How Long Does It Take To Detox From Weed?
Weed is a prevalent drug that is legal in certain states in the US. It is used both for its medicinal properties and recreationally as a way to relax and feel content. As of February 3, 2022, the medical use of weed is legal in 37 states, four territories and the district of Columbia. In terms of recreational use, as of November 29, 2021, it is deemed legal in 18 states, two territories and the district of Columbia.
While marijuana use is generally deemed less dangerous than other drugs, it is not without its health consequences, and it is still entirely possible to get addicted to it. Weed is not a deadly drug to detox from (except for very rare circumstances); however, attempting this alone can be difficult and lead to relapse. It can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, especially for heavy marijuana users. However, the good news is that it is entirely possible to overcome substance use and beat your addiction.
What Is Weed?
Weed is the term many people use when referring to the drug marijuana. Weed is a substance that is derived from a cannabis plant. It is a prevalent drug, one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide. Marijuana use is legal in some countries and states but illegal in others.
Weed can be consumed through different methods. Many people will smoke weed by rolling it into cigarettes (joints), in cigar wraps (blunts), while others will smoke it through pipes (or water pipes which are sometimes called bongs). It can also be smoked through a vape. Other people might combine it into food such as cookies, biscuits, candy, or brownies (known as edibles) and drink it as tea.
The main psychoactive ingredient in weed is known as THC. THC is the chemical responsible for most of the mind-altering effects of weed that people seek. However, marijuana use can turn into marijuana addiction, and if marijuana addiction develops, a detox may be needed to break the dependence.
What Are The Effects of Weed?
The effects of weed occur when THC enters the brain. The effects of weed typically begin 30 minutes to 60 minutes after consumption and generally last for a few hours. Some products that weed can produce include the following:
- Heightened senses
- Distorted perception of time
- Feeling giggly
- Feeling relaxed
- Mood changes
- Slower body movement
- Impaired memory
- Impaired thinking
Sometimes, if too much is consumed, weed can lead to people hallucinating, experiencing delusions, and rarely psychosis.
What Are The Dangers of Weed?
Although generally considered a much safer drug than other drugs, weed can have negative consequences. Chronic users may suffer from a series of physical health risks, depending on the method of administration and mental health risks.
Physical Health Risks of Marijuana Dependence
Smoking weed, particularly mixing it with nicotine, can put your body in danger of many of the same risks as smoking cigarettes. These include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Make asthma symptoms worsen
- Feel out of breath
- Increase the risk of lung cancer
- Increase heart rate and affect blood pressure. This makes smoking especially dangerous for people with heart disease.
- Reduce sperm count in males
- Suppress ovulation in females
- Smoking while pregnant is especially dangerous as it can harm the baby.
Mental Health Risks of Marijuana Dependence
Weed can also lead to the risk of developing a mental health disorder and other risks, including:
- Impact on motivation levels
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Anxiety and panic
- Memory problems
- Hallucination
- Paranoia
- Can cause a relapse for people with schizophrenia or other psychotic illnesses
- Can increase your chance of developing schizophrenia (particularly for those with a family history of mental illness or if your cannabis use disorder begins in adolescence)
Withdrawal Symptoms of Marijuana Detox
The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal vary depending on the severity of the weed addiction. Those with a heavier and longer-lasting dependence on weed will generally experience more intense withdrawal symptoms than those with a mild dependence. Severe symptoms can include fever, sweats and chills, and hallucinations. While the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal aren’t usually dangerous, they can last for 2-3 weeks, so it is important to get emotional support while going through marijuana withdrawal.
Some common weed withdrawal symptoms to expect during marijuana detox include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability/agitation
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Marijuana cravings
- Abdominal pain
- Trouble focusing
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
These are common symptoms to expect during marijuana detox. However, it is impossible to predict exactly how each individual will respond and what withdrawal symptoms they will get.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Marijuana?
Medical detox is recommended for people who need medical supervision due to other health issues or heavy weed use. A marijuana detox program will help you detox with medical professionals’ help and ensure the treatment process is safe and effective.
The withdrawal process can vary from person to person. For those who struggle with heavy marijuana use, marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically start on day one of quitting. They then peak within 48-62 hours, and the marijuana withdrawal symptoms generally last 2-3 weeks.
Day 1
During day 1 of marijuana withdrawal, it is typical to experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Sleep issues such as withdrawal-induced insomnia
- Irritability
Days 2-3
During days 2-3, your marijuana detox symptoms will generally be at their most intense. You may experience:
- Stomach pain
- Sweats and chills
- Marijuana cravings, making relapse likely at this stage of marijuana detox
Days 4-14
Withdrawal symptoms will typically start improving during this stage of marijuana detox. However, you may have mental health effects as your brain adapts to the lack of THC, resulting in depression symptoms.
Days 15+
After 15 days, most of the withdrawal symptoms should have eased. People with severe anxiety or other mental disorders may experience further anxiety and depression for up to a few months post quitting weed.
Addiction Treatment
Once detox has been completed, it is recommended to continue with marijuana addiction treatment. Substance abuse treatment options for marijuana use include:
- Support groups. These can help you feel supported by opening up and listening to others struggling with drug abuse.
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Lifestyle changes
A treatment plan can be part of an inpatient program if the addiction is severe or, more commonly, an outpatient program. An inpatient program involves staying 24/7 at a treatment provider and gaining access to around-the-clock medical care and support. Inpatient treatment centres are excellent for those suffering from severe substance abuse issues. Outpatient treatment centres are better for those suffering from milder drug and alcohol abuse problems. Several factors can make outpatient programs appealing, such as lower cost, continuing your commitments such as work or school, and having family or friends’ emotional support for your substance use problems.
Suppose you are suffering from other drug and alcohol issues or test positive in drug tests at work. Treatment for these other substances or co-occurring disorders should be addressed during your weed treatment.
Conclusion
Cannabis use disorder can feel like you are stuck in a cycle of dependence, but know that you can break this and overcome your substance abuse. Although it can be difficult, our professional staff at Ebb Tide Treatment Center are available to suit your individual needs and support you through marijuana withdrawal.
We believe that drug abuse can be treated. Fortunately, weed is easier to detox from than many other drugs. However, the withdrawal symptoms can still be uncomfortable, so reach out to us make sure that you are sufficiently supported.