Halting frequent marijuana use, whether it’s to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship with weed or simply to take a tolerance break, has the likelihood of producing a range of symptoms and side effects collectively known as weed withdrawal.
For those who may not be aware, consuming a lethal dose of cannabis is incredibly unlikely. However, if you’re ingesting weed in some way, shape or form regularly, you can develop a psychological dependency.
This reaction, in itself, is enough to indicate the potential need to regain some perspective.
That said, even if you’re just an occasional smoker, there are still several reasons why you might want to lay off the ganja. These instances may include a tolerance break to readjust your levels or an upcoming drug test.
Whatever the reason may be, it is important to understand that you, and more specifically your body, may experience some side effects due to the sudden absence of THC in your system.
With this in mind, today, we’ll be covering weed withdrawal and all it entails. We’ll outline symptoms, causes, and prevention methods, as well as what to do if marijuana use becomes problematic.
While this topic may be more serious or heavy than others, it is essential to discuss it as it could affect any cannabis user directly or impact someone they know. As such, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding to know when it’s time to reevaluate personal weed habits or how you can help someone else.
Without further delay, let’s get started.
What Causes Weed Withdrawal?
Despite years of unfavourable propaganda, with one of the most prominent and recognizable being the Reefer Madness campaign, cannabis has grown to become a widely utilized substance.
That said, this newfound popularity was not an overnight sensation. In fact, it’s the result of decades of passionate and dedicated advocacy.
With sweeping legalizations in Canada and multiple U.S. states, cannabis use for recreational and medicinal purposes is at an all-time high. Still, with this sudden increase in popularity, it’s essential to remain impartial and unbiased regarding the possible risks associated with its use.
In other words, as far as we’ve come, it’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. As we said before, the truth of the matter is that marijuana can still become a habit-forming substance.
One of the unfortunate consequences of trying to rectify that situation is the onset of marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Like we said, frequent marijuana use can result in a psychological dependency and weed addiction, especially when our bodies become accustomed to a direct supply of it on a regular basis.
These reliances typically come about from users utilizing marijuana as a crutch for things such as falling and staying asleep. In more severe cases, some may depend on it so much that they can’t feel normal without it, which is cause for alarm.
This dependence can result in a condition known as cannabis use disorder. Cannabis Use Disorder is characterized as a psychological dependence on marijuana use.
Ultimately, weed contains tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, a psychoactive compound that can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression while also elevating mood. It is also effective for combatting various forms of pain.
So, with frequent enough use, our bodies and minds become dependent on these various feelings and sensations.
Additionally, our bodies have receptors within our endocannabinoid system that naturally engage with THC. More specifically, our CB1 receptors are designed to break down THC and deliver it throughout the body.
Thus, once our bodies have become used to the influx of daily cannabis intake, a sudden halt in usage causes Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome, and it takes time for our bodies to readjust to its absence.
Luckily, unlike alcohol or nicotine addictions, weed withdrawal symptoms are more similar to those that result from cutting out coffee. In this way, they’re unpleasant but manageable. That said, while it may not require hospitalization or dedicated treatment resources, that doesn’t mean that it’s easygoing to get over.
Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms
As we said, as far as other types of addictions go, cannabis may not be as substantial. However, those that partake in it frequently are more than likely to have some variation of marijuana withdrawal symptoms kick in within the first 24 hours of quitting cold turkey.
Of course, these sensations will be more intense and prominent in smoke weed everyday types rather than occasional users. That said, even if you don’t use cannabis frequently, you could still experience some of these symptoms.
Additionally, it is crucial to note that the severity of the symptoms will depend on a variety of factors, including individual physicality and frequency of use.
Below, we’ll outline some of the most common cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Keep in mind, this is not all of them, simply the most prevalent.
Insomnia/ Trouble Falling or Staying Asleep
One of the symptoms you’re most likely to notice right off the bat, especially if you’re used to sparking up before bed, is difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Alongside this issue, many users have also reported experiencing night sweats, chills, intensely vivid dreams or nightmares and other physical symptoms that may impact their sleep quality. This sensation is particularly irritating for those experiencing another weed withdrawal symptom, fatigue.
Anxiety
It may seem ironic that anxiety is a withdrawal symptom, seeing as many turn to cannabis to relieve such conditions. However, halting cannabis use can also have the opposite effect and instead aggravate or intensify these feelings, causing users to feel uncomfortable and restless.
These sensations can extend further to include feelings of paranoia and potential disconnections or delusions in more serious cases.
Irritability
When letting go of any substance you use on a regular basis, mood swings are an expected consequence. These feelings of irritability, when provoked, could also lead to more substantial feelings of anger that could result in various forms of aggression. These outbursts could be verbal or, in more severe cases, physical, depending on the user’s particular temperament.
Increased Cannabis Cravings
This symptom is a no-brainer. If you use something long enough and then suddenly take it away, it’s going to upset your body. This reaction can trigger both physical and mental responses.
