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Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Delta 8 THC Tolerance: Causes, Prevention, & Management

Delta 8 THC is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it is gaining popularity due to its reported benefits, such as anxiety and stress relief, as well as its ability to produce a mild psychoactive effect without the intense intoxication associated with Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. However, like any other substance, it is possible for a person to develop a tolerance to Delta 8 THC. In this blog post, we will discuss what Delta 8 THC tolerance is, how it can develop, and what can be done to prevent it or manage it.

What is Delta 8 THC tolerance?

Tolerance to Delta 8 online, or any other substance, refers to the decreased sensitivity of the body to the effects of the substance over time. This means that a person who has developed a tolerance to Delta 8 THC will need to consume larger amounts of the cannabinoid in order to experience the same effects that they felt when they first started using it.

How does Delta 8 THC tolerance develop?

The human body has an endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors and chemicals that play a role in regulating various functions, such as mood, memory, and pain perception. Delta 8 THC interacts with this system by binding to the cannabinoid receptors, which produces the effects of the cannabinoid.

Over time, the body can adapt to the presence of Delta 8 THC by reducing the number of cannabinoid receptors or by reducing the sensitivity of the receptors to the cannabinoid. This is known as downregulation, and it is a natural process that occurs in response to the constant activation of the cannabinoid receptors by Delta 8 THC.

Another factor that can contribute to the development of Delta 8 THC tolerance is the phenomenon of desensitization. This refers to the reduced response of the brain’s reward system to the effects of Delta 8 THC. The reward system is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, and it is activated by the cannabinoid. 

However, with repeated exposure to Delta 8 THC, the brain can become less responsive to the cannabinoid, leading to a decrease in the pleasurable effects and the development of tolerance.

What can be done to prevent or manage Delta 8 THC tolerance?

There are a few things that can be done to prevent or manage Delta 8 THC tolerance. One of the most effective strategies is to cycle, or rotate, the use of Delta 8 THC. This means using the cannabinoid on some days and taking a break on others, rather than using it every day. By giving the body a break from Delta 8 THC, the cannabinoid receptors can recover and become more sensitive again.

Another way to prevent or manage Delta 8 THC tolerance is to use a lower dose of Delta 8 gummies 1000mg. Over time, the body can become less sensitive to the effects of the cannabinoid, even at the same dose. By reducing the dose, the body can become more sensitive to the effects of the cannabinoid again.

It is also important to keep in mind that Delta 8 THC tolerance can vary from person to person. Some people may develop a tolerance more quickly than others, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your use of Delta 8 THC accordingly.

Signs You Need A Tolerance Break

Decreased effectiveness of Delta 8 THC: 

One of the most obvious signs that you may need a tolerance break from Delta 8 THC is if you notice that the cannabinoid is not as effective as it used to be. If you are using the same dose of Delta 8 THC but not experiencing the same effects, it may be a sign that your body has become less sensitive to the cannabinoid.

Increased tolerance to the psychoactive effects of Delta 8 THC: 

Another sign that you may need a tolerance break is if you find that you need to consume more Delta 8 THC in order to experience the psychoactive effects. 

If you used to feel intoxicated after consuming a certain amount of Delta 8 THC but now need more to feel the same effects, it may be a sign of tolerance.

Increased tolerance to the therapeutic effects of Delta 8 THC: 

In addition to the psychoactive effects, Delta 8 THC can also provide therapeutic benefits, such as anxiety and stress relief. If you find that you need to consume more Delta 8 THC in order to experience these therapeutic effects, it may be a sign that your body has developed a tolerance.

Increased frequency of use: 

Finally, if you find that you are using Delta 8 THC more frequently in order to achieve the same effects, it may be a sign that you need to take a tolerance break. Using Delta 8 THC every day can lead to tolerance, and taking a break can help to reset your body’s sensitivity to the cannabinoid.

Why Does The Body Require Tolerance Breaks

To prevent downregulation of cannabinoid receptors: One of the main reasons why the body needs tolerance breaks from Delta 8 edibles is to prevent the downregulation of cannabinoid receptors. As mentioned earlier, the constant activation of cannabinoid receptors by Delta 8 THC can lead to the body reducing the number of receptors or the sensitivity of the receptors. By taking a tolerance break, the body can recover and restore the sensitivity of the receptors.

To prevent desensitization of the brain’s reward system: Another reason why the body needs tolerance breaks from Delta 8 THC is to prevent the desensitization of the brain’s reward system. 

As mentioned earlier, the repeated exposure to Delta 8 THC can lead to the brain becoming less responsive to the cannabinoid, leading to a decrease in the pleasurable effects. By taking a tolerance break, the brain’s reward system can recover and become more responsive again.

To prevent the need for higher doses:

Finally, taking tolerance breaks from Delta 8 THC can prevent the need for higher doses of the cannabinoid. Over time, the body can become less sensitive to the effects of Delta 8 THC, even at the same dose. By taking a tolerance break, the body can become more sensitive again and may be able to achieve the desired effects with a lower dose.

How Long Should A Tolerance Break Last

For beginners: 

For those who are just starting to use Delta 8 THC, it is generally recommended to take a tolerance break after every few days of use. This will allow the body to recover and prevent the downregulation of cannabinoid receptors. A tolerance break for beginners should last for at least one or two days, but it can be longer if desired.

For active users: 

For those who are regular or frequent users of Delta 8 THC, it is recommended to take a tolerance break after every week or two of use. 

This will allow the body to recover and prevent the desensitization of the brain’s reward system. A tolerance break for active users should last for at least three or four days, but it can be longer if needed.

For experts: 

For those who are experienced users of Delta 8 THC and have a high tolerance to the cannabinoid, it is recommended to take a tolerance break after every month of use. 

This will allow the body to recover and prevent the need for higher doses of Delta 8 THC. A tolerance break for experts should last for at least one week, but it can be longer if necessary. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the length of the tolerance break accordingly.

What Is Tolerance Buildup?

Tolerance buildup refers to the gradual increase in tolerance to Delta 8 THC over time. 

This means that a person who has been using Delta 8 THC for an extended period of time will need to consume larger amounts of the cannabinoid in order to experience the same effects. Tolerance buildup can occur due to the downregulation of cannabinoid receptors and the desensitization of the brain’s reward system.

Tolerance buildup can be managed by taking regular tolerance breaks and reducing the dose of Delta 8 THC. 

It is also important to monitor your use of the cannabinoid and adjust your dose and frequency accordingly. It is generally recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved. It is also important to avoid using Delta 8 THC in excessive amounts, as this can lead to negative side effects and potential health risks.

Summing Up

In conclusion, Delta 8 THC tolerance is the decreased sensitivity of the body to the effects of the cannabinoid over time. It can develop due to the downregulation of cannabinoid receptors and the desensitization of the brain’s reward system.

To prevent or manage Delta 8 THC tolerance, it is important to cycle the use of the cannabinoid, use a lower dose, and listen to your body.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.