Updated April 2023

Can You Build A Tolerance to CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential therapeutic benefits, including its ability to alleviate pain, anxiety, and inflammation. There are many types of CBD products on the market including smokeables, edibles, topicals, and tinctures.

However, there is still much debate surrounding the question of whether or not individuals can build a tolerance to CBD. In this article, we will explore the existing studies on this topic and attempt to answer the question: can you build a tolerance to CBD?

What is Tolerance

To begin, it is important to define what is meant by the term “tolerance.” Tolerance refers to the diminished response to a drug or substance after repeated exposure. In other words, as an individual is exposed to a drug or substance over time, they may require larger doses to achieve the same effect. Tolerance can occur with both prescription medications and recreational drugs.

Marijuana’s THC is a common substance that builds a tolerance. Many marijuana users will take “t-breaks” (tolerance breaks) to lower their tolerance so they can achieve a more profound high. Typically, just a few days without using marijuana can lower your tolerance significantly.

It is important to note that tolerance builds up with habitual use. Occasional users do not often see a tolerance build up.

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD: What Studies Say

There is limited research on the topic of CBD tolerance, as it is a relatively new area of study. However, some studies have attempted to investigate whether or not tolerance to CBD develops over time. One study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research examined the effects of CBD on anxiety in rats over a period of 21 days.*

The researchers found that while the initial dose of CBD produced a significant reduction in anxiety, the effects were less pronounced after 7 and 14 days of treatment. However, the study did not investigate whether this was due to tolerance or other factors, such as changes in the rats’ physiology over time.

Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology investigated the effects of repeated CBD administration on pain in rats.** The researchers found that tolerance did not develop to the pain-relieving effects of CBD over a period of 7 days. However, this study had a small sample size and was limited to animal subjects.

A more recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports examined the effects of CBD on seizures in rats over a period of 3 months.** The researchers found that tolerance did not develop to the anticonvulsant effects of CBD over this period. The study also found that the rats did not experience any withdrawal symptoms when the CBD was discontinued, suggesting that CBD is not addictive.

Overall, the existing research on CBD tolerance is limited and inconclusive. While some studies have suggested that tolerance may develop to the effects of CBD over time, others have found no evidence of tolerance.* It is important to note that the studies that have been conducted on this topic have been limited to animal subjects and may not be generalizable to humans.

It is also worth considering that the effects of CBD may vary depending on the individual. Factors such as age, weight, and overall health can all impact how an individual responds to CBD. Additionally, the method of consumption may also impact the development of tolerance.

For example, individuals who consume CBD through smoking or vaping may develop a tolerance more quickly than those who consume it orally with edibles or tinctures.

Another important consideration is the quality of the CBD product being consumed. The CBD industry is largely unregulated, and there is a wide range of products available on the market. Some products may contain higher concentrations of CBD than others, which could impact the development of tolerance.

Additionally, some products may contain contaminants or impurities that could impact the effectiveness of the CBD. It is important to look for third party lab test results to verify the quality and potency of the product you choose.

Despite the limited research on CBD tolerance, it is generally believed that the risk of developing a tolerance to CBD is low. This is because CBD does not directly interact with the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for the development of tolerance to many drugs.

Additionally, CBD is not believed to be addictive, which further reduces the likelihood of developing tolerance.

It is also important to note that CBD is not a cure-all and may not be effective for everyone. While some individuals may find relief from their symptoms with CBD, others may not experience any benefit.

Additionally, there are potential side effects of CBD use, including dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. It is also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so individuals should speak with their healthcare provider before using CBD in combination with other medications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is limited research on the topic of CBD tolerance, it appears that the risk of developing tolerance to CBD is low. The existing research suggests that tolerance may develop to some of the effects of CBD over time, but more research is needed to confirm this.

It is important to note that the effects of CBD may vary depending on the individual, and the method of consumption and quality of the product may also impact the development of tolerance.

Overall, CBD shows promise as a potential therapeutic option for a variety of health conditions. However, individuals should approach its use with caution and speak with their healthcare provider before using CBD in combination with other medications.

Additionally, it is important to purchase high-quality CBD products from reputable sources to ensure their safety and effectiveness. As the field of CBD research continues to grow, we will undoubtedly learn more about its potential benefits and risks, including the development of tolerance.