By Rebecca Strong | September 15, 2023
Whatever your reasons may be for cutting out cannabis — know this: As with any other substance you swear off, you can definitely expect that your body will need some time to adjust. While everyone’s experience may be different when they quit weed, experts say there are a few common side effects to know about.
“It’s quite common to experience physical and mental changes when you decide to quit using marijuana,” says Adam Jablin, a celebrity addiction coach and certified life coach.
According to a Duke University study, a whopping 96% of marijuana smokers experienced at least one symptom of withdrawal when they tried to quit. Researchers found that there was a strong link between how often and how much the participants smoked and how many symptoms they experienced. According to Jablin, the duration and severity of your withdrawal symptoms can also depend on how much weed you were using before.
RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking
Keep in mind that it takes weeks for THC to leave your system entirely. Symptoms usually show up within the first two days of when you quit, and last up to a month.
“Although THC does not typically create a physical addiction, people can develop a dependency that would be uncomfortable to stop,” says Dr. David Berger, MD, owner/founder of the cannabis medical clinic Wholistic ReLeaf. “This is similar to when a person stops taking an antidepressant medication and the depression comes back.”
So, what exactly can you expect? Below, experts share what typically happens when you quit smoking weed.
Common Bodily Reactions to Quitting Weed
Sleep Disruptions
A 2010 study found that 32% of cannabis smokers experience sleep disturbances while quitting marijuana. The two most common symptoms are reduced sleep duration and strange or vivid dreams.
“Marijuana can impact sleep patterns, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep,” adds Jablin. “When you stop using it, REM rebound occurs, leading to potential insomnia.”
These sleep disturbances can persist for up to a few weeks, says Jablin.
Mood Fluctuations
According to a 2010 study, about 34-50% of cannabis smokers who try to quit experience mood changes, making it the most common symptom after cannabis cravings.
This isn’t surprising when you consider that THC’s effects on the brain can have a euphoric effect. So, when you take that away, it may take some time for the brain to adapt to the lack of that “high.”
“Marijuana often dampens emotional responses, acting as a temporary coping mechanism,” explains Jablin. “When you quit, suppressed emotions might resurface, leading to mood swings and increased sensitivity.”
Not only that but feeling fatigued due to withdrawal-induced sleep disruptions can obviously also take a toll on your mood.
According to Jablin, this symptom can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months but typically improves with time.
Anxiety
The relationship between cannabis use and anxiety is a complex one. Some find that it alleviates their anxiety, while others find that it exacerbates it. Whatever your experience has been, studies show that it’s fairly common to feel anxious after you quit smoking or ingesting weed.
RELATED: Does Weed Help Anxiety?
That said, Berger notes that very often, people use cannabis to self-treat certain mental health symptoms. If you struggled with anxiety before ever smoking weed, then it makes sense that it would return after you’re no longer using the substance anymore. If you didn’t have anxiety previously, though, this will likely be a short-term symptom that can be managed with therapy and/or medication.
Appetite Changes
It’s no secret that puffing on a joint or popping an edible can kick your appetite into high gear — there’s even a term for this: “the munchies.”
“When you quit, you might experience a temporary loss of appetite,” says Jablin.
Along with irritability and insomnia, this is often one of the first symptoms to appear after you give up weed. It may take a couple of weeks or longer for your appetite to return to normal.
Irritability
Irritability is another one of the most common cannabis withdrawal symptoms, according to Berger. You may start feeling it come on as early as 24-48 hours after you stop using weed. Research shows that the irritability tends to peak between days 2 and 6 after quitting and improves after a week.
The irritability can range from mild annoyance or impatience to a more aggressive temper. If you’re finding it difficult to control your irritability and it’s negatively impacting your relationships or other aspects of your life, it’s a good idea to seek out support from a mental health provider.
The Bottom Line
In addition to the changes listed above, in some rare cases, people also experience physical withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, sweating, stomach pain, and shakiness.
Rest assured that most symptoms of cannabis withdrawal won’t last longer than a few weeks at most. That said, if your symptoms are unmanageable or have a negative impact on your life, consider getting professional treatment from an addiction specialist or therapist.
According to a 2017 study, there are also several things that can reduce withdrawal symptoms, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, and taking Sativex — a cannabis-based medicinal mouth spray.
While dealing with cannabis withdrawal can be distressing, Jablin says it’s important to recognize these symptoms as a positive sign — even if it doesn’t feel that way.
“The discomfort of change is often a sign that growth and transformation are taking place,” says Jablin. “By embracing these changes, you’re stepping into a realm of self-discovery and empowerment. Let the changes lead you toward a brighter, more authentic version of yourself.”
