As many states pass legislation decriminalizing or legalizing recreational marijuana use, more people have legal access to this substance than ever before. People may experiment with marijuana or use it regularly for recreational use. Many people also use THC products to treat medical or mental health conditions.

However, some people may choose to quit using marijuana for a variety of reasons. Learning to live without marijuana can be challenging, especially if you have been using it frequently.

Quitting marijuana can be challenging. Although many people do not think marijuana is addictive, some people experience a range of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Research shows that up to half of people using marijuana for clinical pain management experience withdrawal symptoms if they cut back or stop marijuana use.

Quitting marijuana can take time, patience, and commitment. Understanding potential withdrawal symptoms you may experience may make the withdrawal period more manageable.

This article will explore how long it takes to detox from marijuana.

If you or someone you love is struggling to quit marijuana or you are curious about what support is available during marijuana detox, reach out to the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists. Contact our intake team to learn about our treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Marijuana Withdrawal: An Overview

Whether you are choosing to stop using marijuana for health reasons, work, or other goals, knowing what to expect during withdrawal can make the process easier.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. However, many marijuana users experience withdrawal syndromes after quitting THC. Some common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:

•  Flu-like body aches and malaise
•  Shaking
•  Excessive sweating
•  Nausea
•  Headache
•  Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
•  Mood changes, including anxiety, irritability, and depression
•  Nightmares
•  Increased aggression
•  Cravings

These symptoms can make you uncomfortable. You may experience symptoms that vary at different points of the withdrawal timeline. Understanding common withdrawal symptoms may help you to prepare for the detox process.

In most cases, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous. Knowing that the symptoms will pass, practicing self-care, and seeking treatment can help you focus on recovery.

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Exploring the Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), cannabis use disorder can cause people to experience significant, distressing withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

Although cannabis withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, the physical and psychological symptoms can make people miserable. It can be challenging to complete detox without relapsing because of this discomfort.

Knowing what to expect at each stage of detox may help you stay on track. Here is a typical weed withdrawal symptom timeline.

Day one

Many people find that the first day of weed withdrawal is the most challenging. On the first day, you may experience intense cravings for marijuana. Some people experience stomach pain, nausea, and excessive sweating. It is also common for people to lose their appetite altogether.

Knowing what to expect on the first day may help you prepare for it. To have the best chances of success, choose to quit on a day when you do not have to work, attend school, or care for others.

Make sure you have plenty of distractions, such as movies, physical activity, or other Pleasant activities. It is also critical to ensure you do not have access to marijuana or THC products when your cravings are most likely to be strong.

One week

The first whole week of your marijuana detox may be challenging because you are likely to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Your symptoms may include:

•  Irritability
•  Restlessness
•  Anxiety
•  Insomnia or poor sleep
•  Cravings

Cravings will likely be more intense until the middle of the first week. It is essential to focus on self-care by staying hydrated, having plenty of distractions, and eating well. You must also limit your exposure to situations or people that may trigger or cause cravings.

Two to four weeks

After the first two weeks of your detox, you may begin to feel more comfortable. Your symptoms are likely to improve during this time.

However, some people find that they may still struggle with insomnia or nightmares for several weeks. Some people also experience study depression or anxiety for several weeks after quitting marijuana.

After one month

After a whole month without using marijuana products, you may find that your symptoms have mostly disappeared. You are likely to feel much more comfortable and able to manage any lingering withdrawal symptoms.

Some people continue to have restlessness, nightmares, depression, or other symptoms after a month has gone by. However, these symptoms are likely to be much less intense than at the start of the process.

Everyone has their own experience with marijuana detox. Many factors can affect the length and severity of your withdrawal symptoms, including:

•  The amount of marijuana you used
•  Your gender
•  Your mental health
•  Environmental factors
•  Genetics
•  Other substances you used at the same time

Some people require professional addiction treatment, including a medical detox program, to kick the marijuana habit once and for all. Having professional substance abuse treatment, including medical professional supervision, medications, and support groups, can help people overcome marijuana addiction and move forward.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the caring specialists at the Carolina Center for Recovery to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal
3. Dove Press: The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights
4. JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis