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Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

marijuana withdrawal timeline_
 

Marijuana stands as the most commonly used drug in the United States. In the year 2019, 48.2 million Americans reported using it at least once, a whopping 18% of the population.

While still federally illegal, its expansion in the world of medicine and beyond have highlighted a clear fact: people really like it. As it has become a more normalized part of many people's everyday lives, attention should be paid to the fact that, as with any other substance, dependence and addiction are possible. Banyan’s Heartland treatment center breaks down the marijuana withdrawal timeline and symptoms to consider. 

How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?  

This will greatly depend on a number of factors, including how long you have been using cannabis, as well as how much. According to research, there is a marijuana withdrawal timeline that should be considered throughout the process: 

  • Symptoms will arise within a week after discontinuing use. 
  • You will likely reach the peak of these symptoms within 10 days after discontinuation. 
  • Once over that peak, symptoms will begin to steadily decline in severity over 10 to 20 days. 
  • As stated before, the length and severity of cannabis withdrawals will heavily depend on the amount and frequency of use in the individual in question. 

Understanding timeframes is only one factor to consider when determining to cease cannabis use. Exactly what your body will go through at these times is worth considering as well. 

Withdrawal Symptoms of Marijuana  

While the process can look different for everyone, there are a few common experiences among people dealing with a THC detox.  

Mental symptoms include: 

  • Decrease in appetite 
  • Intense cravings 
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia 
  • Feelings of irritability, anger, and/or aggressiveness 
  • Extreme anxiety or nervousness 
  • Restlessness 
  • Depressive moods 

Physical symptoms are possible as well and can look like: 

  • Fever 
  • Chills 
  • Sweating 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Shakiness/tremors 
  • Headache 

Depending on the amount of cannabis use, symptoms can range in severity and length. Some individuals can even continue to experience mild sensations of depression, lethargy, mood swings, and difficulty staying motivated for weeks to months and even years after the time of their discontinued use. 

Being that symptoms can be speedily resolved if the individual smokes again, cravings and relapse are common issues for those looking to quit. This can fuel a cycle that many struggle to break away from on their own. Luckily, resources are available to ensure that you don't have to do it by yourself. 

Knowledge and Understanding Continue to Evolve  

Many people struggle to shake their dependence on THC despite their proven efforts. This can be due to a number of reasons. For one, pot is quickly becoming a normalized part of many Americans' lives. As legalization efforts continue around the country, increased access has made it easier than ever to obtain the substance in a number of states. Some people have even opted to cut out all other substances, save for marijuana, adopting what has been popularly dubbed the “California Sober” lifestyle.  

Another factor to consider is how our understanding of the actual health risks involved in marijuana use has been in constant development. As the war on drugs has evolved with the times, there is still so much we don’t know, especially in regard to the long-term effects of chronic cannabis use. We are likely going to be learning things in real time regarding these potential consequences. 

You Don’t Have to Deal With Cannabis Withdrawals Alone  

If you feel that ceasing cannabis use can benefit you in the long run, don’t let the marijuana withdrawal timeline deter you. While symptoms may be uncomfortable, you should take solace in knowing that anything you experience will almost certainly be less severe than withdrawing from an addiction to hard drugs like cocaine or heroin.  

In cases of the latter substances mentioned, Banyan’s Heartland detox offers specialized programs to assist in bringing the body down to levels receptive to treatment and care. Any kind of dependency can be a struggle, but our Illinois addiction treatment programs can make a world of difference in getting you back on the right track. Our variety of unique therapies and care methods can be utilized in effectively treating your addiction and guiding you down the path of recovery.  

To get more information about Banyan Heartland drug treatment, call 888-280-4763 today! 

 

Related Readings: 

History of Marijuana Use 

How Does Marijuana Affect the Heart? 

 

Resources 

CDC - Marijuana Data and Statistics 

NCBI - Time-course of the DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal symptoms in poly-substance abusers 

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.