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Cannabidiol (CBD) has become incredibly popular among consumers who have adopted it into their wellness routine for a variety of reasons. Many of these consumers use or apply their CBD products every day - and sometimes multiple times a day! But when using a product so much, there are some things to consider. For example, can you build up a tolerance to CBD?
When we consume some substances, such as certain medications and supplements, our bodies can become accustomed to their presence. This is known as tolerance.
Tolerance can occur at different levels of physiology:
Tolerance can affect different people to varying extents. This is because every one of us has a unnique physiology and, as a result, it is not possible to estimate how one may react to a specific substance or stimuli.
Typically, tolerance is built up over a long period of exposure to a given substance. As a result, it may require increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects as before. This is commonly seen in patients who are prescribed certain medications. Another example is becoming less affected by the effects of alcohol as you become more accustomed to drinking.
CBD is one of over 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, that are produced exclusively by the cannabis plant. It is one of the most well-known and common of these compounds. You may also be familiar with the cannabinoid, THC. While these compounds are typically found together, they have very different effects on the human body. For example, while THC is known to cause intoxication, CBD has grown in popularity thanks to its non-intoxicating effects.
However, both compounds have been extensively researched for their potential therapeutic potential. In fact, a growing body of observational and clinical evidence indicates that CBD may be beneficial for a wide range of ailments.
These findings, bolstered by anecdotal reports, have helped to boost CBD’s reputation in the health and wellness world. As such, many consumers have added CBD products, such as CBD oils, CBD gummies and other edibles, and CBD skincare, to their daily routine, which begs the question: can you build up a tolerance to CBD?
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system - a system of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes that is expressed throughout the human body. But they can also interact with other receptors. Moreover, they interact with each of these receptors in different ways.
For example, while THC binds as a partial agonist to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CBD affects these receptors in a different way as it binds poorly to their primary sites. Instead, CBD binds to a secondary site on these receptors, decreasing their affinity for cannabinoids produced by the body (endocannabinoids).
But what does all this have to do with tolerance?
Well, the indirect interaction between CBD and cannabinoid receptors means that the compound may be less prone to the effects of tolerance. However, more clinical research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon over the long term.
While tolerance may not be something you need to worry about when using CBD, it is important to identify the optimum dose for you. Like substance tolerance, this can vary significantly from person to person. Therefore, it is always recommended that consumers take a personalised approach when using CBD, particularly when it comes to oral products such as oils and edibles.
The ‘start low and go slow’ approach requires consumers to begin with a small dose of their chosen product. For example, you may start with a single drop of a low-strength CBD oil per day, gradually increasing the number of drops, and the strength of your oil until you achieve the effects you are looking for.
This process can take time and is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. What works for a friend or family member will not necessarily be the best option for you. It is important to be patient and give your body the time to tell you what dosage works best. The good news? We have a huge range of high-quality CBD products to help you find the perfect solution. Browse our full range today!
