Disclaimer
All content on Aidstat.com is created for healthcare professionals’ educational use only. It is not medical advice, or a substitute for clinical judgment, or patient/personal guidance. Always consult a qualified provider for diagnoses/treatment and verify practices with FDA/EMA/local guidelines. Aidstat assumes no liability for risks arising from the use of this information.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Table of Contents
**Updates**
We updated this page on 22nd of May 2025, added interactive marijuana withdrawal timeline estimator with the option to print the results for reference. Refined the 'what to expect when quitting marijuana' section so it is more concise and simpler to navigate. Added more related questions to the FAQs section.
Marijuana withdrawal helper
Quitting marijuana? Every person's journey is different, and knowing what’s coming can help.
This page is designed to give you practical, evidence-based support-no judgment, just clear answers.
- See when symptoms might start and how long they may last
- Understand what to expect at each stage
- Get tips for managing tough moments
- Print the personalised withdrawal estimator guide for your journey
- Choose how often you used marijuana. (Most days? Some days? Once in a while?)
- Select how long you used for. (Less than 6 months, up to several years, or more?)
- Enter how many hours it’s been since your last use. (Estimate if you’re unsure.)
- Click “See What to Expect.” Instantly get a personalised timeline and practical advice for each phase.
**All information is private-nothing is saved or shared. You can print your results for easy reference or to share with your doctor or support team.**
Disclaimer
The online clinical calculators provided on Aidstat.com are intended for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for clinical reasoning, professional judgement, or expert advice from qualified healthcare practitioners.
While extensive effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by these calculators, Aidstat.com cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. Users are advised to independently verify any results obtained through the use of these tools before making any medical or healthcare decisions.
Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline Estimator
What to expect when quiting marijuana
Expand each section to read the guidance.
- 💧 Stay hydrated – dry mouth is common and drinking water helps your body flush out toxins more efficiently.
- 🎧 Use calming sounds – your mood might swing fast right now, so music or ambient noise can ease stress and reduce tension.
- 🍎 Eat small, healthy snacks – your appetite may be off, but light nutritious food can settle your stomach and keep blood sugar stable.
- 📺 Stick to familiar shows or routines – comfort content can help calm your nervous system while your brain adjusts to the change.
- 🛌 Sleep may be disrupted – if you can’t sleep at night, rest during the day without guilt. Your sleep will rebalance.
- 📞 Talk to friends – isolation makes symptoms feel worse. Even a short chat can remind you you're not alone.
- 🚶 Light movement helps – walking or stretching boosts your circulation and clears brain fog without overexerting you.
- 🖍️ Try creative distractions – drawing, writing, or anything hands-on can channel anxious energy into something soothing.
- ⏰ Stick to a regular sleep schedule – your body needs predictability now to rebuild natural rhythms and restore deeper sleep.
- 📝 Journal 3 good things – practicing gratitude builds resilience and helps you see the progress you’re making.
- 🥕 Snack on crunchy veggies – these give your mouth something to do and support stress relief through mindful eating.
- 🧺 Repetitive chores can soothe anxiety – folding laundry or doing dishes gives your brain a break with calming, familiar actions.
- 🎯 Set new goals – now’s the time to focus your energy toward something meaningful that replaces old habits.
- 🤝 Consider ongoing support – staying connected to therapy or a support group can help you handle stress without relapse.
- 📖 Reflect on progress – look back at how far you’ve come. It builds confidence and keeps your momentum going.
- 🧩 Stay curious and engaged – pick up a hobby, take a class, or explore a new interest. Keeping your mind active keeps cravings quiet.
Why is my marijuana withdrawal experience different?
Biological sex plays a role – Females often experience more intense sleep disturbances during withdrawal.
Substance combinations increase symptom intensity – Using nicotine or alcohol worsens withdrawal effects.
Body fat affects THC storage:
- Body fat affects how long THC stays in your system. THC gets stored in fat cells, so people with more body fat tend to have longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
Genetic code determines processing speed:
- Your genes play a role too. Some people's livers break down THC faster than others, which can shorten withdrawal.
Biological sex plays a role:
- Females often report worse sleep issues and mood swings during withdrawal, possibly due to hormonal differences.
Substance combinations increase symptom intensity:
- Using other substances like nicotine or alcohol alongside marijuana can make withdrawal symptoms even worse. The brain pathways overlap, making quitting more challenging.
Mental health impacts severity:
- If you already struggle with anxiety or depression, withdrawal can worsen those mental health issues, making the whole process harder to manage.
