Cannabis Tolerance and Addiction: Understanding the Difference

Lana Braslavska
Lana Braslavska

A key author at AskGrowers, Lana Braslavska, specializes in presenting the latest news and trends within the cannabis industry. Her articles often highlight influential personalities and delve into their impact on the cannabis world. Her writing not only keeps readers informed about current events and key figures in the cannabis space but also provides a deeper understanding of the industry's relationship with public perception and media representation. Lana's expertise makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking education on the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry.

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Cannabis Tolerance and Addiction: Understanding the Difference

Many people have the idea that addiction and tolerance to a drug are very similar, and some even believe these things are the same. The truth is, they are very different, and they refer to how a drug has an effect on the body and brain. Here, we take a closer look at weed tolerance and addiction and provide information on how these can affect cannabis users. At AskGrowers, we want you to have a positive experience with cannabis and feel it is important to know the differences and effects of tolerance and addiction.

Marijuana Tolerance

Regular users often experience marijuana tolerance, and it is a simple theory. The more weed you consume, the more tolerant you are to its effects. It can take more cannabis to achieve a high, which will result in increased use. The body quickly develops a tolerance to substances, and you will find that weed is no different. A tolerance can be built in a matter of days depending on how much is being used.

For example, if you smoke the same amount three times a day, you will notice a lower high by the third time. This is due to your body's tolerance to the drug, reducing the same dose's overall effects. However, there are things that can impact cannabis tolerance, and every person will be different. These factors include amount and frequency of consumption, sex, THC levels and potency, and body mass index.

Studies have shown that female cannabis users can develop tolerance faster than males and initially more sensitive to the effects of cannabis. While the reason for this is not known, it is believed that estrogen levels may play a role.

What Is a Tolerance Break?

As you use cannabis, you will develop a natural tolerance to the substance that can limit the effects and the high that is felt. For those that smoke or use regularly, a weed tolerance break is a great way to reset your body and battle a tolerance. Research has shown that the CB1 receptors in the body will rejuvenate and replenish after two days of a tolerance break and will continue for 3 to 4 weeks.

What is a Tolerance Break

If you are consuming more cannabis than normal and are still not achieving your desired high, it may be time for at-break. During this break, you will abstain from consuming THC to reset the body so that your tolerance is lowered. The tolerance break length will vary per user and will depend on how much is being consumed. Infrequent users will find a drop of 50% in THC levels in just 1.3 days and frequent users in 5 to 13 days. 

If you are wondering how to get really high with a high tolerance, a weed break may be exactly what is needed. Even if you break for just one day, your first high will be much higher than normal. You can also reduce the amount you smoke at one time. It only takes a certain amount of cannabis to get high. Smoking extra has no added benefits, so cutting back may actually help with tolerance and help get that higher high.

Understanding Weed Addiction

It is possible to become addicted to marijuana just as it is with other foreign substances. The addiction does differ from addictions to alcohol or opioids as it is not as socially visible. Addictions to other drugs can cause obvious problems, but with a marijuana addiction, external effects are not as noticeable to others.

Most people can consume cannabis without becoming addicted, though there is always a risk. When using a high potency form of the drug, there is a higher likelihood of forming an addiction in addition to worse side effects. Social and casual use of marijuana is not considered an addiction. An addict will become a compulsion where you have no control over your limits when using. They may not even recognize the addiction signs.

Some signs of weed addiction include:

  • Larger amounts of weed is needed
  • Consuming will play a central role in life
  • More time and money will be spent on weed
  • Users will become irritable if they run out
  • Users may experience withdrawal symptoms

Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

When you use cannabis, the drug will enter the brain and override some natural processes. This can enhance certain functions to be either below or above normal levels. In many cases, frequent use will result in the brain's resistance to the effects of marijuana, which will lead to marijuana tolerance. In order to get the same high, users will require larger doses more frequently.

Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

Once high levels of tolerance start, an addiction can form, where the user cannot control their need for the drug and will use more and more. Since the brain and body will be used to the ingredients in marijuana, the desired effects will not be evident, resulting in increased use. A person with an addiction will not make the same choices as a person not addicted.


Read Also: Full Cannabis Dosage Guide: Flowers, Edibles, and Everything Else


Comparing Addiction Effects of Cannabis, Alcohol, and Hard Drugs

Marijuana, alcohol, hard drugs, and other substance use can all lead to addiction, though the effects are not always the same. In fact, marijuana addictions are one of the fewest forms of addictions in the world, and there have been zero reported deaths relating to cannabis use alone. Each year, thousands of people die from alcohol-induced causes, not including car accidents.

There are also thousands of drug overdoses that claim users' lives, but not from marijuana use alone. It is believed that more than half of adults have tried marijuana, making it one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Of these users, there is a very small percentage of people that ever become addicted to cannabis.  One main effect to consider with marijuana addiction is increased heart rates.

With other drugs, such as alcohol, the heart slows down. Cannabis addictions can increase the risk of a heart attack. It should also be known that addiction to alcohol or hard drugs can also be linked to cancer. With marijuana, studies have proven that there is no connection between marijuana and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Healthy Consumption Tips

It is very simple to consume cannabis while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are a daily or recreational user, check out these great tips for healthy consumption.

Healthy Consumption Tips

  • Be Responsible – Always be careful with how much you use and be sure to avoid operating machinery or driving when under the influence. Control your amount of intake and limit it to the smallest amount needed to achieve a high.
  • Never Mix – When using cannabis, use only that. Avoid mixing with any other substance, including alcohol or any other drug.
  • Know Your Limits – BE able to recognize when you have had too much by looking for signs of extreme confusion, anxiety, panic, fast heart rates, or increased blood pressure.

Weed Tolerance QA

  • How often should I take a tolerance break?

Many users and cannabis advocates recommend a 48-hour break every 30 days. This can help with managing tolerance and can also help prevent any physical dependence.

  • Are there withdrawal symptoms during a weed break?

Some users have reported experiencing symptoms similar to nicotine withdrawals, including depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and decreased appetite.

  • Can I lower my tolerance?

Yes. There are different ways to do this, and how to lower weed tolerance will depend on your existing tolerance. Aside from taking a tolerance break, you could switch strains, microdose, change from smoking to edibles, or eat a mango before using!

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