THC withdrawal effects of marijuana can vary depending on a person's individual characteristics and the degree and duration of substance use (occasional use vs. addiction), and it is these factors that determine both the time it takes to quit and the extent of symptoms. Therefore, in this publication we will separate the two categories and look at how each of these processes takes place.
Marijuana withdrawal time - how long do the effects of marijuana withdrawal last for a person who uses it occasionally?
What do we mean by occasional marijuana use? Its consumption or smoking is done without any particular regularity or frequency. It also lacks its compulsive nature, that is, the person does not feel the need to take it, and the process itself takes place under controlled conditions limited to certain circumstances or occasions. People who take marijuana occasionally usually treat it as a form of relaxation, entertainment or experimentation, and their attitude to taking it may be similar to the way some people consume alcohol, for example, at parties or occasional, non-cyclical social gatherings.
Cannabis withdrawal in this case does not bring drastic physical or psychological symptoms. More often they will be referred to as recovery time after marijuana. Difficulties may instead be associated with the possible simultaneous consumption of alcohol, combining marijuana and tobacco or drugs that may interact with them.
For a person who uses marijuana occasionally, the duration of withdrawal effects may depend on personal characteristics, but usually The process is much smoother and shorter relative to the effect of withdrawal on the body, a person who uses it more frequently and regularly. It is difficult to draw a precise line between occasional marijuana use and regular use, which may have to do with the difficulty of determining whether emerging symptoms are already indicative of addiction or not yet.
The mildest effects of marijuana withdrawal after a single intake are the complete absence of symptoms or states similar to the effects after alcohol intoxication - headaches, feelings of restlessness, irritability, lack of appetite, problems sleeping. This stage can last up to 24-72 hours.
When marijuana consumption is more frequent, longer but irregular, or short-lived yet intense, symptoms can last up to 2-4 weeks. They include the previously mentioned physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, but anxiety and mood swings can also occur. After this period, all the effects of marijuana withdrawal should pass.
Marijuana withdrawal time - how long do the effects of marijuana withdrawal last for a person who is addicted?
The effects of marijuana withdrawal will definitely be more difficult for people who are already addicted to it. By addiction we mean lack of control over its use, a difficult to control need to consume it, that is, very frequent and regular consumption of an addictive nature and a number of symptoms that carry long-term consequences for health and social life. Unfortunately, in this case, rehabilitation after marijuana may require the support of specialists (psychiatrist, psychotherapist), since it is qualified as a mental disorder.
Detoxing from marijuana requires the body to readjust to the absence of the substance to which it has become accustomed (THC). This element requires the greatest effort on the part of the addict and can last from several weeks to several months.
The first stage of marijuana withdrawal can look similar to that of a person who uses marijuana frequently but occasionally, except that the symptoms can be far more intense. During the first 2-3 days, there may be Headaches, hand tremors, depression-like states interspersed with euphoria, anorexia, severe sleep disturbances, anxiety, feelings of confusion and confusion. The peak is on day 4-5When all the effects are felt with redoubled force. This is when addicts most often realize the difficulties ahead of them and may opt for therapeutic support.
The following weeks are associated with subsequent physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal - nausea, vomiting, increased sweating may occur, as well as psychological symptoms: impaired concentration, reduced motivation and persistent thoughts related to the desire to relapse. This period is associated with strong emotional states, followed by a slow calming of the body and recovery. People who were heavily dependent, including those who required medical supervision, May experience such states for up to a year after stopping marijuana use.
Effects of marijuana withdrawal vs. scientific research
The duration of marijuana withdrawal depends on a number of factors - frequency and amount of marijuana use, personal characteristics (susceptibility to addiction and ease of withdrawal), co-occurring addictions, medications taken, social support and many other circumstances.
In recent decades, researchers have paid a lot of attention to THC withdrawal symptoms, but due to the multitude of factors that occur -. the effects of marijuana withdrawal on specific individuals can run very differently and be determined by both physical and environmental factors.
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