The Brain on Edibles: Your Neurochemical Guide to a Better, Smarter High
Hey friends! Welcome back! If you’ve ever curled up with a cannabis-infused brownie and wondered, “What is actually happening in my head right now?” or “do I really need tolerance breaks?” you’re not alone.
We often talk about the feeling of an edible: the gentle crest of relaxation, the wave of creativity, or sometimes, the unexpected twist of anxiety. But these sensations aren’t random. They are the direct result of a precise, fascinating conversation happening between plant molecules and the most complex machine you own: your brain.
Today, we’re putting that conversation under the microscope. We’re going beyond the “what” to explore the “why” and “how,” using science to empower you with knowledge. Because when you understand the mechanics of your high, you gain the ultimate tool: the ability to craft intentional, enjoyable, and safe experiences every single time.
Listen to this episode:
Meet the Conductor: Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Before an edible ever touches your lips, your body is already running a sophisticated cannabis-like operation. It’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and it’s your body’s master regulator for balance, or homeostasis.
Think of your ECS as the air traffic control center for your entire body. Its job is to keep all systems—mood, sleep, appetite, immune response—flying smoothly and in harmony. Every mammal has one (yes, even that raccoon in your garbage), and it operates with three key players:
- Endocannabinoids: These are your body’s own “homegrown” cannabis molecules. The two rockstars are anandamide (the “bliss molecule”) and 2-AG. They’re the natural keys.
- Receptors (CB1 & CB2): These are the locks on the surface of your cells, waiting for those keys. CB1 receptors are incredibly concentrated in the brain, governing memory, pleasure, coordination, and time perception. CB2 receptors are more involved with the immune system.
- Enzymes: The meticulous cleanup crew. Once an endocannabinoid has delivered its message, enzymes break it down so the signal doesn’t overstay its welcome.
This elegant system of keys, locks, and cleaners works silently in the background to keep you centered. Then, you take a bite of that infused chocolate.
The Guest Who Overstays: THC Crashes the Party
When THC from an edible enters your bloodstream, it’s a master mimic. Its shape is so similar to your body’s natural anandamide that it fits perfectly into the CB1 receptor locks in your brain—especially those densely packed ones.
But THC isn’t just a guest; it’s a powerful one that doesn’t follow the house rules. It binds more tightly and sticks around much longer because your body’s enzymatic cleanup crew isn’t as efficient at breaking it down. It’s like using a super-strong key that gets stuck in the lock.
This prolonged, potent activation is why the effects of cannabis are so much more pronounced than your body’s subtle balancing act. With CB1 receptors involved in so many brain functions, THC’s influence is widespread. That’s why a single edible can simultaneously make you feel euphoric, alter your sense of time, spark creativity, and make you a little clumsier reaching for the snack bowl.
The Chain Reaction: Dopamine, GABA, and the Symphony of Sensation
THC binding to CB1 is just the opening act. This initial interaction triggers a cascade, influencing your brain’s other major chemical messengers.
- The Dopamine Reward: When THC activates a CB1 receptor, it indirectly triggers a flood of dopamine in your brain’s pleasure centers. This is the neurochemical foundation of euphoria, the giggles, the “everything is wonderful” feeling. It’s a powerful reward signal. But this is also the pathway that can lead to habit formation, as your brain starts to associate cannabis with that feel-good hit—something to be mindful of, just like our instinct to check a buzzing phone.
- The Anxiety Seesaw: GABA & The Biphasic Effect: Have you ever had an edible that melted away stress, and another that sparked paranoia? This isn’t a fluke; it’s science in action, known as a biphasic effect (opposite outcomes at different doses).
- At low doses, THC can enhance GABA, your brain’s primary “brake pedal” neurotransmitter. More GABA activity means calmer neural traffic and less anxiety.
- At high doses, THC can sometimes disrupt GABA activity in areas like the amygdala (your fear center). The brake pedal weakens, and the anxiety engine can rev up. This is the precise neurochemical reason behind “start low, go slow.” It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a strategy to keep your brain’s calming systems engaged.
- The Sensory Enhancer: Serotonin: THC’s interaction with serotonin pathways is what turns the mundane into the magical. It subtly scrambles sensory signals, making music richer, flavors more profound, and colors more vivid. It’s like giving your perception a gentle, novel shake.
