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(910) 812-1728
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Marijuana Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Marijuana withdrawal can include a mix of physical and emotional symptoms, making it challenging to stop without proper support. Learning more about the withdrawal symptoms and how to manage these symptoms is the first step to recovery.

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Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

When someone stops using cannabis after regular or heavy use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on how long and how heavily the person has been using cannabis.1 Your withdrawal timeline may be different than others, but most people will experience similar symptoms and timelines based on their length of time using weed.

Quitting Weed Timeline

The timeline for marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically begins within 1 to 3 days of quitting, peaks within the first week, and gradually reduces over 2 to 4 weeks. Some symptoms can linger longer for heavy users.

Weed Withdrawal Symptoms

Weed withdrawal symptoms can include: 

Causes of Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal occurs because of the body’s dependence on the chemical compounds in cannabis, specifically THC. Regular cannabis use alters brain chemistry, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

When THC levels drop, the brain experiences a temporary imbalance, leading to withdrawal symptoms.1

How Long Do Weed Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

For most people, withdrawal symptoms last about 1 to 2 weeks, but some symptoms, such as irritability and sleep disturbances, can persist for up to a month, especially for heavy or long-term users.2

Stages of Weed Withdrawal

  1. Day 1-3: Irritability, anxiety, and cravings begin to appear.
  2. Day 4-7: Sleep disturbances, mood swings, and loss of appetite are most intense.
  3. Day 8-14: Symptoms start to improve.
  4. Day 15+: Some people may experience lingering effects like fatigue or anxiety, which should gradually subside.

Cannabis Withdrawal Treatment

Cannabis withdrawal treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, support groups, and sometimes medical intervention. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals address the psychological aspects of cannabis use and develop healthier coping strategies. 

Support groups, like Marijuana Anonymous, provide a community of individuals who are going through similar experiences, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and increase motivation. 

In some cases, medical supervision may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms, with medications used to help with issues like sleep disturbances or anxiety. A comprehensive treatment approach aims to address both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.

How to Detox From Weed

Detoxing from weed involves stopping cannabis use entirely and allowing your body to eliminate THC. The process begins with stopping marijuana use and hydrating to help flush out the THC from your system.  Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can support your body’s detox process by promoting better metabolism and overall health.3 Getting plenty of rest and using relaxation techniques can also help manage any discomfort or stress that may arise.  For those who experience significant withdrawal symptoms, seeking professional treatment may provide additional support and guidance.

What to Expect from Cannabis Addiction Treatment

When undergoing cannabis addiction treatment, individuals can expect a structured approach that includes both individual therapy and group therapy.  In individual therapy, the focus will be on addressing the psychological aspects of addiction, helping you identify triggers and learn strategies to prevent relapse. Group therapy allows participants to share their experiences and gain support from others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and accountability.  Treatment often includes lifestyle support, such as creating routines to maintain sobriety, along with developing healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation techniques. The goal of treatment is to support individuals in maintaining long-term sobriety and rebuilding their lives without reliance on cannabis.3
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Find Cannabis Addiction Treatment in North Carolina

If you or a loved one are struggling with cannabis use, the first step to recovery is finding a treatment center that meets your needs. 

A great way to start is by speaking with a doctor, therapist, or addiction specialist. They can help direct you to treatment centers with a proven track record of success in substance abuse recovery.

Tree House Recovery can also be a valuable resource for cannabis addiction treatment. We specialize in helping individuals recover from cannabis misuse holistically and have an admissions team ready to guide you toward recovery as soon as possible. Feel free to call (910) 812-1728 to begin your journey to recovery.

  1. Connor, J. P., Stjepanović, D., Budney, A. J., Le Foll, B., & Hall, W. D. (2022, July). Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction (Abingdon, England). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9110555/#add15743-sec-0005

  2. Turner, A. R. (2024, February 2). Marijuana. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430801/

  3. Marijuana withdrawal. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 21). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/marijuana-weed-withdrawal