Marijuana Detox: Detox to Get Weed Out of System?

Marijuana Use Disorder is a clinical condition characterized by the inability to stop using marijuana despite it causing health and social problems. The active compound in marijuana, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), is stored in the body’s fat cells. Dependency results from the brain adjusting to a continuous supply of THC from regular usage. The body and brain have to adapt when usage is ceased, leading to a spectrum of withdrawal symptoms. 

Taking the first step to quit marijuana is a powerful decision.  While withdrawal can be challenging, you’ve come to the right place. The House of Life in Los Angeles specializes in safe marijuana detox, guiding you toward improved health and mental clarity.

​​Marijuana withdrawal is caused by the brain’s attempt to rebalance itself after becoming dependent on THC. The process may be summarized as follows:

• In the human body, there is a natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) that assists the body to control several functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. THC binds and stimulates the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), resulting in the production of the high and other effects.
• When used chronically and in high amounts, the brain starts to adapt to the external stimulation. It would make less of its natural endocannabinoids and even decrease the amount of cannabinoid receptors there are.
• Removing THC suddenly throws the down-regulated system out of order. This imbalance leads to a “rebound” effect, causing the dysregulation of mood, sleep, and appetite that characterizes the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.

The most common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Short temper, mood changes, and overall irritability or anger.
• A high level of anxiety, restlessness, and paranoia.
• Insomnia, inability to fall asleep, as well as vivid, disturbing dreams or nightmares.
• Feelings of depression are expressed through sadness and hopelessness, and an overall lack of pleasure.
• Weight loss and significantly reduced appetite are characteristic of withdrawal.
• Physical discomfort accompanied by headaches, stomach pain, shaking, sweating, and chills.

The duration of marijuana withdrawal symptoms varies significantly from person to person, but the most intense, acute phase typically lasts for one to two weeks. 

Although it might take up to one month in some individuals, some psychological effects, such as craving, may still be present even after a month. 

Because the experience is unique and may be extremely disturbing, it is highly important to consult with a doctor. Your doctor can offer you an individual evaluation and assist you with developing a secure strategy for managing your symptoms.

A common question is, “How long does a marijuana detox take?” THC leaves the body much more slowly than medicines with water solubility, as it is fat-soluble.

• Phase 1: Days 1-3

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within the first 72 hours. Irritability, anxiety, and insomnia are most common during this initial phase.

• Phase 2: Days 4-10 (Peak Withdrawal)

Psychological symptoms often reach their peak intensity during this time. Mood swings can be severe, and cravings are very strong. Our team provides crucial emotional support and coping strategies to help you through this most challenging period.

• Phase 3: Days 11-21+

The most acute symptoms will begin to subside. However, you may still experience lingering symptoms like sleep disturbances, low mood, and intermittent cravings for several weeks or even months as your brain chemistry returns to normal.

Factors That Influence The Marijuana Timeline

The length and severity of your marijuana withdrawal experience are not random. A few primary factors influence them:

• Frequency and Potency of Use: An individual using high-potency cannabis products every day will more than likely experience a longer and more severe withdrawal process compared to an individual who uses it not as often.
• Duration of Use: The longer you use marijuana, the more your body and brain get accustomed to the effects of the presence of the drug, THC. This may lead to an increased withdrawal syndrome that may last longer.
• Personal Health and Physiology: Your metabolism, age, general physical fitness, and whether you have any co-occurring mental conditions (such as depression or anxiety) can be significant factors in how your body reacts to withdrawal.
• Polysubstance Use: In case you take other drugs, like alcohol or tobacco, together with marijuana, it may lead to an even more complicated withdrawal pattern.

The difference between using a commercial weed detox kit at home and a clinical marijuana detox is huge, because the latter is a medically supervised procedure aimed at safety and comfort.

• Assessment: When you arrive, healthcare workers thoroughly examine your mental and physical condition. This includes understanding your history of cannabis use, the severity of your dependence, and identifying any co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression that could complicate the marijuana withdrawal process.
• Stabilization: This is what the detox process is all about. It is meant to make your withdrawal symptoms safe to manage in a positive atmosphere. Since there are no specific medications to stop marijuana withdrawal, care is focused on comfort and support. It can involve medications to aid with sleep or vomiting, nutrition-based rehabilitation to overcome the loss of appetite, and emotional support to overcome patient irritability and craving.
• Now to Treatment: The detox that you successfully complete on your marijuana is the first step and not the treatment. After being physically stable, the clinical team will assist you into developing a long-term treatment plan that will help resolve the psychological elements of addiction and achieve the long-term recovery.

While marijuana withdrawal is not typically considered life-threatening, the risks of attempting a THC detox on your own should not be underestimated. The physical pain and mental suffering are usually what cause individuals to seek a simple solution, such as the best weed detox kit.

The major risks of non-supervised marijuana detox are:

• Extreme Mental Crushing: Withdrawal may enhance pre-existing mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. In some, the severe depression may result in suicidal thoughts.
• Risk of Relapse: The discomfort during physical and emotional withdrawal is a serious factor that causes relapse. Without professional assistance, the cravings may be overwhelming, and individuals may give up on their marijuana cleanse.
• Impaired daily functioning: such symptoms as severe insomnia, irritability, and inability to concentrate may become an obstacle to normal performance at work, surviving in school, or taking care of family.
• Physical Discomfort: Nausea, headaches, and stomach pain are also quite unpleasant, and when coupled with a lack of appetite, they may cause poor nutrition and dehydration, which will deteriorate your condition even more.

Successfully completing a marijuana detox is a critical achievement, but for a permanent THC detox from addictive behaviors, ongoing treatment is essential. After managing the initial marijuana withdrawal, you must address the root causes of the addiction.

Good treatment methods are:

• Residential Rehab: This is the most intensive mode of care provided in a very structured and trigger-free environment.
• Outpatient Programs (PHP and IOP): Such programs offer you a structured treatment during several hours a week, but you remain at home. This provides flexibility to a working individual or a family person.
• Individual therapy sessions and support groups: If you don’t want to share your situation with other people, then individual therapy sessions might be the ultimate solution. However, support groups are also invaluable, since people coming there usually share the same or similar situation and can definitely motivate each other.