Imagine using cannabis and feeling nothing at all. It's a horrible feeling that makes you want to use more. And, you do just that. However, a few days later, the same feeling returns again.
It happens to many of us.
So, what do you do? Quit using cannabis?
Yes.
Wait, it's not that bad.
The answer lies in taking a tolerance break.
What does a tolerance break mean?
You'll find out in just a bit.
A lot of cannabis consumers complain of high tolerance to cannabis. As a result, people try various techniques to solve this problem and usually end up spending more. However, this does nothing except increase your tolerance level and, of course, dig a deep hole in your pocket.
The solution for this is a tolerance break.
In this article, we will explore how you can enjoy using cannabis responsibly. Your body will thank you for it.
What Is A Tolerance Break?
Tolerance break, popularly known as t-break, is a term used by cannabis consumers. It's nothing but quitting cannabis use. At least for a while.
A tolerance break simply means that you're taking a break for a short while so your body can reset itself. Simply put, it's a temporary stop of cannabis consumption to help the body reset the tolerance built up for cannabinoids, primarily THC.
And, this rule doesn't apply just to cannabis. Too much of anything is bad. Even the medicines you take to get rid of cold can have the same effect if you overdo it. Repeated usage of anything will force the body to build a tolerance against it.
Similarly, consuming cannabis a bit too much can make your body tolerant to the cannabinoids present in it. The result? You consume even more. And, then, finally, you stop feeling any effects at all.
Why Should You Take A Tolerance Break?
A tolerance break may not seem like a good idea for many, but it gives you ample benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider taking a t-break:
Increased Mental Clarity
Have you ever felt a bit lost? It's like this mental fog that makes it difficult to recollect things. So if you tend to light up your bowl every day and experience this mystical mental fog, it's time you took a break.
Taking a tolerance break for more than a month can help you clear the mental fog, especially if you're overdoing or abusing cannabis. In addition, a t-break will also help you assimilate information in a better manner.
Pass A Drug Test
The dreaded drug test — it makes even a light user panic. And, it makes it even harder if you're looking for a job or your company conducts them randomly.
What do you do? In such cases, a tolerance break becomes mandatory. Keep in mind that it takes a long time for THC to exit your system.
For instance, a urine test can detect THC for up to 30 days, depending on your usage. Saliva tests may detect THC for up to 2 days or 48 hours, while it may take 36 hours for blood tests. THC can also be detected in the hair for about 90 days! Therefore, plan ahead if you have a drug test coming up.
Why does it take so long for THC to leave our system? It's because THC is fat-soluble and begins to accumulate in fat tissues. According to this study, THC may dissolve and spread to the bloodstream when you exercise, which is why your drug test may go awry if you've exercised recently.
Reduce Risk Of Cannabis Use Disorder
You can develop Cannabis Use Disorder or addiction if you abuse cannabis despite noticing significant health problems. If you find it hard to cut down urges or crave more than usual, along with difficulties in focusing, then you seriously need to consider taking a t-break.
Reduce Cannabis Tolerance
Reducing high tolerance to cannabis is the primary benefit of a tolerance break. As mentioned earlier, regular tolerance breaks can reset your body. In addition, using cannabis will become enjoyable once again rather than using it just for the sake of it.
Remember that feeling when you first used marijuana? Take a t-break if you want to experience it again. Not only will this help you save a lot of money, but it will also prevent you from consuming more just to feel that high.
Afford You Time To Evaluate Your General Health
A break from cannabis consumption affords you time to reevaluate your physical and mental health. You can now focus on yourself and figure out why you're suffering from any ailments in the first place.
You can take a t-break even if there are no issues; however, it's time for a break if you notice that your health is deteriorating. For example, some users may have reduced lung functions due to excessive smoking and may not realize it, but a t-break will allow you to pick up symptoms and find ways to manage them.
Signs You Need a Tolerance Break
It can be pretty hard to take a t-break when you don't even identify why you need to do so. Here are a few signs to help you understand:
- Chronic cough
- Using more cannabis to achieve a high
- Lack of motivation
- Memory impairment
- Anxiety
- Blood-red eyes
- Slowed reaction to things
- Paranoid behavior
- Sleepiness
Even if you don't experience all the signs mentioned here, take a day or two to sleep over it and then think about it. Are you experiencing anxiety? Feeling sleepy all day? Does it take a long time for anything to register? Ask these questions, and you will know the answers soon enough.
How To Take A Tolerance Break
There are a few factors to consider before you take a t-break. However, the first step is your willingness to take a break. Once you make that decision, everything else becomes simple. Here's what you should know:
Keep A Time Frame In Mind
Have a plan before you jump into it. For example, taking a t-break without a specific time frame can be frustrating because you're not prepared. However, once you know what you're doing, thing become easier.
Some users take a break for a week, while others do it for a month. But, you do you and allocate a time frame before you start with a t-break. Not only will this give you a more successful chance of sticking to your break, but you'll also feel comfortable knowing that you're in charge of things.
In addition, counting days during a t-break can also help you understand your system better. For instance, if it takes a 20-day break for your health to improve generally, you'll know that your body needs approximately 30 days for it to reset itself.
Prepare For Withdrawal Symptoms
If you're not a frequent cannabis user, you may not notice any withdrawal symptoms at all. However, if you've been using cannabis every day, you may experience some side effects.
Regardless, it's best to prepare yourself for withdrawals because you don't want to break your streak when you experience them. Don't panic if you experience any of these signs:
- Changes in mood
- Irritability
- Reduction in appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Cold sweats
- Excessive sweating
- Reduced motivation
Unless it's something severe, know that most of these issues will go away on their own. Remember that it's just a matter of a few days, and everything will be back to normal. However, if you're experiencing severe symptoms such as debilitating stomach pain or vomiting, you will need to visit a physician.
The good news is that cannabis addiction is not common. Unlike other hard drugs with severe symptoms, it's easier to quit using cannabis. In some cases, even frequent users do not experience any side effects whatsoever.
Occupy Yourself
If you find it too hard to take a t-break, start thinking of something else. It's likely that you're craving cannabis simply because it's a forbidden fruit now. It's funny how we want to do the exact same things we tell ourselves not to.
To divert your monkey mind, think of hobbies that will take your mind away from cannabis. Most cannabis users are creative, so put on your thinking cap and get busy.
How Long Should I Take A Tolerance Break?
There's no exact answer to this question. Since cannabis affects everyone differently, the number of days will vary.
If this is your first time taking a tolerance break, you will have to experiment better and understand your body. It's reported that THC levels drop by fifty percent in infrequent consumers after 1 to 3 days of a tolerance break, while it can extend up to 5 - 15 days for frequent users.
It's best to start with a 7-day t-break and see how it goes. If you've got an upcoming drug test, or want to eliminate THC from your body completely, take a t-break for at least 90 days.
How Frequently Should I Take a Tolerance Break?
Again, there's no direct answer to this question because it depends on your body, consumption habits, and goal of taking at-break
You could decide to take a break every time you feel your tolerance increasing, and that could happen once in 3 or 6 or 9 months, depending on your body.
At the end of the day, it's all about feeling good and doing what's necessary to enjoy the habit. Remember why you're using cannabis in the first place. If frequent usage bothers you, perhaps it's time to take a step back.
Summary
A tolerance break is not some overhyped myth — it's very necessary to take a break every once in a while so you can enjoy cannabis like you used to. Ultimately, you should listen to your body and do what's best for it. In addition, don't overthink — just take a break and it will be over before you know it.
A tolerance break has more benefits than just helping you reduce your tolerance for cannabis. It gives you time to reset and focus on other things you've ignored.
