If you are a regular daily consumer of cannabis, you probably have noticed that your tolerance to marijuana has changed. You’ve tried different types of cannabis with higher THC levels. You’ve upped your dose. But no matter what you have tried, that old feeling of euphoria is difficult to capture. It’s time for you to take a “Tolerance Holiday.”
Tolerance Holidays, also known as T-breaks, are recommended for many reasons. Most long-term consumers of cannabis report that refraining from reefer for an extended period of time allows your body and mind to re-calibrate.
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Do you know people who give up booze for a few weeks after New Year’s Eve? Or for Lent? It’s kind of like that. In fact, we are almost halfway through the Lent (it started this year on March 1 and ends on April 15). If you haven’t given up weed for Lent yet, think about starting now.
Here’s what you should know about taking a Tolerance Holiday.
Do I Really Need To Take One?
It’s your body and it’s your brain. Listen to what they are saying to you. But most experienced consumers will tell you that your relationship with the herb will benefit from a break.
If you have been using cannabis for a prolonged period of time, your system becomes desensitized to its psychoactive effects. When you constantly put THC in your body, the receptors that bind to it become compromised.
Think of it as giving your receptors a chance to recuperate. Why overtax them?
Taking a T-break will also to reflect on why you consume in the first place. Is it a mindful, positive experience? Does it provide a new perspective? Does it make music sound better? Food taste better? If you find that your experiences are no longer as positive or euphoric, it’s time to put the bong down.
Can’t I Just Cut Back On My Consumption?
This method certainly will help, but your receptors are still being activated on a semi-regular basis. Many marijuana enthusiasts prefer this halfway approach and it works for some.
If you spark one up multiple times a day, you opt to limit it to just at the end of the evening. Of if you use it as a sleep aid, consider opting for melatonin for a few weeks as a replacement.
How Long Should I Refrain From Using?
Once again, everybody is different. But taking a break for one or two days just won’t cut it. Most experienced T-breakers will tell you that two weeks is a wise minimum. A month is preferred. If you seriously give it up for the entire Lenten season (40+ days), your receptors will certainly be well rested.
THC can remain in your system for 30 days. Allowing the cannabinoid to flush through your system will do your body good. And your next session should be memorable.
What About Medical Marijuana Patients?
This is a bit tricky. If you are using cannabis as medicine, it is smart to consult with the physician who recommended it. If you are currently using it as an aid in chemotherapy, PTSD, pain relief or any other serious ailment, it is paramount that you balance the desire to medicate with the desire to lower your tolerance.
If you are more of a recreational user (and you know who you are), it’s smart to take a T-break. If you need cannabis for physical or emotional relief, it is recommended you have a talk with a doctor.
Will It Have Negative Effects?
Some taking a tolerance holiday may show symptoms of irritability, moodiness of other signs of withdrawal. Have you ever been around someone who quit smoking tobacco? It’s similar to that, but usually less severe. And remember: The reason you are taking the T-break is to keep your mind and body in balance.
The best advice is to stay active. Go for long walks or to the gym. Releasing endorphins may assist in preventing or lessening the negative effects.
Added Bonus!
If you find this to be a difficult task, it may be a warning sign that you are becoming dependent on the drug. But try to focus on this silver lining: If you take a protracted break from cannabis, you’ll be saving yourself a chunk of change. And who couldn’t use a few extra bucks in the bank account?