The Tolerance Tango: When Your Brain Adapts
If you’re a regular consumer, you know this story: over time, you need more to achieve the same effect. This is tolerance, and it’s a real, physical process in your brain—not just in your head.
Remember all those CB1 receptor locks? Your brain is brilliantly adaptive. If it’s constantly flooded with the powerful “THC key,” it thinks, “Whoa, this system is way too active!” To restore balance, it does something drastic: it starts downregulating receptors. It literally removes CB1 receptor locks from the cell surfaces.
With fewer locks available, the THC in your next edible has fewer places to bind. The effect weakens. You’re chasing a feeling that’s harder to catch because the goalposts have moved.
The Ultimate Reset: The Science and Power of Tolerance Breaks
So, how do you move the goalposts back? You give your brain a break. Tolerance Breaks (or a T-Break) is a period of abstinence that signals to your brain: “The flood is over. You can put the locks back on the doors now.”
The science is clear and encouraging:
- Significant CB1 receptor recovery can begin in just a few days.
- For most regular users, a break of 2 to 4 weeks can bring receptor density back to near-baseline levels.
The benefits are transformative:
- Restored Sensitivity: Effects feel more potent, nuanced, and vivid.
- Financial Savings: You’ll need less to achieve your desired experience.
- Intentionality Check: It creates a natural pause to assess your relationship with cannabis, ensuring your use is mindful, not just habitual.
Your Toolkit for Smarter, Intentional Consumption
Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge is wisdom. Here’s your brain-science-backed toolkit:
- The Golden Rule, Reaffirmed: Start Low, Go Slow. Now you know it’s a neurochemical strategy to coax your GABA system into calmness, not overwhelm it. Respect 11-hydroxy-THC (the potent compound created when you eat cannabis) with a gentle handshake, not a bear hug.
- The Neuro-Profile Journal. Become a scientist of your own experience. Track your dose, product, and—crucially—how you feel. Be specific: “creative, sleepy, giggly, slightly anxious.” Over time, you’ll see patterns that let you choose the perfect product and dose for any occasion. (P.S. I have an Edibles Journal on Amazon, but a simple notebook or phone note works perfectly!)
- The Scheduled Break. Don’t wait for tolerance to skyrocket. Be proactive. Schedule T-Breaks like you schedule vacations—a week every quarter, or the first few days of each month. This maintains sensitivity and keeps consumption mindful.
- Master Set & Setting. This isn’t just for psychedelics; it’s a brain primer. Your mental state (set) and physical environment (setting) prepare your brain’s starting line. A calm, safe space makes a positive, relaxed experience far more likely than a stressful or unfamiliar one. The same dose can feel wildly different in a noisy crowd versus on your cozy couch.
A Fresh Start, Together
This understanding brings us to something I’m incredibly passionate about. Every January, I run the Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge—a communal reset for the entire month. It’s a supported, science-backed journey where we give our ECS a chance to rebuild and our habits a chance to refresh, together. It’s not about quitting forever; it’s about hitting the reset button with intention and community support. (You can always learn more and join us at joinbiteme.com/challenge).
The Takeaway Conversation
The journey of an edible is so much more than digestion. It’s a profound dialogue with one of your body’s most ancient and vital systems. By understanding the players—the mimicking THC, the diligent ECS, the dance of dopamine and GABA—you move from passive consumer to informed participant.
Remember:
- Your brain has its own exquisite cannabis system. THC is a powerful guest; treat it with respect.
- Tolerance is your brain’s protective adaptation, not a personal failing. You have the power to reset it.
- Your tools—journaling, scheduled tolerance breaks, mindful set & setting—empower you to have a healthy, rewarding, and sustainable relationship with cannabis.
Pair this with these episodes/posts:
I’d love to hear from you. What are your personal tools for wise consumption? Do you schedule tolerance breaks? Share your wisdom with me over on social media or inside the Bite Me Cannabis Club.
That’s it for this week friends. Please email me any questions, comments, pictures of your creations or anything else, I love hearing from listeners! Direct messages to stayhigh@bitemepodcast.com, or the podcast hotline.
