Developing a tolerance to something is a relatively simple concept. The human body is very effective at adapting to substances and potentially reducing their efficacy with time. When it comes to a substance you may consume on a daily basis, it is natural to be curious about your tolerance to it. As CBD becomes more popular as a part of people’s daily lives, curiosity grows regarding CBD tolerance. Luckily, research may have answers. To discover more, keep reading.
CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in cannabis plants. Its existence has been known for years, but it’s only recently that it became popular as a therapeutic solution for an array of conditions. CBD, unlike THC, does not have a psychotropic effect and has been shown to have a variety of benefits. These may include alleviating anxiety, stress, depression, pain, inflammation, and much more.
Research on CBD is still in its infancy, and that’s why you will come across so much uncertainty when you look up its alleged benefits. However, many individuals claim to have benefited from consuming it, which is a good sign. But what about CBD tolerance? Let us delve further.
Building tolerance isn’t a strange concept, and we all experience it. Take something as familiar as coffee or tea. When you first drank either, the boost in energy and concentration was evident and significant. With time, it’s likely that one cup has turned into a few, with substantially less profound effects.
It makes sense to think that the body will ultimately react the same to CBD as it does to coffee or tea. When you factor in the different ways cannabidiol can be consumed (oils, capsules, tinctures, and edibles), this is certainly a valid concern. However, before we can address whether the body builds a CBD tolerance, we need to first look at how tolerance works.
Tolerance can be split into three primary categories:
It’s worth noting that tolerance does not have to fall into only one of the categories listed above. It can manifest as a combination of processes, depending on how a substance interacts with your body.
Also, it’s important to note that the rate at which you become tolerant to a substance varies substantially from one person to another. We all have distinct genetic structures, and physiology differs as well. It may take two weeks for one person to develop tolerance to a certain dose of a substance, while it could take months for another.
Studies have shown that THC’s regular and long-term consumption leads to users building up a tolerance. This can be attributed to the manner in which the compound binds directly to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a network of receptors and nerves found throughout the body, and is responsible for controlling the nervous system, mood, immune system, etc. In particular, THC strongly binds with the CBD 1 receptors in the brain, and thus the mind-altering or psychotropic experience. Over time, regular marijuana users have fewer cannabinoid receptors, and thus require more THC in order to get the same results.
CBD acts differently compared to other compounds found in the cannabis plant due to the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Instead of binding directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it does so indirectly. According to a study conducted by Fukuoka University’s Department of Neuropharmacology, CBD’s neuroprotective effects are independent of CB1 receptors blockade. This means that the cannabinoid does not need to work by directly binding with the receptors. So theoretically, it is less susceptible to tolerance mechanisms.
Instead, CBD can improve the binding affinity of certain receptors and also encourage endocannabinoid production, which is vital for maintaining homeostasis through the ECS. This mechanism is referred to as ‘Reverse Tolerance’. It explains why you may require less of a substance to experience the same effect. Instead of your ECS being forced to reject compounds and become overactive with time, cannabidiol takes over and manages the activation of receptors.
It is easy to assume that CBD tolerance can build up over time, but according to studies, this is not the case. According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, research on CBD consumption over time, does not lead to tolerance. However, with some users claiming to experience tolerance and others sticking to the same dosage for a long period, these results seem inconclusive.
Anecdotal evidence from other fields of medicine may be the cause of people’s assumption that CBD tolerance is possible. Regardless, the most important thing to keep in mind is that your body is your own, and if you feel like you’ve developed tolerance over time, perhaps you should try a higher dose.
Before increasing the dose, it is worth considering if there is another reason the product you’re using may be losing potency. First and foremost, check where you’ve purchased your CBD. Regulation of the CBD industry is still in a grey area, so some manufacturers are selling low-quality products. Your CBD could have additional ingredients that have an effect on its potency.
It’s important to always make sure that you are getting your products from a trustworthy source. If you have purchased any CBD product from Tanasi and are concerned it might be losing its potency, don’t hesitate to reach out, and we will help you any way possible.
Experiencing reverse tolerance implies that your cannabinoid receptors have become more effective in their role. This can lead to unexpected results when you take the same dose you’re used to. To combat this, gradually lower your daily CBD dosage until you begin experiencing the expected benefits again. There are other solutions if this does not work, which we will discuss later.
Experts recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the strength. Tanasi’s guidelines for starting dosage depends on your weight. Recommendations range from 10mg of CBD for a mild effect, to 40mg for a strong effect. If you think you can go higher, then gradually do so until you reach the right spot. There’s no need to test yourself by taking a dose that you’re not sure you can handle. There is also no pride to gain by taking a higher dosage than your friends. Once you come across the right CBD product and dose for you, stick with it.
If you have been consuming cannabidiol for a while and notice it is not working as well as before, you can benefit from a tolerance break or rest. Tolerance breaks are common in marijuana users as it gives the cannabinoid receptors time to ‘reset’. The time you need for such breaks usually ranges from 2 to 7 days. In most cases, halting CBD consumption for two days is all you need.
When you resume CBD intake, consider starting with a lower dose than before, as this can potentially affect your optimal dosage. If the reset didn’t have significant results, you could try increasing the dose. Also, you may want to consider switching brands or using a different delivery method, particularly if you’re using full-spectrum CBD. There are more ingredients than cannabidiol in full-spectrum products that could be affecting your tolerance. Rotating which products you are using could potentially keep your tolerance from growing.
So what have we learned? In conclusion, building CBD tolerance is unlikely, but we are not fully certain yet. Studies on CBD tolerance are still ongoing, and when a new revelation is made, you can count on us to inform you.
Our bodies are different due to our genetic makeup, and that’s why figuring out the right CBD dosage calls for personal experimentation. Comprehending tolerance, as well as reverse tolerance in regards to CBD, is a vital aspect of your health and wellness journey.
Having the facts here at your fingertips helps with dispelling myths surrounding CBD. If you’re willing to troubleshoot, adjust, and know your body’s distinct set of responses, you can control your peace of mind and well-being.
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