Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect When Quitting Weed

Marijuana (cannabis) withdrawal is a real condition acknowledged by psychologists. So if you’ve stopped smoking weed and you’re feeling irritable, having trouble sleeping, experiencing a loss of appetite, or other withdrawal symptoms, you are not alone, and there is a reason it’s so difficult to quit.

Cannabis Use Disorder is when someone develops a dependency to marijuana or cannabis products. Like other substance use disorders, quitting often results in withdrawal. Fortunately, most of the symptoms associated with cannabis withdrawal are non-life-threatening.[1] Even so, they can be uncomfortable and, at times, overwhelming. The intensity and duration of your marijuana withdrawal will depend on a variety of different factors.

Below is an explanation of the daily cannabis withdrawal timeline, why withdrawal occurs, and some suggestions to help make the process easier.

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline at a Glance

How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

Here’s how much time it takes to withdraw from marijuana based on what we know from studies and medical professionals:

• Typically begins 24–48 hours (sometimes up to 72 hours) after discontinuing use.
• Generally reaches its peak at 2–6 days.
• Acute symptoms typically resolve themselves by 1–2 weeks.
• Heavier users will typically see some of their sleep disturbance, emotional instability, and cravings subside within 3–6 weeks.

There are big differences between an infrequent user and a frequent or daily marijuana user, and those who consume the substance frequently or use high-potency products can expect withdrawal to take longer.

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

First 24–48 Hours

The first couple of days after you stop using marijuana are going to be tough on your body as well as your mind. Your brain will have started adjusting to no longer having the drug in your system.[6] Some of the things you might experience in these early stages are:

• Craving marijuana
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia/trouble sleeping
• Reduced appetite

Some helpful tips for reducing the amount of discomfort you’ll experience in those initial days are:

• Stay hydrated
• Stick to a daily schedule
• Avoid taking caffeine close to bedtime

Days 2–6: Withdrawal Symptoms Peak

These next few days are probably the worst part of marijuana withdrawal. It’s common to experience a variety of different symptoms, such as:

• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Vivid dreams
• Night sweats/chills
• Headaches
• Low appetite/stomach issues
• Difficulty thinking/concentrating
• Strong cravings.

All of these symptoms occur due to the brain receptors in your brain being forced to readjust to not receiving marijuana anymore.[3] As soon as the brain gets used to not getting marijuana all the time, the severity of your symptoms should start to decrease.

Week 2: Withdrawal Symptoms Continue to Improve

Generally by the second week, people are noticing they’re starting to feel physically better. Their appetite has returned, they don’t feel sick, and their irritability has lessened. Anxiety may still be present, but it generally feels much more controllable.

While most people will find significant relief from most of their symptoms, they can still occur. These could be poor sleep quality, vivid dreams, cravings, and a lack of motivation.

Weeks 3–6: Some Symptoms Subside, Some Do Not

At this point in time, most people report that they’ve made a full recovery from their marijuana withdrawals. However, some symptoms may persist.

These could be emotional disturbances such as poor sleep quality, mood swings, occasional cravings, and a low stress tolerance. Those who were heavier users, or smoked for extended periods, may take longer to recover completely. It is important to remember that everyone is different and your recovery will progress on your body’s timeline.

Why Each Marijuana Withdrawal Symptom Happens

Learning about what causes all these physical and mental changes will help you see that this process is really just your body changing back to normal from the effects of marijuana.

Emotional Withdrawal

The majority of people experience emotional fluctuations such as anxiety or irritability, and even mild cases of depression as their brain’s chemical signals get readjusted after no longer having access to marijuana all the time.[4] Like every other type of withdrawal symptom, the emotional highs and lows will be temporary, though they may feel extreme in the moment.

Marijuana Withdrawal Sleep Problems

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include insomnia, difficulty staying awake/waking up multiple times through the night, vivid dreams, and nightmares. Marijuana can affect your sleep patterns, which is why you might have some problems sleeping for a while after you stop using it.[5]

Other Physical Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal

Commonly experienced physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include headaches, excessive sweating, feeling cold or having chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These are generally felt by individuals during the peak withdrawal period because their bodies need time to adjust to functioning without cannabinoid substances.

