“Dry January” usually refers to taking a break from drinking alcohol, but to a stoner, that tends to be a piece of cake. The real challenge is resisting cannabis for a month. You may be wondering: why would I do such a thing to myself? First of all, we’re not advising you to quit forever. Cannabis is an effective and non-addictive way to cope with anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain and more. But just like most things we consume, our bodies adjust and build up a tolerance to that particular substance.

Taking a “t-break” (tolerance break) gives your body time to flush out the THC and CBD so their effects will be stronger when you reintroduce them. A high tolerance for cannabis can leave you feeling foggy throughout the day, increase your dependency and obviously will leave you spending more money on Mary Jane than you did when you first started smoking regularly. Remember when a hit was all you needed? Imagine cutting your intake in half and still getting just as stoned, if not more!

I bet I have your attention now—and a tolerance break probably sounds a bit more appealing. Here are our tips on how to master a marijuana-less month.

1. Eliminate temptations

For some, simply putting pieces and cannabis out of reach is enough to keep them from indulging. For others, it might take giving your supplies to a friend for the time being. Be honest with yourself about what will be most helpful for you.
 

2. Tell your friends

Verbalizing goals to family and friends can increase the likelihood of accomplishing them. Friends can hold you accountable, will (hopefully) respect the fact that you’re taking a break and refrain from smoking around you, and can remind you of your ultimate goal if you’re about to slip. We all need a little nudge sometimes!

3. Get a hobby

We’re just being real here—it’s not going to be a walk in the park to give up something that makes you feel great. You just have to find other activities that make you feel great! Instead of that after-work bowl, go for a run, read a chapter of a new book, or take a yoga class. Rather than twist up that evening joint, cook a healthy and delicious meal. These actions help redirect your monkey mind that wants to take the easiest route (having a toke!) as well as reintroduce new habits that will stick with you long after January.   

4. Track your progress

It’s important to recognize the progress you’re making every day. It’s not easy, and yet you’re doing it for your health… and your wallet. Crossing days off a calendar is a good way to visualize the light at the end of the tunnel and see that this is only temporary.

5. Reward yourself

New year, new you… new piece! It will be easier to last the month without cannabis if you know there’s a fun new smoking accessory waiting for you at the end of it. Reward yourself with a new battery (try the Novex), or a fun silicone-glass piece. Your first hit of 2020 will be with a clear mind, body and bong. What could be better than that?