Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a psychoactive substance obtained from the Cannabis plant, utilized for recreational and therapeutic reasons, featuring the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Quitting weed after regular consumption can result in changes in mood and sleep issues.

Typical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal consist of aggression, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms are not harmful and usually do not need medical attention. However, marijuana withdrawal indicates a cannabis marijuana use disorder, which necessitates professional treatment.

Weed withdrawals can sometimes be difficult to manage alone, especially for people experiencing them for the first time. It is therefore advised that individuals opt for an inpatient setting where medical professionals can carefully manage their weed withdrawal symptoms.

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What Is Marijuana Withdrawal?

Marijuana or cannabis withdrawal refers to the set of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that can occur as a result of quitting marijuana after consistent use.

People who consume marijuana might do so to feel the relaxation, euphoria, and heightened sensory awareness commonly linked to the substance. Nevertheless, using marijuana frequently, like daily or multiple times per week, and in large amounts implies that when a person tries to significantly cut back or quit using cannabis completely, marijuana withdrawal symptoms could arise.

In most cases, marijuana withdrawals do not cause any life-threatening symptoms. However, signs of cannabis use disorder can greatly affect an individual’s life. It is crucial to obtain medical assistance if someone is experiencing cannabis use disorder or any form of substance use disorder.

How Common Is Cannabis Withdrawal?

A meta-analysis of research that included over 23,000 people discovered that 47% of regular marijuana users experienced cannabis withdrawals.

Additionally, studies also indicate that the THC concentrations in marijuana have risen over the last few decades. This could result in weed withdrawals becoming more prevalent in the future.

In 2022, around 6.7% of the population (or 19 million people) in the United States who were 12 or older experienced a marijuana use disorder in the last year. Of this group, 16.5% or 5.7 million were young adults aged 18 to 25, while 5.1% or 1.3 million were adolescents aged 12 to 17.

Weed Withdrawal Timeline

For those attempting to reduce their marijuana consumption or quit entirely after frequent use, acute withdrawal symptoms of weed can appear fairly soon.

Symptoms of withdrawal from weed typically emerge within the initial 24 to 48 hours after ceasing or greatly decreasing marijuana consumption. The intensity of the symptoms generally reaches its highest point by the third day.

Here’s a general marijuana withdrawal timeline:

• One to Two Days: The emergence of most withdrawal symptoms generally starts.
• Two to Six Days: Symptoms reach their maximum severity. Sleep issues often pose the greatest challenges for people during these initial days of abstaining from marijuana – and this is a key factor contributing to many people relapsing and returning to marijuana consumption.
• Three Weeks: The majority of severe symptoms diminish.
• Five Weeks and Onwards: Research suggests that specific psychological withdrawal symptoms can persist. Sleep issues, such as insomnia and unusual dreams, can continue for 30–45 days following the cessation of marijuana use.

Symptoms Of Marijuana Withdrawal

The occurrence of three or more of these symptoms within a week of reduced marijuana consumption suggests cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Common weed withdrawal symptoms include:

• Decreased appetite
• Headaches
• Chills and tremors
• Mood changes (anger, irritability)
• Cravings for cannabis
• Loss of focus
• Restlessness
• Sleep difficulties, including insomnia
• Disturbing dreams and nightmares
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Increased feelings of depression
• Stomach problems
• Sweating, including cold sweats

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms might not develop immediately and can vary from mild to severe and differ among individuals. They might not be serious or harmful, but they can be uncomfortable.

In addition, the more extended the marijuana use, the higher the chance of experiencing THC withdrawal symptoms. Cannabinoids such as THC may require one to two weeks to be fully flushed out from the body, meaning it could take a few days for symptoms to become evident.

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Why Does Cannabis Use Cause Withdrawal?

Consuming marijuana products causes the brain and body to adapt to THC. This is the primary psychoactive element of cannabis that can lead to addiction. Reducing or stopping the use of THC-containing products leads to uncomfortable THC withdrawal symptoms due to the absence of THC in the body and the inability of the brain to immediately process the sudden lack of the drug in the system.

Quitting Marijuana

The majority of individuals won’t require expert assistance to help with quitting weed side effects. Nevertheless, in certain situations, having guidance and medical support may enhance your ability to quit and maintain your commitment to getting sober.

These options may prove to be useful for individuals looking to recover from intense cannabis withdrawal:

Detox

These programs aim to assist individuals in navigating the early drug-free stage. They offer support and medical care while you cope with the symptoms of withdrawal.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

These healthcare centers are intended to support individuals for over 25 days in a controlled and medically supervised setting. They aid individuals in halting drug use, such as cannabis, and subsequently address the root problems that caused drug use, which could result in relapse if not properly managed.

Intensive Out-Patient Rehabilitation Facility

Outpatient rehabilitation programs typically necessitate several appointments or sessions weekly with a therapist, substance use disorder specialist, or another mental health professional. Individuals don’t have to admit themselves to a facility, and they have the liberty to come and go as they wish.

