Weekly Cannabis Roundup January 22
by Lo
Many people use cannabis frequently to treat diseases and conditions, especially if it involves pain. Due to such frequent use, one is bound to develop a tolerance to cannabis. This means that frequent consumers of cannabis eventually need to consume more to feel the same effects as before the development of their tolerance. In relation to cannabis, tolerance is the brain’s adaption to the continued presence of cannabinoids. Consumers, therefore, become resistant to the effects of cannabis resulting in the consumption of larger amounts. Tolerance increases are not limited to cannabis and includes substances such as caffeine and pain killers.
Tolerance build ups are caused by what is called downregulation and desensitization where the receptors, for cannabis, reduce in the brain. It has been proven that frequent users have 20% less CB1 receptors than those who do not consume cannabis frequently. CB1 is the receptor that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds with. However, the receptors that cannabis reacts with, can be regenerated through the effective use of tolerance breaks.
It only takes two days to four weeks of abstinence to regenerate those receptors. A study has shown that it does not matter how much cannabis you consume; the receptors start to grow back after just two days. However, this study was conducted using males only and cannabis is widely believed to affect women differently.
The human body makes its own cannabinoids and they are located all over the body. Taking that into account, it should be no surprise that certain parts of the body remain immune to the cannabis tolerance build-up. A study done by Sim-Selly found that the colon is an example of a part of the body that is immune to cannabis tolerance. This means that individuals can still benefit from the medicinal properties of cannabis for those parts of the body that are immune to tolerance build-up. Keep in mind that the research around this is limited and all the parts of the body that may be immune to cannabis tolerance are yet to be found.
Taking tolerance breaks and taking measures to reduce the tolerance build-up will ensure that you will continue to affect you’re after without increasing your consumption.
Micro-dosing: The consumption of the smallest possible amount for the desired outcome. Individuals consuming cannabis and who need to stay medicated throughout the day will be the biggest beneficiaries of micro-dosing while reducing tolerance build-ups. An example of how to make use of micro-dosing is taking a few puffs at a time.
Always keep the good news in mind: the changes from cannabis to your receptors are reversible through tolerance breaks and effective management of your consumption. Tolerance breaks are important if you find yourself needing to take a larger amount in order to reach the desired effects. Tolerance breaks can seem daunting but are very beneficial and rewarding. Remember moderation is key. Stay lifted and happy consumption.
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