New cannabis consumers generally require very small doses to feel its effects. Over time, you’ll require more cannabis for you to feel the same effects as before. This is referred to as a cannabis tolerance.

What is cannabis tolerance?

More technically, cannabis tolerance is the term used for our bodies becoming resistant to the effects of the cannabinoids THC and CBD. If you don’t consume cannabis regularly, you may not find that your cannabis tolerances changes drastically. However, those who consume cannabis frequently will start to notice their tolerance build up. You also may notice that if you take a break from cannabis consumption, when you begin consuming again your tolerance level has dropped.

How can I know my cannabis tolerance?

The only way to know your cannabis tolerance is through your own experiences. There is no test for assessing the level of an individual’s tolerance, as it varies from person to person. Comparing your body’s past and current reactions to the same amount of cannabis is how you’ll know what your tolerance level is at. Trying to determine how quickly your tolerance will build up is also a guessing game. It’s a combination of many factors, including usage frequency, type of cannabis consumed, consumption methods, and of course the individual’s body.

Cause of Cannabis Tolerance

Cannabis tolerance is believed to be caused by a neurological process called downregulation. Extended exposure to cannabinoids prompts our brains to attempt to maintain homeostasis (balance) by reducing the number of receptors that are influenced. Once downregulation occurs, higher doses will be needed to achieve the same effects. In this case, downregulation affects the CB1 receptors in our brains that are activated by THC. There is still minimal research done on the long-term effects of cannabis tolerance and downregulation.

Keep a consumption journal

To help track your cannabis tolerance, it’s recommended that all cannabis consumers keep a consumption journal. Track the product you used, the potency, the amount you consumed, and how you reacted to it. Over time, you’ll likely start to see trends. This can also help narrow down what worked for you and what didn’t.