Medication

At present, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically for treating marijuana use disorder or for preventing relapse. Research indicates that the psychosocial behavioral therapies outlined below may effectively address marijuana use disorder and help prevent relapse.

Therapy

Individual therapy can be helpful as you address the root causes that lead to cannabis abuse. This includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals in recovery identify connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and understand how these affect their addiction. It shows that many destructive behaviors stem from past experiences or distorted thinking, rather than logic.

CBT enables individuals to recognize the underlying causes of their emotions and actions, making it easier to address substance use. Therapists help clients identify negative “automatic thoughts”—instinctive responses often rooted in insecurity or anxiety—which can drive substance use.

By working through painful memories and learning healthier coping strategies, individuals can reduce emotional distress and replace substance use with positive behaviors.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational enhancement therapy is frequently employed alongside cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a short, evidence-supported intervention that assists individuals dealing with cannabis use disorder by boosting their motivation to modify their actions.

Contingency Management (CM)

Contingency management is a strategy designed to specifically encourage the achievement of target behaviors (e.g., abstaining from substance use) and serves as an effective approach in managing cannabis detox.

Support Groups

Connecting with others in support groups can provide accountability and like-minded community during recovery. These groups bring together individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences, encouragement, and support.

While many people achieve sobriety with help from support groups, they are typically most effective when combined with individual or family therapy. Support groups benefit those with substance use disorders (SUDs), as well as their loved ones, by offering:

• Emotional assistance
• Instruction
• Consciousness
• Support and motivation
• Social interaction
• Self-awareness

Cannabis Withdrawal | FAQs

Why Do You Get Withdrawals From Weed?

Typically, withdrawal occurs when your body and brain adapt to the presence of a substance in your system. In the case of marijuana withdrawal, that substance is THC. When you frequently consume marijuana (THC), your body may develop tolerance and dependence. Tolerance refers to the need to consume higher amounts of THC to feel its effects.

When Do Symptoms Of Weed Withdrawal Begin?

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms generally begin to appear 24–48 hours after stopping its use. The initial withdrawal stage is typically marked by sleeplessness, irritability, reduced appetite, tremors, and sometimes sweating and chills. These initial symptoms are expected to peak between days 2 and 6.

What Is The Timeline Of Cannabis Withdrawal?

The duration and intensity of THC withdrawals depend on the quantity of marijuana used prior to cessation. The duration and intensity can differ significantly among individuals. Symptoms may persist for as long as two weeks. However, some symptoms may persist for three weeks or longer in individuals who frequently consume marijuana.

What Are The Flu-Like Symptoms Of Cannabis Withdrawal?

These include headaches, chills, runny nose, watery eyes, and fever.

How Long Do Weed Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Most symptoms of weed withdrawal resolve within 10 days, but some individuals continue to experience them for as long as four weeks. This occurs because the active compounds in cannabis are kept in fat cells within your body. It can take four weeks for your fat cells to release all of them.

How Long Does It Take For Cannabis Receptors To Return To Normal?

Long-term cannabis consumption may result in a decrease in the number of CB1 receptors in the brain. After detoxing from marijuana for a certain time, these receptors start to revert to their normal levels. Research indicates that considerable restoration of CB1 receptor activity happens within roughly four weeks after ceasing cannabis consumption.

However, certain studies suggest that the upregulation of CB1 receptors starts a few days after THC withdrawal symptoms begin to appear, with persistent improvements during the initial four weeks. Nevertheless, the speed at which receptors normalize can differ based on personal factors, including the quantity and regularity of cannabis consumption before quitting weed.

What Is The Cannabis Withdrawal Scale?

The Cannabis Withdrawal Scale (CWS) is a 19-question tool that evaluates cannabis withdrawal symptoms and their timeline. The CWS evaluates the severity of cannabis withdrawal symptoms on a 10-point Likert scale. It also assesses the distress or functional impairment caused by each symptom using the same scale.

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Cannabis Tolerance?

To greatly reduce cannabis tolerance, a “T-break” of no less than 21 days is advised since it typically requires about three weeks for THC to exit your body and for cannabinoid receptors to revert to their original levels.

Get Treatment For Substance Addiction And Withdrawal At Gratitude Lodge

If you’re seeking a detox program for alcohol or drugs, Gratitude Lodge in Southern California can assist you. We operate pet-friendly rehabilitation centers in Long Beach and Newport Beach that provide addiction detoxification programs and continuous care.

We provide effective medications to lessen the severity of cravings and withdrawal effects. Our expert treatment team offers emotional support and oversees your entire withdrawal process to reduce complications.

After completing the medical detox procedure, you can participate in a tailored mix of evidence-based therapies such as:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• & more

Upon leaving Gratitude Lodge, you will have strong coping skills, a detailed relapse prevention strategy, and options for continued treatment as needed.

Call us today at 844-576-0144 for more information.