Cannabis (Marijuana) Withdrawal: Effects & Timeline

Often, marijuana is deemed harmless, with many people unaware that it is possible to become physically dependent, even addicted. With changing marijuana laws and increased public acceptance, the rates of marijuana use have been climbing over the last 20 years.¹ In fact, even though the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that up to 30% of those who use marijuana have some degree of marijuana use disorder, over 68% of regular users said they didn’t think it was addictive in a 2019 survey.^2,3

Those who attempt to quit using weed may be surprised to find that they suffer a range of weed withdrawal symptoms when they do. Cannabis withdrawal syndrome can make quitting marijuana more difficult and is a risk factor for relapse.^1,4

The Weed Withdrawal Timeline

When you are trying to significantly reduce your use of marijuana or quit smoking weed entirely, you may begin to experience acute withdrawal symptoms relatively quickly. As you work to clear the marijuana in your system, you may experience a timeline similar to the following:

• Most symptoms of marijuana withdrawal will begin within the first 1-3 days.
• Symptoms will peak in severity at some point during week 1.
• Within 2 weeks, most acute symptoms will resolve.

How Long Do Weed Withdrawals Last?

In some cases, the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, particularly the psychological/mood symptoms, may persist up to 5 weeks after quitting.⁵ Sleep issues are among the most troubling for those in early sobriety from marijuana.^4,6 Difficulty sleeping, including insomnia and strange dreams, may persist for a 30-45 days or more.^6,7 Of all the cannabis withdrawal symptoms (see below), problems with sleep are the most likely to lead to a relapse back to marijuana use.⁴

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Weed withdrawal mental symptoms are some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms often include:^1,4,8

• Irritability/hostility.
• Nervousness and anxiety.
• Restlessness.
• Decreased appetite/weight loss.
• Insomnia.
• Strange or unsettling dreams.
• Depression.

The less common physical marijuana withdrawal symptoms that some people experience during this time include:^1,4,6

• Sweating.
• Headaches.
• Tremors.
• Stomach pain.
• Nausea/vomiting.

Older and middle-age individuals may experience fewer and less severe withdrawal symptoms than younger adults.

Who Goes Through Cannabis Withdrawal?

Cannabis withdrawal is likely to occur in those who have greatly reduced their intake or stopped using marijuana after using regularly (daily or several times per week) and heavily.^4,9 Among regular or dependent users, the prevalence of cannabis withdrawal syndrome is 47%, according to a meta-analysis of studies involving more than 23k participants.¹

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) states that withdrawal is generally more common and more severe among adult marijuana users than among adolescents. The reason for the discrepancy is likely due to adults using more frequently and in higher amounts than adolescents/teens.⁶

Among heavy cannabis users and those enrolled in rehab for marijuana, 50-95% report experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Among non-treatment seekers who report having used marijuana regularly during a period of their lives, up to 33% report experiencing marijuana withdrawal. Those in treatment for marijuana are likely to have been heavier users, which may explain the large difference in how many people report withdrawal in and out of treatment settings.⁶

Polysubstance use may also plays a role in marijuana withdrawal. Several studies have shown that cannabis withdrawal symptoms may be more likely to arise in those who use marijuana in combination with tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs; however, those individuals with an opioid dependence who also use marijuana may be less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.^1,4

Those with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, as well as those with PTSD, may also be more likely to experience cannabis withdrawal.¹⁰ They may also experience more severe symptoms than those without.⁶

More Potent Marijuana May Mean Worse Withdrawal

The potency of marijuana being sold for recreational use is increasing in the United States. Marijuana potency may be associated with a greater severity of not only the side effects of marijuana but also with the severity of the withdrawal syndrome.⁴

Marijuana users who engage in “dabbing,” where concentrations of THC are particularly high (20-80%) often report higher tolerance and more severe withdrawal than those who smoke marijuana flowers where the concentrations of TCH are usually between 2% and 6%.⁴

Where to Get Help Quitting Weed  

Cannabis withdrawal rarely requires medical intervention; however, inpatient detox  and rehab in Florida may be helpful for individuals who are unable to abstain from using marijuana due to withdrawal symptom distress.

An individual requiring inpatient detox may also need more intensive addiction treatment, such as spending time in a residential rehabilitation program, and intensive outpatient program or some other form of treatment. They may be able to step down to less intensive forms of care (e.g., residential to outpatient) as progress in their recovery made.

Because some individuals experience distressing psychological symptoms of marijuana withdrawal that lasts for several weeks,⁵ ongoing support after detox, such as group or individual therapy or mutual-help groups can help to reduce the risk of relapse in an effort to alleviate those symptoms.

At Recovery First, our drug rehab in Miami, our staff work with you every step of the way, beginning in day 1 of detox, to ensure you receive the care you need to experience sustained sobriety from any and all substances you’ve been abusing. Call us at today be connected to one of our rehab admissions navigators and learn more about our treatment offerings, including our medical drug detox program near Miami, Florida.