If you’re like me, an old, passionate cannabis vaper or dabber, you’ve been… well, honestly, you’ve been overdoing it.
And you know it.
Your puffs are no longer as satisfying. Every hit you take with your dry herb vaporizer or dab pen is that much weaker… and it takes you much longer to get to the finish line. [Getting baked, I mean. Not the other thing, you weirdo!]
And that’s no surprise!
Frequent use of weed – in any form – leads to higher THC tolerance levels. In my experience, using too much cannabis for an long period of time can really mess with not just enjoying this pastime, but also with the benefits associated with it. There’s a lot of research out there that confirms this… but in this post, I’ll share my personal journey as a regular user.
What saved me from wasting great weed vape oils and smashing high-potency dabs was taking regular THC tolerance breaks.
So in this post, we’ll talk about taking those T-breaks – periods of abstinence from weed – that help you reset your cannabinoid receptors so they can take a breather and start giving a crap about THC again. I’ll show you a process that I use every couple of months that’s helped me enjoy my flower once more… and I hope it will do the same for you.
But, before we go to that step-by-step process, let’s take a quick look at what T breaks are & why they’re especially important for weed vapers and dabbing enthusiasts.
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What is a T-Break?
A T-break, or THC tolerance break, is basically when you take a little vacation from consuming cannabis.
Sounds like a bummer at first, but trust me, it’s actually a pretty awesome thing to do.
When you take a T-break, you’re giving your body a chance to reset its sensitivity to THC (you know, the stuff that gets you high). After a break, you’ll need less weed to get those feel-good vibes you love, which means you’ll be saving some cash too – and who doesn’t love that?
Plus, taking a break can help you appreciate the whole experience even more when you come back to it. You might notice new flavors and effects that you didn’t before, making it feel almost like the first time again.
There’s a science behind these breaks, too.
You see, your body reacts in different ways to different cannabinoids. But the body’s endocannabinoid system isn’t complex. There are only a few types of cannabinoid receptors there. With THC clogging up the pipes, so to speak, you can’t feel the effects of other cannabinoids. And after a while – as you expose yourself to levels that are well above normal levels – those CB receptors get used to it. That’s one of the biggest reasons why these short vacations are important – they give you a chance to reset.
Why Do Weed Vapers & Dabbers ESPECIALLY Need T Breaks?
Because everyone’s biology and cannabis use are different, the amount of cannabis that is required to develop tolerance can’t be easily determined.
According to certain studies, there are fewer CB1 receptors in the brain of frequent users or those using weed. It makes sense since the ECS, which is very active and responsive, develops a high tolerance to this psychoactive compound in order to compensate for being overloaded by it.
Taking regular breaks from too much weed is the best way to reduce the chance of developing cannabis use disorder, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which can result from excessive cannabis use. And it can help keep your use enjoyable by minimizing those buzzkill green out episodes that make you feel like you’re loosing your mind.
All of this is much more pronounced if you vape flower or dab, since those methods deliver much more THC to your system than capsules, tinctures, or edibles.
Here are some specific benefits of taking a breather if you fall into one of those two categories of users:
Weed Vapers
- The Magical Reset Button: When you vape flower, the THC concentrations are usually lower than dabbing. Taking a break can help reset your sensitivity, making you feel those good vibes with even smaller amounts of your favorite strains when you come back to vaping.
- Flavor Party: We all know that weed vapers are all about those unique flavors and aromas! A T-break can really boost your appreciation for those tasty terpenes by giving your senses some downtime, making each strain feel like a whole new experience when you start vaping again.
- Happy Lungs: Vaping is definitely a healthier option compared to smoking, but your lungs still need a break from time to time. Pressing pause on your vaping sessions gives your lungs a chance to catch their breath (pun intended) and helps keep your respiratory health in check.
Concentrate Dabbers
- Supercharged Sensitivity: Dabbing concentrates (either with dab pens or dab rigs) packs a serious punch with its high levels of the good stuff. Taking a tolerance break can make a huge difference in how much concentrate you need to reach those desired effects, saving you money and making your sessions even more enjoyable.
- Crank Up the Good Vibes: A T-break can really turn up the volume on the psychoactive and therapeutic effects when you get back to dabbing. Whether it’s relaxation, euphoria, or relief you’re after, you’ll be feeling those effects on a whole new level.
- Keepin’ It Chill: Dabbing concentrates might be awesome, but it also comes with a higher risk of dependency due to its potency. A T-break helps you stay cool by giving your body a chance to find its balance and adjust to life without constantly soaring THC levels.
How to Take A T-Break – A 6-Step Process I Personally Use
I’ll share a few helpful tips that will halve the amount of time you’ll need to achieve results.
#1 Ween Yourself Off Slowly
Just start reducing your daily those. Start by taking 2/3rds of what you normally take (or smoke/vape). You won’t get the desired effect, but at least you won’t be going in cold turkey… and that’s important if your cannabis tolerance is so high that you’d experience withdrawal symptoms.
This is the first thing I do personally when preparing for a break. I don’t want to be up the creek without a paddle, so I slowly tapper things out until I feel I can safely stop with consumption completely. And it’s my advice you take it slow, too.
#2 Get Rid of Your Stash… All of It
It’s painful, I know.
But you don’t have to throw it all away. Simply entrust it to a friend for safe-keeping. It’s important to remove all the temptation around you, so you don’t light one up in a moment of weakness.
For me, the main reason of buckling was keeping my stash around when I was taking a weed tolerance break. It was a temptation on a daily basis, and it had a significant effect on me not keeping up with my word.
So I know how tough this is for regular cannabis users… but trust me, you’ll get better results if you do it.
