How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

The length of marijuana withdrawal largely depends on how long you’ve used pot and how much you smoke. If you use cannabis more frequently or at higher volumes, you’ll experience a longer and more severe withdrawal. And if you’re naturally less tolerant of emotional and physical distress, you may also find the withdrawals more difficult.

The symptoms of withdrawal typically start within 24 hours of your last use and peak after two to three days. Although the majority of symptoms last about two weeks, some chronic users have reported having insomnia, night sweats and unbalanced emotions for several months.

Marijuana Detox Symptoms

• Anger: Because many marijuana users smoke as a means of escaping from difficult emotions, they don’t know how to regulate those emotions naturally. The anger you experience during withdrawal can range from a steady, mild stream of rage to a sudden and volatile outburst. These can stem from feelings of anxiety and a general lack of emotional control during the first few days of withdrawing, which results in swaying back and forth between anger and euphoria. However, these unbalanced emotions often regulate themselves naturally within three months.
• Insomnia: One of the most commonly reported symptoms associated with marijuana withdrawal is insomnia. This can range from a handful of consecutive sleepless nights to occasional sleepless nights over the course of several months.
• Nightmares: Nightmares and other forms of vivid dreams are also common in the later stages of withdrawal. They typically start about a week after last use and last anywhere from a week to a month.
• Headaches: This is usually the most common physical symptom associated with marijuana withdrawal. Headaches during the first few days can be particularly severe, but then taper down to being more mild. These dull headaches can least anywhere from two weeks to two months.
• Night Sweats: Sweating is one of the natural ways that the body flushes out toxins, but night sweats during withdrawal can be so severe that you might have to change clothes or sheets. Extra baths or showers may also be required during this time. Night sweats usually last for a few weeks, but may not completely subside for up to six months.
• Eating issues: Many marijuana users report having a loss of appetite during withdrawal. Other stomach-related symptoms can include nausea, cramps or digestion issues after eating.
• Other Symptoms: Marijuana users in withdrawal have also reported experiencing dizziness and shaking. Far less common symptoms include chronic fatigue and kidney pains.

How to Detox from Marijuana

Luckily, there are plenty of easy over-the-counter or at-home remedies that you can use to lessen the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. These include:

• Regular exercise to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anger
• Hot baths or showers to help decompress during moments of anxiety
• Eating bananas and leafy green vegetables to replace the potassium that the body has depleted during periods of night sweats.
• Eliminating caffeine intake until withdrawal-induced insomnia is no longer an issue. Drinking a glass of warm milk before bed can also help with falling asleep.
• Cutting out fat from your diet during moments of difficulty with digestion.

Although marijuana withdrawal is unpleasant, the process is pretty mild compared to kicking “harder” drugs like meth or heroin. With a proper treatment plan and strong support network, you can stop smoking pot and regain control of your life.

Marijuana Detox Centers Near Me

Treatment for marijuana withdrawal and addiction can vary depending on factors like personal usage, the severity of addiction, and any pre-existing health conditions. Regardless, there are local options available for treating marijuana withdrawals. For instance,  American Addiction Centers offers marijuana rehab options at 12 rehab centers across the United States, there are other options available.