The Mystery Of Weed Tolerance: Why Can't I Get High?

There are many reasons why someone might not get high from weed anymore. The most common reason is that they have built up a tolerance to THC, the compound in cannabis that causes the high. Other reasons include the quality of the weed, the method of consumption, and the presence of other substances in the body. In some cases, it may be that the weed is not being inhaled correctly, or that the user's mind is not in the right place to get high.

You've built up a tolerance

If you're no longer getting high from weed, it could be that you've built up a tolerance. This is because the more your body adapts to THC, the active compound in cannabis, the greater its tolerance for weed becomes.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It works by affecting the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. If you ingest THC often, your CB1 receptors are reduced over time. This means the same amount of THC won't affect the CB1 receptors in the same way, resulting in reduced effects.

There are several factors that influence how quickly you build up a tolerance to weed:

• The strength and potency of your weed. If you smoke weed with nearly 30% THC every day, you'll build up a tolerance faster than someone who smokes strains with 10-20% THC.
• The frequency of your use. Daily users will have a higher tolerance than occasional users.
• Your unique biology, especially your brain chemistry.

If you've built up a tolerance, there are several things you can do to reduce it:

• Take a "T-break" or tolerance break. This is a period of abstinence from weed, which can last anywhere from a few days to four weeks. Research shows that CB1 receptors can recover within two days of abstaining from THC, but it may take a few weeks for them to return to normal levels.
• Reduce the amount you consume. For example, you could try only taking a couple of hits from a bowl or pipe, or microdosing.
• Switch to cannabis products with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio. CBD doesn't seem to lead to depletion of CB1 receptors, so it doesn't cause you to develop a tolerance in the same way that THC does.
• Try different strains or products. Every cannabis strain is unique and offers varying levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may change how the strain interacts with your body.
• Try different methods of consumption. For example, if you usually smoke concentrates, try switching to flower, or if you smoke to alleviate pain, try incorporating a non-intoxicating topical into your routine.

You're smoking old weed or bad hash

If you're smoking old weed or bad hash, you may not get high because the weed or hash has lost potency over time. Cannabis loses about 17% of its THC content per year, and continues to lose potency after that.

Old weed is usually safe to smoke unless it's mouldy, but it may not be very effective. It can create a harsh smoke and an underwhelming high. You can identify old weed by its dull or mouldy appearance, dry and brittle feel, and lack of the pungent aroma associated with fresh weed.

Similarly, bad hash may not get you high because it is of low quality or has degraded. Hash can vary in quality and type, and some types may not be as potent as others. For example, Moroccan hash, which is a type of dry sift hash, may offer a different profile of flavours and effects compared to full-melt hash or rosin.

If you're smoking old weed or bad hash and not getting high, you may need to try a different type of cannabis product or consumption method to achieve the desired effects.

You're using a low-THC or high-CBD strain

If you're using a low-THC or high-CBD strain, you won't get high because CBD is not a psychoactive substance. THC, on the other hand, is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is what causes the "high" feeling.

While CBD won't get you high, it does have several health benefits and is said to help with pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, seizures, and more. For this reason, high-CBD strains are often used for medical purposes.

• Remedy: This strain contains about 13% CBD and less than 1% THC. It provides mellow relaxation without the intense head and body effects of high-THC strains.
• Charlotte's Web: This well-known strain contains about 13% CBD and less than 1% THC. It's calming and particularly effective for managing seizures, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.
• Ringo's Gift: This strain has an average CBD-to-THC ratio of 13:1 but can go as high as 20:1. It's known for improving anxiety and stress levels, as well as enhancing sleep.
• Cherry Wine: With aromas of sweet cherry and hints of cheese and black pepper, this strain contains 15-25% CBD and less than 1% THC. It's known for its mood-elevating properties and is often used to help with anxiety and depression.
• ACDC: With a CBD-to-THC ratio of 20:1, this strain has minimal intoxicating effects and is used to alleviate pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and more.
• Suzy Q: Featuring around 10% CBD and less than 1% THC, this strain is described as relaxing and uplifting. It may help with chronic pain, nausea, arthritis, muscle spasms, and anxiety without the high associated with THC.

When choosing a high-CBD, low-THC strain, it's important to buy from a reputable dispensary and ensure that it's legal in your state or country. Additionally, start with a strain that has lower quantities of THC to see how your body reacts.

You're not inhaling properly

If you're not inhaling weed smoke properly, you're not going to get high. But what does it mean to inhale weed smoke properly?

When you inhale weed smoke, you want to make sure that the smoke reaches your lungs, where the THC can enter your bloodstream through the alveoli. If you're only inhaling into your mouth and then exhaling without drawing the smoke down into your lungs, you're not going to get high.

To inhale weed smoke properly, draw the smoke into your mouth and then further into your lungs. You don't need to hold it in, but make sure you inhale deeply before exhaling. This will ensure that all of the THC molecules make it into your bloodstream, so you don't waste a single hit.

If you're new to smoking or vaping, it will feel harsh and unpleasant at first. But the more you do it, the more your body will adapt to the smoke.

So, if you're not getting high from weed anymore, it could be because you're not inhaling properly. Make sure you're drawing the smoke down into your lungs, and you should start to feel the effects.

You're eating too much before smoking

If you're eating too much before smoking, it could be affecting your high. Eating a large meal before consuming cannabis can delay the onset of THC and reduce the high. However, it's important to note that this effect is influenced by various factors, such as the type of food consumed, your metabolism, and your body's unique endocannabinoid system.

• Eat a light meal: Eating something light and nutritious before smoking can help prevent side effects and ensure you still enjoy your high. Aim for a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and greens.
• Understand your body's signals: Listen to your body's hunger cues. If you're truly hungry before smoking, consider eating first to avoid feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. On the other hand, if you're trying to enhance your high, smoking before eating may be a better option.
• Experiment with timing: Try smoking before and after eating to see which timing works best for you. Some people find that smoking before a meal enhances their senses, making the food more enjoyable. Others may prefer smoking after a meal to take advantage of the increased metabolism and reduced risk of weight gain.
• Choose the right foods: Certain foods can influence the effects of cannabis. Eating a high-fat meal before consuming cannabis, especially THC, can delay the onset but enhance the overall effects. This is because THC binds to the endocannabinoid system and stimulates the ghrelin hormone, making you feel hungrier.
• Consider your goals: Ask yourself why you're consuming cannabis. If you're primarily interested in the medical benefits, eating before smoking may be preferable as it allows you to experience the benefits without intensifying the high.
• Manage your tolerance: If you smoke regularly, consider taking a tolerance break or reducing your consumption to evenings only. This will help reset your endocannabinoid system and make you more sensitive to the effects of cannabis.

Frequently asked questions