Current research indicates that you won’t build a tolerance to (cannabidiol) CBD because it doesn’t bind directly with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids, like (tetrahydrocannabinol) THC, that do bind with these receptors have been found to produce increased tolerance to its effects after prolonged use. With THC, this happens because it binds with receptors in a similar way to the endocannabinoids already in your system. Your body responds by producing fewer endocannabinoids. As a result, you need to take more THC to create the same effect that you experienced previously.
Because CBD doesn’t bind directly with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body, it doesn’t produce the same decrease in endocannabinoid production. This means that once you’ve found the daily measure of CBD that works for you, you likely won’t ever need to increase it.
Some people believe that CBD produces a reverse tolerance when taken regularly. This is when regular consumption of a substance results in an increased reaction over time. After long term use, this could mean that you don’t need to take as much to produce the same effects.
This could be true for CBD because of how it affects your endocannabinoid system. Instead of binding with receptors, it interacts with enzymes nearby. These enzymes are usually responsible for breaking down the human cannabinoid known as anandamide. Because CBD blocks them, the level of anandamide in your body increases. In time you may build up enough endocannabinoids to be able to use less CBD or not even need it at all.
The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that healthy adults should not take more than 70mg of CBD per day. They advise this as a precaution until a broader range of studies are available. They also suggest that if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication you should not take CBD unless you’re under the supervision of a doctor.
If you take CBD every day, it will increase the level of endocannabinoids in your body allowing them to keep your many systems in a healthy state of balance. You won’t develop a tolerance and you won’t get addicted.
According to a recent survey, 1.3 million people in the UK use CBD regularly and various studies have investigated its use for periods of up to seven months. Also, the World Health Organization describe CBD as ‘generally well-tolerated’ and report that ‘in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential’.
However, it’s also important to be aware of how you feel when taking any supplement regularly. Look out for any side effects from the CBD and stop taking it if you have any concerns. Some studies have reported a few cases of side effects including dry mouth, gastrointestinal discomfort, changes in appetite, low blood pressure, dizziness, and liver toxicity.
There is still a lot that we don’t know about CBD. Scientists and doctors are continuing to discover exactly how it works, why it benefits us and how best to use it. However, in the meantime, there is growing evidence to suggest that regular use is safe and that you won’t build a tolerance to its effects.
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Tom Russell
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Tom Russell writes extensively about CBD oil and other groundbreaking food supplements. He and his wife share their home with two daughters and a lifetime’s collection of books.