After a while, the old faithful strain of cannabis quits working. Tolerance, an infamous topic for chronic THC consumers, is partly to blame. But some might wonder if a THC tolerance break still counts if you use other cannabinoids like CBG or CBD.
CBG and CBD are both unique non-intoxicating cannabinoids, but both are psychoactive. Moreover, cannabigerol has noticeable benefits that were documented during an observational trial. (1) Whereas CBD has proven benefits that were verified during placebo-controlled clinical trials. (2)
Cannabinoid doses and serotonin rewards
Preferred doses of any cannabinoid will always depend on the person and condition. (3) Take note if you find yourself ramping the dose of CBG. This is because higher and higher doses might cause mild tolerance and some withdrawal effects, far less intense than THC.
CBD, on the other hand, will have remarkably unique tolerance issues. This is because cannabidiol (CBD) affects a different endocannabinoid relative to CBG. While CBD might become less effective after chronic use, its tolerance is related to serotonin as opposed to cannabinoid receptors. (4)
What is cannabinoid tolerance
THC binds to and activates various targets in the brain, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors. After chronic activation by an endogenous source like THC, though, receptors begin to compensate and change. They reduce in number throughout the brain and body while also becoming more difficult to activate. (5-7)
Although, this rule is not always straightforward. The endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter known as anandamide can activate CB1 receptors. But, unlike THC, it does not force CB1 receptors to change or cause any intoxication.
Whereas 2-AG, a different endocannabinoid, is non-intoxicating but will desensitize CB1 receptors and lead to tolerance. This is because anandamide travels in reverse through the receptor compared to 2-AG. (6)
How CB receptors react to different endocannabinoids
CBD stops anandamide from breaking down by blocking it’s metabolism (FAAH enzymes) in the post position of the CB1 receptor. Whereas CBG stops 2-AG from degrading in the pre position of the receptor.
This means that using CBD during a THC tolerance break be fine — receptors are not being desensitized. And while the same cannot be said for CBG, its effect on THC tolerance by protecting 2-AG will likely be negligible. At least, that is the theory. Unlike CBD, clinical trials on CBG and other minor cannabinoids are in demand to better understand their effects on tolerance and withdrawal. (1, 2)
Avoiding the tolerance build-up
Self-governed doses are often recommended by clinicians. But an appropriate cultivar, or simply, the perfect ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes helps to avoid needlessly increased doses.
Although sorely lacking in clinical trial literature, terpenes can be used to substitute or add to CBG and CBD. As an example — beta-caryophyllene works well to pick up the endocannabinoid, 2-AG, without risking tolerance.
Let us know in the comments if you have any experience with different cannabinoids like CBG and CBD during a tolerance break.
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- CBG inhibits MAG-l which is an enzyme that operates in the presynaptic cleft. MAG-l breaks down 2-AG which is a full, biased, CB1 receptors agonist that signals pre to post-synapse. By inhibiting MAG-l, CBG brings up presynaptic 2-AG.
- CBD inhibits FAAH, preventing the hydrolyzation of anandamide post-synaptically. Increased anandamide activates CB1 receptors after transporting to pre.
Sources to explore CBG and CBD affect on THC tolerance
- Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2021). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10.1089/can.2021.0058. Advance online publication.
- NCT02544763
- MacCallum, C. A., & Russo, E. B. (2018). Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European journal of internal medicine, 49, 12–19.
- Russo, E. B., Burnett, A., Hall, B., & Parker, K. K. (2005). Agonistic properties of cannabidiol at 5-HT1a receptors. Neurochemical research, 30(8), 1037–1043.
- Stella N. (2013). Chronic THC intake modifies fundamental cerebellar functions. The Journal of clinical investigation, 123(8), 3208–3210.
- Murataeva, N., Straiker, A., & Mackie, K. (2014). Parsing the players: 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis and degradation in the CNS. British journal of pharmacology, 171(6), 1379–1391.
- Shana M. Augustin, David M. Lovinger, Synaptic changes induced by cannabinoid drugs and cannabis use disorder, Neurobiology of Disease, Volume 167, 2022, 105670, ISSN 0969-9961,
Footnote(s)
https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02544763
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-005-6978-1
https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI70226
https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.12411
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105670
Delta-8 is legal federally, and most state laws don't specifically address it. Due to ambiguities in the 2018 farm bill, which legalized hemp and hemp products, delta-8 is currently not prohibited by federal law.
