Marijuana (Weed) Withdrawal: Symptoms & Timeline

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal substance in the U.S. In 2020, over 49 million people 12 years old or older reported using marijuana within the past year. With more and more states legalizing marijuana, use is increasing — and more information is coming to light about marijuana addiction and cannabis withdrawal.

This article will discuss marijuana withdrawal symptoms, the withdrawal timeline, how long it takes to detox from weed, and how to get help if you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction to marijuana.

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

Many people who use cannabis products wonder, ” how long does marijuana withdrawal last?” Symptoms will vary based on several factors, including frequency of use, amount used, and an individual’s physical and mental health.

How Long Do Weed Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The marijuana withdrawal timeline will vary from person to person, but generally, you can expect:

• First three days: Symptoms of weed withdrawal will begin. Around day three of weed detox, the side effects are at their strongest. Vomiting may occur in addition to stomach pain. Excessive perspiration is often seen at this stage. Individuals may become restless and feel like they need to use marijuana again. Relapse is not uncommon during this stage, so it can be important for individuals who are working on a recovery program to seek out professional addiction treatment.
• Week to 10 days: Marijuana withdrawal symptoms will peak. By day four of weed detox, a lot of the physical symptoms will start to taper off, but the psychological side effects intensify for many people. Depression is very common during this part of the marijuana withdrawal timeline, as the body tries to adjust to functioning without THC. This may persist through the first week of detox.
• 10-20 days: Weed withdrawal symptoms begin to subside. By the time the second week is over, most people are feeling stable and strong again, but continued treatment is still very much an important part of the process.

For most, the body will excrete the drug completely within 30 days. That doesn’t necessarily mean someone will feel the effects of marijuana withdrawal that long though. In most cases, the discomfort of weed withdrawal symptoms lasts only around three weeks, sometimes a little less.

Detoxing from marijuana withdrawal symptoms takes time. While the initial effects of using the drug wear off within three hours, the cannabinoids from it remain in the body for quite a while. While it isn’t as common, people who smoke or consume marijuana heavily may have traces of it in their bodies as long as three months after quitting.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Many weed withdrawal symptoms will start within the first few days after the last use — usually within 24 to 72 hours — for individuals who use marijuana heavily. These symptoms can include:

• Irritability.
• Nervousness.
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
• Weight loss and decreased appetite.
• Restlessness.
• Physical symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, headache, chills, nausea, and stomach pain.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

For individuals who experience anxiety or panic as a result of cannabis withdrawal, prescription anti-anxiety medications can be given in a controlled treatment setting to ease weed withdrawal symptoms. Getting professional treatment that includes evidence-based addiction therapies, can help someone not only get sober but remain in long-term recovery.

It is not uncommon for people with a marijuana addiction to have other underlying conditions, and professional addiction treatment can ensure complications are addressed and any co-occurring issues are also treated.

What to Expect During Marijuana Detox and Rehab

For many people, medical detox is the first step in the recovery journey. Detox helps prepare people for rehab by managing weed withdrawal symptoms and making the process as comfortable and safe as possible. Professional addiction treatment specialists are on hand to promptly address any issues that may arise.

During weed detox and rehab, you will work with your team of specialists to develop a personalized plan for treatment. Therapy is often a part of the addiction treatment process because it helps people to get to the root of their substance use disorder, helps to address and manage co-occurring disorders, and can provide the framework of community and support that is an essential component of recovery. While in rehab, you may participate in one or more of the following therapies:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Rational-emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).
• Contingency management.
• Adjunct holistic therapies, such as equine therapy, art therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and music therapy.

These therapeutic interventions can be conducted in group or individual therapy settings, and individuals often participate in a combination of group meetings, individual therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy.

If you use marijuana and would like to stop, you can seek professional help at . Our compassionate admission navigators are committed to your recovery and are on hand 24/7 to provide information about detox and addiction treatment, as well as answer your questions about using insurance for rehab, our different levels of care, and other drug rehab payment options. At our drug rehab center in Mississippi, we are ready to help you begin addiction treatment today.