You can also support the show by subscribing, sharing episodes, leaving a review or buying me a cookie! Whatever way you choose, I’m grateful that you’re listening.
Stay high,
Margaret
FAQ: Your Brain on Edibles & Tolerance Breaks
Q: What exactly is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
A: Think of it as your body’s master regulator or “air traffic control.” It’s a system present in all mammals that works to maintain balance (homeostasis) in functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. It has three main parts: your body’s own cannabis-like molecules (endocannabinoids), receptors they bind to (mainly CB1 in the brain and CB2 in the body), and enzymes that clean them up after their job is done.
Q: How is THC from an edible different from what my body makes?
A: Your body’s endocannabinoids, like anandamide, are like precise keys that fit their locks (receptors), deliver a message, and are quickly cleaned up. THC is a “master mimic” that fits the same CB1 receptor locks in your brain, but it’s a more powerful key that gets stuck. It binds more tightly and lingers much longer because your body’s cleanup enzymes aren’t as efficient at breaking it down, leading to stronger, more prolonged effects.
Q: Why can an edible make me feel relaxed one time and anxious another?
A: This is called a biphasic effect. At low doses, THC can enhance the activity of GABA, your brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter (the “brake pedal”). At high doses, it can sometimes disrupt GABA, particularly in the brain’s fear center (the amygdala), causing the “brakes” to fail and anxiety to surge. This is the core scientific reason behind the mantra “start low, go slow.”
Q: What is tolerance, and why does it happen?
A: Tolerance isn’t just “getting used to it.” It’s a real physical process in your brain called receptor downregulation. When your brain is constantly flooded with external THC, it tries to restore balance by literally removing CB1 receptor “locks” from the surfaces of your brain cells. With fewer locks available, the same amount of THC has fewer places to bind, and its effects feel weaker.
Q: How does a tolerance break actually work?
A: A period of abstinence (a T-Break) signals to your brain that the “flood” of external THC is over. In response, your brain begins to rebuild and put those CB1 receptor locks back on the cell doors. Studies show receptor recovery can begin in a few days, and for most regular users, a 2-to-4-week break can bring receptor density back to near-baseline levels, restoring sensitivity.
Q: What is the Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge?
A: It’s a free, community-driven challenge hosted by Margaret every January. It’s a supported, month-long tolerance break designed to help participants reset their systems, lower tolerance, save money, and reassess their relationship with cannabis intentionally—together. It includes daily check-ins, resources, and expert guidance. You can learn more or join at joinbiteme.com/challenge.
Q: Why is “set and setting” important for an edible experience?
A: This isn’t just “hippie talk.” Your mental state (set) and physical environment (setting) act as a brain primer. If you’re already stressed or in an uncomfortable place, your brain’s alarm systems are on high alert. Consuming the same dose in a calm, safe space gives your brain a relaxed starting line, making a positive experience far more likely. It’s about preparing your neurochemistry for the journey.
Q: What’s the best way to track my edible experiences?
A: Journaling is key. Note the dose, product type, and—most importantly—how you feel. Be specific: “creative,” “sleepy,” “giggly,” “slightly anxious.” Over time, this “neuro profile” will reveal your personal patterns, empowering you to choose the right product and dose for any desired outcome, whether you’re making edibles at home or buying them from a dispensary.
Timestamps: Your Brain on Edibles & The Science of Tolerance Breaks
Introduction & Theme
- 0:00 – 1:09: Welcome to Bite Me! Margaret introduces the podcast’s mission and shares a heartfelt thanks to listeners for six-and-a-half years of support.
- 1:09 – 1:52: Setting the stage for today’s topic: Tolerance breaks and your brain on edibles. A preview of the neurochemical journey ahead.
- 1:52 – 3:18: The Most Complex Machine: Introducing the brain as the star of today’s show and posing the central question: what really happens when you consume an edible?
- 3:18 – 4:17: Announcement: First look at the upcoming Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge for January.
- 4:17 – 5:05: Margaret’s Personal Commitment: Why she’s taking a break from both cannabis and alcohol this January.
- 5:05 – 6:22: Air Traffic Control: Defining the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—your body’s master regulator for balance (homeostasis). Explaining its three key parts: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
- 6:22 – 7:58: The Master Mimic: How THC from an edible perfectly fits into your brain’s CB1 receptors, but is stronger and longer-lasting than your body’s own molecules. Why this leads to the pronounced effects of cannabis.