Cognitive Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal

Many people report cognitive issues including brain fog and a decreased ability to concentrate or stay motivated. Fortunately, many users find relief within weeks of discontinuing use.

What Can Affect How Bad Your Withdrawal Symptoms Are?

A variety of factors may contribute to making your experience longer or worse than a typical marijuana withdrawal:

• How often you have used marijuana, whether daily or just on occasion
• Whether you are using high-potency THC products
• If you’re using marijuana concentrates (like “dabs,” “wax,” or “vape cartridges”)
• How long you’ve been using marijuana
• If you also suffer from anxiety, depression, or any other co-occurring mental health disorder
• Any previous experiences you’ve had withdrawing from marijuana

What Actually Causes Marijuana Withdrawal?

When we consume marijuana for an extended period of time, the active ingredient, THC, continuously binds to chemical receptors in your brain. Your brain will gradually adjust how these receptors operate over this time.

If we remove the THC from our body and stop consuming marijuana, the brain chemical receptors become unbalanced and have to readjust until they get back to how they were functioning before. In simple terms, marijuana changes the way your brain works, and when you stop using it, your brain has to readjust, and this readjustment period can cause withdrawals.[6]

Are There Ways to Help Lower Marijuana Withdrawal Side Effects?

The following strategies are based on the latest scientific evidence and practical research applications. They are designed to support recovery from marijuana withdrawal, not cure it.

Maintain good sleeping habits: 

• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Avoid screens before bedtime
• Keep your bedroom dark while sleeping
• Do not consume caffeinated beverages too close to bedtime.

Engage in physical activity: 

• Exercise (walking, running, cycling, swimming, etc.) can be helpful in reducing irritability while improving your mood during the withdrawal period.

Have regular small meals: 

• If you find it difficult to eat due to loss of appetite, eating smaller portions more frequently will help.
• Maintaining hydration by drinking enough water along with incorporating food high in protein into your diet will help to sustain you throughout this process.

Manage stress: 

• Try the use of deep breathing exercises
• Utilize mindfulness (an intention to focus on the present moment with an acceptance of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environment without judgment)
• Therapy/counseling/cognitive behavioral therapy
• Journaling

Remove your exposure to potential triggers: 

• Get rid of your marijuana products
• Minimize your interactions with people and situations which have caused you to smoke in the past
• Ask your family, friends, and loved ones to hold you accountable to meet your personal goals.

Why Marijuana Withdrawal Feels Different for Everyone

What makes each person’s marijuana withdrawal timeline unique? Each person will experience differences due to how much marijuana they smoked, the potency of the marijuana they used, how often they used marijuana, body composition, metabolism, genetic makeup, pre-existing mental health issues, sleep habits, current stress levels, and how they consumed the drug (such as smoking/vaping or edibles).

Because so many factors can affect it, if your withdrawal timeline looks different from what has been outlined, don’t worry – you are still going through the same process. It is important not to compare your personal experience to another person’s recovery. Doing so can lead to an unhealthy level of anxiety, which can negatively impact your ability to recover.

Do I Need to See A Doctor?

There are times when you need more than just self-help methods. In the event you find yourself experiencing some of these listed below, please seek professional help.

• Severe anxiety/nervousness
• Weight loss
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression
• Inability to sleep/insomnia
• Repeating relapse due to withdrawal symptoms
• Co-occurring alcohol/substance dependence
• Pre-existing mental health disorders

Please note that seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness.

Conclusion

Withdrawal from marijuana occurs in a relatively predictable fashion, and though it is uncomfortable, it is a temporary state. Most people tend to feel better by the end of the second week after quitting, and continue to heal throughout the next thirty days.

If you are having difficulty quitting marijuana, continue to relapse, or are feeling hopeless about your ability to quit, there are many forms of support available. Behavioral therapy and addiction counseling can both significantly increase a person’s chances for long-term success.

Reach out to Alpas for addiction treatment today. Our admissions specialists can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you see what treatment can look like for you.