CBD tolerance - what is it like?

Last update: July 10th, 2024

min. reading

Cannabidiol is an extremely safe substance with broad holistic effects on the human body. Like any substance taken over a long period of time, it can cause the body’s cells to become immune, especially if it is found in excess in the body. However, this is not the rule with CBD. Taking the oil for an extended period of time will not always build up a tolerance. There are even times when the body experiences the opposite tolerance. You’ll read about what this looks like from the scientific side and when we can talk about tolerance to cannabidiol later in this article.

Can one become tolerant to CBD and other cannabinoids (CBC, THC, CBN)?

The phenomenon of tolerance in the case of the human body occurs when any substance with a therapeutic effect taken externally ceases to have the same effect as before. It is a rather complex physiological phenomenon that occurs on different grounds: cellular, metabolic and behavioral. The first relates to a weaker cellular response to a compound, the second occurs when a smaller amount of a compound is metabolized, and the third relates to the perceived effects. In the case of phytocannabinoids, those derived from the cannabis plant, there is also a phenomenon of tolerance, especially at the metabolic level. This is due to the mechanism of action of these compounds on the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors spread throughout the body, with its center located in the brain.

Plant cannabinoids interact differently with the aforementioned receptors, for example, THC or CBN bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. After some time, they may interact with them much weaker, so the tolerance effect will be much stronger than with CBD. Cannabidiol does not bind to the receptors in such a direct way, acting rather as their modulator, so it is less prone to the phenomenon of tolerance. Thus, when taking hemp preparations in the form of hemp oils, capsules or dried, it is worth bearing in mind that after a long period of supplementation, tolerance to them may develop.

CBD tolerance – how do you know it?

The functioning of the endocannabinoid system, like many other physiological functions, looks different in different people. For this reason, tolerance to cannabidiol can occur quite strongly in one person, while in another it can be very faint or not present at all. So how do we recognize that we are acquiring CBD tolerance? It occurs as a result of long-term supplementation, a minimum of several weeks or months. Basically, this supplementation must have produced certain effects, which start to become weaker and weaker. As the potency of the compound diminishes, people often increase the amount of the substance consumed, causing tolerance to build even faster. Eventually, it turns out that even a larger amount is no longer able to produce the same effects as at the beginning of consumption. To determine how high the tolerance is, compare the current effects with those at the beginning of taking a certain amount, no more and no less.

Reverse tolerance of the body to CBD

In addition to building up a tolerance to CBD, the phenomenon of reverse tolerance can also occur, which is quite puzzling. This is a situation in which the body reacts to the ingested substance in the opposite way to building tolerance, that is, it reduces the need for the substance. As a result of reverse tolerance to CBD, the body can achieve the same effects at a reduced dose after a prolonged period of supplementation. Dosage is the key issue with CBD, and it is always individual. Supplementation should always start with small doses and gradually increase them until the desired effects are achieved. This is when the so-called saturation of the endocannabinoid system occurs. This means that the current amount is right for us and we should stick to it. However, when we observe that a certain amount no longer works on us or works too much, for example, causes drowsiness, it is worth considering certain actions. When the dose turns out to be too high, it will be safest to gradually reduce it by observing the body’s reaction. Keep going down until we achieve satisfactory results. In the event that the amount we use no longer works on us, it is worth considering other solutions.

CBD tolerance – how to reduce it?

When there have been attempts to increase the amount of CBD consumed, and we still feel a tolerance building up, a detox from phytocannabinoids should be done. Remember that our body also produces identical substances, or endocannabinoids, that work naturally. It may happen that we have reached a saturation effect on the endocannabinoid system and need to take a break. During such a detox, our body self-regulates and cleanses itself of excess external compounds. After a break, we should respond much better to CBD consumed in oil form. Even a two-day break can increase sensitivity to cannabidiol, but certainly the longer it lasts, the better the effects of supplementation we will get. It is then worth starting with a small portion, which we will gradually increase.