Michigan weed doctor explains how to make a tolerance break tolerable

Ann Arbor-based cannabis researcher and health care provider Dr. Evangelos Litinas weighs in on how ‘Ganders can reset their weed tolerance. 

Note: This article is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

If you notice that you’re consuming (and spending) more to get high, the problem might not be the weed. 

Over time, daily cannabis use can build up an individual’s tolerance, which can result in weaker effects. It’s something patients of Dr. Evangelos Litinas have constantly asked him about since he began working in Michigan’s medical cannabis industry in 2011. 

When you use cannabis regularly, it affects the cannabinoid receptors that are found in the brain, which are part of the larger endocannabinoid system. This system, Dr. Litinas explains, plays a big role in our body’s homeostasis, or the process of maintaining a stable internal environment, by helping regulate bodily functions like sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility. 

“If you introduce your body to cannabis, that system has to recalibrate and the number of receptors downgrades, so you need to take more, which results in a higher tolerance,” explains Dr. Litinas, who lives in Ann Arbor. 

Research shows that while THC can deplete these receptors, they can recover over time and return to their previous levels, particularly when a person reduces their cannabis consumption, or takes a break completely. 

“If you stop introducing cannabinoids, those receptors will regulate and go back up, and you may feel more of the effects you were missing once cannabis use resumes,” Dr. Litinas explains. 

How long should a tolerance break last? 

For heavy cannabis consumers, taking a tolerance break, or “T-break,” for any length of time sounds like an impossible task. 

“T-breaks are a give-and-take conversation with your body, and you know your body better than anybody else,” said Dr. Litinas. Titrating, or slowly reducing your cannabis dosage over time, can be effective, especially for those who are using cannabis for medical reasons.

Since THC molecules can stay in the body for up to 30 days after use, most online forums recommend taking a two-week break, but the length of your T-break is completely up to you.

What should I do during my tolerance break?

Some folks who have developed a high tolerance may experience negative side effects while lessening their cannabis use, such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and diminished appetite.

While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they are temporary, Dr. Litinas explains.

“It might be miserable, but you can do it,” said Dr. Litinas, adding that finding ways to distract yourself from the absence of cannabis can help make your tolerance break more tolerable. 

Maybe that’s finding a new hobby or spending more time with friends who can support you (and hold you accountable) during your T-break.  Exercising, meditating, and staying well-hydrated can also help lessen the symptoms you may be feeling.

While cannabis can help some consumers fall asleep faster, long-term use can sometimes disrupt your natural sleep cycle, making it even more difficult to sleep during a T-break. If you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping, try to establish a nighttime routine.

Many people also find that cannabidiol (CBD)—the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis—helps them relax enough to fall asleep, especially if their sleep issues are related to anxiety or stress. 

If these side effects become too overbearing, however, use the minimum amount of cannabis you need to feel comfortable. Products from Michigan’s “microdose” edible market or products with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio can be handy during this time, but try not to overindulge.

“You’re in control,” reminds Dr. Litinas. 

RELATED: How Michigan-made Potpots helped me finally learn to enjoy edibles

What should I do after my tolerance break ends?

Everyone has different reasons for considering a tolerance break, so what you do with your newly adjusted endocannabinoid system is truly up to you. 

Many use this time to evaluate their relationship with cannabis, similar to those who may consider a break from alcohol during times like Dry January. 

As emerging research continues to be published on the impacts of high percentage and heavy cannabis use on people, younger people especially, it’s important to engage in harm reduction and healthy use practices. 

Mental health professionals recommend being mindful of what motivates you to engage in any substance, to decrease the likelihood or impact of dependence, and to ensure a healthy relationship with the substances you choose to partake in. 

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