- 7:58 – 9:19: The Dopamine Reward: How THC triggers a release of dopamine, creating euphoria and the potential for habit formation.
- 9:19 – 10:47: The Anxiety Seesaw (GABA): Explaining the biphasic effect. How low doses can enhance calm (via GABA) and high doses can trigger anxiety and panic.
- 10:47 – 11:26: Margaret’s Personal Note: Why she’s more cautious with smoking/vaping vs. edibles when it comes to anxiety.
- 11:26 – 11:53: Sensory Magic (Serotonin): How THC interacts with serotonin to make music, food, and colors more vivid.
- 11:53 – 12:28: Why You Build Tolerance: The science of receptor downregulation—your brain’s process of removing CB1 receptors in response to frequent THC use.
- 12:28 – 13:14: The Power of the Pause: How a Tolerance Break allows your brain to rebuild receptors, restoring sensitivity and intentionality.
- 13:14 – 14:03: Official Invitation: All the details on joining the Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge for January. How to sign up and what to expect (daily check-ins, resources, community support).
- 14:29 – 15:13: Tool #1: The Golden Rule. Reiterating “Start Low, Go Slow” as a non-negotiable neurochemical strategy.
- 15:13 – 15:56: Tool #2: Know Your Neuro Profile. The importance of journaling your experiences (dose, effect, mood) to spot personal patterns.
- 15:56 – 16:20: Tool #3: Scheduled Breaks. Being proactive by planning tolerance breaks like vacations.
- 16:20 – 17:13: Tool #4: Set & Setting. How your mental state and environment act as a “brain primer” for your experience.
- 17:13 – 17:54: The Three Key Takeaways: A recap of the ECS, tolerance as a physical process, and your personal tools for a healthy relationship with cannabis.
- 17:54 – 18:09: Final Sign-Up Reminder: Last call for the Fresh Start Challenge (
joinbiteme.com/challenge). - 18:09 – End: Listener Engagement: Margaret asks for your wisdom and tools. How to share, and where to continue the conversation. Final goodbyes.
(0:00:00) What happens when you take a love of food, a passion for culture, and a deep knowledge of cannabis, and you toss them all into one bowl? You get Bite Me, the podcast that explores the intersection of food, culture, and cannabis, and helps cooks make great edibles at home. I'm your host, Margaret, a certified Garnier, TCI certified cannabis educator, and I believe your kitchen is the best dispensary you'll ever have.
(0:00:26) Together we'll explore the stories, the science, and the sheer joy of making safe, effective, and unforgettable edibles at home. So preheat your oven and get ready for a great episode. Let's dive in. Welcome back, friends.
(0:00:41) I am so glad that you're here. If you're just tuning in for the first time, this is going to be a really good one. It's an important one, a little bit of education for us all today as we make our onward march towards the holidays, if you're listening to this, at the time in which it was recorded slash released. And if you've been listening for a little while, thank you for being here. It wouldn't be without you that I would be still doing this six and a half years later. It's hard to believe sometimes.
(0:01:09) I often like to think that this podcast has also been ad-free since 2019. Well, relatively ad-free. I know I've done a few over the years and I do tend to advertise my own things on here, which I hope y'all don't mind. But these little things are important to me and that is why I appreciate you all.
(0:01:30) We're going to be talking today about tolerance breaks in your brain on edibles. We've talked about how to dose properly on this show. We've demystified onset times. We've talked about the science of edibles generally and how they work in your body.
(0:01:52) There's all kinds of science things or science topics that we've covered on this show. It's something that I would like to continue on into the new year. So if any of you have any particular contacts with scientists, people who do research around cannabis, let me know. I do know that the episode I did recently with Dr. Kassara Andre, the vet, was really popular and a lot of you really enjoyed that one. And
(0:02:15) After a minute, I'm pretty proud of that, how that episode turned out. I feel like I learned a lot as well. And even though I don't have pets, I feel like almost everybody in my life has pets that is close to me. So I'm around them all the time and I want to see them be happy and healthy as well. Fun fact, one of the reasons I don't have pets, besides the fact that I don't really want to look after one at this particular period of my life, is that I am so, so lucky to be allergic to them.