THC - The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana; stored in fat.
Enzymes - Proteins (like CYP2C9) that break down chemicals in the body.
Withdrawal - Physical and emotional effects when stopping a substance your body relies on.
What actually helps to manage marijuana withdrawal?
Get help from professional healthcare team - Speaking to your doctor or local drug treatment team is a good place to start.
CBT changes your thinking – Reduces the chance of relapse compared to no help.
Mindfulness hits pause on cravings – Daily sessions help lower cravings.
Support groups boost success – Improves quitting success rates compared to going solo.
Get help from professional healthcare team:
- Quitting marijuana can hit hard with heavy users often facing worse symptoms.
- It's advised to speak to a healthcare professional like your Doctor and not go it alone.
- Your Doctor can check your symptoms, recommend medication if needed, make a plan and keep you safe during your withdrawal.
CBT changes your thinking:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches you to spot and rewrite thoughts that drive marijuana use.
- For example, if you think, “I need marijuana to relax,” CBT helps you swap that with “I can calm down by deep breathing.”
- CBT with motivational counselling can reduce cravings and risk of relapse.
Mindfulness hits pause on cravings:
- Mindfulness trains you to notice cravings without acting on them.
- Daily 10-minute sessions, like focusing on your breath have been found to reduce craving intensity and anxiety.
- For sudden cravings, the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding technique works fast to distract your brain from the cravings back to the present moment. Its done by naming:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you feel
- 3 sounds you hear
- 2 smells
- 1 thing you taste.
Support groups boost success:
- Joining free groups like Marijuana Anonymous or online programs can increase your chance of staying clean.
- Weekly video chats with therapists or peers help to keep you accountable.
CBT - A type of therapy that helps you change unhelpful thoughts and actions.
Mindfulness - Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Relapse - Returning to marijuana use after trying to quit.
Abstinence - Staying completely free from marijuana.
How to prevent relapse after quitting marijuana?
Spot your triggers – Stress, boredom, people/places linked to past use.
Use the HALT check – Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired? Spot them and work to fix it.
Build a safety net – Support groups, emergency contacts, grounding techniques.
Spot your triggers:
- Triggers are things that make cravings flare up.
- They can be internal (like stress, anger, or loneliness) or external (like certain friends or parties).
- Write yours down in a journal—patterns will be easier to identify! Once you know them, avoid or plan for them. Example: If boredom hits, try a walk or call a friend.
Use the HALT check:
- Ask: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?
- These states trick your brain into craving weed.
- Fixing them (snack, nap, vent to a friend) cuts relapse risk.
Build a safety net:
- Support groups Join free groups (online or in-person) to share struggles and wins.
- Emergency contacts: Save 3 people you can text/call instantly during cravings.
- Grounding techniques: Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method (name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, etc.) to calm your mind in minutes.
Triggers - People, places, or feelings that make you crave weed.
HALT - A quick check for hunger, anger, loneliness, or tiredness.
Grounding techniques - Tricks to focus on the now instead of cravings.
Life after marijuana withdrawal
PAWS is real – Mood swings, cravings can linger for months.
Routines rebuild you – Exercise, sleep, and food keep cravings at bay.
Stay connected – Support groups and therapy reduce relapse risks.
Know when to ask for help – Prolonged symptoms need help from healthcare professionals.
PAWS is real:
- After the first 1–2 weeks of withdrawal, some symptoms stick around. Think mood swings, trouble sleeping, or random cravings.
- This is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). For heavy users, it can last months as the brain’s receptors (like CB1) take time to reset. During which time, irritability or anxiety might flare up.
- Track your good days—Remember progress isn’t always straight-line.
Routines rebuild you:
- Exercise: Even a 20-minute walk boosts mood and cuts cravings.
- Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours. Dark rooms, no screens before bed.
- Food: Eat protein and veggies to stabilise energy (help to avoid sugar crashes).
- To combat anxiety try journaling, art, or deep breathing.
Stay connected:
- Support groups: Marijuana Anonymous or SMART Recovery offer free Zoom meetings. Share wins, vent struggles.
- Therapy: CBT helps rewrite thought patterns (e.g., “I need weed to relax” → “I can calm down without it”).
Know when to ask for help:
- If depression, anxiety, or cravings last over a month—or affect your daily life—call a healthcare professional.
- Doctors might suggest:
- Medications: Off-label antidepressants or sleep aids (short-term).
- Inpatient programs: For severe cases (e.g., PTSD + addiction).
PAWS - Stands for post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which are lingering withdrawal symptoms after the first few weeks.
