The Timeline of Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana, or cannabis, is considered one of the most commonly used drugs in the country. In 2022 alone, 30.7 percent of 12th graders stated they had used marijuana in the past year. What is more is the increasing use of marijuana extracts, or dried leaves crushed or processed for consumption, where 20.6 percent of 12th graders claimed using vaped marijuana. However, just because it is common does not mean it is necessarily in our best interests. Marijuana comes with its own side effects, including marijuana withdrawal. We will discuss that in this article.

Understanding Marijuana Withdrawal

It’s estimated that roughly 19 million people suffered from marijuana use disorder, or the inability to stop using cannabis, in 2023. People often assume that marijuana does not have withdrawal symptoms, but they are wrong. It is becoming more widespread in prevalence due to how the drug is consumed. 

Marijuana withdrawal is most severe among those who use higher-THC marijuana, often found in concentrates and vape cartridges, where the THC content exceeds 20 percent and ranges up to 80 percent. Marijuana edibles can also have high concentrations of the substance. The typical content of THC is 6 percent, thus leaving a lot of individuals struggling to break from the cycle. Those with mental health issues, typical of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are known to experience more severe withdrawal effects than those who are not suffering from mental health disorders.

Lastly, it is estimated that around 3 in 10 marijuana users develop a SUD or substance use disorder. A 2020 study that involved 23,000 participants found that 47 percent of them had marijuana withdrawal symptoms, making it very obvious that this is no joke. There’s also a growing number of people who suffer from “greening out,” or marijuana addiction.

Early Withdrawal Symptoms (Days 1-3)

Early symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can occur within 1-3 days, including less-heightened but still prominent symptoms. Marijuana withdrawal is defined as having three or more of the following conditions within one week of stopping marijuana use: 

• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Depression.
• Headaches.
• Restlessness.
• Decreased appetite.

If these symptoms are experienced, it is considered marijuana withdrawal syndrome. It is also stated that those who smoke heavily for a long period will be much more likely to experience at least one withdrawal symptom, and 43.1 percent report experiencing more than one symptom at a time. A daily smoker is more likely to experience marijuana withdrawal.

Acute Withdrawal Phase (Days 4-14)

At around 10 days, the symptoms reach their peak, and though by the fourth day it is found that most physical symptoms stop, psychological effects worsen for many, often accompanied by severe depression. This is the point where the body begins to adjust to less THC and is known to lessen or worsen based on the person. Symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.

Psychological symptoms can be extreme, ranging from severe sadness to psychosis, depending on the amount used and the person. Headaches, mood swings, and strong cravings may also occur.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (Weeks 3-4)

Though rare, gradual symptoms can still occur in the third and fourth week. 

This typically applies to heavy marijuana users, those with low body weight, and those with other individualized differences. Many experience reduced symptoms by this period, where anxiety and mood swings may decrease in severity and intensity. This is due to the activity of neurotransmitters, which are adjusting to a less-altered emotional state.

Long-Term Withdrawal Symptoms (Month 1 and Beyond)

Not many experience severe long-term symptoms, but those who do will face increased fatigue (due in part to the body adjusting to the change), mild or moderate depression (this is because marijuana has drastic effects on serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood), and trouble focusing (this is because of the impact marijuana has on memory and learning, leaving “brain fog” in its wake). Most individuals do not experience symptoms past this point, but some have reported lingering depression and concentration problems. As the brain adjusts, so will you.

Factors Influencing the Withdrawal Timeline

Marijuana withdrawal is mostly found among individuals who are heavy or long-term users. However, short-term use can cause problems, as well. It is known that the longer you use marijuana, the more likely it is to become part of your daily routine. Every puff leads to higher tolerance, which then leads to the brain adapting to THC. Whenever a substance is consumed, as is the case with marijuana withdrawal, it alters the way the brain is wired. Short-term users, however, may experience less intense withdrawals. This is because the brain has not been altered due to excessive marijuana use, though it does not mean it will not be as hard. 

The frequency of its use, as well as the individual’s physical and mental health, drastically affects the severity of marijuana withdrawal.

Coping Strategies for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several ways to manage withdrawal symptoms. One technique is to ween off of the substance rather than quitting cold turkey. Regular exercise can release endorphins or “feel good” chemicals, thus allowing you to maintain a new routine that does not involve substance abuse. It is also a good idea to work on yourself and your life. If you are struggling with marijuana abuse, remember that help is available at Muse Treatment. 

Try to maintain a sense of self. This allows you to be aware of your substance use, and it can ease the symptoms you will experience with heavy marijuana use. It is a good idea to try and find alternatives to smoking marijuana. Withdrawals will occur, but remember that you are in control of your life. Do not let substance abuse rule over you.

Professional Support and Treatment Options

Do not go at it alone. Marijuana withdrawal requires specialized care. If you are struggling with marijuana abuse or any other type of substance, it is a great idea to contact us at Muse Treatment. We know the power of therapy, support groups, and medical detox processes.

The biggest danger in stopping marijuana use is doing it alone. If you have struggled with marijuana use and are experiencing marijuana withdrawal, seek assistance from a rehabilitation program. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one way to deal with the presence of abuse, allowing you to maintain a dialogue with trained staff members that may reveal your underlying problems. We also offer specialized detoxification programs, which will enable you to taper off of the substance with less discomfort. Learn more about the particulars of withdrawing from marijuana on our marijuana detox guide. Lastly, support groups allow you to see you are not alone.

Muse Treatment’s Approach to Marijuana Withdrawal and Recovery

Here at Muse Treatment’s Los Angeles drug rehab center, we individualize your treatment plans based on you — yes, based on you. Your substance use disorder does not define you, and you are not going to be alone in the process. We have a trained and qualified staff that knows what they are doing, and we feel it is very important to maintain mental health and well-being. If you need assistance with marijuana withdrawal or any other substance, reach out to us at 800-426-1818 or contact us online.