(0:02:40) Now, in case you're unfamiliar with my sarcasm, there you just had a beautiful example of said sarcasm. It really does actually, it is disappointing sometimes because, yeah, it's not fun to be allergic to your favorite four-legged friends. We've talked about a lot of things on the show, like I said, but today we're going to be diving into the most complex machine known to humanity.
(0:03:07) And maybe that's up for a little bit of debate, but that is your brain. What is actually happening in your head when you eat a cannabis-infused brownie or gummy?
(0:03:18) It's not just a vague feeling, it's a precise and fascinating cascade of neurochemical events. In this episode, we're putting your brain under the microscope and we'll explore how the cannabinoids in your edible hijack your brain's internal wiring, what that means for your mood, your creativity, and your perception, and most importantly, how to use this knowledge to consume cannabis wisely.
(0:03:39) And speaking of wisdom, we'll also get into the science of tolerance and why taking a break can completely reset your experience. This is a big one because of course, as you probably know by now, this January, I am launching my first ever Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge.
(0:03:56) And I'm going to give you some of the details on how you can join. I do realize that there's probably an ad for that on this very episode, but I will talk about it a little bit more. I'm pretty excited about it. I've never done anything like this. And I would love to have you join me because I myself will be taking a tolerance break. And I kind of thought, why do it alone?
(0:04:17) These things can be challenging enough as they are, but sometimes it's a lot easier to get through something when you have people around you supporting you. So not only am I planning to give up cannabis, but I'm also planning to give up alcohol. Not that I drink that much, but I do tend to drink more during the holiday season, like many of you probably do. There just seems to be more opportunities for it.
(0:04:41) And I'm just at a point in my life where I would like to see what it's like again to go without. Normally, I hardly drink at all. But I think sometimes even that small amount is having an impact on my health. At the end of January, I will be returning to cannabis. It's up in the air whether I'll return to alcohol. I may give it a much longer break or maybe a forever break.
(0:05:05) So let's get comfortable and let's talk about your brain on edibles. All right, to understand what happens when cannabis enters your body, we first need to understand the system that's already there, waiting to greet it. And you're probably familiar, and if you're not, that is called the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. And as we learned in the episode with Dr. Kassar-Andre,
(0:05:33) Pretty much all mammals have an ECS. You have one, your dog has one. The horse you pass by on the way to work or something has one. That raccoon getting into your garbage in the back alley behind your house has one.
(0:05:49) which is kind of cool. Think of the ECS as your body's master regulator or air traffic control. Its main job is to maintain balance, a state scientists call homeostasis. And it helps regulate everything from your mood and appetite to your sleep and immune response. The system has three main players. First, you have your endocannabinoids. And these are cannabis-like molecules that your own body makes. The two most famous ones are anandamide. I don't know.
(0:06:17) I never say that quite, right? Often called the bliss molecule and 2-AG.
(0:06:22) And they're like your body's own homegrown stash, if you will. Second, you have receptors. And these are like locks on the surface of your cells. The endocannabinoids are the keys that fit into these locks. The two main receptors are CB1 and CB2. Now, this is the crucial part for the story. Our CB1 receptors are found all over the body, but they are incredibly concentrated in the brain.
(0:06:50) Third, you have enzymes, and these are the cleanup crew. Once an endocannabinoid has delivered its message, the enzymes swoop in and break it down so it doesn't overstay its welcome. So you have your body's own keys, the locks, and the cleanup crew all working in perfect harmony to keep you in balance. Now, enter the edible.
(0:07:13) When you consume an edible, the THC that enters your bloodstream is a master mimic. It's shaped so perfectly that it fits right into these CB1 receptor locks in your brain. But THC is different from your body's natural keys. It's more powerful and it sticks around for a lot longer because the enzymes aren't as good as cleaning it up.
(0:07:35) It's like picking a lock with a super strong key that gets stuck. This is why the effects of cannabis are so much more pronounced than the subtle balancing act of your own endocannabinoid system. And because those CB1 receptors are everywhere in your brain, in the parts that control memory, pleasure, coordination, time, perception, THC's influence is pretty widespread.
