NM Health Department Explains Cannabis ‘Tolerance Breaks’

The guidance explains what users may experience when taking a break, including possible withdrawal symptoms, and advises that cannabis tolerance may be lower when use resumes.

Source: N.M. Department of Health
Images: Courtesy

The New Mexico Department of Health is offering guidance for cannabis users on tolerance breaks — voluntary periods of stopping cannabis use intended to reduce tolerance — as part of the Medical Cannabis Program’s public education efforts. The guidance explains what users may experience when taking a break, including possible withdrawal symptoms, and advises that cannabis tolerance may be lower when use resumes.

Tolerance Breaks

If you use cannabis, you could notice over time that you may need more cannabis or stronger potency cannabis to have the same effects. This is because the body develops tolerance. Tolerance can happen with other substances, too, such as other medications, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.

What is a tolerance break?

A tolerance break, also called a T-break, is when someone stops using a substance for a period of time. Often, the goal of a tolerance break is to use less of that substance after a T-break and enjoy greater benefits.

How long should a tolerance break last?

Everyone is unique. Studies show that anywhere from two days to four weeks is enough time for the body to adapt and return to its original state before using cannabis. A T-break may allow cannabis to work better.

Withdrawal

Stopping cannabis may be difficult for some people. It may help to try reducing cannabis use before stopping completely. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using cannabis. Withdrawal symptoms can last a couple days or up to three weeks depending on how much or how often cannabis is used. Not everyone experiences withdrawal, and symptoms can vary from person to person. If stopping cannabis is difficult or withdrawal symptoms interfere with daily life, consider talking with a healthcare professional.

Common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Vivid or disturbing dreams
• Irritability
• Stomach discomfort
• Anxiousness
• Low or depressed mood
• Headache
• Cravings for cannabis

Cannabis use after a tolerance break

A person will most likely not need as much cannabis or the same potency that they did before a tolerance break to have the same effect. Your tolerance will most likely have changed after a tolerance break. With cannabis, less is more. Start with a small amount of cannabis and wait to see how you feel. Start low, go slow.

Sources

1. Hirvonen J, et al. Reversible and regionally selective downregulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors in chronic daily cannabis smokers. Molecular Psychiatry. 2012.
2. Connor JP, et al. Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction. 2022. 
3. Hoffman AF, et al. Mechanisms of Cannabinoid Tolerance. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 

About the Medical Cannabis Program

The Medical Cannabis Program is committed to overcome stigma through education about cannabis and psilocybin and empower people to make the best decisions to improve their overall health and wellbeing.