For many, marijuana, or weed, has been a part of their lifestyle for various reasons, from medicinal use to recreational enjoyment. However, when it’s time to quit or take a break, the body and mind can react in unexpected ways. If you’re considering stopping or cutting down on weed, you might wonder, “What can I expect during withdrawal?” and “How long will these symptoms last?” In this article, we’ll dive deep into the 11 most common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms, what they feel like, and how long they tend to linger.

What is Weed Withdrawal?

Contrary to popular belief, quitting weed isn’t always a smooth ride. While marijuana doesn’t cause physical dependence in the same way as drugs like heroin or alcohol, it can still trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are usually mild compared to harder drugs but can still be disruptive. The intensity and duration of these symptoms often depend on factors like how long and how heavily you’ve been using weed, your overall health, and your personal tolerance.

So, what can you expect?

11 Common Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and Their Duration

1. Irritability and Mood Swings

One of the most common symptoms of weed withdrawal is irritability. You may feel easily agitated or experience intense mood swings, ranging from frustration to anger. This happens because marijuana impacts your brain’s dopamine levels, the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

Duration: Typically, mood swings and irritability peak within the first 2-3 days and can last up to two weeks, though some people may notice irritability fading sooner.

2. Anxiety

Weed has a calming effect for many, so it’s no surprise that quitting can cause anxiety or even panic attacks. Your body has gotten used to relying on the calming effects of marijuana, and without it, stress can feel more intense.

Duration: Anxiety generally starts within the first 24 hours after quitting and can last from a few days to about two weeks.

3. Sleep Problems (Insomnia or Restlessness)

Sleep disturbances are incredibly common. Some people find it hard to fall asleep, while others wake up frequently during the night. Weed, particularly strains high in THC, is known for promoting relaxation and sleep, so quitting may leave your body struggling to adjust.

Duration: Sleep disturbances typically peak during the first week and can last up to 3 weeks or longer, depending on the person.

4. Decreased Appetite

Many people experience a decrease in appetite when they stop smoking weed. This happens because weed stimulates hunger, often leading to “the munchies.” Without that stimulus, your appetite may temporarily drop.

Duration: Appetite changes are usually most noticeable within the first week of withdrawal but tend to return to normal within 1 to 2 weeks.

5. Cravings

It’s not uncommon to experience intense cravings for weed during withdrawal, especially during the first few days. Cravings can come and go, and they are often triggered by stress or by being in environments where you used to smoke.

Duration: Cravings tend to peak during the first week but can persist, off and on, for several weeks or even months.

6. Headaches

Some people experience headaches when they stop smoking weed. This can be due to the body adjusting to the absence of THC, which was previously helping regulate certain functions in your brain.

Duration: Headaches usually appear within the first 24-48 hours and can last for a few days, rarely exceeding a week.

7. Fatigue

While insomnia and restlessness are common, others experience extreme fatigue when they stop using weed. Your body might feel sluggish and it could take a while to regain normal energy levels.

Duration: Fatigue tends to last about a week but could linger longer for heavy users.

8. Depression

Marijuana can boost your mood, so it’s natural that some people feel down when they quit. Depression can vary in severity and may be more prominent in individuals who used weed to manage stress or underlying mental health conditions.

Duration: Depression symptoms often appear within the first 1-3 days and can last up to 2-3 weeks, with improvements as the brain adjusts to life without marijuana.

9. Nightmares and Vivid Dreams

Another strange, but common, withdrawal symptom is experiencing vivid dreams or nightmares. This happens because weed affects REM sleep, the stage where most dreaming occurs. When you quit, REM sleep rebounds, often causing intense dreams.

Duration: Nightmares and vivid dreams are usually most intense during the first week but can last for up to a month.

10. Restlessness

You might find it hard to sit still or relax after quitting weed. Many report feeling “on edge” and unable to unwind, which is the opposite effect that marijuana typically has.

Duration: Restlessness peaks within the first few days and typically subsides within 1 to 2 weeks.

11. Chills or Sweating

Physical symptoms like chills and sweating are less common, but they can happen, especially in those who were heavy users. Your body may react as it tries to adjust to the absence of THC, leading to these uncomfortable sensations.

Duration: These symptoms usually last 2-4 days and improve as your body detoxifies.

How Long Does Weed Withdrawal Last?

Weed withdrawal symptoms can vary in length depending on the person, but most people start feeling better within 1-2 weeks. The most intense symptoms typically subside after the first week, although cravings and sleep disturbances can last a bit longer. In some cases, mild withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to a month, especially in heavy or long-term users.

Coping with Weed Withdrawal

While it can be tough, there are ways to manage these symptoms. Here are a few tips:

Stay active: Exercise can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This can help with sleep issues.

Talk to a professional: If symptoms feel overwhelming, consider talking to a healthcare provider or therapist.

FAQs About Weed Withdrawal Symptoms

1. Is weed withdrawal dangerous? 

No, weed withdrawal is generally not life-threatening. The symptoms can be uncomfortable but are not as severe as withdrawals from substances like alcohol or opioids.

2. Can I quit cold turkey, or should I taper off? 

While some people quit weed cold turkey, others prefer to taper down their use gradually to lessen withdrawal symptoms. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it depends on your preferences and how much you’ve been using.

3. How long does it take for your brain to recover after quitting weed? 

Most people start feeling better within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for your brain to fully recover, especially if you’ve been a long-term or heavy user.

4. Will my sleep ever return to normal after quitting weed? 

Yes, although sleep disturbances can last for a few weeks, most people find that their sleep patterns normalize within a month or so.

Conclusion

Quitting weed might not be easy, but understanding the common withdrawal symptoms and their duration can help you prepare for the journey. Most symptoms, while uncomfortable, are short-lived, and you’ll likely start to feel better within a few weeks. Whether you’re quitting for good or just taking a break, staying informed and having a plan to manage symptoms can make the process smoother.

Remember, if the symptoms feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice. Your health and well-being are worth the effort!

By focusing on coping strategies and understanding what to expect, you can better navigate the path to recovery, making the transition a little easier each day.