In the human body, Delta-8 binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because it binds to both receptors simultaneously, users experience a milder cerebral high. When compared to the effects of THC, users describe a more clear-headed, productive, energetic, and upbeat feeling.
Difference Between Delta-8 THC and CBD Delta-8 THC may not be as prominent as Delta-9 THC, but it is still among the predominant cannabinoids with psychoactive properties. However, CBD is NOT a psychotropic cannabinoid. While CBD can have better results in the long run, Delta-8 THC can give you a quick fix.
Is it Legal to Fly with Delta-8-THC? Often, yes! It is legal to fly with Delta-8 when you are flying to and from areas where Delta-8 is legal, as long as the airline you choose doesn't specifically prohibit Delta-8 products.
Contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Good for chronic pain and anxiety relief. It does not cause paranoia or increased Anxiety.
Delta-8 is considered a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because it is known to cause psychoactive impairment to the consumer.
Delta-9 THC is a property of cannabis discovered all the way back in 1964. The primary difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is that Delta-8 is just a bit less psychoactive than Delta-9. This means that products with Delta-8 THC have a more gradual, and therefore more satisfying, effect on the consumer.
Although in an edible form, Delta-8 THC can metabolize into a natural chemical called 11 Hydroxy tetrahydrocannabinol. Since 11 Hydroxy THC can only be absorbed through the liver, the molecule's possible psychoactive effects can last up to 6 to 8 hours during digestion.
According to the NCI, Delta-8 uniquely binds twice with cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system that play a role in sleep by calming down processes like breath, heart rate, and mental activity.
Delta-8 THC is one of the hottest topics in cannabis right now. It's a minor cannabinoid that can get you high like traditional THC, but much less so. Delta-8 found in small amounts in the cannabis plant and is often converted from other compounds like CBD.
5 benefits delta 8 could offer you According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 THC can bind to the CB1 receptor throughout the body. These receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system, which helps our body regulate and maintain homeostasis.
Delta-8 is yet another compound derived from Cannabis sativa or the hemp plant. As you likely know by now, this is the same natural origin that CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC come from, too. Though all of these compounds are related to some degree, delta-8 is closest to CBD and delta-9 (also often known plainly as THC).
Delta-8 may not produce intense euphoria, but it will take effect pretty quickly. Depending on your mode of intake, of course, the time of impact will vary. If you vape it, you will experience the effects within 1 to 6 minutes. If you use a tincture, you will get the first effects after half an hour.
The Short Answer: Yes. Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products, containing less than 0.3% D-9 THC is legal in all 50 states of the USA. But what if the extract contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC?
A research study from 2004 concluded that delta-8 helps increase appetite while promoting weight loss. This effect is certainly very unique, and scientists will do even more research on this subject. These effects might be due to the potential benefits delta-8 has on metabolism.
Yes, Delta 8 can make you feel hungry. Delta 8 is an appetite-stimulating analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC). Of course this depends on the amount you smoke (vapes) or consume (edibles), but Delta 8 has been reported to stimulate your appetite, in some cases, even more than Delta 9 (marijuana).
Whatever makes you laugh, Delta-8 is a great way to start the fun. In fact, we've developed Delta-8 products because we love to see people laugh.
Delta-8 THC actually converts into delta-11 THC when processed through the digestive tract. Since delta-9 THC also converts into delta-11 THC when eaten, there's no special benefit to eating delta-8 THC. In general, research suggests that delta-8 has about two-thirds of the potency of delta-9.
In the present study, we have demonstrated that Δ8-THCV exerted protective effects against liver I/R reperfusion damage by attenuating tissue injury, oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
Our Delta-8-THC Gummies — Best for Beginners They contain 10 mg of delta-8-THC per gummy, which is a great dose to start your journey into edibles with. It will give you a relaxing buzz, and you can easily increase the dosage as needed. Our delta 8 gummies are made from a broad-spectrum hemp extract.
