Inside Issue III, Dr. Rebakkah Johnson explains how our body’s natural CB receptors interact with marijuana, and how overtime, frequent and / or heavy use causes these receptors to decrease - ultimately resulting in tolerance build-up.

“When you’ve been smoking [marijuana] for a while, you get to a point where even binge smoking does not give you a desired high. The majority of experienced cannabis users develop marijuana tolerance at some point. Novice and occasional users don’t need a lot of weed to get high initially. As they start smoking more frequently, they will notice how their tolerance rises, and suddenly, they need more to achieve the same effects,” Dr. Johnson explained. And when this happens, it’s time for the inevitable “t-break”.

One of the major benefits of taking a t-break, as Dr. Johnson explains, is the influence of the effectiveness of cannabis and the way it interacts with the mind and body. For example, skipping consumption in the morning may encourage the onset of stronger effects during evening consumption. But beyond this, reasons for taking a t-break may include; hunting for a new job, legal issues, or just simply for your overall wellbeing.

During a t-break, your CB1 and CB2 receptors (what THC attaches to inside of your body, signaling the body to feel that euphoric high) regenerate anywhere between 2 days - 4 weeks (depending on consumption method, volume, and frequency), which enhances the effects of cannabis.

Whether you need to take a t-break to pass a drug test, or you just want to be more responsible about your consumption, Dr. Johnson has 7 great tips to get you through your t-break!

1. Take Supplements

For anyone who wishes to stop consumption all together, there are plenty of other plant-based alternatives that can get you through a tolerance break.

1. Niacin supplements - coupled with plenty of hydration, this supplement will actually help reduce the amount of time you have to take a t-break, as it depletes the storage of cannabinoids.

2. Lavender oil capsules - helps reduce anxiety and takes the “edge off”.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids - helps the endocannabinoid system function properly. According to a study conducted by the Neurocentre Magendie in Bordeaux, France, a lack of dietary omega-3 fatty acids leads to an inhibited function of the CB1 receptors, which may result in mood swings and impaired emotional behavior. To put this into perspective, if you don’t consume enough omega-3’s you get poor-performing CB1 receptors and the entire functioning of your endocannabinoid system is in jeopardy - this means you automatically need more marijuana to get high.

   You can stock up on omega-3’s by eating fish, nuts, and seeds, or you can take supplements.

2. Switch to High CBD Strains for a While

Although CBD diminishes the psychoactive effects of THC, you will not feel that buzz in your head as you normally would.

3. Try a Different Strain

There are thousands of strains out there, with different THC to CBD ratios, as well as different terpene profiles. Try something new. Try strains with different potencies and explore what your favorite budtender has to offer you.

4. Change Your Method of Consumption

Besides smoking, you can vape or consume edibles. Dabbing will definitely knock you out of your shoes since the concentrates are much more potent than regular flower. Since the digestion process (edibles) takes much longer, it will take about 45 minutes to feel the effects of marijuana. But once THC starts to kick in, the high is much stronger and lasts for hours.

5. Use Smaller Rolling Papers

Smaller papers, smaller joints, less marijuana. This is a good starting point and the easiest way to cut the amount of weed you are smoking without having to quit completely. Microdosing if you will.

6. Limit the Amount of Cannabis you Consume

This one is similar to the previous tip, only instead of microdosing, just limit how frequently you smoke. Simple!

7. Exercise

Cardio-intensive workouts produce a natural high, very similar to the one you experience after smoking cannabis.