Marijuana Withdrawal

People who are dependent on weed or cannabis and suddenly quit using this psychoactive drug may experience unpleasant marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Although less intense than withdrawal from drugs like opioids, alcohol, stimulants, and benzodiazepines, cannabis withdrawal can still be distressing. 

Dependence typically occurs when someone is addicted to marijuana, and although many people falsely believe marijuana addiction doesn’t exist, about 30% of people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder.[1] Additionally, THC levels have increased steadily over time and are now about three times the concentration they were 25 years ago—something that undoubtedly contributes to physiological dependence and weed withdrawal.[2]

What Is Marijuana Withdrawal?

Marijuana withdrawal, also called cannabis withdrawal, occurs when someone who is dependent on weed abruptly stops smoking or consuming it. This is because chronic marijuana use causes neuroadaptations in the brain in which the brain cells and receptors adjusted to the presence of weed and now need it to function properly. 

Research shows that about 47% of people who regularly use marijuana experience weed withdrawal symptoms, and although these symptoms aren’t dangerous, they can be uncomfortable.[3] In some cases, cannabis withdrawal syndrome may cause serious enough symptoms that people may relapse in order to ease these symptoms. In this case, it’s necessary to get professional detox help in order to successfully quit use.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal isn’t typically as intense as withdrawal associated with other recreational drugs. Symptoms can include the following:[3],[4],[5]

• Aggression
• Anger
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Marijuana cravings
• Fever
• Chills

Contrary to popular misconceptions, marijuana withdrawal is fairly common. Research shows that between 50% and 95% of people enrolled in cannabis addiction treatment have experienced withdrawal.[5]

How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

Everyone’s marijuana withdrawal experience may differ depending on many factors. However, weed withdrawal symptoms typically appear within one to three days after last use.[5]

These symptoms then build in intensity and peak around one week after cessation. From there, they gradually dissipate and resolve within about one or two weeks.[5]

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

Protracted Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms

Protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that linger for weeks or months after the acute cannabis withdrawal symptoms have resolved. These symptoms may include: [5]

• Yawning
• Fatigue
• Concentration issues
• Periods of increased sleep and appetite followed by lack of appetite and insomnia

These symptoms can fluctuate and flair up during times of stress. They can also increase the risk of relapse to marijuana use, which is why receiving ongoing support and therapy is so important.

Factors That Affect Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal syndrome can vary depending on many factors, including:[7]

• A person’s individual physiology
• Amount of marijuana used and frequency of use
• Previous withdrawal experiences
• Comorbid medical conditions
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Genetic factors
• Gender (research shows women tend to experience more severe symptoms)

Cannabis Withdrawal Treatment: Inpatient and Outpatient Detox

If a person is experiencing marijuana withdrawal, they may be able to get through it without treatment if their symptoms are not severe. However, this does increase the chance that they might relapse and will continue to use marijuana even when they want to quit.

Professional cannabis detox treatment can provide you with support, care, and monitoring you need to withdraw from marijuana and manage your distressing symptoms. 

Options for cannabis withdrawal treatment include:

• Medical detox: Medical detox is likely not necessary for marijuana withdrawal since it’s not typically dangerous but it may be helpful for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Inpatient detox: Inpatient detox can occur in freestanding detox centers or within addiction treatment facilities and offer 24-hour support and supervision to manage your symptoms.

Outpatient detox: Outpatient detox involves attending treatment during the day and returning home in the evening. This may be a good option if you need flexibility while quitting marijuana.

Medications for Cannabis Withdrawal

No medication has yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat marijuana withdrawal, but some have shown promise. 

A few medications that have been shown to improve cannabis withdrawal symptoms include: [7]

• Nefazodone
• Fluoxetine
• Lofexidine+ THC
• Buspirone
• Lithium

However, these were preliminary studies, and these drugs need much more research before their effectiveness can be proven.

Post-Detox Addiction Treatment

Although detox is an important first step on the continuum of marijuana addiction care, treatment doesn’t end once you’ve gone through withdrawal and stabilized. Detox doesn’t help you address the underlying influences that caused your marijuana use in the first place.

To create lasting change and long-term abstinence, you need comprehensive and integrated treatment, where you can learn coping skills and relapse prevention strategies and build a sober community.