So, in this way, when going through weed withdrawal, most users will experience a heightened desire to use it, which is one of the leading causes for some being unsuccessful in quitting.
Physical Discomfort
We’ve already touched on this briefly, but several different sensations can fall under the umbrella term of ‘physical discomfort.’ In the context of weed withdrawal, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, shakes/tremors, sweating, difficulty focusing, and lack of coordination (otherwise known as ataxia) are among the most common.
Depending on your physicality and whether you use other substances, such as tobacco, or if you are already diagnosed with a pre-existing mental health condition, these physical elements may feel more intense.
Additionally, we’re sorry to tell you, ladies. Women are more sensitive to Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome and are more likely to experience mood swings and nausea after quitting weed cold turkey.
Just when you thought that it was hard enough being a woman!
Although this may seem like an extensive list, most marijuana users will only face a couple of these symptoms.
Timeline & Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can typically last anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks, depending on the frequency of use. So, those infrequent marijuana users may not feel any at all. In contrast, others who have years of consumption under their belt will fall into the latter category.
Below, we’ll expand in greater detail what these weeks may look like to help provide a clearer picture.
1 Week of Weed Withdrawal:
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are at their worst in the first week of quitting cold turkey. This initial stage is when sleeping and eating habits will most likely be disrupted.
Cannabis activates the endocannabinoid system responsible for our appetites, sleep regulation, and a host of other bodily functions. With our bodies in a phase of adjustment, it’s normal to be quite irritable, anxious and moody.
Weeks 1-3 of Weed Withdrawal:
At the two-week mark, our systems have become used to living without marijuana. However, substance abuse symptoms may linger.
The most common problems are insomnia, cravings for marijuana, and other psychological symptoms as the physical symptoms continue to fade.
Week 4 of Weed Withdrawal:
At this point, it’s more than likely that all physical and psychological symptoms have passed. In extreme cases, prolonged use of marijuana can lead to persistent symptoms.
However, a four-week detox is more than likely a long enough period for recovery. If symptoms persist after this amount of time, it may be necessary to seek medical advice.
How to Ease Symptoms When you Stop Using Marijuana
Some specific symptoms are unavoidable for those with a long history of cannabis use. These effects can take a toll on our mental health. Thus, by quitting smoking weed, it’s essential to be prepared for the inevitable.
With this in mind, we have generated a list of hopefully helpful tips to help you through.
Find Other Things to Occupy Your Time
Since cannabis is a habit-forming substance, one of the best ways to curb craving thoughts is to replace it with a healthier habit. For instance, try some low-impact exercises such as going for walks. If you’re up for it, you can eventually work your way up to a jog!
Getting your daily dose of exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) is an excellent method for releasing naturally occurring endorphins, which can help improve your mood. Additionally, the sweat you produce from working out can help eliminate toxins from your body.
If exercise isn’t your jam, you can try picking up an instrument, learning a new craft or spending more time with friends or family. Finding something to occupy your mind and keep your body busy is one of the most effective ways to ward off negative feelings and fight marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
Try CBD
We know. It sounds counterintuitive, but let us explain. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. Put another way, it’s not going to get you high, so it won’t negate any progress you’ve made up until this point.
However, CBD can help treat and relieve some of the other unpleasant weed withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain and restlessness.
CBD also has powerful physical healing properties to help ease physical discomfort symptoms such as nausea and appetite loss.
Instill a Healthy Diet
When you’re smoking weed frequently, you’re likely no stranger to the munchies. That said, more often than not, the munchies don’t have you reaching for your daily dose of fruit and veg. Typically, you’re wrist-deep in a bag of chips or munching on some sweet treats.
When you’re experiencing marijuana withdrawal, your body already isn’t going to feel at its best. One way to feel better is to regain control of what you put into it. So, go back to that food pyramid you remember as a child and be sure to fuel yourself with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins!
While you’ll likely be feeling bummed out and fatigued, and we know it’s easier to access, trust us. Junk food is only going to make you feel more tired and irritable.
Weed Withdrawal Recap
Cannabis use is more popular both recreationally and medicinally than ever before. That said, it’s also more widely accessible and available, which could cause some users to go overboard and develop unhealthy and too frequent consumption habits.
This behaviour can quickly spiral into developing a full-blown psychological dependency, which is not ideal.
If you feel like you need weed in order to function or notice these signs in someone else, it may be necessary to reevaluate your relationship with cannabis and why you’re using it in the first place.
It’s true. Marijuana has numerous medicinal properties and healing benefits, but there is room for having too much of a good thing or relying too heavily on its effects.
In this sense, if you do feel the need to take a break, whether it’s to readjust your tolerance or to reevaluate your perspectives, it is essential to know that there will be some temporary consequences in the form of marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
We won’t lie. It won’t necessarily be a fun experience, depending on how frequently you use weed. However, there are methods to soften the blow of these reactions to make them more tolerable, including finding other hobbies to occupy your time and maintaining a healthy diet.
Ultimately, while it may be tough in the thick of it, you’ll come out all the better for it on the other side.
Good luck!
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