(0:07:58) And that's why an edible can affect your memory, can make you feel euphoric, and can even make you a little bit clumsy all at the same time. So THC has crashed the party and is binding to all the CB1 receptors, but the story doesn't stop there. The initial reaction sets off a chain, or sorry,
(0:08:17) The initial interaction sets off a chain reaction, influencing other major chemical messengers in your brain. Let's start with the big one, dopamine. You've probably heard of dopamine as the feel-good or reward chemical. And when THC activates a CB1 receptor, it indirectly triggers a release of dopamine in the pleasure centers of your brain, like the nucleus accubens.
(0:08:43) This is the neurochemical basis for that feeling of euphoria, the giggles, the sense of everything is just wonderful.
(0:08:50) your brain is getting a reward signal. But here's the flip side. This dopamine pathway is also what can lead to habit formation and for some, psychological dependence. Your brain starts to associate cannabis with that reward, which is something to be mindful of. It's really not that much different than the dopamine hit we get when we hear a notification on our phone and we reach for it right away to open a funny message from a friend or...
(0:09:19) Something we've seen on a social media platform. But it's not just about pleasure. Cannabis' effects on mood are much more complex. And that brings us to GABA and serotonin. Let's talk about anxiety. Have you ever had an edible and felt completely relaxed? Or have you had one and felt a wave of paranoia?
(0:09:42) That's what scientists call a biphasic effect, meaning that it can have opposite effects at different doses. At low doses, THC can enhance the effects of GABA, which is your brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Think of GABA as the brake pedal
(0:10:00) calms everything down. The more GABA means less anxiety. But at high doses, THC can sometimes disrupt the system and lead to a decrease in GABA activity in certain areas like the amygdala, your brain's fear center. The brake pedal stops working and the anxiety engine revs up. This is the science behind a cannabis-induced panic attack.
(0:10:26) And this is also why start low, go slow isn't just friendly advice. It's a neurochemical strategy to keep your brain's brake pedal engaged. For me, I find that the edible is far less likely to bring on this anxiety, or it would take much higher doses, or I've just gotten better at dosing myself.
(0:10:47) This happens to me way faster when I smoke or vaporize cannabis, which is why I have to be very mindful when I'm smoking because it doesn't take much for me to experience that anxiety, which is kind of nice actually because it means I save a lot of money on cannabis because I don't need much.
(0:11:05) Finally, the interaction with serotonin pathways can alter your sensory perception. This is why music might sound richer, food might taste incredible, and colors might seem more vivid. THC is subtly scrambling the signals in the part of your brain that process sensory information, making the mundane feel novel again.
(0:11:26) If you're a regular cannabis user, you've no doubt experienced this. Over time, you need more and more to feel the same effect. This isn't just in your head. It's a real physical phenomenon in your brain called tolerance. Remember all those CB1 receptors we talked about? Well, your brain is smart. If it's being constantly flooded with a powerful external key like THC, it decides the system is way too active. To restore balance, it does something remarkable.
(0:11:53) It starts pulling the locks off the doors. This process is called receptor downregulation. Your brain literally reduces the number of CB1 receptors. With fewer receptors, the THC you consume has fewer places to bind, and its effects become weaker. That's tolerance in a nutshell. You're chasing a feeling that's getting harder to catch because the goalposts are constantly moving.
(0:12:18) so how do you fix it well the easiest way is to take a tolerance break or as it's commonly referred to as a tea break in the cannabis community
(0:12:28) A tolerance break is a period of abstinence that gives your brain time it needs to rebuild those receptors. It's like telling your brain, okay, the flood is over, you can put the locks back on the doors now. And the science shows that this works remarkably well. Studies have shown that significant receptor recovery can happen within just a few days of stopping cannabis use. For most regular users, a break of about two to four weeks can bring your CB1 receptor density back to near baseline levels.
(0:12:56) The benefits are huge. When you return to cannabis, your sensitivity is restored. The effects will feel more potent, more nuanced, and closer to what you remember from your earlier experiences. It also gives you a chance to check in with yourself and ensure that your use is intentional, not just habitual.
(0:13:14) And this brings me to something I am incredibly excited to talk about. This January, I'm launching the first ever Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge. So many of us end the year with habits that might not be serving us as well as they used to. The Fresh Start Challenge is a communal tolerance break for the entire month of January.
