Some substances, when taken over an extended time, can cause our bodies to begin to build a tolerance. We establish a tolerance to a chemical when more and more of it is required to produce the same effects. Tolerance can build up for simple daily items such as coffee and sugar.

Understandably, those who take CBD oil may wonder if they might begin to build a tolerance in a similar way. In this article, we take a closer look at what tolerance is, and whether it is related to CBD.

What is Tolerance?

To know whether our bodies can build a tolerance to CBD, we first need to understand how tolerance works. 

There are three different types of tolerance, cellular, metabolic and psychological, which can occur individually or in combination depending on the substance and how it reacts with the body.

Cellular Tolerance

Many substances work by binding to a receptor. Over time, receptors can become less responsive, causing a reduction in the effects.

Metabolic Tolerance

Metabolic tolerance occurs when the body becomes more efficient at metabolising or eliminating a substance. Prolonged consumption of a substance causes the body’s metabolism to ‘get used’ to something. The substance is broken down faster, and its effects are both diminished and less prolonged.

Psychological Tolerance

Users can become psychologically attuned to the effects of a substance, meaning they are less perceptive or conscious of its benefits.

Understanding How CBD Works

CBD works differently to most of the chemicals associated with the development of tolerance and, therefore, developing a tolerance is unlikely.

Scientists know that CBD doesn’t bind directly with receptors. Instead, it indirectly improves the efficacy of endocannabinoids and receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, cellular tolerance is less likely.

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

While tolerance is often more complicated than the simple mechanisms described, research suggests that CBD is not tolerance-forming and may even have the opposite effect.

Early studies indicate that due to the way CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, over time, lower amounts may be able to produce the same result.

In answer to the question ‘can you build up a tolerance to CBD?’ most scientists seem to agree that the answer is no.

What Do I Do if CBD is No Longer Working for Me?

If you have been taking CBD regularly and are noticing a reduction in the effects, it may be a result of one (or more) of the following things.

CBD Oil From a Non-Reputable Source

Is the CBD you are taking from a reputable and quality-consistent source? Many companies do not independently test each batch of CBD, meaning that the concentration of active ingredients may vary from batch to batch.

Here at ElleVance, our CBD/CBDA oils are tested by an independent laboratory to ensure that they are of the highest quality and are safe and effective to use.

Using a Different Product

Have you changed your CBD oil brand or product from the one you started with? Not all CBD oils are the same – even when comparing two products’ labels that seem to be identical, several things can make them different. 

There are a few ways of taking CBD oil; for example, as a drop of oil or in a capsule. CBD oil dropped into the mouth is absorbed by your mucous membranes, whereas a capsule will be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. One of these methods may work better for you than another.

Take a Break

If you have not changed the product or the dose you were taking, some scientists suggest halting your CBD consumption for a couple of days. This can help to kickstart the effectiveness when you start taking the CBD again.

Reached Maximum Effectiveness

It is possible you could have reached the maximum effect you could achieve from enhancing your endocannabinoid system.

Remember that CBD and CBDA are not medicines. Therefore, they are not going to revert the course of a disease or cure it altogether.

Worsening of a Condition

If despite taking a CBD/CBDA product, you feel that your pain, stress or discomfort starts to come back, it may be that your condition is worsening. Consider consulting with a health professional.

At ElleVance, we have our CBD/CBDA oils tested by independent laboratories, so we know that all our full-spectrum CBD products are of the highest quality.

To explore our products as well as discover answers to more frequently asked questions, please visit our website.