Cannabis is highly percieved as harmless and non-addictive. Legalization and normalization have contributed to this myth. But given the increased potency of modern marijuana, there is danger involved, and it’s only getting worse.

If you have tried to stop using weed and ended up feeling worse instead of better, there’s a clinical explanation. It’s marijuana withdrawal, and like many drugs, it has recognized symptoms and a defined timeline. This article will explain what’s involved.

What Is Weed?

Let’s start by getting a clear handle on the definition of weed.

In the past, when we used terms like marijuana or cannabis, we were typically referring to THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis plants.

Today, we have a better understanding of cannabis and know that not all its compounds are psychoactive. For example, CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive.

When we use the term ‘weed’, we are typically referring to THC and all its sister cannabinoids, such as THCV, THCP, and HHC. It is also commonly called ‘marijuana’ as apposed to traditional cannabis.

How is Weed Addictive?

The difference between CBD and THC provides better insight into weed’s addictive tendencies. Unlike non-addictive CBD, it binds directly to the body’s CB1 receptor, triggering a dopamine release and producing a high.

With heavy use, the body becomes accustomed to operating at high dopamine levels and struggles to produce sopamine naturally. It goes into cannabis withdrawal, producing physical and psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Evidence Behind Weed’s Addictive Tendencies

While weed may not be as addictive as other drugs, a National Institute on Drug Abuse study shows 9% of people who use marijuana develop an addiction. That number rises to 17% when marijuana use begins during adolescence.

Cannabis use disoder is also recognized in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder (DSM-5). The manual defines marijauna addiction by various criteria and uses these criteria to assess its severity.

Dependence vs. Addiction

There is a difference between dependence and addiction, and that’s an important distinction to make with marijuana use.

Weed habits often develop into a dependence in the early stages, producing psyhological symptoms. Marijuana become a way to deal with anxiety and depression, and works as a mood regulator.

Over time, dependency issues can worsen, leading to full-blown addiction. At this stage, people may exhibit behavioral and physical symptoms, like secrecy about drug use, withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities, and spending more time trying to obtain and recover from drug use.

It is best to catch dependency issues before addiction develops as recovery tends to be more effective with early intervention. It makes addiction easier to treat and reduces the personal and professional impacts of cannabis use.

Who Is At High Risk for Marijuana Withdrawal?

Cannabis is more likely to occur with heavy, prolonged use, with higher risks under these conditions:

Daily or near-daily users
Long-term users
Those who started in adolescence
People who use high-potency products (Concentrates, dabs, high-THC flower)
Individuals with co-occuring mental health disorders (these people are more likely to experience mental health withdrawal symptoms)

What are Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms?

THC cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be psychological and physical in nature, as follows:

Mood and Psychological Symptoms: Mood swings may occur, producing emotions that range from irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating
Difficulty Sleeping: People in withdrawal may experience insomnia and vivid or disturbing dreams as REM rebounds after being suppressed by marijuana
Physical Symptoms: These include headaches, sweating, chills, mild fever, decreased appetite, and digestive issues
Cravings: Individuals may experience strong urges to use, especially in the first week of withdrawal, which can be triggered by stress, habit cues, and environmental stimuli

The Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect Day By Day

Because marijuana is stored in fat cells, withdrawal tends to have a slower onset than other drugs. Symptoms may also not be as severe. However, the withdrawal timeline of marijuana detox tends to look something like this:

Days 1 – 3: Onset of symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and appetite loss typically begins 24 – 72 hours after the last use; thi is often the most intense withdrawal period
Days 4 – 7: While initial symptoms may fade, cravings will be strongest at this time; sleep disturbance and insomnia may also occur
Days 8 – 15: Individuals will see a gradual improvement in symptoms; mood and sleep will begin to stabilize; some psychological symptoms may persist
Days 15 – 30: While most acute symptoms will be resolved, people may experience lingering psychological symptoms, like low mood, cravings in response to triggers, and ongoing sleep issues
Beyond 30 Days: Post-acute cannabis withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may occur in heavy, long-term users with ongoing symptoms that typically include sleep disruption and mood dysregulation; these can persist for several weeks or months, but they will go away in time

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

As with any detox process, marijuana withdrawal can be difficult to deal with due to the unpleasant common physical symptoms are mood swings. However, they can be managed with the following approaches:

Holistic Activities: Meditation, yoga, massage, and art therapy can improve mood, support urge surfing to resist cravings, and make triggers easier to deal with
Exercise: Physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and make it easier to sleep
Sleep Hygiene: Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, relaxation techniques, and reducing screen time before bed reduce insomnia
Hydration and Nutrition: Certain foods can help the detoxification process and improve mood
Sticking to a Routine: A sense of routine can routine can support a calming environment and take your mind off drug use

Evidence-Based Therapies

A marijuana substance use disorder may be related to emotional symptoms. Many people use marijuana ro relieve depression and anxiety. While cannabis can provide temporary relief, it often takes people on a downward spiral, contributing to emotional dysregulation and causing legal, financial, personal, and professional issues.

A mental health professional can help address dependency issues, treating marijuana addiction at its root. They use evidence-based methodologies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI), teaching clients coping strategies so they can address without marijuana. This approach can prevent relapse, leading to long-term recovery.

When To Seek Professional Support

It is possible to go through THC withdrawal on your own. It does not require medication, and there is an extremely low risk of medical complications, especially in healthy individuals. However, you may want to seek professional care if the following circumstances exist:

You have tried quitting weed multiple times, but have been unsuccessful
Your withdrawal symptoms disrupt daily functioning
Depression or anxiety during withdrawal is significant (this may indicate a co-occurring disorder, requiring professional help)
You have been using marijuana to self-medicate (this indicates that an underlying mental health issue exists and needs to be addressed)

Capital Recovery Provides the Support You Require

At Capital Recovery, we realize marijuana withdrawal can be difficult. We will be there to guide you every step of the way.

We begin by assisting you through the detox process and recommending healthy habits that help take your mind off drug use and reduce stress. Our team follows up with an evidence-based therapy approach, helping you manage symptoms without weed. We continue to support individuals through aftercare to ensure lasting sobriety.

PAA Questions:

What are the most common marijuana withdrawal symptoms?

The most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include nausea, headaches, cravings, disturbed sleep, and mood swings.

How long does weed withdrawal last?

The initial stage of weed withdrawal lasts about a week. However, symptoms may persist for 30 days or longer in people with a history of heavy marijuana use.

Can you get physically ill from quitting weed?

While serious illness is not likely when quitting weed, you may experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and elevated body temperature.

Does marijuana withdrawal cause anxiety or depression?

Yes, marijuana withdrawal can cause anxiety or depression. Mood swings are a common side effect.

Weed Withdrawal Symptoms: Timeline & What to Expect