Iftikhar Alam
Author
Reviewed by Cannabis Experts
Published on: November 18, 2024 | Updated on: November 21, 2024
Did you fall into the weed temptation last night and now wondering how to overcome its effects? Well, the answer isn’t actually that simple. In most cases, it may take one to two weeks to return to your original state, but it varies.
The intense symptoms may peak within the first week and reduce after a few days. But again, that depends on your body, dose, and other external factors. If you want to learn how long do weed withdrawals last, here is everything you need to know about it.
Weed Withdrawal Timeline
There is no standard weed withdrawal timeline. These are only general estimations, which may vary from person to person.
- In the first 24 hours to 48 hours, the initial symptoms start coming, which include anxiety, cravings, and irritability.
- Between the third and seventh day, some symptoms may hit their peak. For instance, you may experience extreme insomnia, restlessness, headaches, and a loss of appetite. Unfortunately, this is one of the most challenging periods for many.
- In the next seven days, symptoms start reducing gradually. You may start feeling less weak or lazy. However, anxiety may persist.
- Once two weeks have passed, you may notice your mood swings and cravings getting better. The signs will not diminish, but they may become less impactful within the next few days.
Factors that Affect Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and Duration
The duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms may be different for everyone. That’s because not all bodies are the same. Some important factors that help decide whether you will get rid of the symptoms early or late include:
Frequency of Use
If you are a heavy weed user who consumes it regularly, you may see your withdrawal symptoms lasting for a prolonged duration. The symptoms may also be intense, but your body may already be used to such a high impact.
If you are an occasional weed user or someone who has a small quantity only once in a few months, you may get only mild symptoms that might be easily manageable.
Your Use Duration
Are you someone who has been consuming weed for many years? If yes, your withdrawal symptoms may be extreme and prolonged.
However, if you have just started taking weed, you may have less withdrawal symptoms and a faster recovery.
Types of Cannabis Products
If you opt for high-THC products for weed consumption, know that the withdrawal symptoms may be too tough for you. Plus, the entire withdrawal procedure may be prolonged and difficult to handle.
However, low THC products might give you a low-impact withdrawal. That’s because they have high CBD levels, which don’t lead to psychoactive effects.
Consumption Methods
There are many different ways to consume weed, and each has a role to play in creating withdrawal symptoms. For instance, weed consumed through vaping or smoking may affect your body faster. The withdrawal phase may also be longer because these methods allow cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream regularly.
Weed consumed through edibles may take time to show its impact. However, the effect might last longer than even smoking. This means that you may have to wait for a bit to be normal again.
Your Metabolism
If you have a fast metabolism, a good diet, and a healthy routine, cannabinoids may be processed from your body faster than normal. This could lead to a short withdrawal period.
However, if your metabolism is slow and you aren’t into healthy activities, cannabinoids may take longer to leave your body. As a result, your withdrawal may last for a long duration.
Your Previous Withdrawal Experiences
If you have been taking weed for long, you may know the art of managing your withdrawal period in a better way. This may help you get back to normal in fewer days than most people.
But, if this is your first time taking weed, it may take time for you to get out of your withdrawal phase quickly.
Some days may feel tougher than others. However, with specific fruitful tips, you may be able to achieve success.
How Long Do Weed Withdrawals Last: Tips to Reduce the Duration
You can’t eliminate the withdrawal symptoms completely. However, you can always follow a few strategies to reduce the duration and intensity of this period.
Here are a few plans to follow.
Stay Hydrated
If you want to reduce your withdrawal symptoms or the duration, drink as much water as possible. Hydrate your body so you can flush out cannabinoids and other bad toxins faster than usual.
Drink more than ten glasses of water with weed consumption. You can also opt for herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger.
Opt for a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Add nutrient-rich food to your diet. This may include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. You can also have fish, flaxseed, and lots of nuts to help your body recover from withdrawal faster.
Food such as junk may increase irritability and fatigue during this period. So, avoid such items as much as you can.
Make Sure to Exercise Regularly
Increase your physical activity as it helps elevate your endorphin levels. As a result, you may find it easy to combat symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Cannabis withdrawal may disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid it by exercising and sleeping well.
If you aren’t into rigorous workouts, do simple yoga or meditation. Practice deep breathing to reduce insomnia and improve your mood.
Incorporate Supplements in Your Diet
Melatonin is an excellent supplement to help you sleep better during withdrawal. It also helps the withdrawal phase to end quickly.
You can also use magnesium to relax your nerves. L-theanine is also a great supplement to help you manage anxiety during withdrawal.
Takeaway
Weed withdrawal isn’t a phase any weed user looks forward to. For some people, it may be longer than expected, and for many, the phase might be extremely tough to handle. That’s because all bodies are different.
However, a good and healthy routine can manage the duration and intensity. Keep your metabolism high, and drink plenty of water so the cannabinoids can leave your body quickly, giving you a sense of comfort.
Sources
Footnotes
- Bonnet U, Preuss UW. The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights. Substance Abuse Rehabilitation. 2017;8:9-37.
- Connor JP, Stjepanović D, Budney AJ, Le Foll B, Hall WD. Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction. 2022;117(7):2075-2095.
References
- Marijuana (Weed) Withdrawal: Symptoms & Timeline. Oxford Treatment Center. Accessed 09/29/2024.
- Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment. American Addiction Centers. Accessed 09/29/2024.
- Melatonin-Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. Accessed 09/29/2024.
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Cannabis use is subject to local laws and regulations, which vary widely by jurisdiction. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or altering an existing treatment regimen. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Use cannabis responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws. This blog is intended for adults aged 21 and over. The Sanctuary Dispensaries D186, D187.