Can You Be Immune to Weed?

It is possible to feel immune to weed if you have developed high tolerance levels after long-term use. Frequent consumption of potent cannabis products leads to higher tolerance levels over time. Others may have a unique tone to their endocannabinoid system (ECS) that makes them less sensitive to the effects of cannabinoids like THC.

Explore the many ways that cannabis affects the body and discover the reasons why you might feel immune to marijuana.

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How Marijuana Affects the Body

Marijuana affects both the body and brain in powerful ways. People who consume cannabis frequently tend to develop a tolerance to the plant that dampens mental and physical effects. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that some long-term cannabis users may have lower numbers of CB1 receptors in the brain, impairing their ability to “get high.” 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant responsible for making you feel intoxicated. Over time, consuming high levels of THC (or any substance) causes your sensitivity to wane. Your body becomes accustomed to the substance, and your tolerance levels subsequently increase. But a short tolerance break can be sufficient for many people (even long-term cannabis users) to eventually feel the strong effects and benefits they’re seeking.

Another possible effect of long-term marijuana use is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Sometimes referred to as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (or simply CHS), this disorder involves uncontrollable vomiting after years of heavy marijuana use. Taking a tolerance break if you have been diagnosed with CHS is crucial; for some people, the t-break may need to be permanent. Thankfully, CHS is rare.

When your system resets, you may experience any or all of the following cannabis effects:

• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Pain Relief
• Higher Energy Levels 
• Anxiety
• More Restful Sleep
• Bursts of Creativity
• Impaired Thinking

The possible effects of cannabis are both positive and negative and may fluctuate depending on the strain you use, the time of day, and even your overall mindset when consuming.

Reasons Why You Feel “Immune” to Marijuana

There are many reasons you might feel immune to marijuana, and here are some of the most common factors associated with immunity to weed.

You Use Cannabis Frequently

The more you use cannabis, the more likely your body will build a tolerance. The solution? Rather than taking a full tolerance break of several weeks, try gradually decreasing your consumption. For example, if you smoke cannabis daily, try smoking every other day to detox. If you consume edibles several times daily, see what happens if you only eat marijuana once daily.

You’ve Been Using Cannabis for Years

Long-term cannabis users are the most susceptible to weed immunity. If you’ve been using cannabis for years, you’re also likely to need a longer tolerance break than someone who has just been using it for a few months. To feel the potent effects of cannabis again, you may need to go “cold turkey” and stop using for a month or more, but be aware that you may experience withdrawal symptoms.  

You Use High-THC Products

People who consistently consume high doses of THC-rich products may develop cannabis tolerance. High THC is sometimes defined as 15% concentration or higher. But if you’re a cannabis connoisseur, you may consider 25% THC low, which is all relative to your experience. Regardless of what you consider high THC, try consuming cannabis products lower in this psychoactive cannabinoid to reduce your tolerance.  

You Need to Explore CBD Products

For many people, CBD products are the antidote to high-THC cannabis. There is a world of topicals, sublingual and other CBD products to explore. These products may help treat various ailments, such as insomnia, anxiety, and pain. CBD products could also help you during a tolerance break so that you don’t have to give up the plant.

You Have a Unique Endocannabinoid System

Everyone’s ECS is different. This means that the number of endocannabinoids a patient’s body naturally produces, the rate at which their bodies break down cannabinoids, and the concentration of cannabinoid receptors they have could be very different from another person’s, even if they have similar health problems. This means that some people may be more sensitive to the effects of THC, others more impervious.

How to Decrease Tolerance Levels

Tolerance breaks (t-breaks) can help you feel the effects of cannabis and THC if you’ve been a frequent long-term consumer. Refraining from cannabis use (or decreasing your use) for a few weeks to a month may help fight any immunity your system has built up to the effects of cannabis.

The Bottom Line

It’s entirely possible to feel like you’re immune to the effects of weed if you use it in high doses or use it frequently without taking a break. However, you can decrease your sensitivity to cannabis by reducing drug use or taking a tolerance break to help reset your body.

Experience the potential health benefits of cannabis with a medical marijuana card. Connect with Leafwell’s experienced medical team and apply for your MMJ card online.