(0:13:33) It's a chance to reset our systems together with support and resources along the way. And whether you want to lower your tolerance, save money, or just reassess your relationship with cannabis, this is the perfect opportunity. You can sign up at joinbiteme.com forward slash challenge to reserve your spot. And at the end of the month, I'll open up. At the end of the month, I will show you how to participate in the challenge. It's over at the Bite Me Cannabis Club and it's free to join.
(0:14:03) There's going to be daily check-ins, weekly video check-ins, science-based tips. There's a whole get started guide that I created and resources from other cannabis wellness experts. It's not about quitting forever. It's just about hitting the reset button so you can move forward with more intention. And I really hope that you'll join me. I don't really want to do it alone, friends. So again, that's joinbiteme.com forward slash challenge.
(0:14:29) Whether you're just starting coming back from a tolerance break or just want to be a smarter consumer, you can use this brain science to your advantage. And here's a few practical tools. First, the mantra that we've all heard over and over again, but...
(0:14:44) It applies every time. Whether you are dosing yourself, dosing a pet, sharing information with a friend, start low, go slow. We now know the neurochemical reason why. A low dose coaxes your GABA system into a state of calm. A high dose can overwhelm it and trigger anxiety. Respect the power of 11-hydroxy-THC and give your brain a gentle handshake, not a bone-crushing one. Second, the know your neuro profile tool.
(0:15:13) This is simple. Keep a journal. I actually happen to have one over at Amazon, the Bite Me Edibles journal, so you can log your experience, something I don't talk about enough. Whether you use my journal, a Plank notebook, a note on your phone, note the dose, the product, and how you feel. Not just the high, but be specific. Do you feel creative, anxious, sleepy, giggly?
(0:15:36) This data helps you understand your personal neurochemical reaction. You'll start to see patterns that empower you to choose the right edible for the right occasion. And of course, this applies to whether you're making your own edibles, purchasing them at a dispensary. And it's also good to keep track of what you're smoking or vaping as well. Third, the scheduled break tool.
(0:15:56) Don't just wait until your tolerance is through the roof. Be proactive. Look at your calendar and schedule a tolerance break, just like you'd schedule a vacation. Maybe it's one week every quarter, or even just the first few days of every month. This keeps your sensitivity high and your consumption mindful. And of course, I hope you can join us for our Fresh Start Challenge in January.
(0:16:20) Finally, never underestimate set and setting. This isn't hippie talk, and I know a lot of the times this is applied when it comes to psilocybin or magic mushrooms, but it's actually a brain primer. Your mental state, which is your set, and your environment, which is your setting, prepare your brain for an experience. If you're already anxious and in a stressful place, your brain's alarm systems are already on high alert. If you're in a calm, safe space, you're giving the brain a
(0:16:49) a relaxed starting line, making a positive experience far more likely. And just think about it. You could consume the same edible or smoke the same amount of cannabis as you would at home. Place yourself in a new environment like a noisy concert hall or a festival or at a party where you don't know that many people and suddenly that same dose can feel very different.
(0:17:13) So the journey of an edible is far more than a trip to your stomach. It's a profound conversation with your brain's most ancient and important regulatory system. Understanding the science gives us the power to be smarter, safer, more intentional consumers.
(0:17:28) The three things to remember are your brain has its own cannabis system and THC is a very powerful guest. Treat it with respect. Tolerance is a real physical process. Your brain is just trying to protect itself. You have the tools like journaling, scheduled breaks, joining the fresh start challenge to keep your relationship with cannabis healthy and rewarding.
(0:17:54) Thank you for joining me on this deep dive. Again, to sign up for the Fresh Start Tolerance Break Challenge in January, head over to joinbiteme.com forward slash challenge. And I'd love to hear from you as well. What are your tools for wise consumption?
(0:18:09) How do you, do you schedule in tolerance breaks throughout the year? Share them with me over on social media. Send me an email or, of course, you can always join the club and continue the conversation over there. With that, my friends, I hope you enjoyed this episode. Please consider sharing it with somebody who's as curious about cannabis as you are. Join me over at the Bite Me Cannabis Club. And until next time, my friends, I am your host, Margaret. Stay high.
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