Anyone who consumes cannabis on a regular basis will know that over time the effects of cannabis begin to seem non-existent or not as strong as they once were. Tolerance breaks (or t-breaks) are a way of resetting your body. Research has shown that cannabis consumers do actually build up a tolerance (same with alcohol). The more you smoke the more your cannabinoid receptors (CB1 mostly but CB2 as well) downregulate the reception of THC, which is why it might take longer for you to get that ‘high’. Frequent use makes your body think that it is normal to have this much THC and therefore your body adapts to it. CB1 receptors begin to replenish themselves after 2 days of a t-break but it takes up to 30 days for your body to completely get it out of your system. T-breaks are mainly revolved around CB1 receptors (THC) as these receptors are psychoactive whereas CB2 (CBD) receptors aren’t. So even if you are really struggling with your t-break you can still use CBD strains (Indicas) to help keep you going without THC. Just don’t go overboard on the CBD. CBD is great for night-time use, just before bedtime!

There could be a few reasons as to why you might feel like you need a t-break, such as;

•  Save some money
•  Reduce tolerance
•  Travelling
•  Health

But you might need a t-break for other reasons like;

• New job
• Legal reasons
• Your free time is spent mostly inside
• You rely heavily on smoking to find your creativity
• It takes priority over your responsibilities

There are loads of reasons why you might want/need a t-break, maybe you want to give weed up for lent or just challenge yourself, t-breaks are good for you but they are not easy. Your t-breaks should be personalised to you. Ask yourself if you’re a heavy smoker, would going cold turkey work or would it be better to ease yourself off the weed? Set some guidelines. You can choose to go cold turkey if you want or you do this over the course of a few days or weeks. Mentally preparing yourself is a good way to start. Set yourself some dates. Try setting yourself a date of when you are going to start reducing the amount you smoke and when you want to have started your t-break. You can set a date for when you want to start smoking again or you can see how you go. You’re in control.

T-breaks leave you with a surprising amount of free time so it is good to figure out what to do with that time. Is there a project you have been meaning to work on but haven’t gotten around to yet? A book you want to read? A hobby? A activity? The choice is yours and you have so much time to yourself! Keeping yourself busy during those free periods will not only distract you from the desire to smoke but can help you stay committed to your t-break.

Yes, you can get withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms are usually dissatisfaction, sleeping problems and restlessness. Other symptoms could be;

• Anxiety
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Stomach pains

Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) say that “the withdrawal symptoms of cannabis are much less severe than those associated with withdrawal from chronic opioid and depressants use”, “but adverse enough to continue cannabis use and interfere with cessation attempts in some individuals”. Research shows that after a couple of days without cannabis the withdrawal symptoms start and usually last for about 2/3 weeks.

Tolerance breaks aren’t easy but they are a great way to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. Whatever the reason, there are benefits to having a t-break (even though it might not seem like it). Be patient with yourself and don’t beat yourself up about it. Remember it only takes two days for cannabinoids to refresh themselves, so even if you are only able to do two days there will be some benefit there.

Tolerance breaks are only for those who use marijuana as a recreational hobby. Tolerance breaks are not for those who use marijuana for chronic symptoms, terminal illness’s or any other medicinal reason but if you feel like you aren’t getting the same effect it would be best to speak to a professional.

To anyone on a t-break, I wish you well. You got this!

Sending my love,

Emma xo