Many cannabis users will choose to undergo a THC detox at some point in their cannabis journey. More often than not, this is due to the fact that they have built a strong tolerance for cannabis and are looking for a reset. If you find yourself in a similar situation, keep reading as we discuss THC detoxing and how to reset your cannabis tolerance.
What Is THC Detoxing?
THC detoxing is the process of cleaning out any leftover cannabis residue that can accumulate in the body with consistent use. If you stop using cannabis for a certain period of time, your body will flush all of the cannabinoids and terpenes out of your system.
The duration of your THC detox will vary depending on how consistently and heavily you consume cannabis. Some heavy cannabis users have reported experiencing irritability, headaches, and difficulty sleeping during THC detoxing.
What Is Tolerance?
The human body is built to adjust to frequent exposure to a certain substance, like coffee or alcohol. This change happens on a molecular level when our body develops a tolerance. In terms of a cannabis tolerance, there are also effects on the body’s entire nervous system.
When we regularly consume cannabis, it starts to reduce the amount of CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This can become an issue as these receptors assist in regulating functions such as hunger, metabolism, and inflammation.
Taking a tolerance break can help to reset your endocannabinoid system and minimise the amount of cannabis you need to use each session. Aside from that, taking a break from any substance every once in a while is good for your body.
How To Lower Your THC Tolerance
If you are looking to lower your cannabis tolerance, there are some alternatives to going cold turkey. Some of the best methods to lower your cannabis tolerance gradually include:
- Using it less often
- Trying different consumption methods
- Controlling your doses
- Focusing on different cannabinoids
Using It Less Often
It is a good starting point to reduce how often you consume cannabis. If you use it multiple times a day, try bringing it down to once a day. If you use it every day, try taking a day off in between. This can also help your body to readjust while lowering your tolerance.
The idea behind this method is to make longer breaks feel less extreme until you feel comfortable enough with taking a substantial tolerance break if it is still necessary.
Trying Different Consumption Methods
There are many different ways to consume cannabis, and each can affect the body in slightly different ways. If you are used to vaping or smoking cannabis, taking edibles will change how your body processes the cannabinoids.
When you consume cannabis orally, your body will metabolise THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which interacts differently with your body than THC does during smoking. This gives you time to break the habit and take a break from your preferred method of consumption.
Controlling Your Doses
The smaller the amount of cannabis you use is, the less likely it is that you will develop a tolerance. Limit your cannabis to the minimum amount each session. Try not to overindulge and really try to be conscious about how much you are using.
Focusing On Different Cannabinoids
THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, but it is far from the only cannabinoid found in the plant. Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC can also provide you with a psychoactive experience if you need to undergo THC detoxing.
Using strains that have a higher CBD content are another option. CBD has the power to counteract the high of THC sometimes, but it can also be neuroprotective. This means that it can counteract the potential negative side effects associated with using THC, such as paranoia, making it a popular choice for medical cannabis users.
How Can I Lower My THC Tolerance Fast?
The quickest way to lower your THC tolerance is to abstain from any form of cannabis. However, there is not really a fast method. You can notice a difference in your cannabis tolerance within as little as two days, but it takes up to six whole weeks to completely flush all traces of cannabis from your system.
In order to lower your THC tolerance fast, you will need to take a break from consuming any cannabis and go through THC detoxing. Follow these tips for an all-natural THC detox:
- Do not consume any THC: Yes, this includes anything that contains cannabis. THC detoxing cannot begin if you do not choose to remove cannabis from the picture for the meantime.
- Exercise regularly: The body stores THC in fat cells, so burning more fat and speeding up the metabolism means burning more THC. Exercising also produces anandamide, the body’s natural “bliss” hormone, giving you a small natural high along the way.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water during your THC detox can help clean your body and expel leftover cannabinoids. Besides, water is good for your health in general so stay healthy and hydrated.
- Prioritise mental health: Any form of detoxing can prove to be a challenging time. Remember to be gentle and patient with yourself, and remind yourself of why you made your decision in the first place.
How Long Does THC Detoxing Take?
Cannabis can be detected in your system for up to a month after you last used it. However, how long cannabis remains detectable in your system is dependant on a few factors, including:
- How frequently you use cannabis
- Your metabolic rate
- How much THC your cannabis usually contains
- Your exercise and eating habits
- How much body fat you have
It has been found that people who smoke less, have less body fat, exercise regularly, and have a higher metabolism can flush THC from their systems at a faster rate. You can increase the rate at which your body flushes THC by exercising, eating healthy, and drinking water.
Although many cannabis users dread the topic of THC detoxing and tolerance breaks, these are very useful for cutting back on the amount of cannabis you use and resetting your system. Tolerance breaks are beneficial for your body in general, so consider flushing all those cannabinoids from your system and starting with a clean slate that is as potent and long-lasting as you can remember.