#3 Let Your Friends in On Your Plan
You know what’s super important when you’re taking a T-break? Letting your friends in on the plan! That way, they’ll know not to tempt you with those irresistible treats. After two weeks, it might be easier to resist the urge when you’re by yourself, but hanging out with your buddies is when the real test begins.
Imagine you’re all just chilling, having a few drinks, and chatting before heading out for a fun night. Then, someone pulls out a joint and asks, “Anyone up for a smoke before we go?” It can be tough when everyone else says yes, and you’re the only one who has to pass. But if you’ve already told your friends about your T-break, they’ll understand and help you stay strong during your journey.
#4 Try CBD & Other Cannabinoids
There’s plenty of strains and weed vape oils out there that don’t contain THC.
Use them!
This is a great way to keep enjoying the flavor… and some of the medical benefits if you’re using for medical reasons. As long as the substance you’re using doesn’t contain any amount of THC, you’re golden.
#5 Exercise… I Mean It
Seriously… get in a few workouts per week.
Not only will they help to flush out THC from your system; they’ll also help you keep your mind off using those sweet, sweet herbs. I know that most people won’t do this – it’s been a struggle for me, too – but it is essential.
Aerobic exercise is an especially great option, as it will help you combat those cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
#6 Stick to Your Guns
Pick a date and stick to it. You’ll find that the discipline it takes to not smoke will carry over to all areas of your life. There’s going to be times where you’re tempted to break, but make a promise to yourself that you won’t smoke. On the bright side, once you finally light up again, you’re going to be smaaaacked.
11 Frequently Asked Questions About T-Breaks
1. What is a THC tolerance break?
A tolerance break, or T-break, is a period of intentional abstinence from consuming cannabis to reset your body’s sensitivity to THC, the primary psychoactive compound in the plant. These breaks primarily take the load off your CB receptors, allowing them to reset. This can be especially beneficial for medical cannabis patients who vape marijuana for pain management.
2. How long should a tolerance break last?
The length of a T-break can vary depending on individual factors, but generally, it can range from a few days to a few weeks. A common recommendation is to take a 2-week break for optimal results.
3. Why should I take it?
Taking a T-break can help reset your sensitivity to THC, making cannabis consumption more enjoyable and cost-effective, meaning you can get more high with less cannabis. It also allows your body to recalibrate, promoting a healthier relationship with cannabis and potentially reducing dependency.
4. Do dabbers benefit more from a T-break?
While both dabbers and weed vapers can benefit from this, dabbers may experience more pronounced benefits due to the higher potency of the concentrates they consume. Dabbing exposes users to significantly higher THC concentrations than vaping flower, which can lead to a higher tolerance level and potentially increased dependency.
5. What are T-break withdrawal symptoms?
When you take a T-break, it’s possible to experience some cannabis withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to not having THC in its system. Keep in mind that everyone’s different, so you might not have all of these symptoms, or you could have a totally different experience altogether. But just to give you an idea, here are some common T-break withdrawal symptoms:
- Irritability: You might find yourself feeling a bit more on edge or easily annoyed than usual.
- Anxiety: Some people experience increased anxiety or restlessness during a T-break.
- Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep is pretty common when you’re taking a break from cannabis.
- Vivid dreams: When you do manage to catch some Zs, you might have more vivid or intense dreams than usual.
- Decreased appetite: You could notice that you’re not as hungry as you usually are.
- Nausea: Some folks feel a bit queasy or have an upset stomach during a T-break.
- Headaches: Headaches can pop up as your body gets used to not having THC around.
- Sweating or chills: You might experience some temperature fluctuations like sweating or chills.
Now, don’t let these symptoms scare you off from taking a T-break! They’re usually temporary, and there are ways to manage them, like staying hydrated, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. Plus, once you get through the break, you’ll likely find that the benefits are totally worth it!
6. Will a T break affect my CBD consumption?
This process focuses on abstaining from THC, not CBD. You can continue using CBD products during your break without affecting your THC tolerance, as CBD is non-psychoactive and does not contribute to building THC tolerance.
7. How can I make it easier?
To make your break easier, consider engaging in physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Connecting with supportive friends or joining an online community can also help.
8. Will I lose my tolerance completely?
While a T-break can significantly reduce your tolerance, it’s unlikely to eliminate it completely. However, you may notice that smaller amounts of cannabis produce more pronounced effects after your break. The only way to completely shake your tolerance is to make sure months pass since the last time you’ve used weed.
9. How often should I take a THC tolerance break?
The frequency of T-breaks depends on individual factors, such as usage patterns and personal goals. Some users may benefit from taking a break every few months, while others might find annual breaks more suitable. In extreme cases -for example, if you’re a dabber and you’re consistently overdoing it, you might benefit from taking a short break every couple weeks.
10. Can I still consume cannabis in a different form during a T-break?
The primary goal of a T-break is to abstain from THC. Consuming cannabis in any form, including edibles, tinctures, or topicals, can hinder the process of resetting your tolerance.
11. What should I expect when I resume vaping or dabbing weed after a T-break?
When you return to using marijuana after a T-break, you may notice increased sensitivity to its effects. It’s important to start with lower doses and gradually increase as needed, to avoid overconsumption and ensure a more enjoyable experience. The good news is that you’ll have a blast for a short period of time. The bad news is that you’ll have to rinse and repeat after a few months.
Ready to Give It a Shot?
In most cases, an effective cannabis treatment plan includes several tolerance breaks. Tolerance builds up over time, and eventually, you won’t get the same therapeutic effect from cannabis.
But… you won’t go wrong if you take it even as a recreational user.
So why not give it a shot?
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PERFECT FOR REGULATED HITS THAT WON’T MAKE YOU STUPID
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