Tolerance To CBD Explained

Tolerance is a condition where the body adapts to the continued presence of a drug and causes a diminished response to the drug’s effects.

Once thought to be an impossibility, studies now show that it is possible to develop a tolerance for CBD. However, you should not use this cannabinoid expecting to experience this condition. Tolerance is not a given as reactions to CBD are not standard. Also, there are a number of factors that influence its development.

What Causes CBD Tolerance

Tolerance is the result of molecular adaptations in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD produces its many health benefits related to anxiety, stress, inflammation & immunity, pain, mood, and more through interactions with CB1 receptors. These receptors are one of the most common in the entire central nervous system. They are widely distributed in the human brain.

The chronic exposure of CB1 receptors to CBD triggers a homeostatic response called downregulation. This action reduces the number of CB1 receptors available to CBD. The receptor signaling efficiency is also reduced, making a once effective dose feel much weaker.

Signs of CBD Tolerance

Tolerance to CBD can be the result of a number of different mechanisms, but over-medicating is most often the usual culprit. There are two main signs of CBD tolerance.

  • Your usual CBD dose has minimal effects – A clear sign that you’ve developed a tolerance to CBD is when your usual dose has minimal to no effect. Especially when the brand remains unchanged.
  • You require a higher dose to achieve the same level of effects – Consuming a continually increasing dose of CBD is another sign of CBD tolerance

Difference Between Tolerance, Addiction, and Dependence

Tolerance differs from addiction or dependence. The definition of addiction is a brain disease characterized by the uncontrollable urge to use a substance despite its harmful consequences. Dependence is when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking a drug as the body has adapted to its presence.

Reverse Tolerance

While continued CBD use can sometimes decrease specific cellular responses, it can also increase it. Reverse tolerance or sensitization is the name for this process. CBD use can result in reverse tolerance because it doesn’t directly trigger CB1 receptors, and it also enhances natural endocannabinoids levels. When this occurs, users require a smaller dose to find relief.

Resetting Your System

After finding your CBD dose sweet spot, developing tolerance can be upsetting. But there’s The good news. It is possible to reboot your system to correct CBD tolerance. Here’s how.

Start by giving your body time to flush the compound out of your system, giving your endocannabinoid system a chance to reset. This is a tolerance break. Stop taking any CBD-infused products for a minimum of forty-eight hours. This time frame is based on the fact that the estimated half-life of CBD is between eighteen and thirty-two hours.

Resume your initial dose and see how you feel. If you’re experiencing no effects, try switching to a different form of CBD. For example, if you were using tinctures, try edibles.

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