How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?
How long does marijuana withdrawal last? Is the experience as difficult as I’ve heard? What happens if I can’t get through it? If you’re thinking about ending your marijuana use, having the answers to these questions can help you make the best decisions for your recovery and your long-term health.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse the Retreat of Atlanta can help! Call us today or visit our admissions page to get started on your journey!
Can You Really Get Addicted to Marijuana?
Before we talk about how long marijuana withdrawal lasts or describe what you can expect when you’re going through the process, we need to dispel an unfortunately persistent myth about this drug.
Contrary to what you may have read or been told, you can develop an addiction to marijuana.
The risk of becoming addicted to marijuana isn’t as high as the risk posed by drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or meth. But a low risk of addiction is not the same as no risk of addiction.
According to a report from Yale Medicine, about 30% of current weed users meet the criteria for a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder, which is the clinical term for marijuana addiction.
This means that millions of Americans are currently addicted – and when these individuals try to end or significantly reduce their marijuana use, they may be unpleasantly surprised to discover that marijuana withdrawal isn’t a myth, either.
What Happens During Marijuana Withdrawal?
Your experience during marijuana withdrawal can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- How long you have been using marijuana
- The frequency and amount of your marijuana use
- If you’ve also been abusing other substances
- If you have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns
Depending on those and other relevant factors, marijuana withdrawal can include unpleasant physical symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Excessive perspiration
- Diminished appetite
- Weight loss
- Disrupted sleep
- Stomach aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tics, tremors, or shakiness
- Restlessness
When you’re going through marijuana withdrawal, you may also experience various forms of psychological distress, including:
- Powerful cravings for marijuana
- Agitation and irritability
- Anger and aggression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vivid nightmares
Marijuana withdrawal isn’t usually as difficult to endure as opioid withdrawal is. It’s also unlikely to be as dangerous as alcohol withdrawal can be. But that doesn’t mean it’s a simple or easy process, especially if you try to get through it on your own.
How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?
Two common questions about quitting cannabis are how long does marijuana withdrawal last, and what kind of symptoms can I expect to experience?
Since we answered the second question in the previous section, let’s turn our attention to the first one. Once you’ve started to feel the effects of marijuana withdrawal, how long are they likely to last?
As with the types of symptoms you develop, their intensity and duration can vary depending on many factors. In general though, the marijuana withdrawal timeline usually looks something like this:
- Onset of symptoms: You should start to feel your first symptoms within 24-48 hours (one to two days) after the last time you used marijuana. Anger, irritability, and depression are often among the first symptoms to occur. You may also have a stomach ache, headache, and nausea.
- Intensification of symptoms: You may develop additional symptoms over the next few days. At the same time, your earlier symptoms will likely become more severe. Most symptoms will typically peak somewhere between the fourth to sixth day after you stopped using marijuana.
- Easing of symptoms: After your symptoms reach maximum intensity, they will slowly begin to subside. You should begin to feel better, but it can take two to three weeks before you are close to being symptom-free. Some symptoms, such as cravings, may persist for more than a month after you ended your marijuana use.
Getting through marijuana withdrawal alone is possible, but it can be difficult to accomplish, especially if you try to do it on your own.
One of the main obstacles to successful withdrawal at home is that it will be easy for you to get more marijuana. As your symptoms become more intense, you will feel increasingly stronger cravings to use the drug again. And there won’t be anyone there to stop you.
The good news, as we’ll discuss in greater detail in the next section, is that you don’t have to take this step by yourself.
Recommended: Can You Reverse The Effects of Long Term Marijuana Use
Do You Need Detox for Marijuana Withdrawal?
If the distress of withdrawal has kept you trapped in active marijuana use, detoxification may be the ideal way to begin your recovery journey.
When you’re in detox, you will be in a closely supervised environment where you won’t have access to marijuana or other addictive substances. This eliminates the risk of immediate relapse, which can be so difficult to avoid at home.
Another significant benefit of detox is that you’ll be cared for by experts who are familiar with all aspects of the withdrawal process, and who are prepared to safeguard your health and minimize your discomfort.
You may even be able to participate in therapy while you’re still in detox, so you can start developing the skills and habits that will help you resist any future urges to use marijuana.
As you near the end of your time in detox, your treatment team can help you explore your options for the next phase of your recovery.
Some people transfer from detox into a residential program, where they can continue to receive round-the-clock care as they work to gain a stronger foothold in early recovery. Others opt for outpatient treatment, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Remember: There’s no single perfect path for recovering from marijuana addiction. What’s most important is finding the path that’s right for you.
Learn More About Marijuana Detox in Atlanta
If you’re ready to stop using marijuana and start building a healthier life in recovery, the Retreat of Atlanta is here to help.
When you choose our marijuana detox center in Atlanta, Georgia, you can expect to receive personalized care and comprehensive support from a team of experienced and dedicated professionals.
In addition to guiding you safely through the marijuana withdrawal process, we will also develop a customized aftercare plan to ensure you have the support you need to truly thrive in recovery.
To learn more about how we can help, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.

Begin Your Treatment Today
Your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts here. The Retreat of Atlanta’s caring professionals are committed to providing individualized treatment that respects your unique needs. Reach out now to secure your place in our supportive community and take the first step towards a brighter future.