How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

Marijuana Withdrawal Duration

How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

Reviewed by: A Medical Professional
Marijuana Withdrawal Duration
5 min read . 5 sections

Marijuana and THC products are legal in several states, and others have decriminalized these products. As more people are gaining legal access to cannabis, more people are using it recreationally or for medical purposes.

Many people do not recognize that it is possible to become addicted to marijuana. However, some people who use it heavily or for a long time struggle to quit when they choose. Many people trying to give up cannabis experience withdrawal symptoms that make it challenging to avoid relapse.

This article will explore marijuana withdrawal.

You will learn:

  • How to recognize cannabis use disorder
  • Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
  • What to expect at each stage of the marijuana withdrawal timeline
  • The treatment available in a medical detox program
  • Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs

If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana addiction, getting treatment and support can help you overcome it. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment.

Understanding Marijuana Abuse and Addiction

People may not be aware of the risk of marijuana addiction. However, people who use marijuana heavily or for a long time may develop physical and psychological symptoms of addiction. The CDC estimates that 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have a cannabis use disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), signs of cannabis use disorder include:

  • Tolerance to marijuana, meaning a need to use more to get the desired effects
  • Experiencing cannabis withdrawal syndrome if they stop using it
  • Using larger amounts of cannabis or using it more often than intended
  • The inability to reduce or stop cannabis use
  • Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, relationships, and more because of cannabis use
  • Continuing to use cannabis despite it causing harm to a person’s health, relationships, or well-being

Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms can make it challenging for people to stop using it, even when cannabis abuse harms their well-being. People with signs of cannabis addiction must seek treatment and support during the detox process. Treatment and support can help people manage the side effects of withdrawal and stay focused on recovery.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Understanding common weed withdrawal symptoms can help you anticipate what will happen during detox. Common cannabis withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Sleep issues, including insomnia
  • Cravings
  • Irritability, anxiety, depression, and other mood changes
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Increased hostility or aggression
  • Headache
  • Nightmares
  • Excessive sweating
  • Tremors
  • Nausea

The symptoms of withdrawal can vary from person to person. Knowing what may happen can help people create a plan to manage their symptoms. Seeking support and treatment during detox can help people manage withdrawal and stay on track, even when it is challenging.

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

Marijuana withdrawal can be challenging, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare for each stage. Here is an overview of what you may experience throughout the cannabis withdrawal timeline.

Day one

The first 24 hours without cannabis can be challenging. Many people experience intense cravings for marijuana. Physical symptoms, including nausea, sweating, or stomach pains, are common. Your symptoms may linger or get worse over the next week.

Day seven

The first week of withdrawal can be very difficult to get through. Throughout the first week, you may experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. Cravings may be intense and frequent.

2 to 4 weeks

After about two weeks without cannabis, you may discover that your symptoms begin to improve. You may feel more comfortable as your physical and emotional symptoms fade. However, many people continue to experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, or depression.

Beyond a month

After a month, your symptoms are likely to be much less intense or completely resolved. However, some people report occasional stomach pains, depression, nightmares, and other symptoms even after a month. In most cases, symptoms will be much more manageable.

Many factors may impact your cannabis withdrawal timeline. These include:

  • The amount of cannabis you used
  • Your gender
  • Your general health
  • Co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Your existing support systems
  • Other substances you used at the same time
  • Environmental factors
  • Genetics

Getting support throughout detox is essential. A detox and addiction treatment program can offer evidence-based and holistic therapies to help you manage your symptoms and remain comfortable throughout detox.

What Treatment to Expect During Marijuana Detox

A marijuana detox and treatment program provides supervision, treatment, and support that can help you manage your symptoms and move forward. A detox and treatment program may include:

  • Medications to increase comfort and reduce the risk of relapse
  • Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
  • Emotional support, including individual therapy and support groups
  • Family counseling
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Mental health treatment, including medication management, behavioral therapies, counseling, and psychoeducation
  • Coping skills
  • Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, nutrition support, and more
  • Aftercare planning and support programs

Overcoming cannabis addiction can be challenging, but getting the right treatment and support can help you stay focused on recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with cannabis abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to explore our treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Facts and Stats
  2. JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder and Reasons for Use Among Adults in a US State Where Recreational Cannabis Use Is Legal
  3. JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids
  4. Science Direct: Prolonged cannabis withdrawal in young adults with lifetime psychiatric illness

Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Most Recent

Categories

We are standing by ready to answer your questions or help with setting up an admission.

Go to top

At The Best Treatment, we prioritize delivering the most precise and up-to-date healthcare information available. Our content is reviewed by licensed professionals specializing in mental health and addiction medicine, ensuring that readers and potential clients receive reliable guidance for their treatment choices. We maintain high standards of accuracy and exclusively use trustworthy sources to provide information on our website.

Check Your Insurance

 

Instantly check the coverage offered by your insurance provider. 

 

  • Your information is confidential and protected under HIPAA privacy rules.
  • Receive a call, text, or email within an hour to discuss your treatment options.
  • Zero obligation to enter treatment.

Get In Touch

 

Your Journey To Recovery Starts Now

 

The Best Treatment Centers offers same-day admission for those seeking help for substance use disorder. Our simple admissions process takes just minutes. Call today for a free, private consultation.

Get In Touch

 

Learn more about our services and how we make the rehab research, selection, and admissions process easy.

Get In Touch