CBT - Therapy that changes unhelpful thoughts/actions.
Relapse - Returning to weed after quitting.
FAQs
Q1. Can CBD help with marijuana withdrawal?
- Some people try CBD to help with symptoms like anxiety or trouble sleeping.
- Research is still new, so we don’t know for sure if it works.
- Always talk to your doctor before using CBD or any supplement.
Q2. Why am I vomiting after quitting marijuana?
- Nausea and vomiting can happen when you stop using marijuana, especially if you used a lot.
- These symptoms are part of withdrawal and should get better after a few days.
- Drink fluids and rest.
- If vomiting is severe, see a doctor.
Q3. How to stop marijuana cravings fast?
- Cravings are normal and can be strong at first.
- Try distracting yourself with a walk, music, or calling a friend.
- Use deep breathing or grounding exercises to calm your mind.
Q4. Does marijuana withdrawal cause suicidal thoughts?
- Some people feel very low or hopeless during withdrawal.
- If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, tell someone you trust right away.
- You are not alone, and help is always available.
Q5. Best vitamins for THC detox?
- No vitamin will remove THC from your body faster.
- Eating healthy foods and drinking water can help you feel better.
- Focus on a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and protein.
Q6. Can withdrawal affect my period?
- Yes, some women notice changes in their period after quitting marijuana.
- Your cycle might be late or different for a month or two.
- This is usually temporary and should go back to normal soon.
Q7. How long do sleep problems last after quitting?
- Trouble sleeping is common and can last one to two weeks.
- Some people may have sleep issues for longer, but it usually gets better.
- Try to keep a regular bedtime and avoid screens before bed.
Q8. Is it normal to feel depressed after stopping marijuana?
- Feeling sad or down is a normal part of withdrawal for some people.
- These feelings often improve after a few weeks.
- If sadness lasts or gets worse, reach out for support.
Q9. What foods help with withdrawal symptoms?
- Light, healthy snacks like fruit, crackers, or yogurt can help.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid junk food and caffeine, which can make symptoms worse.
Q10. Can you taper off marijuana to avoid withdrawal?
- Some cut back slowly instead of quitting cold turkey.
- This might ease symptoms, but research is limited.
- If you want to try tapering, talk to a healthcare provider for guidance.
Q11. Does exercise speed up THC clearance?
- Exercise won’t flush THC faster - it leaves your body naturally over time, mostly through urine and stool.
- But moving your body does boost mood, sleep, and stress relief.
Q12. Are there medications that help with marijuana withdrawal?
- There are no medications approved specifically for marijuana withdrawal.
- Some doctors may prescribe medicines to help with certain symptoms, like sleep problems or anxiety.
- Talk to your doctor about what might help you feel more comfortable during withdrawal.
Q13. Can marijuana withdrawal cause headaches?
- Yes, headaches are a common symptom of marijuana withdrawal.
- They usually start within the first week after quitting and get better with time.
- Drinking water and resting can help.
- Speak to the Pharmacist for advice on using over-the-counter pain relief (if needed).
Q14. How do I talk to my doctor about withdrawal?
- Be honest and open with your doctor about your marijuana use and any symptoms you are having.
- You can say, “I’m trying to quit marijuana and I’m having withdrawal symptoms. What can I do to feel better?”
- Your doctor is there to help you and can suggest ways to manage symptoms or refer you to support services.
Q15. Is marijuana withdrawal dangerous?
- Marijuana withdrawal is usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable.
- Symptoms like anxiety, trouble sleeping, and mood changes are common.
- If you have severe symptoms, such as thoughts of hurting yourself, seek help right away.
Q16. Can withdrawal make my chronic pain worse?
- Yes, some people notice their chronic pain feels worse during marijuana withdrawal.
- This is because your body is adjusting to not having marijuana.
- Pain usually improves as your body adapts.
- Talk to your doctor about safe ways to manage pain during this time.
Q17. What’s the risk of relapse after quitting?
- Relapse is common when quitting marijuana, especially in the first few weeks.
- Cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to stay quit.
- Support groups, healthy routines, and coping skills can lower your risk of relapse.
Q18. How do I support a friend or family member going through withdrawal?
- Listen and offer encouragement without judgment.
- Ask how you can help, and check in regularly.
- Suggest healthy activities, like going for a walk or cooking a meal together.
- If they are struggling, help them find professional support.
