Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Cannabis, also known as ‘marijuana’ or ‘weed’ can be a highly addictive substance. If you attempt to quit cannabis after years of frequent use, you might experience a range of distressing withdrawal symptoms.  

While marijuana is often perceived as a ‘soft’ drug with minimal risk (compared to ‘hard’ drugs like cocaine and MDMA), long-term use can still lead to physical and mental dependence on the substance. Often, professional and medical intervention is required to manage withdrawal effectively. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal and break down the timeline of how these symptoms typically progress. We’ll also explain how professional support can prove vital for achieving long-lasting recovery form cannabis addiction. 

What is Cannabis Withdrawal? 

Cannabis withdrawal is when someone who regularly uses marijuana attempts to reduce or stop their intake completely. The brain and body, accustomed to the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the active component of marijuana), reacts to its absence by producing a range of ‘withdrawal’ symptoms. 

These symptoms typically aren’t as severe as withdrawal symptoms expected from other substances, like alcohol or opioids, yet cannabis withdrawal can still be a highly distressing and overwhelming experience for the user.  

They touch upon both physical and mental aspects, and they can often be so disorienting that the user will turn back to the substance to stave off the withdrawal (also known as a relapse).  

The withdrawal period can therefore be highly dangerous as it can lead people down the road of deeper dependency and reliance on the substance, and eventually, cannabis addiction. 

Without the right professional and medical support, attempting to quit marijuana alone can feel like an impossible task, with many becoming trapped in a never-ending cycle of withdrawal and relapse.  

That’s why having the right guidance in place is vital to successfully managing withdrawal symptoms and seeing out the full recovery. 

Seek support with New Leaf Recovery today 

The Most Common Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms 

Irritability 

Irritability is one of the most common symptoms people face during cannabis withdrawal. You might find that things that never used to bother you suddenly do, or that your patience runs thin.  

This happens because of the way the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, affects the brain’s stress-regulation. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, and over time, this leads the brain to produce less of its own neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin (which are responsible for stress regulation).  

When you stop using marijuana, this leaves you feeling more irritable and agitated due to the chemical imbalance in your brain created by the absence of THC.  

People dealing with this symptom often show: 

• Impatience—waiting even for just a short amount of time can feel unbearable. 

• Sudden bursts of anger or developing a short temper. 

• Saying things you didn’t mean, especially in outbursts. 

• A restless, agitated state that persists for days. 

Recognising that this irritability isn’t you “just being difficult” but is actually a withdrawal symptom is very important. This symptom will typically fade once the brain has had the chance to rebalance itself and resume normal levels of neurotransmitter production. It’s therefore important to see out and manage the withdrawal phase effectively if you want to make a full recovery. 

Seek support with New Leaf Recovery today

Anxiety & Nervousness 

When you stop using marijuana, you might also experience high levels of anxiety, which is another common withdrawal symptom. You may feel an overwhelming sense of worry or fear, even when it’s not warranted. This symptom can be psycho-somatic too, i.e. it affects both the mind and body. Physical symptoms can manifest themselves as: 

• Increased heart rate (racing heartbeat). 

• Sweating (clammy hands, cold sweats). 

• Shaking or trembling. 

• Restlessness or inability to relax. 

• Tight chest or shortness of breath. 

For many, marijuana acts as a daily stress-reliever. This trains the brain however to rely on the substance in order to feel calm. Without it, the brain’s stress response becomes hypersensitive, making normal situations feel far more intense than what they would normally.  

Anxiety usually begins within the first 24 to 48 hours of stopping cannabis. From there, it tends to fluctuate. It’s important to remember however that while uncomfortable, this anxiety is a sign that your brain is slowly rebalancing itself, and with time (and the right professional support) it will ease. 

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Sleep Disturbances  

Sleep problems are another hallmark of cannabis withdrawal. This is because THC acts as a sedative, helping to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. If an individual has a long history of marijuana use, they may find it difficult fall asleep without it, as the brain has become used to the additional sedation.  

Typical sleep-related symptoms include: 

• Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia). 

• Frequent nighttime awakenings. 

• Vivid, intense, or bizarre dreams. 

• Poor sleep quality leading to daytime fatigue. 

Sleep disturbances can then exacerbate other symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and mood swings, compounding them and making them feel all the more distressing for the user. That’s why seeking professional support is often so important, as it allows the user to avoid becoming over-encumbered by the withdrawal, which can lead to relapse and significant mental health challenges. 

Seek support with New Leaf Recovery today

Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss 

Cannabis is also known for stimulating appetite (what is often referred to as “the munchies”). During withdrawal however, the opposite can occur. Individuals may experience a significant reduction in their appetite, which results in: 

• Smaller meal portions 

• Forgetfulness about eating 

• General disinterest in food 

• Unintentional weight loss 

This symptom is also down to the way that marijuana affects the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. As well as stress and pleasure, these receptors also regulate hunger. Frequent marijuana intake therefore conditions the brain to rely on the substance in order to feel hungry. Adjusting to the absence of THC takes time, and appetite often returns once the withdrawal period has been successfully navigated. 

Seek support with New Leaf Recovery today

Depressed Mood  

Last but not least, many people might also experience mood swings and depressed mood. This can often feel like a cloud of sadness or hopelessness that sets in and hangs over you. You might wake up feeling sad or moody for no clear reason, or find that things which once brought you joy, like personal hobbies or social gatherings, no longer spark any interest in you. 

This emotional shift typically comes with physical and behavioural signs that are easy to pick up on, such as: 

• Low energy or constant fatigue Even simple tasks may feel like a chore. 

• Loss of motivation or enthusiasm: Especially for hobbies, activities, or personal goals. 

