Weed Detox: THC Withdrawal & How Long it Takes

If you’ve decided to stop smoking weed for personal issues or you are trying to clear a drug test, understanding the best ways to detox from weed and how to handle THC withdrawal is helpful.

Typically, THC withdrawal symptoms and timeline affect each individual differently because everyone has different metabolisms, THC tolerances, and lifestyles. However, there are a couple of tips to help speed up the process and aid your body in flushing out all the THC. Read on to learn more about THC withdrawal, how long it takes, and what you can do to mitigate any adverse effects.

What Is a Weed Detox?

A weed detox is when an individual stops smoking or ingesting cannabis and makes an effort to cleanse their body and clear out all cannabinoids from their body. Individuals may undergo a weed detox for personal and lifestyle reasons or in an effort to pass any drug tests that are work-related or otherwise.

For those who experience dependence on weed, a weed detox can be difficult to do without the aid of professional help.  It can also be difficult to fully detox from weed in a certain timeline because completely ridding your body of THC depends on many things.

How Long Does It Take for Weed to Be Cleared From the Body?

When it comes to detoxing your body from weed, the length it takes depends on varying factors. These factors include:

• Metabolism
• Tolerance
• How long you’ve been smoking or ingesting cannabis
• Exercise habits
• Hydration
• Age
• Diet
• And more

On average, however, it can take more than two weeks for THC to leave your system. For instance, a study found that the half-life (time it takes before a drug begins to leave your system) was 1.3 days for those who infrequently used marijuana. More frequent users showed a half-life of somewhere between 5 and 13 days.

The detection of marijuana in your system also depends on the detection method. For example, a blood test won’t detect THC past 12 hours, however a urine test can detect it for up to 30 days.

• Blood: detectable for up to 12 hours

• Hair: detectable for up to 90 days

• Saliva: detectable for up to 24 hours
• Urine: detectable for up to 30 days depending on frequency of cannabis use 

How To Detox From Weed

There are different ways to help speed up the weed detox process, some quicker than others. For example, some people recommend sweating out via physical activity or warm showers, while others prefer the use of an official weed detox kit.

Here are a few ways you can detox from weed:

Natural Detox

One of the best and most effective ways to detox from marijuana is to do it naturally. This means letting the drug run its course. Your liver, kidneys, and sweat glands all work together to flush THC out of your system. Although this way is not the fastest way, it is the safest and best way.

Hydrating

Drinking plenty of water is crucial. Hydration helps flush toxins from your system and supports overall health. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body well-hydrated and to assist your kidneys in eliminating THC.

Exercising Regularly

Physical activity accelerates the metabolism of THC. Engaging in aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming can help burn fat cells where THC is stored, thus speeding up the detox process.

Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your body’s natural detoxification processes. Foods high in fiber can help regulate digestion and eliminate toxins more effectively. Avoiding processed foods and sugars can also help your body function optimally.

Hydration

One of the best ways to help your body detox from weed is to stay sufficiently hydrated. Drink as much water and electrolyte-rich drinks as you can to help flush THC out of your system. 

Cannabis Detox Products

There are several products designed specifically for detoxing from cannabis. These include:

1. Detox Drinks: Specially formulated drinks can help to flush THC out of your system more rapidly. They are often used before drug tests but can also be part of a detox regimen.
2. Detox Pills: These supplements claim to support your body’s natural detoxification processes by boosting metabolism and aiding in the elimination of toxins.
3. Herbal Supplements: Some herbs, such as dandelion root and milk thistle, are known for their liver-supporting properties and may help in detoxification.

It’s essential to use these products responsibly and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as their effectiveness can vary and they may have side effects.

THC Cleanse Drinks

Similar to weed detox kits, THC Cleanse drinks are dubious in nature and in effect. They also claim to get rid of THC in your body quickly and help people pass drug tests. Common ingredients in THC cleanse drinks include a cocktail of different supplements and vitamins including vitamin a, vitamin d, theanine, riboflavin, niacinamide, vitamin b6, folate, vitamin b12, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, zinc, and manganese.

Medications for Marijuana Detox and Withdrawal

If you’re an avid weed user, and especially if you are psychologically dependent on the drug, it can be difficult to detox because of the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medications like CB receptor agonists and more are available to help treat these symptoms. In addition to medications, behavioral interventions like DBT therapy can help mitigate psychological cravings. These treatments can typically be found in a professional drug detox program.   

Should I Use a Weed Detox Kit?

Weed detox kits are often sold at stores and online as a means to get rid of THC in your body quickly. They advertise that they can help you pass a drug test, even if you have recently smoked or taken an edible. Marijuana detox kits are legal. However, their sales and manufacturing are not very regulated in the United States, which poses a safety and health risk to users. Also, detox kits might cause uncomfortable side effects. 

5 Common Symptoms of Weed Detox

Detoxing from cannabis can come with a range of withdrawal symptoms. While these symptoms are generally mild compared to those from other substances, they can still be challenging:

1. Sleeplessness & Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common issue during detox. THC affects sleep patterns, and its absence can disrupt your usual sleep cycle.

2. Headaches

Some individuals experience headaches as their body adjusts to the absence of THC.

3. Changes in Appetite

THC often increases appetite, and its removal can lead to reduced hunger or changes in eating patterns.

4. Mood Changes

Emotional fluctuations, including irritability and mood swings, can occur. THC impacts mood regulation, so its absence can affect emotional stability.

5. Cravings 

Longing for the substance is common. The psychological habit of using THC can create strong cravings as you detox.

What Is the Best THC Detox?

There is no way to determine the best THC detox because it depends on an individual’s metabolism, THC use history, and more. The best way to truly detox from THC is to stop smoking or taking edibles and be sober to get rid of all the THC that has been built up in your body. In tandem, hydrating and living a healthy lifestyle can help fully flush out all the THC from your body. 

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Weed Out of Your System?

To speed up the detox process, engaging in activities that help speed up your metabolism could prove fruitful. Try drinking enough water and liquids, and also having a consistent exercise routine. Other options are taking detox supplements, which have similar ingredients to those in THC cleanse drinks.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms, although not as intense as opioid withdrawal symptoms or other addictive substances, can still have a negative effect on your life. 

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:

• Craving marijuana
• Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
• Decrease in appetite
• Weight loss
• Disturbed sleep or vivid dreams
• Abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal tract symptoms
• Lethargy
• Night sweats
• Tremors

Marijuana Dangers

1. Dependence: Although marijuana hasn’t proven to be Addictive, many individuals who use it still tend to develop a dependency on it. Marijuana dependency can hinder your daily life. In addition, regular marijuana use is an expensive habit to maintain. Dependence on any substance, whether it’s marijuana or not, can harm relationships, self-image, and more. 

2. Overdose: Fatal overdose of marijuana is extremely rare. However, you can still take a high amount of cannabis and experience negative overdose side effects, such as panic, paranoia, perception of difficulty breathing, or even psychosis.

Overcoming THC Dependency: Detox for Marijuana

For those struggling with dependency or seeking a structured approach to detox, consider the following steps:

When to Know Weed Is Hindering Your Life

If cannabis use starts interfering with daily responsibilities, relationships, or overall well-being, it may be time to seek help. Signs that cannabis is negatively impacting your life include:

1. Neglect of Responsibilities: Struggling to fulfill work, school, or home responsibilities due to cannabis use.
2. Relationship Issues: Experiencing conflicts or distancing from loved ones because of your cannabis use.
3. Health Concerns: Noticing adverse effects on your mental or physical health that you attribute to cannabis use.