Those who love cannabis likely remember their first hit. How weed washes over the system and relaxes swirling thoughts and tense muscles can quickly turn someone into an enthusiast. Unfortunately, after regular use, that initial vibe is hard to reach again.
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This level of stone becomes unattainable because smoking, eating, or vaping every day creates a tolerance. After some time, this immunity makes effects like that first time almost impossible to achieve. Lots of regular consumers choose to take breaks to release some of this unwanted tolerance to THC. Others might not want to slingshot themselves into sobriety like that.
Anyone hoping to enjoy cannabis for years to come should follow these tips to temper weed tolerance.
Switch cannabis consumption methods
Everyone has a preference on how they like to enjoy weed. Still, they should play with various consumption methods rather than religiously siding with one. A person who usually hits a bong packed with dried flower might get extremely stoned from a dab. Someone who reaches for the vape pen first might find the same to be true about vaping or smoking dried, cured, flower.
As for the regular dabbers, this is the highest tolerance building method. Those who like to dab will be most in need of mini-breaks, especially if they are not interested in rotating through different consumption methods. Instead of a full break, dabbers might benefit from switching to vape pens or flower for a week or so to recalibrate their system.
Versatile cannabis consumers are more apt to keep their tolerance at bay. This can also be applied at a more granular level.
Rotate cannabis strains and brands
Much like rotating consumption methods, it is wise to switch off buying different strains and brands. Every cannabis strain is slightly different, even the ones with the same genetics might create unique terpenes. This sometimes makes finding the right products hard, but it also means that changing up the flavor could lessen the tolerance.
Everyone should have a few known varieties and brands on the roster and trade off between them on each dispensary visit.
Temper the weed tolerance
A tolerance break is when someone completely stops smoking weed for a specified period to give their body a minute to process all the cannabinoids. This theoretically makes it so the same amount of cannabis will get a person more stoned than it did before the break. Medical patients may need this more than anyone, but unfortunately, quitting cold turkey is not applicable for some of this population.
This crowd could alter the tolerance break from cold turkey to something that fits their life better. Instead of stopping altogether, someone can limit their daily use. This is easily done by weighing out the flower or extract for the day in the morning, and not dipping back into the stores until the following day.
Slowly tempering to a smaller daily dose is a solid alternative to a classic tolerance break. Supplementing use with a CBD oil or vape can also help a person cut back on their THC-laden cannabis consumption.
Quitting everything for a specified period is the most effective way to take a tolerance break. It does not work for every cannabis consumer. Find a way to temper use that will not aggravate a hot temper, and everyone wins.
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Engage in self-reflection
When someone compulsively consumes more cannabis than their endocannabinoid system requires, it might be time to look inward. Getting stoned can become a coping mechanism used to avoid dealing with trauma, anger, sadness, and other big feelings. Anyone identifying with this group, even a little, should reflect on their relationship with the plant.
This means asking why they are taking a hit when they reach for the vape, bong, pipe, or whatever method they prefer. Perhaps, after having these internal conversations, they realize some hits are not worth taking. Or, they could learn more about why they turn to cannabis. Knowing oneself is the goal, and it is only possible with self-inquiry.
Tolerance breaks are only one option
Being a daily cannabis consumer means coming to terms with an inevitable tolerance to the products they love. These tactics could stave off the mountain and help keep a tiny bit of weed working for many moons. That said, those who are able should consider regular tolerance breaks to avoid oversaturating the endocannabinoid system. The plant is all about finding balance, after all.
