Managing cannabinoid tolerance

Tolerance can be an issue with any medicine and medicinal marijuana is no different. Most research regarding cannabinoid tolerance has to do with THC, it’s primary intoxicating ingredient. This is likely because THC produces the most pronounced side-effects and is the compound some users can become dependent on.

Most patients should be able to use cannabis therapeutically without fear of developing a tolerance. Some tolerance has to do with a your mind’s ability to cope with some of these side effects. As with other drugs, it can take a couple weeks for the body to adjust and everyone has a different sensitivity. However, the tolerance we’ll talk about here is physical tolerance.

THC produces its effects through interaction with what are known as CB1 receptors, primarily found in the central nervous system. Exposure to an excess of THC can cause receptors to down-regulate – meaning simply that some receptors turn-off, or become inactive. With less receptors to bind to, the effects of the compound are diminished.

Tolerance is a problem for a few notable reasons. Foremost, it reduces THCs effectiveness as a therapy. There’s no point in consuming it when it doesn’t work. Tolerance can also lead to dependence. The more THC you consume the more likely a person is to become dependent on it. At the end of the day, if you’re tolerance is high (see what I did there?) then you’re going to spend more money at your local dispensary. So, if for no other reason, keep your tolerance low and keep your money in your pocket!

-Learn how to avoid tolerance to cannabinoids with proper dosing.

Healer.com’s protocol for reducing tolerance.

Cheech Marin’s character appears to have developed a high tolerance.

Published by Eric

Lit Naturals founder, Eric McSwain, serves as Chairman of the Board for the Missouri Cannabis Industry Association. He is also a certified caregiver and patient. Eric's wife is also a caregiver and he also mentors several other caregivers in the state of Missouri. Eric's passion is for educating patients in the use of cannabis as well as at-home cultivation.