Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline
Abstinence from marijuana use generally results in withdrawal symptoms that last for about 2–3 weeks. The onset of symptoms generally occurs within 1–3 days after abstinence and the symptoms reach their peak during days 2–6. After a week of abstinence from cannabis use, most of the withdrawal symptoms start to subside. Some symptoms like difficulty sleeping may show a fluctuating pattern whereas unpleasant dreams tend to occur throughout the withdrawal period. Other symptoms like cravings and depression may also persist for several weeks after the onset of abstinence.
Factors Affecting Withdrawal Duration
Various factors affect the duration and severity of cannabis withdrawal symptoms, including the duration of marijuana use, the doses used, the use of other substances, current life stressors and personality traits. The levels of cannabinoids in marijuana and the method of intake may also influence withdrawal duration. For example, it has become more popular to consume resins from the cannabis plant that have high concentrations of THC. Also, newer marijuana strains with higher levels of the psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and lower levels of cannabidiol are associated with a higher likelihood of developing drug dependence and tolerance, leading to more withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana use is also associated with a high likelihood of using other substances such as alcohol and tobacco, and using these substances during withdrawal may interfere with the detoxification process. Furthermore, co-occurring substance use disorder and mood disorders can also increase the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana Detox and Withdrawal Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms due to stopping marijuana use can cause significant distress and may lead to relapse. Detoxification is the process of eliminating the drug from the body and is the first step in treatment. Cannabis detoxification at an inpatient medical detox or outpatient detox generally involves behavioral therapy, support groups and medications. There are currently no approved medications for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms due to the discontinuation of marijuana use, but medications can help with withdrawal symptoms. Following marijuana detox, enrolling in an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation clinic is recommended.
Medical Detox
A medical detox is the most effective method of detoxification, especially for cases of severe marijuana addiction or in cases involving co-occurring mood or substance use disorders. Medical detox involves 24-hour care provided by doctors and nurses and helps the individual to cope with the withdrawal symptoms using behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy.
Outpatient Detox
Outpatient cannabis detox involves visiting a detox clinic for treatment but allows individuals to carry on with daily life activities such as school or work. Outpatient detox tends to be less expensive than inpatient detox.
Detoxing at Home
Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can cause significant distress and often lead to relapse. Although it is possible to detox at home, this is not advised.
Although there are many detox kits available online, they are not approved by the FDA and may be unsafe, especially due to the presence of adulterants. Home remedies for marijuana detox and natural therapies for cannabis detox are also not advised as there is no medical supervision and there are no studies to back up their effectiveness.
Healthy nutrition may be helpful to counteract the changes in appetite induced by marijuana withdrawal, while exercise and other physical activities are useful in alleviating stress-related symptoms. Engaging in hobbies and other activities may provide a useful distraction from the withdrawal symptoms.