• Emotional numbness: You’re not necessarily sad, but you feel detached or indifferent. 

• Withdrawing from social interactions: Avoiding friends or family because you simply don’t have the emotional willpower to socialise. 

As we know, THC stimulates the brain’s reward pathways, which temporarily boosts chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for pleasure.  

When marijuana use stops, the brain is left without this extra stimulation, leading to a deficiency in serotonin and dopamine production. The result is what is known as a dysphoric state, which is a general sense of unease or dissatisfaction. 

It’s important to understand however that this drop in mood is a chemical response, and not a reflection of a shift in your personality. While it can still be distressing to feel so emotionally flat or disconnected, these symptoms usually begin to lift after a few weeks as your brain begins to restore its natural chemical balance. 

Call New Leaf Recovery 24/7 on 0300 999 0330

Cannabis Withdrawal Timeline 

If you’ve entered the detox phase, cannabis withdrawal often follows a recognisable timeline. Withdrawal symptoms typically emerge in distinct stages.  

Whilst the intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary from person to person, knowing what to expect—and having the right coping strategies in place to manage discomfort—can greatly reduce the risk of relapse and help you stay on track towards lasting recovery. 

Factors that Impact the Cannabis Withdrawal Timeline  

The severity and duration of cannabis withdrawal symptoms vary based on a variety of factors. These include: 

• How long you have been using marijuana. 

• Frequency of your use. 

• The dosage. 

• Your individual metabolism. 

• Other co-occuring health issues.  

However, for most people who find they have a dependency or addiction to marijuana, the withdrawal tends to follow a relatively consistent timeline: 

0–24 Hours After Last Use: Early Onset 

Withdrawal symptoms can start within the first 24 hours after stopping marijuana use. Common symptoms at this early stage include: 

• Mild irritability 

• Anxiety or uneasiness 

• Restlessness 

• Early sleep difficulties (difficulty falling asleep) 

• Decreased appetite 

• Physical discomfort like headaches or mild stomach aches 

This first phase marks the body’s initial reaction to the absence of THC. Whilst the symptoms may only be mild at first, they often intensify over the next couple of days. 

Days 2–6: Peak Period 

Symptoms typically peak in intensity between the second and sixth day of abstinence. This is often the most challenging period, where individuals experience: 

Psychological Symptoms: 

• Heightened irritability 

• Severe mood swings 

• Anxiety and restlessness 

• Depressed mood 

• Strong cravings for marijuana 

Physical Symptoms: 

• Profuse sweating 

• Chills 

• Nausea or stomach discomfort 

• Headaches 

• Insomnia and vivid dreams 

This second phase is considered the ‘peak phase’ of cannabis withdrawal, where the user can expect to go through a series of challenging and sometimes overwhelming mental and physical struggles.  

Without the right coping strategies or the right professional support, the risk of relapse is extremely high during this period, making it a critical phase along the cannabis withdrawal timeline.  

If you have attempted to quit marijuana but are struggling to manage this second phase of withdrawal, reach out for professional support today to see out your recovery. 

Call New Leaf Recovery 24/7 on 0300 999 0330

Days 7–14: Subacute Phase 

Thankfully, after the first week, many acute withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, especially those that bring about great physical discomfort. However, some psychological symptoms may linger. These include: 

• Persistent irritability (though less intense) 

• Mild anxiety 

• Fluctuating mood 

• Continued sleep disturbances 

• Appetite beginning to normalise 

This period represents a critical transitional phase. While the worst symptoms may be over, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, individuals may still feel emotionally fragile and vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to continue seeking support to see out the rest of your recover, otherwise there is still a significant risk of relapse. 

Seek support with New Leaf Recovery today

Up to 3 Weeks: Recovery Phase 

By the end of the third week, most individuals will notice a significant reduction in their withdrawal symptoms. They may suddenly find that: 

• Their mood stabilises. 

• Anxiety and irritability are reduced further. 

• Their sleep patterns begin to normalise, though some disturbances may still persist. 

• Appetite returns to baseline levels. 

While the majority of physical symptoms have resolved themselves at this stage, subtle psychological effects, like occasional cravings or feelings of low motivation, may still appear intermittently. Rest assured however, you would have made it through the worst phase of the withdrawal, and you will be that much closer to having made a full recovery. 

Beyond 3 Weeks: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) 

For some individuals, mild withdrawal-related symptoms can persist beyond the initial detox phase—a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms may include: 

• Mood swings 

• Difficulty concentrating (brain fog) 

• Occasional irritability 

• Sleep irregularities 

• Stress-induced cravings 

PAWS therefore incorporates all of the mental and emotional symptoms that still linger after withdrawal. These can persist for weeks or even months after quitting marijuana.  

However, it’s important to recognise that this is just part of the brain’s natural process of restoring chemical balance after prolonged substance abuse. Coping with PAWS takes both time and patience. At this late stage, ongoing emotional support, and integrating new, healthier ways to handle stress is vital to seeing out PAWS and making a full and lasting recovery. 

Begin Your Recovery Journey with New Leaf Today 

So if you’re concerned about your cannabis intake, or are fearful of the withdrawal process and how long this might take, reach out to New Leaf Recovery today. As one of Birmingham’s leading drug rehabilitation clinics, we have helped countless individuals overcome cannabis addiction through expert support and tailored treatments.  

We offer assisted medical detox to help rid your body of THC, followed by a range of rehabilitative therapies and personalised 1-1 support to help you quit marijuana for good and prevent a relapse. Reach out today if you’re ready to build towards a healthier future, and turn over a new leaf with New Leaf Recovery. 

Call New Leaf Recovery 24/7 on 0300 999 0330