When using cannabis, whether for medical or recreational purposes, one of the most important factors to consider is tolerance—your body’s ability to process and react to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Understanding your tolerance level can help you use cannabis more effectively, avoid unpleasant side effects, and even save money. But how do you know what type of tolerance you have? Let’s break it down.
What Is Cannabis Tolerance?
Cannabis tolerance develops when the body becomes accustomed to cannabinoids, particularly THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.” Over time, frequent cannabis use can lead to changes in the brain’s CB1 receptors, making them less sensitive. This means you might need higher doses to achieve the same effects, or you may notice diminished effects from the same amount you used before.
There are different types of tolerance, and understanding which one applies to you can help you adjust your consumption habits for better results.
Types of Cannabis Tolerance
1. Low Tolerance (Beginner’s Tolerance)
- You’re new to cannabis or only use it occasionally.
- Small doses give you noticeable effects.
- You might feel intense psychoactive effects from low-THC strains.
- Edibles hit you hard, even at doses as low as 2.5-5mg of THC.
Signs You Have Low Tolerance:
- You get high easily and for a long duration.
- You may experience side effects like paranoia or dizziness from strong doses.
- Your body reacts strongly to cannabis, even in small amounts.
If you have low tolerance, go slow and choose strains with lower THC percentages.
2. Moderate Tolerance
- You use cannabis a few times a week.
- You need slightly more THC than a beginner to feel the effects.
- You may notice that your high doesn’t last as long as it used to.
- Higher doses of CBD might also be needed for medicinal effects.
Signs You Have Moderate Tolerance:
- You can handle most standard doses without feeling overwhelmed.
- A single joint or a moderate edible dose (5-10mg THC) produces the desired effects.
- You don’t experience extreme highs, but cannabis still works well for you.
If you have moderate tolerance, consider microdosing to maintain effectiveness without overconsumption.
3. High Tolerance
- You use cannabis daily or multiple times a day.
- You need high-THC strains or concentrates to feel an effect.
- You find that standard edibles (10-20mg THC) don’t have much impact.
- You experience minimal psychoactive effects, even with large doses.
Signs You Have High Tolerance:
- Smoking or vaping doesn’t get you as high as before.
- You require stronger cannabis products like dabs or edibles over 50mg.
- You may have difficulty getting the same benefits (e.g., pain relief, relaxation).
If you have high tolerance, consider taking a tolerance break (T-break) to reset your body’s response.
How to Adjust Your Cannabis Use Based on Tolerance
- Take a Tolerance Break – A few days to weeks without cannabis can help reset your CB1 receptors.
- Try Different Consumption Methods – Switch between smoking, vaping, edibles, or tinctures to see what works best.
- Microdose – Using small amounts can help maintain sensitivity without overloading your system.
- Rotate Strains – Different terpene and cannabinoid profiles may offer new effects.
Understanding your tolerance level is key to making cannabis work for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a daily user, adjusting your approach can enhance your experience and prevent unnecessary overuse.