The Science Behind Cannabis Tolerance: How To Manage It

September 12, 2023

Whether you’re a longtime cannabis consumer or brand new to the plant, understanding your tolerance is key to responsible cannabis consumption patterns. What precisely is cannabis tolerance, and which factors influence it? This deep dive into the science of cannabis gives you the tools you need to identify and manage high tolerance properly.

What is Cannabis Tolerance?

Cannabis tolerance refers to how accustomed your body and mind are to cannabis and the compounds found within it, particularly delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes cannabis’s intoxicating effects. A higher tolerance, either due to frequent consumption or your own biological predisposition, means smaller amounts of cannabis won’t affect you the same way as they would someone with a lower tolerance.

Which Factors Influence Tolerance?

Consider the following points when determining your own tolerance, as each can play a role:

Genetics: Yes, your genetics can influence your baseline tolerance. Some people may be especially sensitive to THC and, even if they consume regularly, will never need a lot to feel their desired effects. Others may have never tried cannabis before but find they need quite a bit more THC to feel the effects of cannabis. That’s why it’s always best to start with a standard dose of about 5mg THC when first trying cannabis to gauge how it impacts you.
Age: As we age, our bodies undergo significant metabolism and composition changes. Older consumers tend to have slower metabolisms and less muscle mass. They are more likely to experience stronger and longer-lasting effects than younger consumers, whose metabolisms are faster and whose bodies tend to have more muscle mass. As you age, you may find the amount you once consumed affects you very differently, and you may have to adjust your consumption patterns accordingly.
Sex: Your biological sex may also influence your tolerance and its progress over time. Limited studies into biological sex and cannabis tolerance suggest that biological females more readily develop a tolerance to cannabis, especially regarding pain relief.
Consumption patterns: Whatever your baseline, the frequency and amount you consume are among the most significant factors influencing tolerance. If you consume heavily on a daily basis, expect your sensitivity to cannabinoids like THC to increase quickly. If you only consume every once in a while, your tolerance is more likely to remain low and consistent.

What Leads To High Cannabis Tolerance?

Some people may have a naturally higher ability to tolerate THC, so high that even consuming it for the first time may take a significant amount of cannabis. For most consumers, though, it’s frequent consumption or the consumption of high amounts of THC that lead to increased tolerance. As we are exposed to higher levels of THC over extended periods, our bodies and brains adjust and begin to expect the presence of these compounds. The result is muted effects compared to the average consumer.

The Science of Tolerance: Our Body's Adaptation

Our ability to process and enjoy cannabis all starts with the endogenous cannabis system (ECS). This system helps to regulate a wide range of physiological processes and maintain homeostasis in your body. It’s also why cannabis affects us the way it does and is essential to understanding the science behind cannabis sensitivities (or lack thereof).

How Do You Build Up A Tolerance To Cannabis?

When you consume cannabis, THC binds to the CB1 receptors of your ECS. The more frequently you consume, the less responsive the CB1 receptors become. Over time, the receptors require more of the compound to activate, resulting in the effects you’ve come to expect.

This isn’t only true of THC but all the other cannabinoids. Tolerance increases have also been observed in people who regularly consume large amounts of THC. For example, if you consume CBD for pain relief, you may find that prolonged consumption results in a diminished effect, and you require more CBD than you once did to get the same effect.

While different cannabinoids interact with the ECS in unique ways, repeated exposure to these compounds tends to dull their effects. As tolerance increases, you’ll need higher doses to achieve those effects.

Recognizing Cannabis Tolerance: Signs and Symptoms

The telltale sign that your tolerance is increasing is that you need more of your usual cannabis product to feel the desired effects. If you usually smoke a joint and find that it’s no longer doing the trick, your tolerance may have increased. Similarly, if your preferred cannabis product once left you feeling better but no longer does, it could be due to increased tolerance.

If you’re noticing these changes, you can always opt for a more potent cannabis flower or a stronger product like concentrates, which will only continue to increase your tolerance over time. Eventually, you may find that it takes a considerable amount of potent products to feel your desired effects, which can become expensive and impractical. Fortunately, tolerance moderates with reduced consumption, so if you find a decrease in sensitivity, you can always adjust your dosage.

T-Breaks And More: Strategies And Tips For Managing Tolerance

If your tolerance is high and you want to reduce it to find a happy medium, consider taking a tolerance break, sometimes called a “T break.” This may involve completely abstaining from cannabis consumption for a short period or reducing your consumption.

For someone who usually vaporizes high-THC cannabis oil, for example, choosing to only smoke flower with significantly lower THC percentages may constitute a T break. For others, taking time away from cannabis altogether may be the best way to increase cannabis sensitivity.

If you’re considering taking a T break, the following tips may be helpful:

Take a break: The best way to increase your sensitivity is to abstain from consuming cannabis for a little while. For most folks, a few days or a week away from cannabis will do the trick. A medical cannabis patient who needs more THC to manage a condition may need longer. If you prefer to totally remove this cannabinoid from your system, though, you may need a month-long cannabis tolerance break.
Try low-THC cannabis products: If you want to continue consuming but still want to find that happy medium for your tolerance, try consuming low-THC products. You may find that these products have the same effects as stronger products. For example, if you usually smoke high-THC flower that exceeds 30% THC content, opt for flower with lower levels, around 15% THC instead. Mind the amount you consume as well — even low-THC products boost your tolerance if you consume quite a bit.
Consider THC:CBD ratio: Products with balanced THC:CBD ratios generally provide a more subdued experience than those with high THC to low CBD ratios. Certain cannabis products and strains offer a more balanced experience, and this can be useful for increasing cannabis sensitivity as well. Again, the frequency you consume these products also has an effect.
Try a new consumption method: Sometimes, a simple change of consumption method can significantly impact your high tolerance. Vape cartridges, for example, tend to have 90% THC content or greater, so switching to flower or edibles might make it easier to reduce your intake.
Gradually reintroduce high-THC cannabis products: When your T break is ending, don’t go back to consuming the way you did before. Doing so might result in an overwhelming experience. Instead, only consume the minimum amount of THC needed to reach your desired experience. Keep this amount under control and only increase it when you need to stretch the benefits of your T break.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Cannabis Tolerance

You may have heard someone say that cannabis doesn’t affect them or that they’ve consumed significant amounts of THC without feeling anything at all. It’s unlikely these people are immune to cannabis’s intoxicating effects. What’s more likely is that they have elevated tolerances, either from prolonged consumption of potent products or a natural resilience to cannabis’s effects.

Similarly, some people believe that once their sensitivity has decreased, it will always stay that way. In almost every observed case, though, reducing or ceasing consumption briefly results in a tolerance reset. So, if your friend who loves devouring edibles takes a month or two off, their sensitivity will likely increase significantly when they consume again.

Embracing a Balanced Approach to Cannabis Use

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, taking the time to discover your sensitivity to cannabis and fine-tuning your wellness routine can unlock the full potential of cannabis as a source of relief, balance and self-care. Remember, tolerance is not a fixed destination but a dynamic journey. By starting with lower doses, observing how your body responds and gradually adjusting as needed, you can maintain sensitivity to its effects and continue enjoying the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

At Panacea Wellness, we understand that everyone’s well-being journey is unique. Our knowledgeable team is here to support you in finding the best cannabis products tailored to your needs. Don't hesitate to ask our team for personalized advice and recommendations — we’ll be happy to help guide you.