, only you know whether or not you’d benefit from a tolerance break. While generally, everyone can build a tolerance to THC, some do it more quickly and severely than others. The good news is that if you do need to take one so that you can get the effects you’re looking for once again, you don’t have to refrain from too long to get your tolerance back to where it used to be. Just 48 hours is all most people need, or a few days at most, and you’re good to go.