How Long Does It Really Take to Detox from Weed? The Ultimate Guide
With the legalization of weed in many U.S. states, it’s more accessible than ever and more people are using it than ever before. According to Gallup, around one in ten people smoke weed at least ten times a month.
Even where weed is legal, some employers with a drug-free workplace impose a drug test on employees as a condition of employment. Whether you're preparing for a tolerance break, a job-related drug test, or simply want to reset your body, you may wonder how to detox from weed.
The time it takes to eliminate weed from your system varies from person to person and depends on several factors. From the weed withdrawal symptoms timeline to the factors that affect THC detox, we’ll cover everything you need to know about detoxing from weed. Ready? Let's delve into it!
What are weed withdrawal symptoms?
When regular weed users stop consuming weed, they may experience weed withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to the absence of THC, the primary cannabinoid responsible for the high associated with cannabis.
The withdrawal symptoms are usually mild to moderate and commence between 24 hours and 72 hours following the last use of weed. However, the experience can differ from one person to another. For instance, frequent users may experience more acute withdrawal symptoms, and the severity depends on the amount of use and frequency.
Detoxing from weed comes with some withdrawal symptoms, including:
Nervousness or anxiety.
Sleep disruption or insomnia
Decreased appetite
Irritability
Restlessness
Depressed mood
Stomach pain and dehydration
Anger
Some users may also experience shakiness, muscle stiffness, headaches, and fever, although these are less frequent withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms usually start to ease around two weeks after quitting marijuana, though a few may continue to linger for several more weeks.
Weed Withdrawal Timeline
The weed withdrawal timeline can vary depending on many factors, such as an individual's usage habits, metabolism, and overall health. Typically, withdrawal symptoms peak within the first 3 to 7 days and tend to subside within one to two weeks. The process of detoxing from weed can be categorized into three phases, i.e. initial withdrawal, peak withdrawal, and post-acute withdrawal:
Day 1 to Day 3:
When you stop using weed, individuals may experience initial withdrawal symptoms as THC levels in the body begin to decrease during the first three days. Excessive sweating, vomiting, headaches, irritability, insomnia, and a craving to consume weed are some of the symptoms that are often seen at this stage. Some individuals may also experience mood swings, restlessness, and loss of appetite.
Day 4 to 14:
Weed withdrawal symptoms typically reach their peak on the fourth day of detox from weed. During this time, the body tries to adjust functioning without THC, resulting in many physical and psychological symptoms. Depression, insomnia, mood disturbances, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort are some of the symptoms during this part of the weed withdrawal timeline.
Day 14 to Day 20:
After two weeks, weed detox withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, but they may persist in heavy users beyond the initial two-week detox period. Though symptoms may not be as intense as during the peak withdrawal period, people who consume weed heavily may experience fatigue, anxiety, and depression. During this period, cravings may arise, too.
THC is excreted from the body within a month, but users may not feel the effects of weed withdrawal that long, though. The discomfort associated with weed withdrawal typically lasts about two weeks or sometimes less.
Wondering how to get THC out of your system? Check out our guide on natural ways to get weed out of your system the right way!
How Long Does It Really Take to Detox from Weed?
The duration of THC detox varies based on many factors, including:
Amount of THC use
Frequency of weed use
Consumption method (e.g. edibles take longer to detox because THC is processed in the digestive system)
Potency of weed product
The presence of any mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Gender (Men are likely to experience less severe withdrawal symptoms than women)
The weed detox process typically takes two weeks, but it may vary from one person to another. Weed withdrawal symptoms appear after 1 to 2 days of the last use. Individuals may experience physical and psychological effects during the peak withdrawal phase.
By the time the second week is over, the post-acute withdrawal phase starts, which can last from a few weeks to months.
After about a month, cannabinoid receptors in the brain start to return to normal, although traces of THC can remain in the bodies of heavy users for up to 90 days.
Detection windows for weed vary by test type:
Urine: Up to 30 days for frequent users; longer for heavy users
Saliva: Up to 24 hours
Hair: Up to 90 days
Sweat: 7 to 14 days
Blood: A few hours
Not sure which strain is right for you? Check out our Ultimate Guide to top weed strains to learn about their effects and how to choose the right product.
Ready to re-up after the reset? Start with California's finest weed!
If weed is a part of your lifestyle and you're ready to roll up again after passing a pre-employment drug test or taking a break, we've got the top-shelf cannabis for an exceptional experience. Rediscover your favorite way to unwind with our selection of products, available at pocket-friendly prices and with hassle-free, same-day weed delivery in San Jose, Sacramento, and Oakland, CA. Shop now!