Marijuana, also referred to as weed, is the dried leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the cannabis plant.
It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the active chemical that produces psychological effects. There are several methods of ingestion for marijuana such as smoked via hand rolled cigarettes, also known as joints, packed into pipes, and/ or smoked out of water pipes (bongs), inhaled, or vaped via a vaporizer (using marijuana extract), baked into food (edibles), or steeped into a tea to drink.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified marijuana as a Schedule I Substance, which are defined as “drugs, substances, or chemicals…with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” THC functions like the natural chemical produced in one’s brain known as anandamide. The primary function of this chemical is to send messages between the nerve cells throughout one’s body. The brain of an individual that habitually abuses marijuana erroneously thinks it is producing ample amount of anandamide when it is relying on THC. This can result on one’s brain ceasing to produce anandamide, leaving an individual reliant upon THC to function properly. When marijuana is absent from one’s system it will physiologically react, and withdrawal symptoms will ensue.
Detox & Withdrawal Timeline
There are three important stages in the timeline of withdrawing from marijuana, which are divided as follows:
- Onset of symptoms: Marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically start 24 to 48 hours after stopping use. Symptoms will initially be mild but can increase in intensity. Common examples of withdrawal symptoms could include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following, provided by Medical News Today:
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Diminished appetite
- Concentration difficulty
- Sweating
- Chills
- Aggression
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Fever
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Marijuana cravings
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Peak of symptoms: Most marijuana withdrawal symptoms will peak within two to six days after one’s last use. This stage is often considered the most difficult, but symptoms progressively improve after the peak is reached.
- Resolution of symptoms: While some residual cravings may still be present, it is rare for withdrawal symptoms to continue past three weeks after one’s last use.
Each individual recovering from marijuana abuse will have a nuanced and unique experience. There is no exact withdrawal timeframe that is true for everyone. Several contributing factors play a role in the severity of one’s withdrawal symptoms, the exact duration each symptom may last as well as which withdrawal symptoms manifest. One’s personal health history, the potency of the marijuana abused, the amount abused, how long an individual abused marijuana in addition to any simultaneous use of other substances will all factor into one’s withdrawal experience.
For Information and Support
Contemplating detox can be a very challenging time. Before any individual can begin to work on the underlying issues contributing to their substance abuse problem, they must be separated from the substances in their systems. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Sherwood Detox offers a stand-alone detox program. For additional information on detox, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 818-626-9959 or feel free to email us anytime. One of our trusted counselors is available to talk and discuss how we can best support you on your journey.
