The use of marijuana has grown significantly in recent years, with a lot of people using it recreationally or medically. As more states legalize it, the accessibility of marijuana has increased, so for many, it’s become a common part of everyday life. Despite the reputation as being safe or non-addictive, regular marijuana use can and does lead to dependence.
In fact, more than half of people who use marijuana for pain experience withdrawal symptoms.
Over time, some find it difficult to stop or reduce consumption without going through uncomfortable symptoms known as marijuana withdrawal. It’s a challenge that tends to be unexpected for a lot of people when they try to quit.
Understanding marijuana withdrawal symptoms and the overall marijuana withdrawal timeline can be a crucial part of breaking free from regular use successfully.
Understanding Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal occurs when someone who’s been regularly using it for an extended period either stops or reduces their intake significantly. As is the case with other substances, the brain and body become dependent on the regular presence of THC in the system, which is marijuana’s active compound.
Over time, the brain adjusts to the constant supply. When it’s suddenly taken away, withdrawal symptoms set in as the body tries to rebalance itself.
Withdrawal is a common occurrence for a lot of regularly used substances. When the brain is accustomed to a drug, it takes time to adjust back to normal functioning without it.
In the case of marijuana, the adjustment can lead to physical and psychological symptoms, which can be uncomfortable but are also manageable with the right support.
Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline
The marijuana withdrawal timeline varies depending on things like frequency of use and how long someone’s been using marijuana, as well as their overall health. While everyone’s experience is different, most people follow a general timeline as their body adjusts to the absence of THC.
Days 1-3
In the first few days after stopping marijuana, withdrawal symptoms typically start to set in. At this stage, symptoms will usually be mild. Some people experience feelings of restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping. A decrease in appetite and mild headaches may also occur during these initial days.
Days 4-7
During this period, symptoms peak in intensity. Anxiety and irritability can become more pronounced, and sleep disturbances may get worse and include vivid dreams or nightmares.
Physical symptoms like tremors, sweating and nausea can also occur.
This is usually the toughest phase of marijuana withdrawal because cravings can be especially strong.
Week 2+
By the second week, most withdrawal symptoms will start fading, with sleep patterns improving and irritability and anxiety typically decreasing.
Some people may still have some lingering effects like fatigue, mood swings and mild cravings, especially if they are very heavy or long-term marijuana users.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Marijuana withdrawal can manifest in physical and mental symptoms. You might expect the following:
Physical Symptoms
Common physical symptoms include headaches, sweating and occasional tremors. The symptoms are usually mild but may be uncomfortable, especially early on. Nausea and fatigue may also occur, especially in heavy users.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychologically, marijuana withdrawal can cause feelings of anxiety and irritability as well as mood swings.
A lot of people have heightened emotional sensitivity during this time, so it can be harder to manage stress or other triggers.
In severe cases, a person may feel increased depression as the brain works to restore balance.
Sleep Disturbances
One of the most common and often frustrating symptoms of marijuana withdrawal is insomnia or problems sleeping. Some may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. When they do, they might have nightmares or vivid dreams, but sleep-related symptoms usually improve after the first week.
Appetite Changes
Changes in appetite are common among marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Some may experience a significant reduction in hunger, especially if they used marijuana to increase their appetite previously. On the other hand, some might notice their appetite is increased, or they have cravings for certain types of food.
Cravings
Marijuana cravings can persist throughout withdrawal. The cravings are strongest during the first week and are usually tied to familiar triggers like social settings where marijuana use is common or stress.
Over time, as the brain gets used to functioning without THC, the cravings tend to go away, but it’s important to have coping strategies in place to effectively manage them when they do happen.
How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?
For most, marijuana withdrawal lasts around two to three weeks, with symptom intensity being highest in the first week. Symptoms gradually decrease as the body adjusts to the absence of THC.
The exact duration, however, can vary depending on individual factors.
A heavy or long-term user may see symptoms that extend beyond three weeks since their bodies have built up a greater dependence on marijuana. It can take more time for the brain and body to recalibrate.
Individual variability also plays a role, with factors like metabolism, the frequency of marijuana use and overall health influencing how long withdrawal lasts.
For example, someone with a faster metabolism may process THC more quickly, leading to a shorter withdrawal period. Those with a slower metabolism or underlying health conditions might experience symptoms for a longer period of time.
Managing Marijuana Withdrawal
Managing marijuana withdrawal symptoms can be challenging without the right support.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we offer medical detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms, making the process more comfortable. Our medical detox program provides a safe, controlled environment where symptoms can be managed under the care of professionals.
A key benefit of professional support during withdrawal is access to medical supervision to ensure any physical or psychological symptoms are addressed promptly, preventing discomfort from becoming overwhelming. In addition to medical care, therapy is a big part of the detox process, helping individuals understand their marijuana dependence and build strategies that support their long-term recovery.
Marijuana Detox in San Antonio
Alamo Behavioral Health’s residential treatment program offers a supportive and structured environment that goes beyond detox. Here, we help with not only managing withdrawal symptoms but also provide ongoing counseling and therapy to address the root causes of marijuana use.
Our holistic approach helps individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery, ensuring they have the tools to stay marijuana-free long after the detox ends.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Marijuana Dependence and Its Treatment
- University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry: Weed withdrawal: More than half of people using medical cannabis for pain experience withdrawal symptoms
- NIH: Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal
