Marijuana use is becoming more and more accepted as a result of state legalization. With each passing year, it seems that we’re going to have even less reason not to use this drug because the stigma has decreased so much in recent years – but don’t let your guard down. Marijuana can be very addictive if you stop using or suddenly quit taking your usual dose for whatever reason – which means withdrawal symptoms may set in when abruptly deprived of cannabinoids.
If you’re trying to quit weed, you may experience weed withdrawal symptoms. This can be a difficult time, but there are ways to cope. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common weed withdrawal symptoms and how to deal with them. We will also provide advice on how to stay motivated during this challenging time.
What is Weed?
Weed, also known as marijuana or cannabis, is a plant that contains the psychoactive compound THC. THC is responsible for the “high” that people experience when they smoke cannabis. Cannabis users can consume the illicit drug in a few different ways. The most common way to consume it is by smoking marijuana, but you can also use edibles or vaporizers as well. It is typically used for recreational purposes, but it can also be used for medical purposes.
What is THC?
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive compound in weed that produces the “high” sensation. THC interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce its effects.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals found in weed. THC is just one type of cannabinoid. There are also other cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBN, and CBG.
What are the Effects of Marijuana Use?
The effects of weed can vary depending on how it is consumed, the THC concentration, and the person’s tolerance. The common effects of weed include relaxation, increased appetite, impaired coordination and memory, and bloodshot eyes.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Absolutely yes, cannabis can be addictive. In fact, about 30% of marijuana users will develop an addiction to it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 10 Americans who use marijuana will become addicted. The number jumps to 1 out of 6 if the person begins cannabis use before the age of 18.
According to the National Library of Medicine, over 300,000 people in the United States receive treatment for marijuana use disorders each year.
If you’re someone who uses weed frequently, then you may have developed a tolerance to the drug. This means that you need to consume more weed in order to achieve the same desired effect. Tolerance can lead to cannabis dependence, drug abuse, and then ultimately addiction.
Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS) is a group of symptoms that occur when marijuana use is discontinued. Cannabis withdrawal syndrome is also sometimes referred to as “marijuana withdrawal syndrome” or “cannabis use disorder.” CWS is a real phenomenon, it can be extremely uncomfortable and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
More than half of regular marijuana users or people who use marijuana daily will experience some form of CWS when they try to quit. According to the JAMA Network Open, cannabis withdrawal syndrome affects 47% of regular marijuana users in the United States.
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
When discontinuing cannabis use, individuals may experience a variety of cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can vary from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms that many people experience when they stop marijuana use. These symptoms can be divided into two categories: physical and psychological. Most marijuana users report flu-like symptoms and a depressed mood when discontinuing their regular marijuana daily use.
The most common marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:
– Irritability or Mood Swings
– Sweating
– Abdominal Pain
– Anxiety
– Tremors
– Diarrhea
– Depression
– Insomnia or Trouble Sleeping
– Loss of Appetite
– Nausea or Vomiting
– Loss of Focus
– Chills
– Upset Stomach
– Headaches
– Body Aches
– Disturbing Dreams
These symptoms can range from moderate to severe and be extremely difficult to deal with, but there are ways to cope. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to deal with the physical and psychological symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.
When Do Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Start?
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms typically begin within the first 24 hours of quitting the substance and they can last up to two weeks in some cases.
Some people may find that they experience withdrawal symptoms for longer periods of time than the average 1-2 weeks. This is usually due to the fact that the longer a person consumes marijuana, the more likely they are to experience withdrawal symptoms. So if you’re a regular or daily smoker, you may find that you experience symptoms that are more severe and persist for longer.
Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline
– Day One: Most people will experience the majority of their physical and psychological symptoms on the first day after discontinuing their marijuana use. This is often referred to as “quitting cold turkey.”
– Days Two through Four: Symptoms usually peak around day three of quitting marijuana and then start to improve by day four. However, some people may still experience nausea, strong cravings, sleep problems, and anxiety during this time.
– Days Five through Seven: By this point, most people will start to feel better. However, it’s not uncommon for some people to still have trouble sleeping, strange dreams, or loss of appetite. These symptoms should start to improve within a week.
Tips on How to Deal with Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are trying to stop your marijuana use and experience withdrawal symptoms, whether they’re physical symptoms or psychological symptoms, there are a few things that you can do in order to help try and ease the discomfort of both physical and psychological symptoms.
Here are a few tips:
– Get plenty of rest
Cannabis withdrawal can be physically and mentally exhausting, so make sure to get plenty of rest. This may mean taking a nap during the day or going to bed early.
– Drink plenty of fluids
A healthy lifestyle and drinking lots of water, juice, and herbal tea will help flush toxins and THC out of your system and keep you hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can make weed withdrawal symptoms worse.
– Eat healthy foods
Eating healthy foods will help your body recover from cannabis withdrawal and give you the energy you need to get through the day. Avoid sugary and fatty foods as they can make your symptoms worse.
– Get some exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which can help to improve your mood and alleviate some of the marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
– Avoid triggers
If there are certain people, places, or things that trigger your weed cravings, do your best to avoid them.
– Talk to someone who understands
It can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through weed withdrawal themselves or is familiar with the process. This could be friends, classmates, co-workers, family members, therapists, counselors, or even support groups.
If you are in the process of quitting marijuana and find yourself struggling with severe withdrawal symptoms, whether you’re using medical cannabis or recreational marijuana, reach out to health care providers at professional treatment facilities like Mindflow Recovery Institute.
Our team of amazing experts and wellness professionals can provide you with the resources and support that you need in order to overcome your physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal and substance abuse, and get on the path to recovery using our science-backed addiction treatment programs. Contact Mindflow Recovery Institute today at 833-957-2690 for more information about our cannabis withdrawal program, and how we can help you with cannabis dependence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does marijuana stay in your system?
THC can stay in your system for up to 30 days. The length of time cannabis stays in your system depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, your metabolism, and your body fat percentage.
What is substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder is a diagnosable condition that occurs when someone can no longer control their use of drugs or alcohol. This can lead to serious problems in their life, such as job loss, financial instability, and relationship problems.
Does marijuana use affect your blood pressure?
It was previously believed that abruptly stopping marijuana use could produce physical symptoms involving the heart, but since then peer-reviewed studies have concluded that quitting marijuana abruptly does not seem to cause any major changes in blood pressure.