We asked you about tolerance breaks. Over 400 individuals in the Bloomly community weighed in – 88% found tolerance breaks effective. Of those surveyed, 55% experienced withdrawal symptoms, and 50% took a break every 1 – 3 months. In this blog, we’ll explore why tolerance breaks might be helpful for some people and how to approach them effectively, with a focus on clinical studies that support their effectiveness.
Whether you’re consuming THC products for medicinal or pleasure purposes, a break may benefit you.
If you’re a regular consumer, how quickly you become tolerant to THC depends on dose, frequency, history, and your DNA.
A tolerance break, or “t-break,” can help reset your body’s response to THC and enhance the effectiveness of your cannabis consumption.
So what does the research say?
Although research on cannabis tolerance breaks is limited, several studies have shown promising results. One study published in the journal “Drug and Alcohol Dependence” in 2016 examined the effects of short-term abstinence from cannabis on cognitive functioning in heavy cannabis users. The study found that after a 72-hour abstinence period, participants showed significant improvements in cognitive performance, indicating that short-term breaks could potentially enhance mental function (1).
Another study published in “JAMA Psychiatry” in 2012 focused on how cannabis withdrawal affects sleep quality. Participants in this study who took a two-week abstinence break reported improved sleep quality and decreased sleep disturbances compared to those who continued using cannabis (2).
These studies suggest that taking a break from cannabis can have benefits such as improved cognitive function and sleep quality. However, it’s important to note that these studies mainly focused on heavy cannabis users and may not apply to all users.
The Importance of a Reset
If you are a medical patient and you feel you’re getting reduced results from the same dose, it may be a sign that your body is in need of a reset. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) naturally produces cannabinoids. THC products may prove beneficial for those who are endocannabinoid deficient. However, if you are a regular user, it may reduce the number of cannabinoids your body naturally produces, causing disruption to the system.
Preparing for a Tolerance Break
Before embarking on a tolerance break, it’s important to consult with your doctor to make sure it is the right decision for you. The research surrounding an acceptable tolerance break time is slim; however, a study published in 2015 shows that after 48 hours, the endocannabinoid receptors in our body have already started to reset.
Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms
It’s important to acknowledge that a tolerance break is no easy task for some. It is human nature to experience some sort of withdrawal symptom, and how it affects each individual will be different. To stay committed to your break, you may want to consider natural ways to regulate your ECS, such as exercise or healthier food habits. In addition, clear your home of any temptations for the duration of your tolerance break.
Alternatives to Complete Tolerance Breaks
For some individuals, a complete tolerance break might not be the best option, especially if they rely on cannabis for medical purposes. In such cases, it’s crucial to explore alternative approaches to manage your tolerance level.
One option is to switch to strains with a different ratio of THC to CBD. For example, if you typically consume a high-THC strain, consider using a strain with a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, which may help reduce your tolerance to THC without entirely depriving your body of cannabinoids.
Another option is to incorporate more CBD-only products into your routine. CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC and does not build tolerance in the same way. Incorporating more CBD products may help you maintain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while reducing your THC intake.
If a t-break has been on your mind, this is your reminder. Tolerance breaks can be an effective way to reset your body’s response to THC and make your cannabis consumption more efficient. Although clinical studies on tolerance breaks are limited, the existing research suggests that short-term breaks can have positive effects on cognitive function and sleep quality. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a tolerance break and have a plan in place to cope with any withdrawal symptoms that may arise. Remember, everyone’s experience is different, and it’s important to find what works best for you.
Read the studies here
Schuster, R. M., Fontaine, M., Nip, E., Zhang, H., & Hanly, A. (2016). Prolonged cannabis abstinence in a heavy cannabis user population is associated with improved memory performance and normalization of task-related brain activation. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 167, 202-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.034
Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
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