Should YOu Smoke Weed when You’re Sick?

Have you ever smoked weed and felt like it didn’t do anything? Or, have you been smoking for a while and find that you need to smoke more and more to feel the effects? If so, you may have developed weed tolerance. Don’t worry, though – there are ways to beat it! Read on to learn from our Farmacy Berkeley dispensary team for more about weed tolerance (also known as THC tolerance) and how to overcome it.

Understanding Cannabis and Its Effects

Weed tolerance is the ability of a weed smoker to handle increasingly larger amounts of weed without feeling the same amount of effects they normally would. High weed tolerance can mean that a weed smoker needs larger amounts of weed than normal to feel its desired effect. This phenomenon can be caused by regular weed usage, whereby smokers become desensitized to weed’s effects with continuous consumption over time.

As the weed smoker’s tolerance increases, the amount and frequency of consumption must also increase to achieve the same level of “high” as when first starting out. Consequently, serious weed smokers need to practice moderation because drastically increasing weed intake can cause physical and mental health issues associated with higher tolerance levels.

The best way to reduce weed tolerance is by taking a “tolerance break”. A tolerance break is when you stop using weed for an extended period of time, usually 3-4 weeks. This allows the body to flush out any existing THC that has built up and will effectively reset your tolerance level.

During this time it’s important to remain patient and keep yourself distracted with activities such as exercise, yoga, or even just relaxing with friends or family members. It may also help to take this opportunity to reflect on how your smoking habits can affect your life in both positive and negative ways, so that you can make better decisions about how much you consume going forward.

Taking a break from smoking cannabis, also known as a t-break, is a great way to reduce THC tolerance. A t-break can be done in two ways: one is to take several days off from using cannabis altogether; the other is to take several days off from using high levels of cannabis and instead use lower levels (microdosing).

Both methods work to reset the endocannabinoid system, giving it time to recover and become less tolerant. Additionally, if your cannabis use has been particularly intense over a long period of time, you may need a t-break that’s longer than several days.

Should You Smoke Weed When You’re Sick?

One of the primary concerns with smoking cannabis when you’re sick is the potential impact on your respiratory system. Inhaling smoke, whether from cannabis or tobacco, can irritate your lungs and throat, which can exacerbate symptoms like coughing, congestion, and sore throat. If you have a respiratory illness, such as bronchitis or a chest cold, smoking cannabis might worsen your condition.

There is some evidence to suggest that cannabis can have immunosuppressive effects. While this might be beneficial in conditions involving chronic inflammation, it could potentially hinder your body’s ability to fight off an acute infection. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against this risk, especially if you have a condition that affects your immune system.

Cannabis can cause dry mouth, a condition known as cottonmouth. When you’re sick, staying hydrated is crucial, and cannabis-induced dehydration can make it more challenging to maintain proper fluid levels. Be mindful of this effect and ensure you’re drinking plenty of water if you choose to use cannabis while sick.

If you decide that cannabis might help alleviate your symptoms but are concerned about the risks of smoking, there are alternative consumption methods to consider.

Edibles are a popular choice for those who prefer not to smoke. They come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. Edibles provide a longer-lasting effect compared to smoking, but keep in mind that the onset of effects can take longer, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. They offer a smoke-free option with a faster onset of effects than edibles, usually within 15 to 45 minutes.

Vaping is another alternative to smoking that can be less harsh on the respiratory system. Vaporizers heat cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids without burning the plant material, producing a vapor that’s inhaled. This method is generally considered to be less irritating to the lungs than smoking.

If you’re seeking relief from localized pain or inflammation, cannabis-infused topicals, such as creams and balms, can be applied directly to the skin. These products provide targeted relief without the psychoactive effects associated with other consumption methods.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to smoke weed when you’re sick involves weighing the potential benefits against the risks. While cannabis can offer relief from pain, inflammation, nausea, and sleep disturbances, smoking it can irritate your respiratory system and potentially hinder your immune response. At Farmacy Berkeley Cannabis Dispensary, we encourage you to consider alternative consumption methods, such as edibles, tinctures, vaporizers, and topicals, which can provide the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the drawbacks of smoking.

Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about using cannabis while sick. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that you’re taking the best approach to manage your symptoms and support your recovery.