Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Cannabis Detox | Dealing with Cannabis Withdrawal

Quitting cannabis can be more challenging than many people anticipate due to the persistent myth that it is not addictive. This misconception can lead to a lack of preparedness for the withdrawal symptoms that come with cannabis detox. However, if you are struggling with cannabis addiction, detox is the crucial first stage of recovery. Cannabis detox can cause significant physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, which usually require professional planning and support. If you are looking to begin recovery, learning how to detox your body from cannabis safely and effectively is the first important step.

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What is cannabis detox?

Cannabis detox (also called weed detox or marijuana detox) is when you stop smoking cannabis or using THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) products, allowing your body to cleanse itself of all the THC and its toxins. If you are a very infrequent cannabis user, it can be possible to just stop on your own. For people with a true cannabis dependency, however, this is rarely an effective or even safe option.

That is when medical or professional cannabis detox is so important. For those addicted to ecstasy, detox causes unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal. They can cause you to start using again because you can’t cope with the symptoms and can cause a lot of potentially dangerous psychological distress. Professional cannabis detox makes sure you don’t start using again and supports you through any distressing moments to keep you out of harm’s way.

What is cannabis withdrawal?

Cannabis withdrawal is the scientific name for the symptoms which hit when a cannabis-addicted person stops using. It is a result of the physical aspect of addiction, which develops on a chemical level. When you use cannabis a lot, there is a major build-up of THC in your fat cells, so levels remain high even between uses.

Because our bodies are so adaptable, your brain adapts to the THC being there and, in a way, starts to believe it is supposed to be. The brain then uses the THC to help with some of its normal jobs, and so if you quit and the THC levels drop, your brain is no longer able to do those jobs. This is what creates cannabis withdrawal symptoms while the brain is relearning how to work on its own (or until you feed the brain THC again by relapsing.)

The goal of professional cannabis detox is to support you physically, mentally and emotionally while the brain recovers so that withdrawal symptoms don’t get too much to handle. The symptoms of cannabis withdrawal may look a little different from person to person but will likely include:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, and possible panic attacks
  • Feelings of depression, disinterest and even self-harming or suicidal thoughts (in rare cases and often when you are withdrawing from multiple substances)
  • Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
  • Frightening or disturbingly realistic dreams when you do sleep
  • Constant headaches
  • Frustration, irritation and difficulty controlling your temper
  • Loss of appetite or massive gain of appetite
  • Shakiness, stomach cramps, fever, sweating and other physical reactions

How long does it take to detox from cannabis?

It can be difficult to commit a large amount of time to detox, so one question Addiction Helper receives a lot is, “How long does cannabis withdrawal last?” The problem is that, as with the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal, the length and intensity of your experience will be unique to you.

There is, however, a widely seen cannabis detox timeline which can give you a decent idea of what you will encounter:

Days one to three
The first symptoms of cannabis withdrawal can come on very quickly and often with little warning. Cravings usually come first, alongside anxiety, irritation, headaches and other physical symptoms which arise due to the sudden reduction in THC.
Week one
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms will reach their peak intensity during the second half of the first week. You will likely have insomnia and experience distressing dreams when sleep does come. You may feel down or depressed and find that you are unusually hungry or can’t eat at all.
Week two
As you go into week two of detox, you should see a noticeable drop in the intensity of cannabis withdrawal symptoms. You may still be a little grumpy, have the occasional craving and find it hard to sleep, but this will usually all clear up by the end of the second week.
The months after cannabis detox
For some people, mild symptoms of cannabis withdrawal may arise from time to time for the next couple of months. These usually involve random mood swings and unexpected cravings, especially when faced with triggers. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which is one reason why you need the therapy and other support you will receive during the next step of treatment – cannabis rehab.

The advantages of a professional cannabis detox centre

If you are deciding between detoxing at home or checking into a cannabis detox centre, it is important to understand the differences. Here is why a medically-guided cannabis detox is always more effective and safer:

Personal cannabis detox planning

As explained below, cannabis withdrawal symptoms affect different people in different ways. Some may be relatively mild, and emotional support is required. Other people may react more severely and require more intense medical assistance. To help plan for this, a full medical assessment is usually given on arrival at most cannabis detox centres. Your mental and physical health and your history of cannabis use will be assessed so that a strategy can be written up for your detox. Most importantly, you will be observed at all times so that this strategy can be tweaked if your needs change during cannabis withdrawal.

Reduced risk of cannabis relapse

One of the biggest reasons people relapse when detoxing at home is that cannabis withdrawal symptoms become impossible to cope with. However, if there is no cannabis to use, relapse is not an option. At a professional cannabis detox centre, you will have no access to any drugs, and your medical team will ensure that you are able to cope. They will give you all the time and support you need and may even decide to administer medication for cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

Unwavering medical support

Even though cannabis withdrawal generally poses minimal danger, complications can arise. At a professional cannabis detox centre, medical staff are available at all times to address any issues that might surface. They will provide peace of mind and ensure that every aspect of your cannabis withdrawal is carefully monitored and managed.

A clear route to addiction therapy

Ecstasy detox clears the physical dependency, but without tackling the emotional and psychological aspects, recovery is incomplete. Recognising this, professional recovery centres provide cannabis rehab therapy alongside detox. This integrated approach ensures that while your body is purged of toxins, your mind receives the therapy needed to understand and heal, paving the way for effective and enduring recovery.

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Contact us today for cannabis detox advice

By understanding your individual needs, we can guide you towards the cannabis detox programme that offers you the best path to recovery. Contact Addiction Helper today for a consultation, and let us help you make an informed choice.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the connection between PTSD and addiction?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction often co-occur because individuals with PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb painful memories, anxiety, or flashbacks. This is known as self-medication, but over time, substance use can develop into dependence and addiction.
How does addiction affect PTSD symptoms?
Substance use may temporarily relieve PTSD symptoms but often makes them worse in the long run. Alcohol and drugs can intensify anxiety, depression, and flashbacks, leading to increased emotional distress and a higher risk of relapse.
What happens if only one condition is treated?
If PTSD is treated but addiction is ignored, substance use may continue to disrupt recovery. Conversely, treating addiction without addressing PTSD may lead to relapse, as unresolved trauma can trigger cravings and self-medication. A holistic, integrated approach is key to long-term success.

(Click here to see works cited)