References
References
1. Agrawal, A. and Lynskey, M.T. (2006). The genetic epidemiology of cannabis use, abuse and dependence. Addiction, 101(6), pp.801–812. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01399.x. Link
2. Bahji, A., Stephenson, C., Tyo, R., Hawken, E.R. and Seitz, D.P. (2020). Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids. JAMA Network Open, [online] 3(4), p.e202370. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2370. Link
3. Bonnet, U. and Preuss, U. (2017). The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: Current insights. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, [online] Volume 8(8), pp.9–37. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/sar.s109576. Link
4. Budney, A.J. (2004). Review of the Validity and Significance of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(11), pp.1967–1977. doi:https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.1967. Link
5. Crane, M. (2018). Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): An In-Depth Guide. [online] American Addiction Centers. Available at: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome [Accessed 22 May 2025]. Link
6. Danovitch, I. and Gorelick, D.A. (2012). State of the Art Treatments for Cannabis Dependence. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 35(2), pp.309–326. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.003. Link
7. Gates, P.J., Sabioni, P., Copeland, J., Le Foll, B. and Gowing, L. (2016). Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd005336.pub4. Link
8. Gorelick, D.A., Levin, K.H., Copersino, M.L., Heishman, S.J., Liu, F., Boggs, D.L. and Kelly, D.L. (2012). Diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 123(1-3), pp.141–147. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.11.007. Link
9. Haney, M., Ward, A.S., Comer, S.D., Foltin, R.W. and Fischman, M.W. (1999). Abstinence symptoms following smoked marijuana in humans. Psychopharmacology, [online] 141(4), pp.395–404. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050849. Link
10. Hendershot, C.S., Witkiewitz, K., George, W.H. and Marlatt, G.A. (2011). Relapse prevention for addictive behaviors. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, [online] 6(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597x-6-17. Link
11. Herrmann, E.S., Weerts, E.M. and Vandrey, R. (2015). Sex differences in cannabis withdrawal symptoms among treatment-seeking cannabis users. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 23(6), pp.415–421. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000053. Link
12. Huestis, Marilyn A. (2007). Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, [online] 4(8), pp.1770–1804. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790152. Link
13. Kahan, M., Srivastava, A., Spithoff, S. and Bromley, L. (2014). Prescribing smoked cannabis for chronic noncancer pain: Preliminary recommendations. Canadian Family Physician, [online] 60(12), p.1083. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4264803/ [Accessed 22 May 2025]. Link
14. Marijuana Anonymous World Services. (n.d.). Home Page. [online] Available at: https://marijuana-anonymous.org [Accessed 22 May 2025]. Link
15. McHugh, R.K., Hearon, B.A. and Otto, M.W. (2010). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, [online] 33(3), pp.511–525. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012. Link
16. Melemis, S.M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, [online] 88(3), p.325. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553654/. Link
17. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2021). Cannabis (Marijuana). [online] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana [Accessed 22 May 2025]. Link
18. Preuss, U.W., Watzke, A.B., Zimmermann, J., Wong, J.W.M. and Schmidt, C.O. (2010). Cannabis withdrawal severity and short-term course among cannabis-dependent adolescent and young adult inpatients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 106(2-3), pp.133–141. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.08.008. Link
19. SAMHSA (2023). National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues. [online] Samhsa.gov. Available at: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline [Accessed 22 May 2025]. Link
20. Vandrey, R., Smith, M.T., McCann, U.D., Budney, A.J. and Curran, E.M. (2011). Sleep disturbance and the effects of extended-release zolpidem during cannabis withdrawal. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, [online] 117(1), pp.38–44. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.01.003. Link
21. Vogel, E.A., Rubinstein, M.L., Prochaska, J.J. and Ramo, D.E. (2018). Associations between marijuana use and tobacco cessation outcomes in young adults. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 94, pp.69–73. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.08.010. Link
22. Witkiewitz, K. and Bowen, S. (2010). Depression, craving, and substance use following a randomized trial of mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(3), pp.362–374. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019172. Link
23. Witkiewitz, K., Lustyk, M.K.B. and Bowen, S. (2013). Retraining the addicted brain: A review of hypothesized neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 27(2), pp.351–365. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029258. Link
24. World Health Organization (2016). The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use. Who.int. [online]. Link
25. Zeiger, J.S., Haberstick, B.C., Corley, R.P., Ehringer, M.A., Crowley, T.J., Hewitt, J.K., Hopfer, C.J., Stallings, M.C., Young, S.E. and Rhee, S.H. (2012). Subjective effects for alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana association with cross-drug outcomes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 123, pp.S52–S58. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.02.014. Link