When people think about tolerance, they often picture caffeine, alcohol, gambling, drugs including cannabis (THC), or certain medicines — where you start with a small amount, but over time you need more and more to get the same effect.
So what about CBD? Can you take it every day and still feel the benefits?
The short answer: Yes — for most people, CBD doesn’t cause the same kind of tolerance as THC, coffee, or alcohol. Read on to dive deeper into what tolerance is and how CBD has a different effect to many other drugs.
Here are the four stages of Tolerance:
1. Initial Use – Normal Receptor Sensitivity
Tolerance isn’t exactly about receptors being permanently saturated—it’s more about the brain adapting to repeated stimulation so that the same dose has less effect over time.
- You take a drug, drink alcohol, gamble, have sex, use caffeine, or even experience a natural “high” (exercise, food, social reward).
- The substance (neurotransmitter) binds to specific receptors in the brain (dopamine, serotonin, GABA, cannabinoid, etc.).
- This binding changes the receptor’s shape or triggers a chain of chemical signals (second messenger systems), producing the intended effect (relaxation, euphoria, alertness, etc.).
2. Repeated Use – Brain Adaptation
When those receptors are repeatedly activated:
A. Downregulation
- Fewer receptors are made available on the cell surface.
- Imagine the brain saying: “Too much activation — let’s hide some doors so fewer molecules can get in.”
- Result: The same amount of substance now has fewer binding sites → weaker effect.
B. Desensitization
- The receptors themselves become less responsive.
- They might still be there, but they change shape slightly so the substance doesn’t “fit” as well.
- Think of it like a key fitting into a lock, but the lock is rusty — the door still opens, but not as easily.
C. Compensatory Pathways
- The brain may increase opposing signals.
- Example: With long-term alcohol use (which boosts GABA and suppresses glutamate), the brain might increase glutamate activity to restore balance.
- When the drug is gone, this rebound activity can cause withdrawal symptoms.
3. Perception of Tolerance
- You feel like you need more to get the same effect — not because the receptors are “full” but because:
- There are fewer of them (downregulation).
- They respond less (desensitization).
- Opposite systems have been strengthened.
4. Recovery (If You Stop)
- With abstinence or reduced use, the brain can:
- Upregulate receptors again (make more of them).
- Restore receptor sensitivity.
- This can take days for some systems (e.g., caffeine tolerance) or months/years for others (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines).
💡 Key Point:
Receptors aren’t “permanently saturated” — they very rarely stay maxed out. Tolerance is more like the brain changing the volume knob, not the speaker being clogged.
“Tolerance” in Summary
In simple terms, tolerance is when your body and brain gets used to something and reacts less to it. This can happen because:
- Your body reduces the number of “doors” the substance can use (fewer brain receptors).
- The “doors” stop opening so easily (less responsive receptors).
- Your body turns up the opposite effect to balance things out. Usually opposing neurotransmitters (like glutamate or GABA)
With THC, this can happen quickly — which is why daily cannabis smokers often need more over time (source).
But CBD does not tend to cause tolerance because:
- CBD modulates your body’s endocannabinoid system rather than flooding it.
- It helps keep things balanced — influencing not just cannabinoid receptors, but also serotonin and other feel-good systems (WHO review).
- Because it doesn’t “overstimulate” the system, your body doesn’t usually shut down receptors or get less responsive.
CBD and Tolerance: The Nightclub Analogy 🎶
Imagine your brain is a nightclub:
- Receptors = Doors into the club.
- The effects you feel = The music and atmosphere.
- The compound you take = The crowd coming in.
With THC and other drugs: A huge crowd turns up every night. The manager closes some doors (downregulation) and the bouncers slow the entry (desensitisation). The neighbours start blasting their own music (opposite effects). Result? You need to bring an even bigger crowd next time to get the same party going.
With CBD: It’s more like a chilled street musician outside. The music is pleasant, people drift in naturally, and the manager never feels the need to shut the doors. The vibe stays steady night after night.
CBD doesn’t rush into the club and overwhelm the dance floor (your receptors). Instead, it works more like a friendly organiser who gently improves the vibe without taking over.
Can Tolerance to CBD Happen?
Most research says no — at least not in the same way as THC (WHO report).
Some studies in epilepsy patients found a small percentage who felt reduced effects after months (source), but that’s the exception, not the rule.
Some people even report reverse tolerance — needing less CBD over time. That’s thought to be because CBD helps your body’s own endocannabinoid system work better and therefore brings your body back into balance.
How to Keep CBD Working Well
- Start low, go slow — Find the smallest dose that works for you.
- Split your dose — Take smaller amounts a few times a day rather than one big hit.
- Take mini-breaks — If you feel CBD isn’t as effective, pause for 3–5 days.
- Support your body — Good sleep, nutrition, and stress management make CBD more effective.
Bottom Line
CBD isn’t like caffeine, stimulants, gambling or THC when it comes to tolerance. Most people can take it daily without needing to increase the dose — and some even need less as time goes on. If tolerance does happen, it’s usually mild and easy to reset.
💚 About Bristol CBD
Bristol CBD is the most trusted CBD brand in the UK, with a 5.0-star rating on both Google and Trustpilot. Alongside our premium CBD products, we also offer a carefully curated range of high-spec functional mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail.
We pride ourselves on offering unparalleled customer service, support, and advice, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied with your product.
If you have any questions about buying or using CBD or medicinal mushrooms, feel free to call us anytime on 07706 031 935. We’re always happy to share our experience and help you find the best solution for your personal needs.
Please note: our staff are not qualified doctors or nurses, and we do not make medical claims or recommend CBD for specific ailments. All content is based on scientific research and years of practical experience. We always encourage speaking with your GP or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
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