Dab Nation Myth Busters Series Pt.4: Does Dabbing Wreck Your Tolerance?

We all know that dabbing concentrates produces a next level high. It’s the principle reason for dabbing’s massive popularity. But, does regularly hitting super potent concentrates ruin your tolerance? Will you be able to get high by any other means after dabbing? Let’s investigate THC tolerance and what that means for us dabbers.

What is Tolerance?

Tolerance is the ability of the human body to endure or become less responsive to the repeated use of a particular substance. Whether it be cannabis, caffeine, or alcohol, the human body rapidly adapts and these substances lose potency. Meaning, you have to take more to get the same effect.

While the means by which THC tolerance builds up is different to alcohol or caffeine, the results are very similar. The more cannabis you consume, the higher your body’s tolerance to it will become. Therefore, the next time you smoke, you’ll need to consume more to achieve the same high.

Does Dabbing Wreck Your Tolerance?

While the word “wreck” may be hyperbole, there is some truth to it. The fact is, if you’re regularly dabbing large quantities of high-powered concentrates, then yes, your tolerance is going to take a hit. How big a hit depends on how much and how often you dab. The more you consume, the more you’ll need to get the same high. This also means that after prolonged periods of dabbing, if you smoke an ordinary joint, it’s unlikely it’ll have much effect by comparison.

However, your personal tolerance is directly linked to your consumption level. Smoke less and it will go down, smoke more and it’ll go up.  

Tolerance Breaks

For those who have built up a mighty tolerance to THC and are looking to reduce it, then there’s some good news and bad news. Firstly, the good news is that your tolerance level to THC can recover very quickly. Take a break from cannabis, and your tolerance will recede back to normal levels within weeks. Which leads us to the bad news: if you want to improve your tolerance, then you’ll have to either stop, or drastically reduce your cannabis intake for a short period.

This could well be a deal breaker for many, especially medical patients who need regular relief and don’t have the option to take a tolerance break. But, for recreational users who find their regular dose isn’t cutting it any more, maybe it’s time to take a tolerance break. After all, that first dab after a break will blow your head off again.