Marijuana Withdrawal: What You Need to Know

Many consider marijuana a fairly safe drug, especially since it’s been legalized in some states. But alcohol is legal, and that substance can be incredibly harmful to some. Similarly, marijuana may feel safe because so many use it and it’s so easy to access. However, those who’ve developed marijuana dependence may find weed withdrawal symptoms no joke.

Understanding Marijuana Dependence

Someone who regularly or heavily uses marijuana can develop a dependence on the drug. They require more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect and experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t indulge.

The CDC estimates that individuals who use cannabis have a 10% chance of becoming addicted, and approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana will develop a cannabis use disorder. The risk of addiction is highest for those who start using the drug in adolescence.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, classifies someone as having cannabis use disorder if they experience at least two of the 11 symptoms below within 12 months:

  1. They continuously use marijuana for a longer period than they intended or continuously have to increase the amount taken.
  2. They’ve unsuccessfully attempted to reduce cannabis use.
  3. A large portion of their time revolves around activities related to cannabis.
  4. They have a constant urge to indulge in weed.
  5. Their frequent marijuana use causes negative impacts at work, school or home.
  6. Despite the negative impact in social settings or within personal relationships due to cannabis use, they don’t stop using.
  7. They ignore or lose interest in hobbies and activities they previously loved due to marijuana being their main focus or priority.
  8. Recurrent cannabis use occurs in situations in which it’s physically hazardous.
  9. They continue to use marijuana regularly despite cannabis causing them adverse physical, emotional or mental problems.
  10. They’ve developed a noticeable tolerance to weed.
  11. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms occur when they try to stop using.

Cannabis use disorder is generally grouped into three categories:

  • Mild cannabis use disorder: Two to three of the above symptoms
  • Moderate cannabis use disorder: Four to five of the above symptoms
  • Severe cannabis use disorder: Six or more of the above symptoms

Common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who tries marijuana a few times or uses it occasionally is unlikely to experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms only occur when a person regularly and heavily uses the drug, causing their body and brain to become reliant on the substance. If that regular supply of THC suddenly ends, withdrawal symptoms kick in.

Weed withdrawal, also known as THC withdrawal, typically comes with the following symptoms:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Chills
  • Cold sweats
  • Cravings for weed
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Physical tension
  • Sleep issues, such as insomnia
  • Stomach pain

Someone going through weed withdrawal may experience a few of the symptoms or all of them. The withdrawal experience differs for each person and typically depends on the severity of their addiction. Some individuals may have mild withdrawal symptoms, while others go through an intense withdrawal.

Many underestimate the dangers associated with recreational marijuana use. However, the risk of cannabis use addiction and the withdrawal symptoms that come with it are real. A 2020 meta-analysis of cannabis studies with a total of 23,518 participants found 47% of people using cannabis experienced cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

The Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect

If you’re planning to cut out cannabis and think you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms, knowing what to expect can be helpful. A timeline can help you understand how long you may endure the symptoms and give you an “end date.”

Below is the typical cannabis withdrawal timeline:

  • First 24-48 hours: After cutting off all cannabis usage, expect the first withdrawal symptoms to begin at the 24-48 hour mark.
  • Day 3-7: During this period, the symptoms are most intense. Around day 4, the physical symptoms may start to ease, but the psychological symptoms (such as depression) intensify.
  • Day 8-10: In most cases, withdrawal symptoms begin to decline and disappear.
  • Day 10-21: Heavy cannabis users may experience withdrawal symptoms lasting 3 weeks or more.

Coping Strategies and Support

Going through detox and withdrawal is an emotional, physical and mental roller coaster. It can be one of the most difficult things a person can experience. Knowing you have a challenge ahead of you, set yourself up for success.

  • Tell your friends and family. You want the support of the people in your life. Share your goal and intention to get clean so people can check in on you, encourage you and help you avoid temptation.
  • Clear out cannabis-related items. You don’t want to be tempted to dive back into addiction, so completely remove all cannabis-related items from your home.
  • Make plans to distract yourself. Withdrawal can be challenging if you’re sitting home thinking about all your symptoms. Have a plan to distract yourself by getting out of the house and doing something fun. Fill your schedule with the hobbies and activities you love.
  • Consider professional help. You can go to a professional rehabilitation facility for cannabis withdrawal. A rehab center can help you through the entire process, increasing the likelihood you’ll complete detox successfully.

Planning for Long-Term Recovery

Once you’ve overcome the withdrawal symptoms, you’ve accomplished a big goal and can start on the road to recovery. Of course, anyone who experiences a substance use disorder knows they’re at risk for a relapse.

Prioritize your health and happiness, so you don’t fall back into old patterns.

  • Eliminate bad influences. If people in your life continue to use marijuana around you, it might be worth reevaluating the value of maintaining these relationships.
  • Focus on healthy habits. Focus on activities, relationships and habits that improve your daily life.
  • Get professional help. Support groups and therapists can lend support as you stay sober.

Get Help Through the National Rehab Hotline

If you’re ready to move on from your cannabis addiction, support frameworks can help. You don’t have to do this alone. The crisis hotline specialists at the National Rehab Hotline can provide resourceful information about drug addiction health so you can identify the next steps. Get help now.